Abstract: A reading device includes: plural transport rolls that transport a document along a transport path, include a discharge roll disposed on a most downstream side of the transport path, and rotate and do not rotate in synchronization with one another; an opening and closing unit that exposes or covers an upstream portion of the transport path; plural detectors that are provided apart from one another along the transport path, detect a transported document, and include a discharge detector that is disposed on a most downstream side of the transport path and is disposed on an upstream side relative to the discharge roll in a document transport direction; a reader that reads an image formed on a transported document in a downstream portion of the transport path; and a controller that stops the plural transport rolls once upon occurrence of a document jam inside a device body by controlling the transport rolls and rotates the transport rolls for only a predetermined period in a case where the discharge detector is d

Abstract: A printer has a lower module and upper module. The lower module has a paper feed unit and a printing unit. A back of the upper module is hinged to lower module. A paper handling part holds paper after printing by the printing unit. A discharge unit in the upper module moves the paper out of the upper module while maintaining a hold on a rear portion of the paper and to draw the paper back into the upper module after an elapse of time. A container includes a support member that rotates into contact with and moves away from a lower part of the upper module. The container configured to receive and store the paper that has been drawn back by the discharge unit. The paper is stored in a region between the support member and the lower part of the upper module.

Abstract: Methods of managing a fleet of devices are provided, as are methods for configuring a standby device for a job in a workflow environment, and methods for performing a job in a workflow environment. Device information is analyzed, such as information pertaining to verification systems. Device instructions are sent to various locations on a device network in response to a deviation from a parameter value having been detected. The deviation from the parameter value may correspond to printed media and/or indicia produced by one or more devices. A workflow device and a standby device are provided, and the workflow device sends configuration data to the standby device. The standby device installs configuration data and is introduced into the workflow environment.

Abstract: A reading apparatus includes: a reading section that reads a side of a medium; a first medium transport path that includes a position facing the reading section; a second medium transport path coupled to a medium mounting section and coupled to the first medium transport path, the second medium transport path being inclined at a first angle with respect to the first medium transport path; and a third medium transport path coupled to the first medium transport path, the third medium transport path being inclined at a second angle, which is less than the first angle, with respect to the first medium transport path.

Abstract: An image forming method: imaging an image forming medium in the image forming unit to generate medium image data representing the image forming medium; controlling an image formation in a plurality of modes including a single-side image forming mode and a duplex image forming mode; and detecting an ink stain based on tone differences between first medium image data and second medium image data by comparing the first medium image data as medium image data representing one surface of the image forming medium and the second medium image data as medium image data representing another surface of the image forming medium when the duplex image forming mode is selected. The controlling includes setting the whole image formable region as the target of the ejection restriction process in response to the detection of the ink stain to inhibit an ejection of the ink to the other surface.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, device, and computer program product for managing printing of content on a printing device is provided. The method operates under control of one or more processors configured with specific executable program instructions. The method includes analyzing a request to print content to determine one or more characteristic of interest (COI) associated with the request. The method identifies types of printing attributes associated with the request. The types of printing attributes include printing settings and a duplex setting to be implemented at the printing device in connection with generating printed output. The method determines a user duplex expectation (UDE) status with respect to the one or more COI. The method manages addition of a duplex indicia (DI) to the printed output based on the determining and processes the request.

Abstract: A printing device may include a processor to receive data describing a plurality of independent print streams comprising an image; for each of the plurality of independent print streams, emulate a first frame-less press using gapless frames on a first side of a medium upon execution of a framing module wherein each of the images of the independent print streams comprise an emulated spitgap; for each of the plurality of independent print streams, emulating a second frame-less press using gapless frames on a second side of the medium with the framing module, wherein an emulated spitgap associated with each of the images of the second side of the medium is to be geometrically adjusted to match a position on the medium of an image on the first side of the medium.

