Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a developing device includes a developer holding member that holds developer including toner which is charged to have a predetermined polarity on a surface and performs development of an electrostatic latent image with respect to an image holding member which holds the electrostatic latent image while being rotated; a storage member that stores the developer therein and has an opening portion for discharging air in which flow is generated by the rotation of the developer holding member; and a collection member that is provided in the opening portion of the storage member to be charged to the predetermined polarity, causes air to pass therethrough, and collects toner.

Abstract: A printer includes an image formation portion, a feed portion, and a transfer portion. The image formation portion transfers formed first and second patterned marking agent layers from a photoconductor member onto an intermediate transfer member. The feed portion directs a portion of a foil layer to become adhered, according to the pattern, onto the first marking agent layer on the intermediate transfer member before the second marking agent layer is transferred onto, and becomes adhered to, the foil portion. The transfer portion causes transfer of the foil portion from the intermediate transfer member, via transfer of at least the second marking agent layer from the intermediate transfer member, onto a substrate.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a rubbing member provided in contact with a transfer belt, a supporting member supporting the rubbing member, and a damping member configured to damp vibration of the transfer device. The damping member is fastened to the supporting member, and an end of the damping member in a width direction that is orthogonal to a direction of rotation of the transfer belt is a free end.

Abstract: An outer sleeve of a magnetic roll for a dual component development electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a series of grooves in an outer surface of the outer sleeve. The grooves extend along an axial length of the sleeve and are spaced circumferentially from each other around the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a diameter of between 15 mm and 30 mm, inclusive. The grooves are present on the outer surface of the outer sleeve at a groove density of at least 1.91 grooves/mm of the circumference of the outer surface of the outer sleeve and a total indicated runout of the outer sleeve is 0.05 mm or less.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging device, and a developing device. The electrophotographic photosensitive member has a surface layer containing a polyarylate resin and a polycarbonate resin. The electrophotographic photosensitive member has an outer diameter of 23 mm or less and the developing device is configured to collect a residual toner left on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A toner has a weight-average particle diameter (D4) of 7.1 ?m or more and 10.0 ?m or less, an average circularity of 0.95 or more, and an average aspect ratio of 0.90 or more.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided to correct color misregistration and includes an image correcting unit. A toner density adjustment patch image forming section forms toner density adjustment patch images, and a toner density adjustment patch image misalignment measuring section measures amounts of misalignment of the images. Then, a color-misregistration correction patch image forming section forms color-misregistration correction patch images on a transfer member. A color-misregistration correcting section measures amounts of misalignment of the color-misregistration correction patch images to correct the color misregistration. The control unit controls the color-misregistration correction patch image forming section to change color-misregistration correction patch images to be formed in accordance with the amounts of misalignment of the toner density adjustment patch images measured by the toner density adjustment patch image misalignment measuring section.

Abstract: A transmission-reflectance swappable Raman device and a method thereof are disclosed. The excitation light is selectively directed to the sample in one direction for generating the transmission Raman signal in transmission mode or in another direction for generating the reflectance Raman signal in reflectance mode. The content of an analyte in a sample can be determined by analyzing transmission and reflectance Raman signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention concern automatic color separation with a white ink for colored and/or transparent substrate, automatic color separation with a silver ink for a natural rendering, automatic color separation with a varnish which has a gloss scale different from that of the printed sample for all shades of gloss that are possible between high glossy to high matte for a false third rendering, automatic color variation with variable thickness under the inks, and variable gamut mapping for a low contrast space.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including: a formation unit that forms an image using a color material, on a medium; a fusing unit that fixes the image formed on the medium; and a control unit that controls to perform both of a first fusing and a second fusing on the medium, wherein the first fusing is a fixation in which a first image is formed by using a color material with a metallic color and the first image formed is fixed, the second fusing is a fixation in which a second image is formed by using a color material with another color than the metallic color and the second image formed is fixed, and the first image and the second image are overlapped.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes an image unit that forms an image using a white toner and a color toner and a fixing unit that fixes the image to a medium with heat. The toner mass per unit area of the white toner ? (g/m2) in an image of the color toner superimposed on the white toner formed on paper used as the medium satisfies: 0.03+1.31×Rw?0.47×Rc+0.02×Gw?0.07×Gc???0.05+1.06×Rw+0.42×Rc?0.02×Gw+0.05×Gc where Rw is the average particle diameter (?m) of the white toner, Rc is the average particle diameter (?m) of the color toner, Gw is the storage modulus (kPa) of the white toner at 120° C., and Gc is the storage modulus (kPa) of the color toner at 120° C.

