Lexmark International, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160004201 | Method for Controlling Media Bubble Formation in an Imaging Device - A method of controlling bubble formation in a media sheet between two sets of media feed roll pairs using a single media edge detector positioned downstream of the upstream media feed roll pair. The method may also be practiced using a bubble chamber positioned between the two sets of media feed roll pairs. | 01-07-2016 |
20160004193 | Imaging Device and Method for Determining Operating Parameters - An operational imaging device and method using a predetermined set of operating parameter determining (OPD) equations forming an OPD equation set for providing one or more operational parameter values for processing of a media sheet. The OPD equation set, stored in the operational imaging device, is solved using values for a set of N variables measured by an operational sensor set in the operational imaging device. Each equation solution determines a value for one of the operating parameters. The OPD equation set is generated by a training system using a continuum training engine. A training data set containing measured variable values of the set of N variables is collected using by a training sensor set. The training data set includes empirical best match data values for the one or more operational parameters based on a comparison of a model image to images produced by a training imaging device. | 01-07-2016 |
20150378299 | Dual Input Bump Alignment Assembly for an Imaging Device - A bump alignment assembly using at least two input media feeds for use in an imaging device. Two spaced apart media guides form a tunnel-shaped bubble chamber about a media path. Two media feed roll pairs are positioned adjacent to the entrance of the bubble chamber. The width of the entrance to the bubble chamber is equal to or greater than the separation of the feed nips of the two media feed roll pairs allowing two or more media paths to be accommodated without the use of media path extensions. A bump alignment roll pair is adjacent the exit of the bubble chamber. Entry, exit and biasing surface features of the media guides provide for buckling and bubble formation of media being fed into the bubble chamber. | 12-31-2015 |
20150370186 | Toner Formulations for Controlling Wax Dispersion and Domain Size - Wax dispersion and domain size can be effectively controlled by incorporating a small amount of a hybrid resin binder and or a wax compatibilizer in the toner formulation. Such toners show smaller wax domain size and improved fusing offset window, fusegrade and filming resistance, and therefore improved print quality and reliability. The hybrid resin contains a polyester unit via condensation reaction and a vinyl-based polymer unit via radical polymerization. The hybrid resin is highly compatible with the polyester resin binder, and at same time, can well accommodate low molecular weight polyolefin waxes in the vinyl polymer entity enabling a desirable smaller wax domain size. The wax compatibilizer is a thermoplastic styrenic block copolymer. | 12-24-2015 |
20150348053 | Monitoring User Activities on Client Devices by Imaging Device Drivers - An imaging device driver on a client device detects user activity on at least one application executing on the client. If the detected user activity is determined to correspond to a predefined operation, the device driver sends the detected user activity to a server connected to the client. The server determines whether the activity exceeds a predefined limit. If it does, the server delivers a report to a connected monitoring device indicating that fact. Other embodiments note techniques for determining which of the one or more user activities detected by the imaging device driver are sent for monitoring and delivering a report to the monitoring device for notice of an investigator, to name a few. | 12-03-2015 |
20150346624 | Charge Roll Mounting Assembly for an Electrophotographic Image Forming Device - An assembly for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a charge roll and a bracket that extends along an axial length of the charge roll. First and second bearing retainers are positioned on a first axial end and a second axial end of the bracket, respectively. First and second bearings are pivotally mounted to the first and second bearing retainers, respectively. Each of the first and second bearings has a charge roll opening that supports a respective axial end of a shaft of the charge roll. First and second biasing members act on the first and second bearings, respectively. The first and second biasing members bias the charge roll toward an operative position for charging a photoconductive drum. A direction of force from the first biasing member on the first bearing and from the second biasing member on the second bearing is toward the bracket. | 12-03-2015 |
20150338825 | Drive Coupler - A replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. The replaceable unit includes a rotatable drive coupler and a rotatable shaft that has a cross pin on an axial end of the shaft, generally orthogonal to the shaft. At least a portion of the drive coupler is exposed on an exterior of the housing and unobstructed to receive rotational force when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. A pocket is formed in a first axial side of the drive coupler. The axial end of the shaft and the cross pin are removably positioned in the pocket such that upon rotating the drive coupler in an operative direction rotational force is transferred from surfaces of the drive coupler forming the pocket to the cross pin causing the shaft to rotate with the drive coupler. | 11-26-2015 |
20150317533 | Augmented Image Correlation - Systems and methods search pixels of source images and compare them to pixels of templates. Best matches correlate to objects in the image. That environmental conditions impact the appearance of objects, best matching scores suffer under poor lighting and other adverse conditions. Improving scores includes augmenting traditional correlation techniques with object features extracted from the source image and matching them to templates corresponding to the features. Certain embodiments contemplate corrupting pixels of image templates corresponding to objects with pixels extracted from the source image corresponding to features. Representative features include corners, edges, ridges, points/regions of interest, etc. Other embodiments note augmented correlation as a computing application and computing devices therefore, including cameras for capturing images and displaying results to users. | 11-05-2015 |
20150301474 | Capacitive Toner Level Sensor - A toner container including a first electrode disposed within the toner container, a second electrode electrically connected to the first electrode and disposed within the toner container, and a sense electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The sense electrode and the first electrode form a first capacitor having a first capacitance that changes in response to a change in toner amount existing therebetween. The sense electrode and the second electrode form a second capacitor having a second capacitance that changes in response to a change in toner amount existing therebetween. | 10-22-2015 |
20150301464 | Chemically Prepared Energy Efficient Toner Formulation and Method to Make the Same - The present invention relates generally to chemically prepared toner and method of making the toner for use in electrophotography and more particularly to chemically prepared toner that can simultaneously fix at an energy saving low temperature and also be resistant to hot offset. The chemically prepared toner includes a mixture of a low molecular weight styrene acrylic resin and a low melting polyester resin. The amount of the low melt polyester resin must not exceed 40% by weight of the energy efficient toner of the present invention. | 10-22-2015 |
20150298336 | Motor Control System and Method for a Rotary Hole Punch System - A sheet processing apparatus and methods of utilizing the same. The sheet processing apparatus includes a punch mechanism disposed along a media path at a punch point at which a hole is to be punched through a punch location on a media sheet advancing along the media path. The punch mechanism includes a rotatable punch arm having a punch head, and a punch motor for rotating the punch arm. As the punch location on the advancing media sheet approaches the punch point, speed of the punch motor is controlled to adjust a rotational speed of the punch arm based on feedback signals associated with each of the punch motor and a media path motor used to advance the media sheet such that the punch head arrives at the punch point at substantially the same time as when the punch location on the media sheet arrives at the punch point. | 10-22-2015 |
20150293469 | Roll Having Textured Axial Ends to Prevent Toner Leakage - A roll for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a shaft defining an axis of rotation of the roll. The roll includes an outer circumferential surface having a pair of axial ends. Recessed grooves and/or raised ribs are present in the outer circumferential surface near the axial ends. The recessed grooves and/or raised ribs are angled relative to the axis of rotation of the roll away from a direction of rotation of the roll from the axial ends inward or parallel to the axis of rotation of the roll to direct toner away from the axial ends. | 10-15-2015 |
20150268620 | WASTE TONER BOTTLE FOR UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION OF RESIDUAL TONER FROM AN IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A waste toner bottle for an imaging device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A tube defines an auger path about the housing. The tube is in fluid communication with a plurality of inlets of the housing and has a transfer auger disposed along the auger path to move toner into the reservoir. The tube extends upward into the upper region of the housing above the plurality of inlets. The tube extends from a first end of the reservoir to a second end of the reservoir in the upper region of the housing. The tube includes perforations in a bottom of the tube between the first end of the reservoir and the second end of the reservoir in the upper region of the housing to drop toner from the auger path into the reservoir. | 09-24-2015 |
20150256713 | IMAGE BINARIZATION FOR OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION - Systems and methods convert to binary an input image having pixels defining text and background. Thresholds are determined by which pixels in the input image and a corresponding blurred image will be defined as either binary black or binary white. Thresholds derive from grouped together neighboring pixels having pixels separated out that correspond to the background. For pixels of the input image defined as binary black and having corresponding pixels in the blurred image defined as binary black relative to their thresholds, those are set to black in the binary image, else they are set white. Techniques for devising thresholds, blurring images, grouping together pixels, statistical analysis, etc., typify the embodiments. | 09-10-2015 |
20150254865 | Image Binarization - Systems and methods convert to binary an input image having pixels defining text and background. Thresholds are determined by which pixels in the input image and a corresponding blurred image will be defined as either binary black or binary white. Thresholds derive from grouped together neighboring pixels having pixels separated out that correspond to the background. For pixels of the input image defined as binary black and having corresponding pixels in the blurred image defined as binary black relative to their thresholds, those are set to black in the binary image, else they are set white. Techniques for devising thresholds, blurring images, grouping together pixels, statistical analysis, etc., typify the embodiments. | 09-10-2015 |
20150242172 | Systems and Methods for Configuring an Imaging Device to Image Media Using Settings Suitable for the Media - A method of automatically configuring an imaging device to print on a media using one or more operating parameters suitable for the media is disclosed. The method includes receiving a barcode corresponding to the media to be printed on by the imaging device, determining one or more characteristics of the media using the barcode, retrieving one or more print settings to be used by the imaging device to print on the media having the one or more characteristics, detecting one or more environmental conditions of the imaging device, and adjusting the one or more operating parameters to print on media having the one or more characteristics based on the detected environmental conditions. | 08-27-2015 |