Abstract: A method includes: modulating, by using a binary phase shift keying BPSK manner of rotation by a first angle, at least partial signaling information carried in at least one signaling symbol in a signaling field of a data packet, to obtain modulated signaling information, where the first angle is not equal to 0 degrees or 90 degrees; and sending, to a receive end, the data packet that carries the modulated signaling information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus (storage system) has a first and a second HDD, and a temporary storage unit. The apparatus divides input data into a first and a second divided data pieces and writes the first and the second divided data pieces in the temporary storage unit. The apparatus transfers the written first divided data piece to the first HDD and transfers the written second divided data piece to the second HDD. The apparatus copies the transferred first and second divided data pieces into the temporary storage unit. The apparatus makes a backup of the copied first divided data piece in the second HDD, and makes a backup of the copied second divided data piece in the first HDD.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a feeding apparatus feeding a recording material and a protruding member that protrudes downward from an apparatus main body; wherein when the feeding apparatus is installed below the apparatus main body, the protruding member is provided in a bottom portion of the apparatus main body so that inside the feeding apparatus the protruding member does not come into contact with a movable unit which is provided in the feeding apparatus so as to be movable with respect to the feeding apparatus, and the protruding member is positioned on an outer side of a feeding path of the recording material in the feeding apparatus, and moreover the protruding member penetrates more inward than an external surface of the feeding apparatus from above the feeding apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanner to read an image on an original and an electric box disposed below the scanner and extended horizontally with respect to the scanner. The electric box includes an electric cabinet having a box shape and an electrical device disposed inside the electric cabinet.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying whether a user of an object is an authorized user of the object includes: (a) means for detecting a biometric feature of the user and generating data representing the biometric feature; and (b) a reader-printer for reading and printing on the object, which includes: (i) reader system for reading the object to obtain a digital representation of biometric information associated with the authorized user; and (ii) printer system for printing on the object; the apparatus being operable to cause the printer system to print on the object if the data matches the digital representation. Separately or incorporated into the apparatus, the reader-printer may include: (a) reader for reading the object to obtain a digital signature representing a unique feature of the object; and (b) printer for printing on the object if the digital signature matches a reference digital signature associated with the object.

Abstract: A method and system prints an output document from an original document having multiple input sheets, each input sheet having a front side and a back side, the output document having multiple output sheets, each output sheet having a front side and a back side, the output sheet of the output document having a same plex as a plex of a corresponding input sheet. The method and system also prints an output document from an original document having multiple input sheets, wherein all output sheets of the output document are simplex. Further, the method and system prints an output document from an original document having multiple input sheets, wherein all output sheets of the output document are duplex.

Abstract: A method and a system for double-sided printing of a series of sheets is provided. First printing data for being printed onto a first surface of the series of sheets are provided. The first printing data comprise a plurality of first subsets, each first subset for being printed onto one sheet. Second printing data for being printed onto a second surface of the series of sheets are provided. The second printing data comprise a plurality of second subsets. Each second subset is associated with a respective first subset. A first print is printed in dependence upon the first printing data onto the first surface of the series of sheets. A second print is printed in dependence upon the second printing data onto the second surface of the series of sheets. The first print is scanned and first print data in dependence thereupon are provided. The second print is scanned and second print data in dependence thereupon are provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a printing unit configured to print at a plurality of linear velocities; an image preparing time determination unit configured to determine a print image preparing time necessary for developing print data to a print image to be printed by the printing unit; a linear velocity determination unit configured to determine the linear velocity according to the print image preparing time determined by the image preparing time determination unit; and an engine control unit configured to operate the printing unit at the linear velocity determined by the linear velocity determination unit.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an operation control section controls a sheet conveyance section to eject, onto an exit tray, sheets on which images of an even number page group have been formed on respective first sides thereof. A reception section receives input from a user indicating whether the sheets ejected onto the exit tray after the images have been formed on the first sides thereof are new sheets having unused second sides or reused sheets having used second sides. When the ejected sheets are the new sheets, the operation control section controls an image forming section to form images of an odd number page group on the second sides of the new sheets after the new sheets have been loaded onto a manual feed tray.

Abstract: This invention provides a mechanism of preventing the stop of a print operation caused by a delay, from print processing, of processing of generating image data from print data. To accomplish this, a printing apparatus includes a receiving unit which receives print data containing a plurality of page sets for each of which different post-processing can be designated, and pages contained in the plurality of page sets, an analysis unit which analyzes a page contained in print data received by the receiving unit, and a print control unit which starts printing when the number of pages analyzed by the analysis unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, and restricts the start of printing when the number of pages analyzed by the analysis unit is smaller than the predetermined number.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus, the first image forming apparatus including: a first image forming section which performs image formation on a sheet; a first fixing section which performs image fixation on the sheet on which the first image forming section performs the image formation; and a first control section which makes, when the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus perform the image formation and the image fixation on different sides of a sheet to perform double-sided printing, thereby performing tandem outputting, a tandem-outputting target fixing temperature of the first fixing section lower than a first fiducial temperature which is a non-tandem-outputting target fixing temperature of the first fixing section for when the first image forming performs the image formation and the image fixation alone.