Abstract: An image processing method for generating a halftone pattern for forming an image according to input image data includes a step of forming first and second shade patterns to be developed by first and second toners, respectively. The second toner is identical in color to the first toner and different in shade from the first toner, and the second shade pattern is shifted from the first shade pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite color image forming method. The method includes electrically charging a latent image-holding member; exposing the charged latent image-holding member to light to form an electrostatic latent image; developing the electrostatic latent image with a two-component developer containing toner particles of one color and a carrier to form a toner image on the latent image-holding member; primarily transferring the toner image from the latent image-holding member to an intermediate transfer member; repeating the electrically charging, the exposing, the developing, and the primarily transferring, while the toner particles are replaced with toner particles of different color, to form a composite color image on the intermediate transfer member; and secondarily transferring the composite color image from the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of optical scanning devices, a job receiver, a job executor, an image discriminator for discriminating whether a formation-target image included in an image forming job is a single-color image or a multi-color image, a first condition judger, a second condition judger and a temperature adjuster. In the case of forming a single-color image, the temperature adjuster drives motors of all the optical scanning devices if a predetermined first condition and a predetermined second condition are satisfied and drives the motor of one optical scanning device and does not drive the motors of the other optical scanning devices but the one optical scanning device if the first condition is satisfied, but the second condition is not satisfied.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for moving a cartridge between engaged and disengaged positions in an image forming device. The image forming device may include a bias control arm movable between first and second positions. When the bias control arm is in one of the first and second positions, a biasing force on the cartridge is reduced and the cartridge moves to the disengaged position. When the bias control arm is in the other of the first and second positions, a biasing force on the cartridge is increased and the cartridge is moved to the engaged position. In one embodiment, the bias control arm moves in a first direction, and the cartridge moves in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: A method for producing a raised print on a receiver includes receiving image data and height data. The height data specify that raised printing should be produced in non-first-color region of the image data. Separation data are determined for a clear toner, a light toner having the first color, and at least two additional colored toners. The separation data for the clear toner is determined in response to the height data and the separation data for the light toner is determined in response to the image data and the height data so that the clear and light-toner separations specify that respective toners be deposited one atop the other in the non-first-color region. Respective toner images are deposited on the receiver, each corresponding to respective separation data. The deposited toner is fixed to the receiver member.

Abstract: A method for producing a raised print on a receiver includes receiving image data and height data. The height data specify that raised printing should be produced in non-yellow region of the image data. Separation data are determined for a clear toner, a yellow toner, and at least two additional colored toners. The separation data for the clear toner is determined in response to the height data and the separation data for the yellow toner is determined in response to the image data and the height data so that the clear and yellow separations specify that respective toners be deposited one atop the other in the non-yellow region. Respective toner images are deposited on the receiver, each corresponding to respective separation data. The deposited toner is fixed to the receiver member.

Abstract: A method for producing a raised print using a three-component printer includes receiving image data and height data for an image to be printed, the height data specifying that raised printing should be produced in a non-yellow region of the image data. Separation data are determined for a yellow toner and two additional colored toners. The yellow separation data is determined based on the image data and the height data. The yellow separation and at least one of the colored separations specify that respective toners be deposited one atop the other in the non-yellow region. The two additional colored toners include respective amounts of black colorant. Using the printer with exactly three printing modules, respective toner images are deposited on the receiver, each corresponding to respective separation data. The deposited toner is fixed to the receiver.

Abstract: A method and system for printing documents with one or more embedded security features is provided. Security features are embedded in the document by co-printing magnetic and non-magnetic toner on a receiver before fixation by a fixing station. The combination of magnetic and non-magnetic toners in the image results in image elements that easily show alteration or are undetectable by visual means.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining an amount of clear toner to be applied to a document image to improve smoothness in an output print rendered using a xerographic device capable of applying clear toner to the image in the image path. Using clear toner to improve smoothness enables a GCR strategy in which more black can be used. This, in turn, decreases the incremental cost for clear toner. The teachings hereof present attractive trade-offs for print shops specializing in color document reproduction and other customers of high-end xerographic devices capable of applying clear toner. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for printing image documents using a variety of toners where some toners using a multi-development station having two or more development stations. These toners are co-printed prior to fixing, on the receiver by the multi-development station.