20150234301 | Toner Formulations Having Improved Toner Usage Efficiency and Method to Make the Same - A toner composition and a method of making a toner composition wherein toner particles having an average size in the range of 1-25 μm may be mixed with large fumed silica particles sized 70 nm to 120 nm and medium fumed silica particles sized 30 nm to 60 nm and optionally alumina particles surface treated with an inorganic/organic compound. The large sized fumed silica particles are present in the range of 0.1% to 2% by weight of the toner composition. The medium sized fumed silica particles are present in the range of 0.1% to 2% by weight of the toner composition. The alumina particles surface treated with an inorganic/organic compound may be present in the range of 0.01% to 1.0% by weight of the toner composition. | 08-20-2015 |
20150199656 | Status Conditions of Imaging Devices for Generating Automatic Service Support - A server delivers to mobile devices status conditions of imaging devices for generating automatic service support. The server receives status conditions generated by the imaging devices, determines whether they require sending to the mobile devices, and if so, delivers a notification indicating the status conditions. Mobile devices include service applications for receiving notifications from the server. Service technicians using the mobile devices automatically respond to the notifications and provide appropriate levels of service. Other embodiments note techniques for delivering the status conditions, determining which mobile devices receive will receive the notifications, and features of the service application, to name a few. | 07-16-2015 |
20150199655 | Status Conditions of Imaging Devices for Generating Automatic Service Support - A server delivers to mobile devices status conditions of imaging devices for generating automatic service support. The server receives status conditions generated by the imaging devices, determines whether they require sending to the mobile devices, and if so, delivers a notification indicating the status conditions. Mobile devices include service applications for receiving notifications from the server. Service technicians using the mobile devices automatically respond to the notifications and provide appropriate levels of service. Other embodiments note techniques for delivering the status conditions, determining which mobile devices receive will receive the notifications, and features of the service application, to name a few. | 07-16-2015 |
20150193180 | Process Enablement in Network Downtime Condition - A computer implemented method of enabling a mobile device connected to a network that includes establishing a connection with the peripheral device when the mobile device fails to connect to the network; transmitting a document to the peripheral device for processing; receiving the processed document from the peripheral device; storing the processed document in a memory of the mobile device; and sending the processed document to a remote storage location once the mobile device is determined to be actively communication with the network. | 07-09-2015 |
20150186760 | Systems and Methods for Monitoring Document Life Cycle and Destruction - Systems and methods for monitoring and managing documents printed by an imaging device. The system includes a scanner for scanning at least a portion of each of one or more sheets of media, and a document destruction device located downstream of the scanner relative to a media feed direction, the document destruction device for destroying the one or more sheets of media after being scanned. A processor, coupled to the scanner and the document destruction device, identifies a document identifier from the each of the one or more sheets of media scanned and sends to a storage device each document identifier identified and an indication that the one or more sheets of media has been destroyed. | 07-02-2015 |
20150186694 | System and Method for Locating Objects and Determining In-Use Status Thereof - A RFID based system, including an RFID tag to communicate with a reader and having a motion-based generator generating current upon the device being moved. When the object moves, the RFID tag is configured to transmit at least one signal to the reader using the current generated by the motion-based generator to indicate that the object is in use. The RFID tag may include an energy scavenging circuit such that the RFID tag is also capable of being interrogated by the reader and perform additional operations, independent of the motion-based generator. | 07-02-2015 |
20150186693 | Systems and Methods for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Localization - A system for radio frequency identification localization. The system may include a modeling engine that employs one or more machine learning algorithms for receiving information associated with a plurality of reference tags; training, using one of the one or more machine learning algorithms, a prediction engine based upon the received information associated with the plurality of reference tags to output predicted tag locations; receiving information associated with the unknown tag; inputting the information associated with the unknown tag to the prediction engine; and determining a location of the unknown tag based upon an output of the prediction engine. | 07-02-2015 |
20150186654 | Systems and Methods for Monitoring Document Life Cycle and Destruction - Systems and methods for monitoring and managing documents printed by an imaging device, including receiving an electronic copy of a document printed by the imaging device and metadata associated with the document, automatically storing the electronic copy of the document and the associated metadata, associating a time period with the stored electronic copy and the associated metadata, the time period being a time during which the document is available for use. The methods further include automatically sending a notification, after the time period has elapsed, to a user, the notification requesting that the document needs to be destroyed. | 07-02-2015 |
20150186081 | Systems and Methods for Monitoring Document Life Cycle and Destruction - Systems and methods for monitoring and managing documents printed by an imaging device. The imaging device has a print engine and a controller coupled to the print engine. The controller is configured to control printing of the sheets of media by the print engine, generating an electronic copy of the sheets of media, generating or collecting metadata associated therewith and sending the electronic copy and the metadata to a destination around a time the sheets of media are printed. The electronic copy and the metadata may be used to update a database for tracking the status of the printed document | 07-02-2015 |
20150185673 | METHOD OF USING AN IMAGING DEVICE HAVING A MEDIA STIFFNESS SENSOR ASSEMBLY - A method of determining a media weight using a media stiffness sensor in an imaging device. A media sheet is staged having a cantilevered portion which is deflected by a contact member translated into the cantilevered portion. Based on the energy used to move the contact member through a travel distance, a media weight can be determined. An operating parameter of the imaging device may be adjusted based on the media weight that was determined. | 07-02-2015 |
20150185672 | Backup Belt Assembly for a Fusing System - A backup belt assembly includes an endless belt, at least a pair of nip forming rollers contacting an inner surface of the endless belt and positioned relative to the fuser roller to provide pressure to a section of an outer surface of the fuser roller adjacent the endless belt so as to form an elongated fusing nip along the section. A first roller of the pair of nip forming rollers engages the fuser roller via the endless belt at an entrance of the elongated fusing nip, while a second roller of the pair of nip forming rollers engages the fuser roller via the endless belt at an exit of the elongated fusing nip. The first roller provides a lower amount of pressure to the fuser roller relative to the pressure provided by the second roller. A supporting roller may be disposed within the endless belt near the entrance of the elongated fusing nip for providing acceptable media entry geometry. | 07-02-2015 |
20150185647 | Toner Compositions Including Silica Blends and Method to Make the Same - The toner composition of the present invention and method to make the same includes toner particles mixed with a specific set of extra particulate additives including large colloidal silica sized 90 nm to 120 nm and having a conductivity of less than 20 μs/cm in combination with medium size silica particles sized 30 nm to 60 nm. Optionally, additional extra particular additives such as silica sized 2 nm to 20 nm, alumina, titania or mixtures thereof can be used. The finished toner having these specific additives exhibited superior printing performance. | 07-02-2015 |
20150185646 | Toner Compositions Including Silica Blends and Method to Make the Same - The toner composition of the present invention and method to make the same includes toner particles mixed with a specific set of extra particulate additives including large colloidal silica sized 90 nm to 120 nm and basing a conductivity of less than 20 μs/cm in combination with medium size silica particles sized 30 nm to 60 nm. Optionally, additional extra particular additives such as silica sized 2 nm to 20 nm, alumina, titania or mixtures thereof can be used. The finished toner having these specific additives exhibited superior printing performance. | 07-02-2015 |
20150185642 | Overcoat Formulation for Long-Life Electrophotographic Photoconductors and Method for Making the Same - An overcoat layer and method to make an overcoated photoconductor drum of an electrophotographic image forming device using irradiation such as with electron beam (EB) or ultraviolet (UV) light is provided. The photoconductor drum is then cured using EB dose of between 10 and 100 kiloGrays (kGy), preferably between 20 and 40 kGys or UV irradiation with an exposure of between 0.1 and 2 J/cm | 07-02-2015 |
20150185641 | Overcoat Formulation for Long-Life Electrophotographic Photoconductors and Method for Making the Same - An overcoat layer and method to make an overcoated photoconductor drum of an electrophotographic image forming device using irradiation such as with electron beam (EB) or ultraviolet (UV) light is provided. The photoconductor drum is then cured using EB dose of between 10 and 100 kiloGrays (kGy), preferably between 20 and 40 kGys or UV irradiation with an exposure of between 0.1 and 2 J/cm | 07-02-2015 |
20150185640 | Overcoat Formulation for Long-Life Electrophotographic Photoconductors and Method for Making the Same - An overcoat layer and method to make an overcoated photoconductor drum of an electrophotographic image forming device using irradiation such as with electron beam (EB) or ultraviolet (UV) light is provided. The photoconductor drum is then cured using EB dose of between 10 and 100 kiloGrays (kGy), preferably between 20 and 40 kGys or UV irradiation with an exposure of between 0.1 and 2 J/cm | 07-02-2015 |
20150185631 | Photoconductor Overcoat Having Radical Polymerizable Charge Transport Molecules and Hexa-Functional Urethane Acrylates Having a Hexyl Backbone - An overcoat layer for an organic photoconductor drum of an electrophotographic image forming device is provided. The overcoat layer is prepared from a curable composition including a hexyl-based urethane resin having six radical polymerizable functional groups and a charge transport molecule having at least one radical polymerizable functional group. The amount of the hexyl-based urethane resin having six radical polymerizable functional groups in the curable composition is about 20 percent to about 80 percent by weight. The amount of the charge transport molecules having at least one radical polymerizable functional group in the curable composition is about 20 percent to about 80 percent by weight. This overcoat layer improves wear resistance of the organic photoconductor drum without negatively altering the electrophotographic properties, thus protecting the organic photoconductor drum from damage and extending its service life. | 07-02-2015 |
