Abstract: A display device includes an electronic paper display imageable by receiving charges on an imaging surface of the electronic paper display. The display device includes an electrode opposite to the imaging surface of the electronic paper display. A network of conductors is on the imaging surface of the electronic paper display and electrically coupled to the electrode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image bearer to bear toner; a developer bearer includes a first seal on one end of the developer bearer in a direction of axis and a second seal on another end of the developer bearer in the direction of axis, to supply the image bearer with the toner; a supply member disposed within a range between the first seal and the second seal in the direction of axis, to supply the developer bearer with the toner; and a transfer member opposed to the image bearer. The transfer member has a width shorter than a width of the supply member in the direction of axis. The transfer member is disposed within a range between one end and another end of the supply member in the direction of axis.

Abstract: An electronic device that checks a connected state of a signal line is provided. The electronic device includes a controller configured to transmit a check signal and at least one module configured to include a closed loop and receive the check signal. When the controller receives the check signal through the closed loop, the controller determines that the at least one module is connected to the controller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which an image is formed on a recording material includes an exposure unit that forms a non-image section potential through exposure of a photoconductor at a first laser power and forms an image section potential through exposure of the photoconductor at a second laser power that is greater than the first laser power. A control unit controls an output of laser power of the exposure unit. The output of the first laser power is controlled during formation of the non-image section potential, so as to be of a first intensity at the middle of an image forming region of the recording material, and to be of a second intensity, stronger than the first intensity, at end sections of the image forming region.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head ejecting liquid from nozzles thereof formed on a nozzle formation surface onto a target that is being transported; and a rotating member rotatably disposed opposite the nozzle formation surface, the rotating member having a supporting surface for supporting the target and an absorbing surface for absorbing the liquid ejected from the nozzle. The rotating member has such a configuration that a first maximum length from a rotational center to the absorbing surface is longer than a second maximum length from the rotational center to the supporting surface.

Abstract: A printer system includes a print head assembly that ejects a printing solution from a fixed position during a print period and a conveying mechanism operable to convey an operations assembly. The operations assembly executes servicing functions on the print head assembly during a non-print period. Furthermore, the print head assembly remains in the fixed position during the non-print period and the operations assembly provides support for a print medium during the print period.

Abstract: A light-emitting component includes: plural light-emitting thyristors, each including a semiconductor layer stack laminating first to fourth semiconductor layers in order, and emitting light at a predetermined wavelength in an ON state; plural transfer thyristors, each including the semiconductor layer stack, the plural transfer thyristors shifting to the ON state for transferring the ON state to set corresponding light-emitting thyristors in a light-enabled state; and plural coupling transistors, each including the first to third semiconductor layers in the semiconductor layer stack and provided to couple former and latter transfer thyristors, the first and second semiconductor layers of each coupling transistor being continued to the first and second semiconductor layers of the former transfer thyristor, and the third semiconductor layer of each coupling transistor being continued to the third semiconductor layer of the former transfer thyristor with a thickness to be depleted in a state where no voltage is

Abstract: A light-emitting component includes: plural light-emitting thyristors, each including a semiconductor layer stack laminating first to fourth semiconductor layers in order, and emitting light at a predetermined wavelength in an ON state; plural transfer thyristors, each including the semiconductor layer stack, the plural transfer thyristors shifting to the ON state for transferring the ON state to set corresponding light-emitting thyristors in a light-enabled state; and plural coupling transistors, each including the first to third semiconductor layers in the semiconductor layer stack and provided to couple former and latter transfer thyristors, the first and second semiconductor layers of each coupling transistor being continued to the first and second semiconductor layers of the former transfer thyristor, and the third semiconductor layer of each coupling transistor being continued to the third semiconductor layer of the former transfer thyristor with a thickness to be depleted in a state where no voltage is

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate using TFT control of electronic discharge for surface potential reduction and latent image formation on an imaging member. Corona charging is performed to first create a background surface potential, followed by selective discharge of individual pixels using an array of TFTs to supply free charge carriers to reduce the electrostatic surface potential to nearly zero. This is followed by discharged area development (DAD) to develop the latent image on a print medium (e.g., paper). The described systems and methods do not require a HVPS to drive the backplane; therefore, the TFT matrix is electrostatically decoupled from the developer and other system components in direct contact with the imaging member. Accordingly, known addressing systems may be used to address the TFT array.