Abstract: The present application discloses an image forming apparatus which uses at least two types of liquid developer to form a plurality of images that are superimposed on a sheet to form an image. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the image to the sheet, an image forming mechanism configured to make the transfer mechanism carry the image, and a rubbing mechanism configured to rub the image on the sheet. The at least two types of liquid developer have different fixing properties from each other. The transfer mechanism includes a carrying surface configured to carry the image from the image forming mechanism. One of the plurality of images between the carrying surface and another of the plurality of images has higher fixing properties than the liquid developer used for forming the other image among the plurality of images.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first development unit, a second development unit, and a control unit. The first development unit forms a first developer image with a first developer absorbing a light having a prescribed wavelength. The second development unit forms a second developer image with a second developer permeating the light having prescribed wavelength therethrough. The control unit controls print of a background design image by the first development unit and print of a print image by the second development unit.

Abstract: A method for forming a variable data job includes a fixed original image provided by original image data in a first multiple channel color plane and content provided by variable image data in a second multiple channel color plane. The original image data is converted to fixed image data in a clear channel color plane. Raster image processing is performed on the fixed image data to translate the fixed image data into a first ready-to-print file. The ready-to-print file is saved in a memory as a post-RIP file. The variable image data is subsequently provided in at least the second multiple channel color plane. Image processing is performed on the variable image data to obtain a second ready-to-print file. The post-RIP file is merged with the second ready-to-print file for forming the variable data job. The variable data job is printed to render output.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a developing device in which a decolorizable developing agent containing encapsulated colorant microparticles each including a core containing a color developable compound, a color developer, and a decolorizing agent is accommodated and a developing device in which a transparent developing agent containing a binder resin is accommodated are provided, respectively, and an image is formed by transferring a transparent developing agent image onto a region capable of covering a decolorizable developing agent image, followed by fusing the image. Further, in the second image formation and thereafter, the using amount of the transparent developing agent is decreased as compared with that in the first image formation.

Abstract: An image processing method for generating a halftone pattern for forming an image according to input image data includes a step of forming first and second shade patterns to be developed by first and second toners, respectively. The second toner is identical in color to the first toner and different in shade from the first toner, and the second shade pattern is shifted from the first shade pattern.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming section which transfers a toner image according to image data onto a recording sheet, a first fixing section which fixes the toner image with heat of the first fixing roller, a clear layer forming section which forms a clear layer on the toner image which the first fixing section has fixed, a second fixing section which fixes the clear layer with heat of the second fixing roller and a control section which controls the clear layer forming section to increase the thickness of the clear layer in a recording sheet area corresponding to a fixed area during the second revolution of the first fixing roller on the recording sheet, compared with a recording sheet area corresponding to a fixed area during the first revolution thereof.

Abstract: Electrographic printing wherein raised information, with a distinct tactile feel, can be printed by electrographic techniques. Such electrographic printing comprises the steps of forming a desired print image, electrographically, on a receiver member utilizing standard size marking particles; and in an area of the formed print image, where desired tactile feel, raised information is to be formed, selectively forming such tactile feel, raised information utilizing marking particles of a substantially larger size than the standard size marking particles of the desired print image.

Abstract: A toner image height measurement apparatus capable of accurately measuring heights of toner images of respective colors with a relatively simple construction and without being affected by toner colors. With motion of an image carrier, there occurs a change in reflection light amount detected by a photodiode of the height measurement apparatus in timing when laser light having been irradiated onto the image carrier starts to be irradiated onto or intercepted by a toner image and in timing when the laser light having been irradiated onto the toner image starts to be irradiated onto the image carrier. Based on a principle that these timings vary according to a toner image height, the height measurement apparatus detects the timing when the reflection light amount changes by a predetermined amount, thereby detecting the toner image height.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided and includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on an image carrier with a transparent material and a coloring material; a controller that controls an order of an image forming with the transparent material and an image forming with the coloring material to be different between in an image portion and in a non-image portion in an image forming region on the image carrier; and a transferring unit that transfers the image formed on the image carrier onto a recording medium.

Abstract: A full-color toner set including a yellow component, a cyan component, and a magenta component, wherein in each of the color components, resin fine particles are added to a surface of base particles. Further, the yellow component may include a monoazo pigment serving as a colorant in the base particles. In addition, the following formulae (1) and (2) may be satisfied, where the amount of addition of the resin fine particles based on 100 parts by mass of base particles in the yellow component is represented by Wy, the amount of addition of the resin fine particles based on 100 parts by mass of base particles in the cyan component is represented by Wc, and the amount of addition of the resin fine particles based on 100 parts by mass of base particles in the magenta component is represented by Wm, Wy>Wc??(1) Wy>Wm??(2).