Abstract: A duplex scanning apparatus includes a flatbed scanning portion and an automatic document feeder. The flatbed scanning portion has a first scanning module. The automatic document feeder has a second scanning module. The first scanning module has a first normal line perpendicular to a horizontal plane. The second scanning module is disposed in an inclined channel, and has a second normal line. In addition, an included angle is defined between the first normal line and the second normal line. Since the second scanning module is not directly disposed over the first scanning module, the height of the duplex scanning apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: A duplex scanning apparatus includes a passageway, a first optical module, a second optical module, a transporting mechanism and an elastic pressing member. The first optical module is disposed on one side of the passageway. The second optical module is disposed on the other side of the passageway. The transporting mechanism transports an original sheet through the passageway and past a first scan position of the first optical module and a second scan position of the second optical module, and images of front and reverse sides of the original sheet are obtained, respectively. The elastic pressing member, disposed between the first scan position and the second scan position, pushes the original sheet towards an original supporting plane.

Abstract: An image reader and document conveying method shorten times necessary for a discharge process that discharges a document in being conveyed and for an idle feeding process of a document that is left on a paper feed tray. If during double-sided reading, a stop key is operated to issue an instruction to cancel reading, a conveyance controller outputs a path specifying signal to select a single-sided path, and thereby a conveyance route is switched from a double-sided path to the single-sided path. For this reason, the discharge process that discharges a document being conveyed at the time of the reading cancellation to a paper discharge tray, and the idle feeding process that discharges a document left on a paper feed tray to the paper discharge tray are performed with use of the single-sided path that is shorter than the double-sided path, and therefore the times necessary for the discharge and idle feeding processes can be shortened.

Abstract: When optically scanning a medium, scanning can proceed immediately even if the size of the medium is unknown. Before or when an optical reading device starts scanning to read all of a recording medium, the CPU 40 sets a scan block of a size that can always be scanned based on the output of media edge sensors 47 and the distance from the scanning position of the optical reading device to the detection position of the media edge sensors 47, and then scans the set scan block.

Abstract: A document data capturing device includes a sheet supply tray for carrying documents, a sheet discharge tray located below the sheet supply tray, and a document conveying mechanism including a conveying path along which documents are guided from the sheet supply tray to the sheet discharge tray. The document data capturing device includes a first data-capturing unit and a second data-capturing unit which scan respective sides of a document conveyed by the document conveying mechanism. The first data-capturing unit and the second data-capturing unit are each configured with a reduction-optics scanning mechanism. The conveying path along which a document to be scanned by the first and second scanning mechanisms is conveyed is formed to surround the second reduction-optics data-capturing unit. Thus, the device can be made compact.

Abstract: An image scanning method of an image scanning device, the method including: feeding multiply fed documents in a first path and scanning, by a scanning unit of the image scanning device, a first document of the multiply fed documents; outputting the first document through an exit unit; reversely driving the exit unit after the first document is output to reversely feed a second document of the multiply fed documents in a second path, and scanning the second document; and forming images of the first document and the second document, wherein the second path is used to reversely feed the second document to an upstream side of the scanning unit, in view of a feeding direction of the multiply fed documents.

Abstract: A sheet-fed double-sided document scanner is disclosed and includes a first image-capturing assembly, a second image-capturing assembly, a sheet-transporting mechanism, a power receiving interface, and a control circuit. The scanner switches scanning modes according to a power input. The sheet-transporting mechanism transports a document past the first image-capturing assembly and the second image-capturing assembly. The power receiving interface receives power. When a power level of the received power is less than a default threshold level, the control circuit controls the scanner to scan a first side and a second side of the document in a first mode. When the power level of the received power reaches the default threshold level, the control circuit controls the scanner to scan the first side and the second side of the document in a second mode.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a first data compressing device, a data decompressing device, and an image forming device. The first data compressing device stores image data of a top line to be formed on a recording medium first and image data of a designated line other than the top line in a memory area with a data format capable of forming the original image data by itself, while generating difference data which indicates a difference between image data of a non-designated line other than the top and the designated lines and the image data of a line adjacent to the non-designated line, and stores the difference data in the memory area. The data decompressing device sequentially decompresses the image data of each line, based on the image data and the difference data. The image forming device forms an image on the recording medium, based on the decompressed image data.