Abstract: A drive device to drive a plurality of three-terminal light emitting elements, comprising: a drive circuit including a first MOS transistor and configured to drive conducting three-terminal light emitting elements among a plurality of three-terminal light emitting elements based on a received drive signal. The first MOS transistor includes: a third terminal connected to a second power supply having a potential different from a potential of the first power supply; a fourth terminal connected to the second terminals connected in common, a second control terminal configured to control a conduction state between the third terminal and the fourth terminal based on the drive signal; and a substrate terminal set to have a potential different from the potential of the second power supply in a direction of increasing threshold voltage of the first MOS transistor.

Abstract: A drive device to drive a plurality of three-terminal light emitting elements includes a drive circuit. The drive circuit includes a first and second conductive type MOS transistor complementarily connected to each other and configured to drive three-terminal light emitting elements that are in conduction state based on a received drive signal. The first conductive type MOS transistor is formed in a substrate region and includes a channel formation region, which is a region wherein a channel is to be formed. An impurity with the same polarity as that of the substrate region is injected in the channel formation region.

Abstract: An optical print head having a substrate on which multiple light sources aligned in a main scanning direction are mounted to emit beams of light in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate; a lens array to focus the beams of light on an image bearing member to form an image thereon; a housing having a guiding portion extending in the main scanning direction to position the substrate and the lens array; a cleaner to clean a light-emitting surface of the lens array while moving in the main scanning direction; a moving device to move the cleaner; and a supporting member to support the housing and the cleaner. The supporting member rotatably supports the cleaner about a shaft and the guiding portion contacts the cleaner against the light-emitting surface of the lens array with a constant force over the main scanning direction during cleaning of the light-emitting surface.

Abstract: In an exposure device, a light source device having multiple light emitting devices arranged in one-dimensional or two-dimensional directions projects light against an image bearing member. A light source holding member holds the light source device in place. An optical device condenses the light projected from the light source device onto the image bearing member. An optical device holding member holds the optical device to maintain a predetermined gap between the optical device and the light source device on the light source holding member. A positioning member supports the light source holding member above the image bearing member to maintain a predetermined gap between the image bearing member and the light source device on the light source holding member. When seen from a light emitting point of the light source device, a position at which the positioning member supports the light source holding member is opposite the image bearing member.

Abstract: An image carrier includes: a support that circulatively rotates, a plurality of pixel electrodes; a plurality of switches that are placed like a matrix on the support in a one-to-one correspondence with the pixel electrodes; a plurality of scan signal lines that are provided on the support so as to extend along the rotation axis direction of the support for transmitting a scan signal for selecting; a plurality of latent image forming signal lines; a plurality of signal leads that are provided on the support so as to extend in the rotation axis direction of the support; a scan signal supply device that are provided in an end part other than the pixel electrode placement area; and a latent image forming signal supply device that are provided in an end part other than the pixel electrode placement area.

Abstract: A printhead and related fabrication method are described with the printhead including a spacer layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of printing devices, more particularly to an E-paper printing device and an E-paper printing method. The E-paper printing device provided by the invention comprises a printhead for applying an electric field to the E-paper, the printhead comprises a first printhead and a second printhead disposed opposed to the first printhead, the E-paper is fed through between the first printhead and the second printhead, and portions of the first printhead and the second printhead contacting with the E-paper respectively are flat surface. The E-paper printing device may perform rapid printing on the E-paper with high precision.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate eliminating a need for a raster output scanner (ROS) or laser when generating a latent image on a photoreceptor. An addressable backplane is employed, comprising an array of field effect transistors (e.g., silicon or organic thin film transistors, or TFTs), wherein each TFT corresponds to a single pixel on a charge transport layer on the photoreceptor surface. Latent image formation is performed by forming a surface potential using corona charging, and then directing free charge carriers toward the photoreceptor surface to reduce electrostatic potential in areas that need to be toned. TFTs in the array are individually addressed, or selected, to connect to a common ground, which allows photodischarge to occur only in selected areas (e.g., pixels associated with the selected TFTs).