20150185629 | Photoconductors Having Titanyl Phthalocyanine and Bisazo Pigments in Dual Charge Generation Layers - A photoconductor with dual charge generation layers is provided. The photoconductor comprises an electrically conductive substrate, a first charge generation layer comprising titanyl phthalocyanine disposed over the electrically conductive substrate, a second charge generation layer comprising a bisazo pigment disposed over the first charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer disposed over the second charge generation layer. The photoconductor having dual charge generation layers provides improved sensitivity at 780 nm, 650 nm, and 450 nm compared to a photoconductor having a single titanyl phthalocyanine-based charge generation layer. | 07-02-2015 |
20150185628 | Photoconductor Overcoat Having Tetrafunctional Radical Polymerizable Charge Transport Molecule - An improved overcoat layer for an organic photoconductor drum of an electrophotographic image forming device is provided. The overcoat layer is prepared from a curable composition including a charge transport molecule containing four radical polymerizable functional groups of the general structure exemplified below: | 07-02-2015 |
20150185627 | Method of Producing Photoconductors Having Titanyl Phthalocyanine and Bisazo Pigments in Dual Charge Generation Layers - A method for preparing a photoconductor with dual charge generation layers is provided. The method comprises the steps of (1) providing an electrically conductive substrate, (2) preparing and coating a first charge generation layer dispersion over the electrically conductive substrate to create a first charge generation layer having titanyl phthalocyanine, (3) preparing and coating a second charge generation layer dispersion over the first charge generation layer to create a second charge generation layer having a bisazo pigment (3) preparing and coating a charge transport layer over the second charge generation layer to form the photoconductor. The photoconductor of the present invention having improved sensitivity at 780 nm, 650 nm, and 450 nm compared to a photoconductor having a single titanyl phthalocyanine-based charge generation layer. | 07-02-2015 |
20150183232 | Optical Scanning System and Imaging Apparatus for Using Same - A scanning unit includes a light source controllable to emit a light beam; a scanning mirror having a plurality of reflective surfaces, the scanning mirror receiving the light beam from the light source and deflecting at least portions of the light beam along a scan direction; and a collimator lens disposed between the light source and the scanning mirror, the collimator lens having a light incident surface that is spherical and a light exit surface that is aspheric such that the light beam, after passing through the collimator lens, is diverged by the collimator lens so as to be incident on at least two reflective surfaces of the scanning mirror. | 07-02-2015 |
20150178609 | Secure, Server-Less Print Release - A print release environment includes a client computing device, an imaging device and an active directory. The client stores an imaging job on a local hard disk. The client registers itself with the active directory indicating an existence of the job. Upon a user logging in to the imaging device to retrieve an imaged media corresponding to the imaging job, the imaging device queries the active directory for possible clients. The imaging device contacts client(s) and retrieves a list of jobs available to the user. The user selects their job and the client releases it direct to the imaging device. The client deletes the imaging job upon successful imaging of the media and undoes its registration with the active directory, unless further imaging jobs exist for the user. Encryption techniques are contemplated to secure the data of the imaging job end-to-end from the client to the imaging device. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178608 | Secure, Server-Less Print Release - A print release environment includes a client computing device, an imaging device and an active directory. The client stores an imaging job on a local hard disk. The client registers itself with the active directory indicating an existence of the job. Upon a user logging in to the imaging device to retrieve an imaged media corresponding to the imaging job, the imaging device queries the active directory for possible clients. The imaging device contacts client(s) and retrieves a list of jobs available to the user. The user selects their job and the client releases it direct to the imaging device. The client deletes the imaging job upon successful imaging of the media and undoes its registration with the active directory, unless further imaging jobs exist for the user. Encryption techniques are contemplated to secure the data of the imaging job end-to-end from the client to the imaging device. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178022 | Methods for Optimizing Load Density in a Managed Asset Environment - A computing device hosts an optimization application for optimizing a managed asset environment. The environment includes a plurality of electronic devices in a plurality of regions that subdivide the environment. Usage information associated with electronic devices per region is generated. Based on the usage information, a determination is made whether load density per region exceeds a value of a predetermined metric. Upon determining that a load density of at least one region exceeds the value, the application provides an indication to adjust a number of electronic devices in one or more of the regions to cause the load density of the at least one region to be less than the value and thereby substantially balance the load density between the plurality of regions. The indication is provided as an optimized map reflecting changes or adjustments in electronic devices and their locations. | 06-25-2015 |
20150163268 | System and Methods for Dynamically Loading a Compatible Media Player Based on a User's Environment - A method for dynamically loading a compatible media player for use by a computing device for playing a media item that includes receiving a media identifier and a profile of the computing device from the computing device; loading the media item corresponding to the media identifier; checking for the compatible media player by determining if the computing device profile includes one or more attributes associated with a media player; and if the computing device profile includes the one or more attributes, returning the media player to the computing device as the compatible media player. | 06-11-2015 |
20150146239 | Comparing Planned and Actual Asset Locations - A computing device display shows an actual location of an imaging device as configured in a computing system environment. An acceptance zone about a planned location of the imaging device visually conveys to a user whether or not the imaging device exists within a predetermined distance. If not, service level or other agreements specifying the location of the imaging device can be adjusted or the imaging device can be moved into compliance with the agreements. Alerts can be broadcast upon non-compliance or if the imaging device changes location. The display can be configured to show the imaging device with geospatial coordinates, within a building, superimposed on a map, such as a building floor plan, etc. Other embodiments note computing environments, deltas between locations, and various administrative tools. | 05-28-2015 |
20150139698 | Electrophotographic Image Forming Device Latching System for Retaining a Replaceable Unit - An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a tray having a storage area extending between a front end and a rear end of the tray. The tray has an opening at the front end permitting insertion and removal of a replaceable unit into and out of the storage area. A biasing member biases the replaceable unit toward the front end of the tray. A latch on the tray is movable between a latched position restraining the replaceable unit from moving toward the front end of the tray and an unlatched position freeing the replaceable unit to move toward the front end of the tray permitting removal of the replaceable unit from the storage area. A latch releasing mechanism on the replaceable unit unlatches the latch on the tray for removing the replaceable unit from the storage area. | 05-21-2015 |
20150139688 | Positional Control Features of a Replaceable Unit for an Electrophotographic Image Forming Device - A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes an elongated body extending along a lengthwise dimension between a front and a rear of the body. The body has a reservoir for holding toner. The body includes an extension downward from the bottom of the body near the rear of the body. The extension has a downward chute formed therein in fluid communication with the reservoir. A rear face of the extension is unobstructed to receive a bias force in a forward direction toward the front of the body along the lengthwise dimension. An outlet port on the bottom of the extension is in fluid communication with the chute for transferring toner out of the reservoir. The replaceable unit may include a positioning bump on the bottom of the body at a rearmost position on the bottom of the body. | 05-21-2015 |
20150139670 | Method for Operating an Imaging Device with a Failed Media Bin Level Sensor - A method of operating an imaging device having a failed or failing media-full sensor determines whether or not a controller can trust the output signal received from the media-full sensor. A reduced power or intensity level is used to test the media-full sensor and, in particular, the light source to counter the dimming of the light source that occurs due to aging and electrical noise in the system. When the output signal of a photoreceptor is at or below a threshold value, the photo-receptor is considered to have not detected the light beam from the light source and the light beam is deemed not to have been detected even though the photo-receptor may be providing a lower level output signal. Thus, an output signal of the photo-receptor is not trusted and an indication that a media storage area is not full is provided and an imaging operation is carried out. | 05-21-2015 |
20150126138 | System and Method for Communicating with an Unpowered Device - An apparatus for shipping a device containing a circuit, including a bag sized for holding the device; and an antenna connected to the bag, the antenna having a first end for coupling to the circuit of the device when the device is in the bag so as to allow for radio frequency (RF) communication with the device while the device is in the bag. Separation of the device from the bag causes the antenna to be disconnected from the circuit of the device. | 05-07-2015 |
20150126137 | System and Method for Communicating with an Unpowered Device - An apparatus for performing operations using low power, including control circuitry; a radio frequency (RF) circuit for receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies; an internal power source; and switching circuitry coupled between the control circuitry and the internal power source, the switching circuitry having a control terminal coupled to an output of the RF circuit. The apparatus is configured in a normal mode of operation and an off mode of operation in which the apparatus is powered down, and wherein in the off mode of operation energy from the received RF signals control a state of the switching circuitry to selectively couple the internal power source with the control circuitry for performing one or more operations. | 05-07-2015 |
20150121530 | System and Method for Sharing Files Between a Removable Device and a Target System - A method for sharing one or more files from a removable medium to a target computer includes sending a request for an application for converting the one or more files to a format compatible for use in the target computer; using the application, converting the files into the compatible format; emulating a file system, the emulated file system corresponding to the removable medium; storing the converted files in the emulated file system; and providing the target computer access to the converted files through the emulated file system. | 04-30-2015 |
