Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting a fatal error condition in a printing device having an intermediate transfer member for facilitating toner transfer, including sensing a reflectance value of the intermediate transfer member at a first predetermined time; comparing the sensed reflectance value at the first period of time to a predetermined threshold; sensing a reflectance value of the intermediate transfer member at a second predetermined time after the predetermined first time; and comparing the sensed reflectance value of the intermediate transfer member at the second period of time to the predetermined threshold. If each of the sensed reflectance value at the first predetermined time and the sensed reflectance value at the second predetermined time is greater than the predetermined threshold, the method includes selectively suspending further printing operations until the imaging device is serviced.

Abstract: An ITM module for an imaging device, including a frame; a tension roll disposed in the frame; an ITM belt rotatably coupled to the frame and formed as an endless loop around rolls of the ITM module, including the tension roll; and an adjustment mechanism coupled to an end portion of the frame and to the tension roll, the adjustment mechanism setting an amount of skew of the tension roll relative to the frame. The amount of skew is in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to a process direction of the ITM belt. The adjustment mechanism includes a cam member rotatably coupled to the frame and having a cam surface coupled a first end portion of the tension roll such that rotating the first cam member sets an amount of elevation of the first end portion of the tension roll relative to the frame.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a moving surface for transferring a developed toner image during an image transfer operation, a sensing unit for detecting the amount of residual toner remaining on the moving surface after the image transfer operation, and a cleaning unit for selectively cleaning the residual toner from the moving surface. A controller coupled to the sensing unit and the cleaning unit selectively adjusts an operating characteristic of the cleaning unit based on the amount of residual toner detected by the sensing unit.

Abstract: A stencil printer for printing solder paste onto a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, coupled to the frame, having apertures formed therein, a support assembly, coupled to the frame, to support the substrate in a printing position beneath the stencil, and a dispensing head coupled to the frame in such a manner that the dispensing head is configured to traverse the stencil during first and second print strokes. The dispensing head includes a frame assembly and a wiper blade assembly, coupled to the frame assembly, having first and second wiper blades that contact the stencil to print solder paste onto the stencil during a print stroke. The first and second wiper blades are constructed and arranged to force solder paste through the apertures of the stencil. The dispensing head further includes a dispensing unit, coupled to the frame assembly, having a chamber adapted to dispense solder paste, the dispensing unit being disposed between the first and second wiper blades to deposit solder paste therebetween.

Abstract: A vacuum plenum module of a stencil wiper assembly for wiping and removing excess material from a stencil of a stencil printer includes a wiper blade to wipe the stencil, a plenum chamber in fluid communication with the wiper blade, and a vacuum generator attached to and in fluid communication with the plenum chamber to create a vacuum within the plenum chamber. The vacuum plenum module further includes a fluid supply to introduce pressurized fluid into the vacuum generator, and an exhaust to exhaust fluid from the vacuum generator. The vacuum generator includes at least one vacuum ejector adapted to create the vacuum. The vacuum plenum module is further configured to move between a first position in which the vacuum plenum is spaced away from the stencil and a second position in which the vacuum plenum engages the stencil. A method of cleaning a stencil is further disclosed.

Abstract: A stencil wiper apparatus for wiping a stencil of a stencil printer includes a material supply assembly having a supply roller to deliver a roll of material, a take-up roller to receive the material, and a drive to move the material across the stencil between the supply roller and the take-up roller. The apparatus further includes a fluid delivery assembly to wet the material. The fluid delivery assembly includes an outer tube, an inner tube and a fluid delivery source. The outer tube is designed to engage the material and to deliver fluid to the material. The inner tube is positioned within the outer tube, and designed to deliver fluid to the outer tube. The fluid delivery source delivers fluid to the inner tube. A method for wiping a stencil of a printing machine is further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides the isolated genes encoding marine melA from the genus Shewanella, especially from the species S. colwelliana, and the MelA encoded thereby in homogeneous form. Further, the invention provides antibodies to marine MelA as well as methods of using the MelA to induce oyster larval settlement. Moreover, these marine melA genes are also useful as selectable markers for genetic engineering.