Abstract: A method receives a print job and analyzes the complexity of the print job to generate complexity factors. The method performs raster image processing (RIP) on the print job and records the time taken to perform the raster image processing of each page of the print job. This generates “RIP times.” In addition, the method records the size of each page of the print job to generate “page sizes.” Then the method prints the print job and records the time it took to process the print job. Then the method determines how each of the complexity factors, the RIP times, and the page sizes contributed to the time it took to process the print job. This generates “complexity factor time values.” The method prints a report of the complexity factor time values detailing how each of the complexity factors contributed to the time it took to process the print job.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the same to improve a transferring path of a document to prevent curl from being generated in the document and to prevent interference between a document having both surfaces scanned and a previously discharged document. The image reading apparatus includes a scan path having one end connected to a document supplying unit and the other end connected to a document discharging unit, a scan unit to read information recorded on a document passing through the scan path, a two-sided document branch path to branch from the scan path so that the document whose first surface is scanned by the scan unit passes through the two-sided document branch path before the document is reversed for a two-side scanning process, and a two-sided document transferring path having one end connected to the two-sided document branch path and other end connected to the scan path.

Abstract: A method for forming a color image that allows a color image forming device to detect print chromaticity by an actually used print medium and automatically perform an optimal color balance adjustment in consideration of the chromaticity of the print medium. At a first step of the method, it is determined whether a feeder is selected for a subsequent printing operation. If selected, the process proceeds to a second step. If not selected, it is determined that the printing operation is not performed for some time and the process is completed without color balance adjustment. At the second step, a print medium for printing a test pattern is fed from the feeder selected for a subsequent printing operation, which is determined at the first step. A color sensor detects the chromaticity of the test pattern transferred and fused on the print medium, and the color balance is then adjusted.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including: a paper supply section; a transporting path for transporting a document supplied from the paper supply section; a first sensor which reads an image on a first surface of the document from one side of the transporting path; a second sensor which reads an image on a second surface of the document from the other side of the transporting path; and an image processing section which is constituted so as to correspond to a first reading mode in which two sides of the document are read using the first sensor plural times, and a second reading mode in which two sides of the document are read using the first sensor and the second sensor, and which makes a registration position and direction of an output image in both the first and second reading mode the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a duplex scanning apparatus. The duplex scanning apparatus includes a scanning module, a sheet input tray, a sheet ejecting tray, a transfer channel, a sheet pick-up roller, a friction-enhancing stopper, a transfer roller assembly, a sensor, a first inverting region, a second inverting region, an inverting channel, a sheet ejecting roller assembly, a first inverting roller assembly, a second inverting roller assembly, a first switching element and a second switching element. By providing two inverting regions, the scanning time for performing a duplex scanning operation by the duplex scanning apparatus of the present invention is shortened.

Abstract: A duplex scanner comprising a first scanning module, a second scanning module, a transmission mechanism, a power source and a control processing unit is provided. The first scanning module scans a front side of a to-be-scanned document and captures a front side image of the to-be-scanned document. The second scanning module scans a back side of the to-be-scanned document and captures a back side image of the to-be-scanned document. The transmission mechanism moves the to-be-scanned document relatively to the first scanning module and the second scanning module. The power source outputs at least a feedback signal while driving the transmission mechanism. The control processing unit receives a scan command and accordingly controls the power source to drive the transmission mechanism. The control processing unit receives the feedback signal and accordingly controls the first scanning module and the second scanning module to proceed duplex scan.

Abstract: An image input scanner having two scan heads for simultaneous scanning of both sides of a sheet includes two calibration surfaces. A first calibration surface is disposed on the carriage on which a first scan head is mounted. A second calibration surface is disposed on the document handler.

Abstract: A duplex/simplex automatic sheet feeder includes a sheet input tray, a sheet output tray, a first sheet-feeding path, a temporary storage region, a first sheet-feeding mechanism, a second sheet-feeding path and a second sheet-feeding mechanism. The temporary storage region and the first sheet-feeding mechanism are configured such that in a simplex feeding mode a sheet from the first sheet-feeding path is transferred to the sheet output tray through the temporary storage region, and in duplex and simplex feeding modes the sheets in the sheet output tray are arranged in the same order as in the sheet input tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing images on both sides of a recording medium. The timing of starting conveying the next recording medium is determined from a schedule that satisfies three conditions. The first condition a leading end of the next medium reaches a housing section, while maintaining a page gap, when the medium passes completely through the housing section. The second condition both media are not at a recording-medium supply position and the leading end of the next medium reaches the supply position, while maintaining a page gap, when the medium passes completely through the supply position. The third condition when the medium is turned upside down, both media are not at a reversing path section, and the leading end of the next medium reaches the reversing path section, while maintaining a page gap, when the medium passes completely through the reversing path section.