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a latent image includes a rotary contact, a power supply, driving electronics and a plurality of TFT transistors configured as a TFT backplane. The rotary contact receives serially transmitted digital data signals from a controller and generates selection signals and digital pixel voltages. The rotary contact receives operating voltage signals from the controller. The power supply receives the operating voltage signals from the rotary contact and generates a low voltage signal, a ground signal and a high voltage signal. The driving electronics receive the low voltage signal, the ground signal, selection signals and the digital pixel voltages, and generates bias signals and pixel voltages. The TFT backplane receives the high voltage signal, the bias signals and the pixel voltages, and then drives the hole injection pixels to generate an electrostatic latent image in response to the bias signals and pixel voltages.

Abstract: A registration device for a mail processing system having wide print nozzle arrays that reduces problems associated with printing on variable thickness media. A thin wire, held by guides, is strung across the print nozzle openings in the registration plate to support and guide the top (print) surface of a mail piece and to prevent the mail piece from protruding into the openings. The guides are positioned such that the wire passes between zones where there are no print nozzles located. A tensioning device is provided to adjust the tension of the wire to ensure the wire maintains its position within the openings. The wire acts as a guide to maintain the optimal gap between the mail piece top surface and the print nozzles.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for forming images on substrates in printing are provided and may include a first marking station for applying a first ink having a first color to a surface of a substrate, a first partial-curing station downstream from the first marking station, a second marking station downstream from the first partial-curing station for applying a second ink having a second color to the surface of the substrate, a second partial-curing station downstream from the second marking station, a leveling device for applying pressure to the substrate and the partially-cured first ink and second ink to level the first ink and second ink on the surface of the substrate, and a post-leveling curing device for irradiating the as-leveled first ink and second ink on the surface of the substrate to substantially-fully cure the first ink and the second ink.

Abstract: An image hold body includes a support body, a plurality of pixel electrodes, charge storage members, switch members, scanning lines, signal lines and shield members. A latent image voltage is applied to the plurality of pixel electrodes based on an image signal. The charge storage members store charge corresponding to the latent image voltage. The scanning lines select and scan pixel electrode groups through the switch members. The signal lines apply the latent image voltage through the switch members to the pixel electrodes of each of the pixel electrode groups selected by the scanning lines. The shield members are provided on the support body corresponding to the signal lines placed in the proximity of the pixel electrodes, and shield an effect of at least a part of an electric field from the signal line on an electric field based on the latent image voltage of the pixel electrodes.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods for a printer member used in ink-jet marking systems that can include a layer electrospun over an aluminum roller to facilitate transport of a printable substrate having ink images thereon and to reduce ink offset from the printable substrate.

Abstract: One of an electric wiring substrate and a retaining member includes a section having an absorptance with respect to a laser beam, and the other one of the electric wiring substrate and the retaining member includes a section having a transmittance with respect to the laser beam. The electric wiring substrate and the retaining member are welded to each other by irradiation with a laser beam. At this time, the electric wiring substrate and the retaining member are welded to each other at least at a part of an outer peripheral section of the electric wiring substrate.

Abstract: In a color reading apparatus for successively reading respective red, green, and blue colors in each line while a document is continuously conveyed to a plurality of line sensor units arranged in a zigzag manner, the line sensor units are arranged with a distance equal to or shorter than a unit of line to prevent a color shift. When read data of the plurality of line sensor units in a conveying direction are to be combined, image data shifted by the number of lines corresponding to distances between the line sensor units in the conveying direction are set as first combination candidates. A color code and a line code are added to each of the data. Image data having the same color code and the same line code are combined. According to the image reading apparatus structured as described above, it is possible to obtain data capable of reproducing read data for each color on the same line without errors.