20150117913 | Transfer System for an Electrophotographic Device - A device for transferring images from an image donating member to an image receiving medium comprises a substrate, at least two electrodes disposed on the substrate, and at least one layer of coating disposed on the substrate having an outer surface for forming a nip region with the image donating member. The at least two electrodes are controllable to produce an electric field and control a position thereof at the nip region to allow transfer of an image from the image donating member to the image receiving medium in an image transfer operation. | 04-30-2015 |
20150104202 | Method for Measuring Media Stack Height Using a Translatable Height Sensor - A method of using a media height sensor assembly for measuring a media stack in an imaging forming device. The assembly includes a support and drive and insertion assemblies mounted thereon. Insertion assembly includes a translatable plunger having mounted thereon a sensor and a translatable probe. At a home position the sensor is actuated by a flag on the support placing sensor output in a first state. During a measurement cycle, drive assembly translates insertion assembly toward a media stack and the sensor output changes to a second state and a counter is started. The probe initially encounters the media stack and translates in a direction opposite that of the plunger. As the plunger reaches the media stack, the probe causes the sensor output to again change state stopping the counter. The insertion assembly is retracted to the home position where the flag causes the sensor output to change state. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102548 | Reduced Component Translatable Media Stack Height Sensor Assembly - A translatable media height sensor assembly for measuring a media stack in an imaging forming device. The assembly includes a support and drive and insertion assemblies mounted thereon. Insertion assembly includes a translatable plunger having mounted thereon a sensor and a translatable probe. At a home position the sensor is actuated by a flag on the support placing sensor output in a first state. During measurement, drive assembly translates insertion assembly toward a media stack and the sensor output changes to a second state and a counter is started. The probe encounters the media stack and stops while plunger and sensor continue to translate with the probe engaging the sensor causing the sensor output to again change state and stop the counter. The insertion assembly retracts back to the home position where the flag actuates the sensor causing the sensor output to change state. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102085 | Translatable Media Stack Height Sensor Assembly - A translatable media height sensor assembly for measuring a media stack in an imaging forming device. The assembly includes a support and drive and insertion assemblies mounted thereon. Insertion assembly includes a translatable plunger having mounted thereon a sensor and a translatable probe. At a home position, the sensor is actuated by a flag on the support placing sensor output in a first state. During measurement, drive assembly translates insertion assembly toward a media stack and the sensor output changes to a second state and a counter is started. The probe initially encounters the media stack and stops while plunger continues to translate. As the plunger reaches the media stack, the probe engages the sensor causing the sensor output to again change state and stops the counter. The insertion assembly retracts back to the home position where the flag actuates the sensor causing the sensor output to change state. | 04-16-2015 |
20150098827 | Device for Connecting a Centerless Auger to a Rotatable Member - An auger assembly according to one example embodiment includes an auger having a helical flight extending along a longitudinal axis. The auger has a central opening running along the longitudinal axis. The auger has an end that includes at least a portion of a turn having substantially zero pitch. A retaining member has a body including a groove on an outer surface of the body. The groove has a shape complementary to the helical flight at the end of the auger. At least a portion of the end of the auger is retained within the groove. A rotatable coupling member extends along the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the rotatable coupling member is positioned within the central opening of the auger and presses the outer surface of the retaining member against an inner diameter of the end of the auger. | 04-09-2015 |
20150098731 | Carriage Assembly for Toner Cartridge Loading Having a Hold-Down Feature - A carriage assembly according to one example embodiment includes a cradle pivotably mounted on a base. The cradle has a cartridge storage area sized to receive and hold a toner cartridge. The cradle is pivotable between a loading position for loading and unloading the toner cartridge and an operating position for operating the toner cartridge. A hold-down feature is mounted on the base adjacent to the cradle in a substantially stationary position relative to the cradle movement. When the cradle is in the loading position, the hold-down feature is positioned clear of an insertion and removal path of the toner cartridge into and out of the cradle and, as the cradle moves toward the operating position and when the cradle is in the operating position, the hold-down feature is positioned to engage a stop on the toner cartridge to prevent the toner cartridge from separating from the cradle. | 04-09-2015 |
20150098730 | Carriage Assembly for Toner Cartridge Loading and Latching - A carriage assembly for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a plurality of cradles mounted on a base. Each cradle has a cartridge storage area sized to receive and hold a corresponding toner cartridge. Each of the cradles is independently pivotable between a loading position for loading and unloading the toner cartridge into and out of the cradle and an operating position for operating the toner cartridge in the image forming device. Each of the cradles is biased toward the loading position. A latch assembly is configured to retain the cradles holding the corresponding toner cartridges in the operating position. The latch assembly has user-actuated engagement features for individually releasing the cradles from the operating position to the loading position for unloading the corresponding toner cartridge. | 04-09-2015 |
20150098721 | Toner Cartridge Having Loading and Latching Features - A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a front, rear, first side, second side, top and bottom forming a toner reservoir. An outlet port is positioned on the front of the housing proximate the first side for transferring toner out of the reservoir. A drive gear is positioned on the front of the housing and has a center proximate the second side for receiving rotational power. A cavity is formed in the bottom of the housing. A latch catch is positioned in the cavity on an inner side of the front of the housing for receiving a latch for securing the toner cartridge in an image forming device. The latch catch is positioned closer to the bottom of the housing than the outlet port and the drive gear and between the center of the drive gear and the outlet port in the side-to-side direction. | 04-09-2015 |
20150092226 | Systems and Methods for Location-Aware Imaging Devices - Methods and systems fir tracking locations of a plurality of devices includes initializing a server with a site floor plan, receiving ranging information transmitted by one or more devices of the plurality of devices at the server, creating a multi-dimensional map of locations of the plurality of devices based on ranging information using a location engine, and calibrating the multi-dimensional map of locations to the site floor plan calibrated with geospatial coordinates. Upon movement of a device from a first to a second location, ranging information changes between devices and maps relative locations and absolute locations are updated. | 04-02-2015 |
20150086232 | Circuit and Method for a Hybrid Heater with Dual Function Heating Capability - A method and system for fusing toner to media sheets in an imaging device. The system includes a fuser heater having a first heating element and a second heating element, the fuser heater providing heat to a fuser nip; and heat control circuitry coupled to the fuser heater for passing current through the first and second heating elements of the fuser heater to generate heat therefrom. The system further includes a controller coupled to the heat control circuitry, the controller controlling the heat control circuitry for passing current through the first heating element during a warm up operation and passing current through the second heating element during a fusing operation following the warm up operation, the fusing operation fusing toner to a sheet of media. | 03-26-2015 |
20150085316 | Print Job Tracking and Policy Enforcement - Methods and apparatus enforce policy on print jobs and track them per users. A computing device has a layered service provider (LSP) and a spooler. The LSP determines whether data coining to it corresponds to print data or not. If so, it extracts user information and determines whether any imaging policies apply to the user. If policy applies, the LSP iteratively acknowledges to the spooler that data is being successfully transferred to an imaging device so the spooler will continue sending a remainder of the data corresponding to the print job. Upon receipt of an entire print job. the LSP enforces policy and notifies the user. It also notifies an accounting server to update its policies. Further embodiments note relationships between the LSP and spooler and their interaction with layers in a TCP/IP model. | 03-26-2015 |
20150085315 | Print Job Tracking and Policy Enforcement - Methods and apparatus enforce policy on print jobs and track them per users. A computing device has a layered service provider (LSP) and a spooler. The LSP determines whether data coming to it corresponds to print data or not. If so, it extracts user information and determines whether any imaging policies apply to the user. If policy applies, the LSP iteratively acknowledges to the spooler that data is being successfully transferred to an imaging device so the spooler will continue sending a remainder of the data corresponding to the print job. Upon receipt of an entire print job, the LSP enforces policy and notifies the user. It also notifies an accounting server to update its policies. Further embodiments note relationships between the LSP and spooler and their interaction with layers in a TCP/IP model. | 03-26-2015 |
20150083706 | Hybrid Heater with Dual Function Heating Capability - A fuser heater member for an electrophotographic imaging device, including a heater member. According to an example embodiment, the heater member includes positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material disposed along a width of a fuser nip of the fuser assembly; first and second electrodes disposed along disposed surfaces of the PTC material; an intermediate layer disposed over the second electrode; and at least one resistive trace disposed along the intermediate layer along the width of the fuser nip. The heater member includes a plurality of wire segments coupled to the first and second electrodes and the resistive elements for use in generating heat from at least one of the PTC material and the at least one resistive trace during a fusing operation. | 03-26-2015 |
20150074304 | Apparatus and method for polling addresses of one or more slave devices in a communications system - An address polling method and system for communicating unique slave address values to a master device over a shared bus. The method includes receiving a request signal from the master device requesting that a slave address from each slave device coupled to the data line be sent to the master; causing, in a serial manner, the data line to be placed in logic states corresponding to bit values in a first slave address; and upon the data line being placed in a logic state that is different from a corresponding bit value of the first slave address, determining that another slave device is placing its slave address on the data line and temporarily entering an idle state until such other slave device has finished communicating its slave address to the master device. | 03-12-2015 |