Abstract: A duplex image reading apparatus has a transportation path for transporting a sheet original to a reading region by an original transporting device, and first and second reading devices placed corresponding to respective transportation sides of the sheet original in the reading region of the transportation path, and is constructed in such structure that each of the first and second reading devices is of such a configuration that a color reference portion used as a color reference for reading is opposed to a reading portion while the color reference portion and the reading portion are placed on two sides with the transportation sides of the sheet original in between, wherein the first and second reading devices are arranged so that either one of the reading portion and the color reference portion is supported so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to an image reading surface of the reading portion.

Abstract: Sheets of recording paper are stacked and put on a push-up plate, and the uppermost recording paper is moved by pickup rollers and is separated by separation pawls. The separated recording paper is further moved by the pickup rollers so as to be carried out to the conveyance path between an upper guide and a lower guide. Notches are provided in those regions of the lower guide which correspond to the corner parts of the recording paper. Owing to the notches, the corner parts of the recording paper deformed by the separation pawls do not come into touch with the lower guide, so that the bending and jamming of the recording paper can be prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A device for use with a copier to make copies of both sides of a document or other objects in a single pass. The device is configured to rest on a copier platen without being attached to the platen and without deriving power from the copier. A document holder in the form of a pair of plates joined by a hinged connection is opened for insertion of a document to be copied. The holder is pivotally attached to a base member and spring-biased to rotate from a first to a second position above the copier platen. As a copier scanner moves beneath the holder temporarily latched in its first position, a first side of the document is scanned. A sensor then causes automatic release of the holder permitting it to swing to its second position for scanning its second side as the holder moves to its second position.

Abstract: In a printer provided with a sheet reversing mechanism, and which can perform printing on both faces of a sheet by a common print head, reduction of the number of parts, prevention of a transport failure, and the like are realized by reversing the sheet while the sheet is clamped by one transporting roller pair. The printer includes a first sheet path. A print head is disposed on the first sheet path to perform printing on a recording sheet. A transporting roller pair includes a first roller and a second roller, adapted to transport the recording sheet in a first direction approaching the print head (toward an outlet) and a second direction opposed to the first direction (toward an inlet). A second sheet path is branched from the first sheet path at a branching position shifted from the first roller in the second direction, extending along an outer periphery of the first roller, and joined to the first sheet path at a joining position between the transporting roller pair and the print head.

Abstract: The relationship between first and second side images is evaluated to determine how the position of the paper and/or the size and arrangement of an image can be manipulated to compensate for paper shrinkage caused by fusing. Show through is reduced by performing setup to adjust a pixel clock frequency and/or a photoreceptor speed, determining a residual magnification error, determining margin shifts to compensate for the residual magnification error, and applying the margin shifts. Paper shrink effects on registration can be compensated for using determinations made during a typical printer setup. Show through errors can be reduced without using a paper conditioner to pre-shrink or re-wet the paper. In simplex and duplex printing, the show through errors worsen as the image moves away from the registration edge. Using information obtained during setup, a margin shift is determined that results in a significant reduction in the maximum show through for each image.

Abstract: In exposing a photocurable resin to light, the light is irradiated on the photocurable resin while a base material to which the photocurable resin is applied is immersed in a liquid. An apparatus for carrying out the exposure includes an exposure tank in which a liquid does not dissolve the photocurable resin is reserved and a light source irradiating light to the photocurable resin is immersed in the liquid reserved in the tank. The exposure tank has two opposite side walls which have exposure windows closed by transparent plates respectively. The apparatus may include a plurality of light sources disposed so as to correspond to the representative exposing window. A temperature of the liquid in which the base material is immersed is controlled.

Abstract: A sheet supply device is formed of a sheet supply stacker, a supply path for guiding a sheet stacked on the sheet supply stacker, a sheet process portion situated in the supply path, and a switch-back path positioned on a downstream side of the sheet process portion. The switch-back path guides the sheet which has passed through the sheet process portion again to the supply path by switching back the sheet. The sheet having passed through the sheet process portion is ejected onto a sheet ejecting stacker. After a first supply of the sheet to the sheet process portion is made, the sheet is reversed by the switch-back path to make a second supply to the sheet process portion; the sheet having been subjected to the second supply is again reversed by the switch-back path to make a third supply to the sheet process portion, and then ejected onto the sheet ejecting stacker. A first supply of a next sheet to the sheet process portion is made between the second and third supplies of the preceding sheet.