Abstract: In a color misalignment detection method, an alignment pattern is obtained by designating a plurality of lines having line width and line intervals formed by superposing a line image of a black color as a reference color and a line image of a color other than the reference color, for example, a cyan line image, as one patch, and continuously forming these patches by shifting the relative position between the line images of the two colors by an optional quantity. An alignment pattern detection sensor has a light emitting diode and a photodiode. These elements are arranged along the scanning direction of the alignment pattern such that the photodiode can only receive diffused reflected light of reflected light from the alignment pattern. A spot shape of the light emitting diode and a spot shape of the photodiode are both formed in a square shape.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus equipped with an image forming unit capable of image formation using color toner and transparent toner includes, a determining unit to determine whether each pixel of image data belongs to an image region or a text region; a control unit to control the image forming unit by switching between transfer of a toner image to the image region and transfer of a toner image to the text region; a fixing unit to fix the toner image formed on recording material; and a transport unit to discharge the recording material on which the toner image is fixed or re-feed the recording material to the image forming unit.

Abstract: A transparent toner image forming device forms a transparent toner image on a sheet on which a color toner image is fixed. Image information that is designated by a user for forming the transparent toner image on part of the sheet is obtained. Application of the transparent toner is controlled such that, when the color toner is fixed in an amount not less than a predetermined first amount per unit area in a first region designated so as not to form the transparent toner image on the basis of image information, the transparent toner image is formed in a predetermined second amount per unit area in the first region. The transparent toner image is formed in an amount not less than the predetermined second amount per unit area in a second region designated so as to form the transparent toner image on the basis of the image information.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for moving a cartridge between engaged and disengaged positions in an image forming device. The image forming device may include a bias control arm movable between first and second positions. When the bias control arm is in one of the first and second positions, a biasing force on the cartridge is reduced and the cartridge moves to the disengaged position. When the bias control arm is in the other of the first and second positions, a biasing force on the cartridge is increased and the cartridge is moved to the engaged position. In one embodiment, the bias control arm moves in a first direction, and the cartridge moves in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: The invention provides an image formation apparatus having at least a first toner image-forming unit that forms a first toner image which directly contacts a surface of a recording medium, a second toner image-forming unit that forms a second toner image which is disposed on the first toner image without directly contacting the recording medium, and a fixing unit. The invention further provides a printed item having at least a recording medium, a first toner image directly contacting a surface of the recording medium, and a second toner image residing on the first toner image without directly contacting the recording medium. A contact angle ?1 of the first toner and the first toner image with respect to an aqueous de-inking solution, is smaller than a contact angle ?2 of the second toner and the second toner image with respect to the aqueous de-inking solution.

Abstract: A method and system for printing documents with one or more embedded security features is provided. Security features are embedded in the document by co-printing magnetic and non-magnetic toner on a receiver before fixation by a fixing station. The combination of magnetic and non-magnetic toners in the image results in image elements that easily show alteration or are undetectable by visual means.

Abstract: Systems and methods of producing image products using printing are provided. The image products are produced by sequentially applying a base image, a first clear toner and a second clear toner. The first clear toner forms one or more lenses, and the first and second clear toners have different indexes of refraction. The image products produced by the systems and methods can be lenticular image products that display different images depending upon a viewing angle.

Abstract: In a method or system for printing of a recording medium, potential images are generated on a potential image carrier. A developer liquid is used that comprises a transparent photo-polymerizable carrier liquid and charged colorant particles. The developer is transported via an applicator roller to the potential image carrier to form a developer film in a developing zone. The developer film adjacent to the potential image carrier comprises the photo-polymerizable carrier liquid enriched with the colorant particles in regions in which potential images are present on the potential image carrier and said photo-polymerizable liquid substantially depleted of said colorant particles in regions in which no potential images are present. The developer film splits at an end of the developing zone into an image film adhering to the potential image carrier comprising the developed potential image and a film adhering to the applicator roller comprising the photo-polymerizable liquid with residual colorant particles.

Abstract: Electrographic printing of raised multidimensional toner shapes having a particular profile by electrographic techniques. Such electrographic printing comprises the steps of forming a desired print image, electrographically, on a receiver member utilizing predetermined sized marking particles; and, where desired, forming a final predetermined multidimensional shape utilizing marking particles of a predetermined size or size distribution.

Abstract: An electro photographic image forming apparatus includes first and second photosensitive bodies, first and second exposing units to form electrostatic latent images on the first and second photosensitive bodies each of which being charged to a uniform electric potential, a first developing unit to develop the electrostatic latent image on the first photosensitive body by supplying a transparent toner thereto, and a second developing unit to develop the electrostatic latent image on the second photosensitive body by supplying color toners thereto, wherein the first developing unit is a developing unit employing a two-component developing technique using a magnetic carrier and a transparent toner.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus acquires a type of consumable material possessed by the image forming apparatus using a library provided in an application platform, displays forms capable of printing using the type of consumable material acquired, and forms an image using one or more forms designated from among the displayed forms.