Abstract: Provided are electrostatic latent image generators, printing apparatuses including the electrostatic latent image generators, and methods of forming an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image generator can include a substrate and an array of pixels disposed over the substrate, wherein each pixel of the array of pixels can include a layer of one or more nano-carbon materials, and wherein each pixel of the array of pixels is electrically isolated and is individually addressable. The electrostatic latent image generator can also include a charge transport layer disposed over the array of pixels, wherein the charge transport layer can include a surface disposed opposite to the array of pixels, and wherein the charge transport layer is configured to transport holes provided by the one or more pixels to the surface.

Abstract: Printhead fabrication methods, printhead substrate assembly 32 fabrication methods, and printheads are described. According to one aspect, a printhead fabrication method includes providing a substantially planar upper surface 34 of a substrate assembly 32 which comprises circuitry 13, wherein the providing comprises, using a fill material 26, filling a plurality of valleys 15 of the substrate assembly 32 which are defined by a plurality of circuitry protrusions 14 of the circuitry 13. The method may also include, after the providing the substantially planar upper surface 34 of the substrate assembly 32, providing a plurality of printhead structures 50 over the substantially planar upper surface 34 of the substrate assembly 32 to form a printhead.

Abstract: Printhead fabrication methods and printheads are described. According to one aspect, a printhead fabrication method includes providing a spacer layer 36 over a plurality of bottom electrodes 10 of a printhead, providing a plurality of top electrodes 26 of the printhead over the spacer layer 36 and the bottom electrodes 10, aligning a plurality of printhead features 38 of the spacer layer 36 with a plurality of printhead features 28, 16 of the top electrodes 26 and the bottom electrodes 10, and bonding the spacer layer 36 with the top electrodes 26 and the bottom electrodes 10 with the printhead features 38 of the spacer layer 36 aligned with the printhead features 28, 16 of the top electrodes 26 and the bottom electrodes 10.

Abstract: An image carrier includes: a support that circulatively rotates, a plurality of pixel electrodes; a plurality of switches that are placed like a matrix on the support in a one-to-one correspondence with the pixel electrodes; a plurality of scan signal lines that are provided on the support so as to extend along the rotation axis direction of the support for transmitting a scan signal for selecting; a plurality of latent image forming signal lines; a plurality of signal leads that are provided on the support so as to extend in the rotation axis direction of the support; a scan signal supply device that are provided in an end part other than the pixel electrode placement area; and a latent image forming signal supply device that are provided in an end part other than the pixel electrode placement area.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an image drum includes fixing a control circuit board inside the drum body so that a plurality of terminals of the control circuit board are located in the slot formed longitudinally on the drum body, forming an insulation layer to the entire external surface of the drum body, forming connection parts by removing parts of the insulation layer where the terminals of the control circuit board are formed, forming electrode forming grooves including the insulation layer as a base on the external surface of the drum body comprising the connection parts thereon, and forming a plurality of ring electrodes to be connected to respective terminals among the plurality of the terminals, respectively, through the connection parts.

Abstract: An image hold body includes a support body, a plurality of pixel electrodes, charge storage members, switch members, scanning lines, signal lines and shield members. A latent image voltage is applied to the plurality of pixel electrodes based on an image signal. The charge storage members store charge corresponding to the latent image voltage. The scanning lines select and scan pixel electrode groups through the switch members. The signal lines apply the latent image voltage through the switch members to the pixel electrodes of each of the pixel electrode groups selected by the scanning lines. The shield members are provided on the support body corresponding to the signal lines placed in the proximity of the pixel electrodes, and shield an effect of at least a part of an electric field from the signal line on an electric field based on the latent image voltage of the pixel electrodes.

Abstract: A fabricated structure for use with an associated marking device is provided. In one form, the fabricated structure includes a self-lifting spring finger having a nib for marking.

Abstract: An image bearing structure includes an image drum including at least one slot, a plurality of ring electrodes formed on an outer circumference of the image drum, and a control board positioned within the slot of the image drum, and connected to the plurality of ring electrodes, to detect a defect of the ring electrodes. As a result, the image bearing structure detects a defect within a short time and without requiring a separate detecting device.