20150071686 | Method and Apparatus for Magnetic Brush Retraction in Electrophotographic System - A method and apparatus for retracting a magnetic brush in an imaging device. The apparatus includes a housing containing carrier beads and toner particles; a magnetic structure at least partly disposed within the housing and generating at least one magnetic field; and an endless sleeve disposed around and rotatable about the magnetic structure, at least a portion of the sleeve extending from the housing. During toner development, the magnetic structure is in a first position for developing a magnetic brush of the carrier beads and toner particles along the portion of the sleeve extending from the housing which forms a developer nip with a photoconductor, and during a period of time when toner development is not to be performed, the magnetic structure is in a second position for retracting the magnetic to brush by causing the carrier beads to be positioned against the portion of the endless sleeve extending from the housing forming the developer nip. | 03-12-2015 |
20150065607 | Elastomeric Roll for an Electrophotographic Image Forming Device having Compressible Hollow Microparticles - A roll for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes an elastomeric core having hollow microparticles dispersed within the core. The hollow microparticles are compressive and resiliently recoverable after receiving an applied force. | 03-05-2015 |
20150064403 | Elastomeric Roll for an Electrophotographic Image Forming Device having Compressible Hollow Microparticles Defining a Surface Texture of the Roll - A roll for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes an elastomeric core having hollow microparticles dispersed within the core. The hollow microparticles are compressive and resiliently recoverable after receiving an applied force. Portions of at least some of the hollow microparticles extend beyond an outer circumference of the core and provide a surface texture to the core. | 03-05-2015 |
20150064399 | Elastomeric Roll for an Electrophotographic Image Forming Device having a Coating that includes Compressible Hollow Microparticles - A roll for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes an elastomeric core having a coating on an outer surface of the elastomeric core. The coating has hollow microparticles dispersed within the coating. The hollow microparticles are compressive and resiliently recoverable after receiving an applied force. | 03-05-2015 |
20150063857 | Heat Transfer System for a Fuser Assembly - A fuser assembly for an electrophotographic imaging device which removes excess heat from overheated portions of the fuser assembly and includes a heating member; a backup roll disposed proximate to the heating member so as to form a fuser nip therewith; and a heat exchange roll in contact with the backup roll such that rotation of the backup roll rotates the heat exchange roll, the heat exchange roll having an air passage for moving cooling air from one end to an opposite end of the heat exchange roll so as to provide cooling to the fuser assembly. | 03-05-2015 |
20150063836 | Fuser Member Conditioning Systems and Methods - Disclosed is a method of conditioning a fusing member having a top-release layer. The method includes heating the top-release layer to at least the melting temperature of the top-release layer while rotating the fusing member and while no pressure member engages the top-release layer, and cooling the top-release layer to less than the melting temperature of the top-release layer while rotating the fusing member. Other methods and devices are disclosed. | 03-05-2015 |
20140379838 | System and Methods of Managing Content in one or more Networked Repositories During a Network Downtime Condition - A method of managing content in a network by a cache repository that includes receiving content from a content source; storing the content in the cache repository; sending the content to a remote repository for storage; and determining if a connection to the remote repository can be established in the network. If the connection to the remote repository can be established, the method includes retrieving the content from the remote repository; and if the connection to the remote repository cannot be established, the method retrieves the content from a backup repository. | 12-25-2014 |
20140379837 | System and Methods of Pre-Fetching Content in one or more Repositories - A method of pre-fetching content that includes determining a possible future use of a content and determining if the content is available in a cache repository. If the possible future use is determined and the content is determined to be unavailable in the cache repository, the method retrieves the content from a remote repository and provides the retrieved content to a content consumer. | 12-25-2014 |
20140379651 | Multiple Subscriber Support for Metadata Replication - A system of replicating metadata of content in a networked environment includes an archive device, a publisher subsystem, and a plurality of subscriber subsystems. The publisher subsystem gathers metadata stored in the archive device, packages the metadata into a payload, and transmits the payload to the plurality of subscriber subsystems for replication. | 12-25-2014 |
20140379640 | Metadata Replication for Non-Dicom Content - A method of replicating metadata from a publisher device to a subscriber device includes storing a clip having content and associated metadata, determining the content on the stored clip, gathering metadata associated with the content on the stored clip, packaging the gathered metadata in a payload, and transferring the payload to the subscriber device for replication of the gathered metadata in the subscriber device. | 12-25-2014 |
20140379639 | System and Methods of Managing Content in one or more Repositories - A method of managing documents in an active repository that includes receiving one or more documents having metadata from a plurality of cache repositories; registering the metadata in a registry; storing the one or more documents in the active repository; and replicating the stored one or more documents and the registered metadata to a backup system. | 12-25-2014 |
20140369730 | Heat Transfer System for a Fuser Assembly - A fuser assembly for an imaging device which transfers heat from overheated portions of the fuser assembly to portions having lesser temperatures. The fuser assembly includes a heating member; a backup roll disposed proximate to the heating member so as to form a fuser nip therewith; a heat transfer device in contact with the backup roll such that rotation of the backup roll rotates the heat transfer device, the heat transfer device transfers heat from one location to another location on the backup roll; and a positioning mechanism for moving the heat transfer device between a first position in which the heat transfer device is engaged with and contacts the one of the backup roll and the heating member and a second position in which the heat transfer device is disengaged and spaced apart therefrom, the positioning mechanism to pivots the heat transfer device about a pivot axis when moving between the first and second positions. | 12-18-2014 |
20140369729 | Heat Transfer System for a Fuser Assembly - A fuser assembly for an electrophotographic imaging device which transfers heat from overheated portions of the fuser assembly to portions having lesser temperatures. The fuser assembly includes a heating member; a backup roll disposed proximate to the heating member so as to form a fuser nip therewith, wherein rotation of the backup roll causes the heating member to rotate; and a first roll in contact with one of the backup roll and the heating member such that rotation of the one of the backup roll and the heating member rotates the first roll, the first roll including a heat pipe disposed therein. | 12-18-2014 |
20140369725 | Latch Mechanism for a Fuser Assembly Having a Heat Transfer Roll - A fuser assembly for an electrophotographic imaging device which transfers heat from overheated portions of the fuser assembly to portions having lesser temperatures. The fuser assembly includes a heating member; a backup roll disposed proximate to the heating member so as to form a fuser nip therewith; a heat transfer device in contact with backup roll; a positioning mechanism coupled to the heat transfer device for positioning the heat transfer device in a first position in which the heat transfer device contacts the backup roll, and a second position in which the heat transfer device is spaced apart from the backup roll; and a latch mechanism for latching the heat transfer device in the second position. | 12-18-2014 |
20140348532 | Interlock/Connector System for a Replaceable Item for an Image Forming Device - A connector having a magnetically attractable support loosely attachable to an exterior surface of the replaceable item for use in an image forming device. The connector is interconnectable with a second connector of the image forming device, the second connector having a magnet and an electrical contact adjacent to an operating position of the replaceable item wherein when the connector is attached to the replaceable item and the replaceable item is in the operating position, a magnetic field draws the support away from the replaceable item and the electrical contact of the connector into operational contact with the electrical contact of the second connector. The mounting of the support allows the support to be drawn away from the replaceable item and remain attached thereto. | 11-27-2014 |
20140341616 | Toner Cartridge Having an Angled Exit Port Surface - A toner cartridge for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a front, and a rear positioned between a first side and a second side of the housing. The housing has an elongated shape extending from the first side to the second side. The housing defines a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port on the front of the housing is in fluid communication with the reservoir. A port surface surrounding the exit port is positioned to seal against a corresponding surface when the toner cartridge is installed in the image forming device. The port surface is angled upward with respect to the bottom of the housing and faces generally downward. | 11-20-2014 |
20140320899 | Time-Based, Intelligent Print Release - A print release environment includes a print server and pluralities of imaging devices. A user of a computing device sends to the print server a current print job for imaging operations. The print server analyzes metrics of the current print job relative to prior print jobs of the same user. Before the user makes a claim to pick up the current print job from a specific one of the imaging devices, the print server predicts when and where the user will likely make their claim. Techniques note actions to speed processing based on the predictions. | 10-30-2014 |
20140320895 | Intelligent Print Release - A print release environment includes a print server and pluralities of imaging devices. A user of a computing device sends to the print server a current print job for imaging operations. The print server analyzes metrics of the current print job relative to prior print jobs of the same user. Before the user makes a claim to pick up the current print job from a specific one of the imaging devices, the print server predicts where the user will likely make their claim. The print server sends the current print job to the device in advance of the user's claim to speed processing. Further embodiments note techniques for making predictions. | 10-30-2014 |
20140320894 | Intelligent Print Release - A print release environment includes a print server and pluralities of imaging devices. A user of a computing device sends to the print server a current print job for imaging operations. The print server analyzes metrics of the current print job relative to prior print jobs of the same user. Before the user makes a claim to pick up the current. print job from a specific one of the imaging devices, the print server predicts where the user will likely make their claim. The print server sends the current print job to the device in advance of the user's claim to speed processing. Further embodiments note techniques for making predictions. | 10-30-2014 |
20140319755 | Methods for Feeding Media Sheets Having Increased Throughput - Methods for picking a following sheet of media before the prior sheet of media has been detected exiting a media input tray in an imaging apparatus to increase media throughput. The methods may further include processes for shifting an image area to a shingled sheet of media without having to stop the imaging process. | 10-30-2014 |