Abstract: The footprint of a document scanning unit such as a copier, facsimile machine or document scanner or combinations thereof is reduced by causing overlap of the leading and trailing edges of long document sheets to be scanned in the document delivery roller system downstream of the scanning station. Differential slippage of the overlapping ends between a drive roller and a pinch roller is provided in a first embodiment. A second embodiment uses a moveable pinch roller in the document delivery system to selectively open and close a gap to permit slippage of the leading and trailing edges of the document. A third embodiment uses three document delivery rollers defining two spaced nips in which the leading and trailing edges of a long document are simultaneously present and a crenellated roller surface to guide the leading edge of the document to the desired nip in the delivery system.

Abstract: A method is described for exposing both sides of a light sensitive sheet such as a printed circuit board panel according to imaging data. The method uses a device that has an optical system for scanning the sensitive sheet by one or more beams. The optical system scans both sides with the scan lines on one side mutually positioned with respect to the scan lines on the other side. According to one implementation, the optical system includes two optical scanning units driven by a single source, with a switch alternating the beam from the source to one then the other optical scanning unit.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus comprises mask support portions, which support photo masks each having an exposure pattern thereon for movement between an exposure position in which the masks are in contact with a to-be-exposed object and a separate position in which the masks are kept off the object. Exposure light sources are used to expose the to-be-exposed object through the photo masks that are located in the exposure position. A clean air supplier runs clean air from a first supply portion into regions between the to-be-exposed object and the photo masks to prevent penetration of foreign substances when the photo masks are moved to the separate position. When the photo masks are moved to the exposure position, the supplier feeds clean air from a second supply portion onto the respective outer surfaces of the photo masks, thereby cooling the photo masks.

Abstract: A device is described for exposing both sides of a light sensitive sheet such as a printed circuit board panel according to imaging data. The device comprises an optical system for scanning the sensitive sheet by one or more beams. The optical system scans both sides with the scan lines on one side mutually positioned with respect to the scan lines on the other side. According to one implementation, the optical system includes two optical scanning units driven by a single source, with a switch alternating the beam from the source to one then the other optical scanning unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for duplex copying providing enhanced time to first copy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a scanner, a printer having a duplexer, and an information pipeline configured to process a data stream representing the image of page sides of the original document to be printed onto a single page of the copy product. The copier includes a processor , a computer readable memory, and a print element. The processor is configured to deliver the first two page sides of the original document to the printer for printing prior to the scanning of all subsequent pages of the original document.

Abstract: In a printer with a print engine having simplex and duplex sheet printing functions, and simplex and duplex sheet feeding paths, and at least one sheet output path, a plural function module is mounted on top of the print engine. This plural function module provides a document handling unit for feeding original documents to be imaged, and also provides a reversible sheet feeding path operatively communicating with the duplex sheet feeding path of the print engine to provide a space savings printed sheet reversing chute which is outside of the print engine for the duplex printing function. This reversible sheet feeding path in the module is alternately operable unidirectionally to provide an arcuate, inverting, sheet output path to a sheet output stacking tray which may be located on top of the plural function module.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printing method and a printing system for printing a pair of images on both sides of a recording sheet. When printing a first image on a first side of a recording sheet, a printer records directional marks records on the recording sheet to indicate the direction of the first image on the recording sheet. Thereafter when the recording sheet with the first image is manually set in the printer for printing a second image on the back side, the directional marks are detected from the recording sheet to detect the posture of the recording sheet in the printer: the direction of the recording sheet with respect to the first image, as well as which side of the recording sheet is oriented for printing. If the back side is not oriented for printing, the printer stops printing the second image, and makes a warning.

Abstract: A modular duplex media handling system is installable for use with a print recording system having a simplex media handling system. During first side printing a media sheet is fed along a first media path in the simplex system from feed rollers to metering rollers and into a print zone. After first side printing and prior to releasing the media sheet, the metering rollers feed the media sheet back along the first media path to the feed rollers. The feed rollers in turn feed the media sheet completely into the duplex module where the media moves along a loop path (in effect flipping the media sheet). The media sheet then is fed back to the feed rollers and along the first media path for second side printing. A humidity sensor in the duplex module signals to the print recording system whether the duplex handling system is installed.