Abstract: An image drum manufacturing method including: providing a hollow cylindrical mold having a plurality of mold grooves circumferentially cut in its inner circumferential surface and a core portion having a smaller diameter than a hollow of the mold and having a slit-shaped combination groove; filling a conductive material into the mold grooves of the mold; inserting a control unit for individually applying a voltage to each terminal in the combination groove of the core portion, so that a conductive pattern corresponding to the conductive material is partially exposed; inserting the core portion into the mold so that the conductive pattern corresponds to the conductive material filled into each mold groove; and forming a drum body to be integrally formed with the control unit and the conductive material by filling a molten plastic into a space between the mold and the core portion.

Abstract: An image forming unit is provided in which, through making a distance limiting member to limit a distance between an exposing unit and an image carrying body be able to contact and separate with respect to the image carrying body by a contact/separation enabling section, it is eliminated that developer remaining on the surface of the image carrying body coagulates on the distance limiting member, so it is eliminated that the surface of the image carrying body is scraped by the developer, and that a bad print occurs. The image forming unit has an image carrying body exposed by an exposing unit, a distance limiting member to limit a distance between the exposing unit and the image carrying body. The distance limiting member is installed capable of contacting with and separating from the image carrying body by a contact/separation enabling section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing electric microcontact printing is provided. A stamp is brought into contact with the surface of a substrate to provide high resolution features. Aspects of the invention may be used for data storage, microcontact printing, and for other applications requiring high resolution pattern transfer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for identifying an optimal placement of an item within a storage unit. The process identifies an item for placement in the storage unit. The process determines a preferred storage temperature range for the identified item. The process then selects an optimal placement location within the storage unit for the identified item based on the preferred storage temperature range and a set of temperature readings for the storage unit.

Abstract: An optical writing head includes light-emitting element array chips; a circuit board on which the light-emitting element array chips are mounted; and an imaging element array that focuses light beams emitted from the light-emitting element array chips to form optical spots. The following inequality is satisfied: L 1 < 25.4 × N ? where L1 is an arrangement pitch [mm] between any adjacent light-emitting element array chips at normal temperature, ? is resolution [dpi] in a main scanning direction, and N is the number of light-emitting points of each of the light-emitting element array chips.

Abstract: An ion nozzle (36) generates an air jet (38) comprising charged particles which is incident on the open side edge (52) of the printed products (10). As a result of this, the printed products (10) are bulged and, at the same time, discharge electrostatic charge from the open side edge (52).

Abstract: An image-forming element for a printing apparatus which includes a support structure with a plurality of electrodes of a first type disposed thereon and an electronic control unit for energizing the electrodes. The image-forming element further includes a plurality of electrodes of a second type, each one of said electrodes of the second type being arranged for interacting capacitively through a dielectric layer with a number of electrodes of the first type, forming a group, the electronic control unit containing a first series of drivers for energizing the electrodes of the first type, each one of said drivers being suited for energizing one electrode of the first type within each group and a second series of drivers for energizing individually the electrodes of the second type, the first and second series of drivers being arranged such that the electrodes of the first type can be individually activated, image wise.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that may be easily and inexpensively manufactured is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a toner supply unit; an image forming element to which toner is adsorbed from the toner supply unit; an image developing unit disposed on an outer side of the image forming element, wherein said image developing unit selectively separates from the image forming element at least a part of the toner adsorbed to the image forming element in order to develop an image on the image forming element; and a toner return unit which returns the toner separated from the image forming element by the image developing unit to the toner supply unit.

Abstract: A charge source is used to create a latent image on an imaging surface. A volume between the charge source and the imaging surface may be pressurized while the latent image is being created.

Abstract: A print head includes a first electrode layer including a plurality of generator electrodes, a second electrode layer including a plurality of discharge electrodes, and an insulating layer disposed between the generator electrodes of the first electrode layer and the discharge electrodes of the second electrode layer. The discharge electrodes include at least one discharge aperture extending therethrough. Each discharge aperture has an undercut region defining a discharge surface spaced from and substantially parallel to an opposed surface of the insulating layer.