20140300046 | REMOVABLE MEDIA DAM WITH SEPARATOR ROLL POSITIONER FOR A MEDIA TRAY - A removable media dam for a media input tray. The removable media dam is mountable in a front wall of the media tray and may contain one or more rollers for feeding media from the media input tray. The removable media dam includes a separator roll positioner for angularly rotating a separator roll between a retracted position and an extended position to adjust the height of the separator roll with respect to a media contact surface thereby varying the media sheet separation force applied by the separator roll to media sheets being fed from the media tray. In one form, the removable media dam is mountable by a user without the use of tools. | 10-09-2014 |
20140300045 | METHOD OF USING SEPARATOR ROLL POSITIONER IN A REMOVABLE MEDIA DAM AND SEPARATOR ROLL SPEED TO CORRECT FEED ERRORS - A method of using a separator roll positioner and separator roll rotational speed to correct media feed errors by angularly rotating a separator roll between a retracted position and an extended position to adjust the height of the separator roll with respect to a media contact surface or by varying separator roll rotational speed thereby varying the media sheet separation force. | 10-09-2014 |
20140297486 | Initial Calibration of Asset To-Be-Tracked - A mobile computing device hosts an operating system and mobile applications. A calibrating application causes display of an interface for entry of administrative data regarding an asset to-be-tracked. A positioning system defines locations of the asset in geospatial coordinates. The calibrating application displays a mapping function that shows on a map an initial location of the asset. Users adjust the initial location to a proper location on the map with a hand gesture on a display surface of the mobile computing device. A delta is noted between the initial and proper locations that the calibrating application applies later during tracking of the asset to precisely establish a whereabouts of the asset in its tracking environment. Other embodiments note techniques for entering administrative data. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297485 | Initial Calibration of Asset To-Be-Tracked - A mobile computing device hosts an operating system and mobile applications. A calibrating application causes display of an interface for entry of administrative data regarding an asset to-be-tracked. A positioning system defines locations of the asset in geospatial coordinates. The calibrating application displays a mapping function that shows on a map an initial location of the asset. Users adjust the initial location to a proper location on the map with a hand gesture on a display surface of the mobile computing device. A delta is noted between the initial and proper locations that the calibrating application applies later during tracking of the asset to precisely establish a whereabouts of the asset in its tracking environment. Other embodiments note techniques for entering administrative data. | 10-02-2014 |
20140295121 | Label Media Having Multiple Adhesives and Adhesive Free Regions for use in an Electophotographic Printer - Label media having one of more labels with multiple adhesives having different adhesion characteristics and at least one adhesive free zone for use in an electrophotographic printer. | 10-02-2014 |
20140270846 | Transfer Roll Assembly for an Electrophotographic Image Forming Device - An image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having an access door manually movable between a closed position and an open position. A carriage is mounted on an inner portion of the access door. A first roll is rotatably mounted to the carriage and forms a nip with a second member positioned in the interior of the housing when the access door is closed. The first roll is spaced away from the second member when the access door is open. The carriage is free to move relative to the access door and is biased away from the access door toward the second member. A clamping assembly is configured to clamp the first roll against the second member to form the nip as the access door is closed and unclamp the first roll from the second member as the access door is opened. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268252 | Optical Scanning System and Imaging Apparatus for Using Same - A scanning system includes a scanning member having at least one reflective surface and at least one light source for emitting at least one light beam to be incident on the at least one reflective surface of the scanning member during a scanning operation. At least one curved synchronization mirror deflects and focuses at least a portion of the at least one light beam that is deflected by the scanning member to indicate at least one of a start and an end of a scan line operation of the scanning operation. A sensor receives the at least one light beam deflected and focused by the at least one curved synchronization mirror. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267537 | Optical Scanning System for Use in an Imaging Apparatus - A scanning unit includes a scanning member having at least one reflective surface for reflecting light incident thereon, a plurality of light sources controllable to emit light beams onto the at least one reflective surface, and first and second scan lenses for receiving and focusing the light beams reflected from the at least one reflective surface. Each of the first and second scan lenses has a light exit surface having a first curved surface section and a second curved surface section defining therebetween a junction line extending between opposed longitudinal ends of each of the first and second scan lenses. The junction line is nonlinear. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267530 | Scan Unit for an Imaging Device and Methods of Using Same - An imaging device scan unit, including an oscillator oscillating in a predetermined oscillation pattern; a light source generating a light beam for deflection by the oscillator and including a forward sweep portion when the oscillator moves in a first direction of the oscillation pattern and a reverse sweep portion when the oscillator moves in a second direction different from the first direction thereof; and components defining at least two optical paths for the light beam, the forward sweep portion of the light beam passes through a first optical path and the reverse sweep portion of the light beam passes through a second optical path, the second optical path reverses a sweep direction of the reverse sweep portion of the light beam such that the forward sweep portion and the reverse sweep portion of the light beam are in the substantially same direction when exiting the scan unit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140255060 | Toner Cartridge Having a Shutter that Includes an Air Duct Therethrough - A toner cartridge for use in an imaging device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir enclosed therein for holding a quantity of toner. The housing has an exit port in communication with the reservoir for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. A shutter is mounted on the housing and has a toner path through the shutter. The toner path includes an exit opening. The shutter is moveable between a closed position where the toner path is closed to the exit port preventing toner from exiting the toner cartridge and an open position where the exit opening is open to the exit port allowing toner to exit the toner cartridge. The shutter has an air duct therethrough separated from the toner path. The air duct has a first end in fluid communication with the exit port when the shutter is in the open position. | 09-11-2014 |
20140243046 | Provisioning User Attributes for use with Mobile Computing Device - A mobile computing device hosts an operating system and mobile applications. A provisioning application communicates with a secure element and near field communication (NFC) subsystem. It causes display of an interface for users to enter personal attributes for storage in the secure element. Users discriminately select items from their personal attributes for transmission to a third party recipient so only attributes relative to the third party are sent. Software, interfaces, methods, and apparatus typify the embodiments. | 08-28-2014 |
20140242905 | Provisioning User Attributes for use with Mobile Computing Device - A mobile computing device hosts an operating system and mobile applications. A provisioning application communicates with a secure element and near field communication (NFC) subsystem. It causes display of an interface for users to enter personal attributes for storage in the secure element. Users discriminately select items from their personal attributes for transmission to a third party recipient so only attributes relative to the third party are sent. Software, interfaces, methods, and apparatus typify the embodiments. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241763 | Self Lubricating Fuser and Method of Operation - A belt fuser assembly which dispenses lubricant oil or other depleted lubricant component to the inner surface of the fuser belt. The belt fuser assembly may include a lubricant dispenser positioned to be heated by the heating element of the fuser assembly for dispensing a lubricant oil to the inner surface of the fuser belt. The lubricant dispenser may include a reservoir containing the lubricant oil and an exit port for delivering the lubricant oil from the reservoir to the inner surface of the fuser belt upon the reservoir being heated by the heating element at a temperature above the fusing temperature of the belt fuser assembly. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241758 | Toner Cartridge Having a Shutter Lock Mechanism - An example toner cartridge includes a reservoir for containing toner and an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A shutter is positioned at the exit port and movable between an open position and a closed position. A first linkage member is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature. A second linkage member is pivotally attached to a side wall of the housing and biased toward a home position. A third linkage member is movable with the second linkage member. When the second linkage member is in the home position, the third linkage member is in a blocking position preventing the first linkage member from opening the shutter. When the second linkage member pivots away from the home position, the third linkage member moves to a non-blocking position permitting the first linkage member to open the shutter. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241748 | Self Lubricating Fuser and Method of Operation - A belt fuser assembly which dispenses lubricant oil or other depleted lubricant component to the inner surface of the fuser belt. The belt fuser assembly may include a lubricant dispenser positioned to be heated by the heating element of the fuser assembly for dispensing a lubricant oil to the inner surface of the fuser belt. A controller coupled to the heating element activates the heating element to generate heat at a fusing temperature during a fusing operation and at at least one second temperature greater than the fusing temperature during a lubricant dispensing operation so as to cause lubricant to dispense from the lubricant dispenser. | 08-28-2014 |
20140237816 | Extrusion Process for Manufacturing a Z-Directed Component for a Printed Circuit Board - A method for manufacturing a Z-directed component for insertion into a mounting hole in a printed circuit board according to one example embodiment includes extruding a substrate material according to the shape of the Z-directed component. A conductive material is then selectively applied to the extruded substrate material and the Z-directed component is formed from the extruded substrate material. | 08-28-2014 |
20140232778 | Star Wheel with Adjustable Directional Biaser - A print media feed system in a inkjet printer, the system has a media feed roll, a star wheel mounted opposing the roll, an adjustable biaser coupled to the star wheel, and a controller coupled to the biaser. The controller varies a magnitude, a direction or a magnitude and direction of a biasing force applied to the star wheel by the biaser. In one form, the biaser comprises a motor driven cam that varies the angular position of a pivotable lever having a star wheel rotatably attached on one end. In another form, a rack and pinion gear assembly is used to vary the biasing force with a star wheel rotatably attached to the rack. In a further form, a solenoid is used to vary the basing force applied to the lever or applied to a star wheel rotatably attached to the end of the shaft of a solenoid. | 08-21-2014 |