Abstract: Electrographic printing of one or more optical elements having a particular profile by electrographic techniques. Such electrographic printing comprises the steps of forming a desired print image, electrographically, on a receiver member utilizing predetermined sized marking particles; and, where desired, forming one or more final optical elements utilizing marking particles of a predetermined size or size distribution.

Abstract: A system for reducing lead edge (LE) smearing in an electrostatographic machine is provided. The system comprises a pretransfer corotron positioned between a developing station and a transfer station in an electrostatographic imaging device. The pretransfer corotron is configured to apply a predetermined charge to at least a portion of a developed toner image on a photoreceptive surface. The predetermined charge is greater than a charge applied to the rest of the developed toner image. The system further includes a controller operably associated with the pretransfer corotron. The controller is configured to activate the pretransfer corotron to apply said predetermined charge to the developed toner image at a lead edge region of the developed toner image when leading edge smearing is detected during imaging operations.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of carrying out color misregistration correction at an appropriate time and providing a high-quality image free from color misregistration. A toner image is formed on the basis of an input image information signal. A width of the toner image is determined on the basis of the input image information signal, before forming the toner image in a predetermined area. The width of the toner image formed in the predetermined area is detected. The detected width of the toner image is compared with the determined width of the toner image. It is judged on the basis of the comparison result whether or not color misregistration is present.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes plural developing devices arranged at a fixed interval, plural toner cartridges arranged at an interval smaller than the interval among the developing devices, and plural sub-hoppers that receive toners stored in the toner cartridges and feed the toners to plural developing devices. The plural sub-hoppers respectively have toner receiving ports formed in positions opposed to toner discharging ports of the toner cartridges and have toner supply ports for feeding toners to the developing devices. The plural sub-hoppers are arranged at an interval same as an arrangement pitch of the developing devices.

Abstract: A liquid developer includes an insulating liquid; toner particles constituted by a resin material as a main component; and a dispersing agent expressed by Formula (I): wherein R denotes an alkyl group having a carbon number of 14 to 18; and X+Y+Z is an additional mole number of ethylene oxide, satisfying 2?X+Y+Z?15, while Y and Z?0.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes 1st to Nth image bearing members, 1st to Nth developing units provided in one-to-one correspondence with the 1st to Nth image bearing members, and a transfer unit. N is an integer number equal to or greater than two. The 1st to Nth image members have 1st to Nth surfaces respectively. The 1st to Nth electrostatic latent images are formable on the 1st to Nth surface respectively. The 1st to Nth developing units have 1st to Nth monochromatic developers respectively. The 1st monochromatic developer is of monochromatic black and has a toner particle substantially spherical in shape. The 1st to Nth developing units develop the 1st to Nth electrostatic latent images with the 1st to Nth monochromatic developers respectively in order to form 1st to Nth developer images respectively. The transfer unit transfers sequentially the 1st to Nth developer images to a recipient in a superimposed manner in order of the 1st to Nth developer image.

Abstract: The image-forming apparatus and an image-forming method of the present invention stably provides a high-quality image having a surface with a uniform gloss value, without reduction in image density, and with good fixability. The image-forming apparatus and image-forming method of the present invention provide are characterized in that white toner or transparent toner is used under the conditions that the storage elastic modulus of the white toner or transparent toner at a saturated temperature in a fixing nip at the time of an fixing step is set to be higher than the storage elastic modulus at a saturated temperature in the fixing nip of each colored toner at the time of the fixing step, and that the storage elastic modulus G?(T) (W) or G?(T) (To) at the saturated temperature in the fixing nip of the white toner or the transparent toner at the time of the fixing step is in the range of 1.0×104 to 1.0×106 dyn/cm2.

Abstract: Electrographic printing of raised multidimensional toner shapes having a particular profile by electrographic techniques. Such electrographic printing comprises the steps of forming a desired print image, electrographically, on a receiver member utilizing predetermined sized marking particles; and, where desired, forming a final predetermined multidimensional shape utilizing marking particles of a predetermined size or size distribution.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method of detecting a home position error are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing units, a cam shaft, and a plurality of cams that are formed on the cam shaft to correspond to the respective developing units. A power transmitting element is installed between the plurality of developing units and the plurality of cams and selectively transmits a rotational force of a driving source to the plurality of developing units according to a rotational phase of the cam shaft. An indicating element is installed on the cam shaft and includes a plurality of indicating units. A sensor senses the plurality of indicating units. A home position error is detected each time when the indicating units pass through the sensor.