Abstract: An electrostatic latent image forming medium includes a frame, an imaging surface on which an electrostatic latent image is to be formed, the imaging surface being supported by the frame, and an alteration mechanism for altering the electrostatic latent image on the imaging surface, the alteration mechanism being between the frame and the imaging surface. When signals are selectively applied to the alteration mechanism, an electrostatic latent image with a potential different from a potential of its surrounding area is formed on the imaging surface.

Abstract: An image forming element and its manufacturing apparatus and method are disclosed, in which manufacturing process steps can be simplified to reduce the cost and improve productivity. The manufacturing method of an image forming element includes respectively providing a mold and an image drum, forming line shaped conductive paste patterns on the mold, and transferring the conductive paste patterns from the mold onto the image drum.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes: ink jet heads that discharge aqueous ink droplets onto a printing surface of a printing medium that is transported in a predetermined direction; a vapor supply unit that is provided at a downstream side of the ink jet head in a direction in which the printing medium is transported and supplies vapor to a surface of the printing medium opposite the printing surface of the printing medium having the liquid droplets discharged from the ink jet heads in a non-contact manner; and a vapor electrostatic deposition unit that deposits the vapor supplied from the vapor supply unit to the surface of the printing medium opposite the printing surface of the printing medium using electrostatic force.

Abstract: A system for printing is described. The system uses at least one cantilever, and more typically a plurality of cantilever to transfer charge, either to or from a dielectric surface. The resulting charge distribution represents an image. Toner deposited over the dielectric surface is attracted to the charged portions of the dielectric. Thus the toner also forms the image. The toner image is then transferred and affixed to a printing surface.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum for image forming apparatus includes an inner roller, an outer roller and a photoelectric conversion layer. The inner roller of circular cylindrical shape is formed by a cathode substrate. The outer surface of the circular cylinder is configured with a plurality of cathode units. The outer roller of hollow circular cylindrical shape is formed by an anode substrate. The inner diameter of the outer roller is greater than that of the inner roller such that the inner roller is snugly fitted inside the outer roller. The anode substrate includes a plurality of anode units corresponding to the cathode units. The photoelectric conversion layer is a hollow circular cylinder with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the outer roller such that photoelectric conversion layer is snugly fitted onto the surface of the outer roller.

Abstract: A system for printing is described. The system uses at least one cantilever, and more typically a plurality of cantilever to transfer charge, either to or from a dielectric surface. The resulting charge distribution represents an image. Toner deposited over the dielectric surface is attracted to the charged portions of the dielectric. Thus the toner also forms the image. The toner image is then transferred and affixed to a printing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printer system that incorporates an electrically addressable array of micro electro-mechanical switches of arbitrary width. In one embodiment, array of micro electro-mechanical switches of arbitrary width that comprises an electrostatic array used to attract fusible toner or electrically charged ink droplets from a hopper or ink jet assembly to a piece of paper or other printable substrate. The electrostatic array uses electrostatic latching to create the charged environment to allow the toner or ink to be attracted from the hopper or ink jet assembly toward the array. A piece of paper is interposed between the array and the hopper or ink jet assembly. Additional micro electro-mechanical switches control the release of the ink droplets from the ink jet assembly. The micro electro-mechanical switches each comprise a sealed cell that relies on pneumatic restoration forces to insure that switch contacts can be successfully broken as desired.

Abstract: An electronic paper printer is provided that is capable of describing display patterns properly and definitely on rewritable electronic paper. An electronic paper printer 1 has a describing head 3 for describing display patterns on electronic paper 2 capable of having display patterns rewritten thereto and erased therefrom, using electrophoresis, an erasing head 4 for erasing display patterns described on the electronic paper 2, a drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the describing head 3 and the erasing head 4 so that they turn, and a conveyor mechanism (not shown) for conveying the electronic paper 2. The describing head 3 is configured by a pair of drums 31 and 32 supported so that they freely turn. The erasing head 4 is configured by a pair of drums 41 and 42 supported so that they freely turn.