20140232777 | Method of Using Star Wheel with Adjustable Directional Biaser - A method of printing with an inkjet printer including a printhead, a star wheel located downstream from the printhead, and an adjustable biaser coupled to the star wheel. The method comprises analyzing print data to identify an area of printing to be printed on a sheet of print media that aligns with the star wheel; calculating the density of the printing in the identified area of printing; printing the identified area of printing; determining whether the calculated density exceeds a density criteria, and if so then using the adjustable biaser to lift the star wheel off of the sheet before the printed area of printing reaches the star wheel; advancing the printed area of printing past the star wheel; and using the adjustable biaser lowering the star wheel onto the sheet after the printed area of printing has advanced past the star wheel. | 08-21-2014 |
20140212161 | Method and System for Controlling a Fuser Assembly - An imaging device includes a fuser assembly including a heat transfer member and a backup member positioned to engage the heat transfer member thereby defining a fusing nip therewith. A motor is coupled to the backup member for rotating the backup member. A controller coupled to the fuser assembly controls the motor using time-based commutation for a period of time to rotate the backup member at a slower speed relative to a speed for performing a toner fusing operation. In memory, at least one lookup table is stored having entries which, when sequentially accessed by the controller during the time-based commutation, are used to generate one or more drive signals for the motor to cause current flowing through windings of the motor to have a substantially sinusoidal waveform. | 07-31-2014 |
20140212155 | Toner Level Sensing for Replaceable Unit of an Image Forming Device - A method for estimating an amount of toner remaining in a reservoir of a replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes receiving by processing circuitry pulses from a magnetic sensor. Each pulse is indicative that the magnetic sensor detected a magnet on a moving paddle positioned in the reservoir. The processing circuitry counts the number of the pulses received from the magnetic sensor. Upon receiving a request from a controller of the image forming device, the processing circuitry sends to the controller of the image forming device the count of the pulses received from the magnetic sensor and resets the count of the pulses received from the magnetic sensor. | 07-31-2014 |
20140205305 | Toner Level Sensing for Replaceable Unit of an Image Forming Device - A method for estimating an amount of toner remaining in a reservoir of a replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes rotating a shaft positioned in the reservoir and measuring an amount of revolution of the shaft. A paddle mounted on the shaft and free to fall ahead of the rotation of the shaft is pushed by the rotation of the shaft. An estimate of the amount of toner remaining in the reservoir is decreased based on the measured amount of revolution of the shaft. The paddle is sensed near a lowest center of gravity of the paddle. The estimate of the amount of toner remaining in the reservoir is adjusted when the number of times the paddle is sensed near the lowest center of gravity of the paddle per revolution of the shaft increases. | 07-24-2014 |
20140202753 | Z-Directed Delay Line Components for Printed Circuit Boards - A Z-directed signal delay line component for insertion into a printed circuit board while allowing electrical connection to internal conductive planes contained with the PCB. In one embodiment the Z-directed delay line component is housed within the thickness of the PCB allowing other components to be mounted over it. The delay line embodiments include a W-like line and a plurality of spaced apart, semi-circular line segment connected such that current flow direction alternates in direction between adjacent semi-circular line segments, each of which in other embodiments can be varied by use of shorting bars. Several Z-directed delay line components may be mounted into a PCB and serially connected to provide for longer delays. The body may contain one or more conductors and may include one or more surface channels or wells extending along at least a portion of the length of the body. | 07-24-2014 |
20140199097 | Toner Delivery System for a Shake-Free Toner Cartridge - A toner delivery system for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle assembly having a plurality of scrapers. A main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing. | 07-17-2014 |
20140189451 | Addressing, Command Protocol, and Electrical Interface for Non-volatile Memories Utilized in Recording Usage Counts - A memory module, including a plurality of memory cells and a plurality of signal lines for communicating with a processing device. The memory module is configured such that following reception of a command and upon encountering a first condition while processing the command, the memory module limits a voltage on a first signal line of the plurality of signal lines to be no more than an intermediate voltage greater than voltage levels corresponding to a binary zero state and less than voltage levels corresponding to a binary one state for a period of time for indicating an occurrence of the first condition. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189351 | Print Release with End to End Encryption and Print Tracking - A method for encrypting print jobs that includes receiving output data, encrypting the output data with a randomly-generated symmetric session key, generating a session key header by encrypting the randomly-generated symmetric session key using an asymmetric user public key, and encrypting the session key header using a server public key. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186758 | Photo Conductor Overcoat Comprising Radical Polymerizable Charge Transport Molecules and Hexa-Functional Urethane Acrylates - An overcoat layer for an organic photoconductor drum of an electrophotographic image forming device is provided. The overcoat layer is prepared from an (UV) ultraviolet curable composition including a urethane resin having at least six radical polymerizable functional groups and a charge transport molecule having at least one radical polymerizable functional group. The amount of the urethane resin having at least six radical polymerizable functional groups in the curable composition is about 35 percent to about 65 percent by weight. The amount of the charge transport molecules having at least one radical polymerizable functional group in the curable composition is about 35 percent to about 65 percent by weight. This overcoat layer improves wear resistance of the organic photoconductor drum without negatively altering the electrophotographic properties, thus protecting the organic photoconductor drum from damage and extending its useful life. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186757 | Wear resistant urethane hexaacrylate materials for photoconductor overcoats - An overcoat layer for an organic photoconductor drum of an electrophotographic image forming device is provided. The overcoat layer is prepared from a curable composition including a urethane resin having at least six radical polymerizable functional groups. The at least six radical polymerizable functional groups may include acrylate group, methacrylate group, styrenic group, allylic group, vinylic group, glycidyl ether group, epoxy group, or combinations thereof. This overcoat layer has an improved wear resistance, thus protecting the organic photoconductor drum from damage and extending its useful life. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186756 | Crosslinkable urethane acrylate charge transport molecules for overcoat - An overcoat layer for an organic photoconductor drum of an electrophotographic image forming device is provided. The overcoat layer is prepared from a curable composition including a urethane methacrylate functional charge transport molecule, and a photoinitiator. The urethane acrylate functional charge transport molecule is a reaction product of hydroxyl functional charge transport molecule and a monomer having an isocyanate group and an acrylate group. This overcoat layer improves wear resistance of the organic photoconductor drum without negatively altering the electrophotographic properties, thus protecting the organic photoconductor drum from damage and extending its useful life. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186063 | Capacitive Sensor for Sensing State of Waste Toner Box in an Imaging Apparatus - A capacitive sensor for sensing amount of waste toner in a waste toner box of an imaging apparatus includes a capacitor that has a pair of separated plates disposed within the interior of the waste toner box. The capacitance of the capacitor changes with the amount of toner in between the plates of the capacitor. A sensor circuitry is connected to the plates of the waste toner box that measure the capacitance of the capacitor as a voltage value. This voltage value is provided to a controller that determines a relative change in the capacitance value by determining a change in capacitance of the capacitor with respect to a number of pages printed by the imaging apparatus. The controller then determines the state of the waste toner box based on this relative change in capacitance. | 07-03-2014 |
20140185118 | Adjustable Mirror Motor Mounting for Laser Printhead - A scan unit printhead of an imaging device having an adjustable mirror mounting. The scan unit includes a housing to which a rotatable minor, one or more light sources and an optical assembly are secured. The scan unit also includes a motor for driving the rotatable mirror, a plurality of fasteners for securing the motor to the housing and a plurality of spacers interposed between a base associated with the motor and the housing. The plurality of spacers resiliently bias the base of the motor away from the housing such that each of the plurality of spacers allows relative adjustment of a space between the base of the motor and the housing during a tightening and loosening operation of at least one of the to plurality of fasteners. | 07-03-2014 |
20140185102 | Scanner and Process for Detecting a Scan Lid Open Condition - A scanner and process for detecting a scan lid open condition. The scan lid open condition is detected by aligning two scan bars with one another, illumining one of the scan bars with a predetermined illumining pattern and during the illumining, scanning the illumined scan bar with the other scan bar. The response of the scanning scan bar is compared with an expected response for the illumining pattern with the scan lid closed. If a positive comparison occurs, the scan lid is closed. If a negative comparison occurs, the scan lid is open. | 07-03-2014 |
20140185085 | Process Enablement in Network Downtime Condition - It is a first aspect of the present disclosure to provide a computer implemented method of enabling a peripheral device connected to a network during an inactive communication with the network, that includes activating an ad-hoc network connection with a mobile device during the inactive communication of the peripheral device with the network; transmitting a document to the mobile device for processing; receiving the processed document from the mobile device; storing the processed document in a memory of the peripheral device; and sending the processed document to a remote storage location once the peripheral device is determined to be actively communicating with the network | 07-03-2014 |
20140185079 | Process Enablement in Network Downtime Condition - It is a first aspect of the present disclosure to provide a computer implemented method of enabling, by a mobile device, a peripheral device connected to a network that includes establishing a connection with the peripheral device when the peripheral device fails to communicate with the network; querying the peripheral device for a document; receiving a document from the peripheral device; processing the document; and sending the processed document to the peripheral device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140183815 | Media Actuated Media Diverter for an Imaging Device - A media actuated, media diverter mounted on a media guide positioned between the output of a simplex path and the entrance of a duplex path in an imaging device. The media diverter comprises a plate having a media guiding surface and a media contact surface along portions of the edge of the plate. The plate is received within a slot through the guide member such that in a first position the media contact surface extends into the duplex path and when in a second position the media guiding surface extends into the simplex path. The plate's center of gravity moves the contact surface of the plate into the first position. A media sheet fed into the duplex path strikes the media contact surface moving the plate to the second position where the media guiding surface directs a following sheet in the simplex path to an exit of the imaging device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140175730 | Translatable Roller Media Aligning Mechanism - A media conveying system for aligning a media sheet in a media path of an image forming apparatus may include a first roll mounted across the media path, a second roll mounted relative to the first roll so as to define a first nip between the first roll and the second roll, and a reference edge positioned along a side of the media path. A drive mechanism is coupled to the second roll for translating the second roll in a first direction such that a media sheet positioned in the nip moves in the first direction towards the reference edge. | 06-26-2014 |
20140169818 | Method and System for Controlling a Fuser Assembly Using Temperature Feedback - A method and apparatus for providing a relatively short period of time for a fuser assembly to be ready to perform a fusing operation. Included is a fusing assembly having a heat transfer member and a backup member positioned to engage the heat transfer member so as to define a fusing nip therewith; and a controller coupled to the fuser assembly, wherein during a period of time when the fuser assembly is not performing a fusing operation, the controller causes the backup member to rotate at one or more relatively slow speeds relative to a fusing speed of the fuser assembly while activating the heat transfer member. At least one of a beginning and an ending of the period of time being based upon an actual temperature in the fuser assembly. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169810 | Replaceable Unit for an Image Forming Device having a Sensor for Sensing Rotational Motion of a Paddle in a Toner Reservoir of the Replaceable Unit - A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A paddle is mounted on the shaft. A sensor is positioned on the housing outside of the reservoir and positioned to sense a rotational motion of the paddle when the shaft rotates. A processor is mounted on the housing and in electric communication with the sensor. An electrical contact is in electric communication with the processor and exposed on an exterior of the housing unobstructed to mate with a corresponding electrical contact when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169808 | Rotational Sensing for a Replaceable Unit of an Image Forming Device - A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having an inner volume forming a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A paddle is mounted to the shaft. The paddle includes a magnet that has a magnetic field detectable by a magnetic sensor for detecting the motion of the paddle. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169807 | Systems and Methods for Measuring a Particulate Material - A system for measuring a particulate material according to one example embodiment includes a container having a reservoir for storing the particulate material. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A paddle is mounted on the shaft and rotatable independent of the shaft. A driving member is rotatable with the shaft and positioned to push the paddle when the shaft rotates. The paddle is free to fall ahead of the driving member. At least one sensor is positioned to sense a rotational motion of the paddle as the shaft rotates. A processor in electronic communication with the at least one sensor is configured to determine an amount of the particulate material remaining in the reservoir based on the sensed rotational motion of the paddle. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169806 | Replaceable Unit for an Image Forming Device Having a Falling Paddle for Toner Level Sensing - A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having an inner volume forming a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A paddle is mounted on the shaft and rotatable independent of the shaft. A driving member is rotatable with the shaft and positioned to push the paddle when the shaft rotates. The paddle is free to fall ahead of the driving member. The paddle includes a magnetic element rotatable with the paddle and detectable by a magnetic sensor when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device for detecting the motion of the paddle. | 06-19-2014 |
20140146626 | Addressing, Command Protocol, and Electrical Interface for Non-Volatile Memories Utilized in Recording Usage Counts - Electrical interfaces, addressing schemes, and command protocols allow for communications with memory modules in computing devices such as imaging and printing devices. Memory modules may be assigned an address through a set of discrete voltages. One, multiple, or all of the memory modules may be addressed with a single command, which may be an increment counter command, a write command, a punch out bit field, or a cryptographic command. The commands may be transmitted using a broadcast scheme or a split transaction scheme. The status of the memory modules may be determined by sampling a single signal that may be at a low, high, or intermediate voltage level. | 05-29-2014 |
20140126938 | Hybrid Architecture for an Electrophotographic Imaging Device - An imaging device is shown, including a plurality of color imaging units, each color imaging unit selectively depositing toner forming a distinct color toner image; an intermediate transfer member for cooperating with the color imaging units such that the color toner images are deposited thereon; and a black imaging unit for depositing black toner having a photoconductive member on which the black toner is deposited to form a black toner image. The intermediate transfer member and the black imaging unit are configured so that during a color print operation, color toner images deposited on the intermediate transfer member are deposited therefrom onto the photoconductive member of the black imaging unit, and the color toner images and the black toner image are subsequently deposited onto a to media sheet. | 05-08-2014 |
20140114629 | Process Model Transition Visualization - A method of visually representing a process that includes creating a case representation for each case in the process, representing the process as a workflow having states and transitions, displaying a progression of each case representation from one state to a next state at a speed representing an amount of time for the each case to reach the next state from the one state; and varying an appearance of the transition depending on a performance metric at a time interval. | 04-24-2014 |
20140105628 | Method and System for Controlling a Fuser Assembly - A method and apparatus for providing a relatively short period of time for a fuser assembly to be ready to perform a fusing operation. Included is a fusing assembly having a heat transfer member and a backup member positioned to engage the heat transfer member so as to define a fusing nip therewith; and a controller coupled to the fuser assembly, wherein during a period of time when the fuser assembly is not performing a fusing operation, the controller activates the heat transfer member while causing the backup member to rotate at one or more relatively slow speeds relative to a fusing speed of the fuser assembly. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105622 | Methods for Providing a Transferable Page Countdown for a Toner Cartridge Between Image Forming Devices - A method for providing a page countdown for a replaceable toner cartridge according to one embodiment includes, upon detecting a toner cartridge that is out of usable toner, determining a number of pages remaining for a page countdown associated with the toner cartridge. Whether a toner sump of an imaging unit positioned to receive toner from the toner cartridge contains sufficient toner to print the number of pages remaining is also determined. If the toner sump of the imaging unit contains sufficient toner, the page countdown continues from the number of pages remaining. If the toner sump of the imaging unit does not contain sufficient toner, the number of pages remaining for the page countdown is reset based on the amount of toner available in the toner sump of the imaging unit and the page countdown continues from the reset number of pages remaining. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105620 | Methods for Providing an Estimated Replacement Date for a Replaceable Unit of an Image Forming Device - A method for providing an indication of when a replaceable unit of an image forming device will require replacement according to one example embodiment includes determining an average usage of the replaceable unit per day. Whether the replaceable unit is near the end of its life is also determined. After determining that the replaceable unit is near the end of its life, a number of days remaining until the replaceable unit will require replacement is displayed on a display screen of at least one of the image forming device and a device in electronic communication with the image forming device based on the determined average usage of the replaceable unit per day. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105619 | Methods for Providing a Page Countdown for a Replaceable Unit of an Image Forming Device - A method for providing a page countdown for a replaceable unit of an image forming device according to one embodiment includes calculating a number of pages remaining until the replaceable unit will reach the end of its life. The calculated number of pages remaining until the replaceable unit will reach the end of life is displayed on a display screen. After the calculated number of pages remaining is displayed, the displayed number of pages remaining is decreased by one for each page printed, the number of pages remaining is recalculated and a discrepancy between the displayed number of pages remaining and the recalculated number of pages remaining is tracked. If the discrepancy exceeds a predetermined error threshold, the recalculated number of pages remaining is displayed and the displayed number of pages remaining continues to be decreased by one for each page printed from the displayed recalculated number of pages remaining. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105618 | Fuser Assembly and Method for Controlling Fuser Operations Based Upon Fuser Component Attributes - A fuser assembly for an electrophotographic imaging device, the fuser assembly including an integrated circuit chip having memory which has stored therein attribute data. The memory provides the attribute data for use in controlling the fuser assembly during fusing operations throughout the life of the fuser assembly. The attribute data includes a table of values corresponding to fusing temperatures for the fuser assembly, the fusing temperatures decreasing throughout the life of the fuser assembly to account for aging or wear of at least one component of the fuser assembly. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103602 | AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTABLE PICK MECHANISM FOR FEEDING SHEETS OF MEDIA OF DIFFERENT WIDTHS - In an imaging apparatus, a removable media tray is operative to hold a plurality of media types of different widths and a pick device includes a pick mechanism and a translation mechanism for moving the pick mechanism to a centerline of a width of one or more media sheets in the media tray. The media tray includes a reference edge surface and a media edge guide moveable to a selected position with respect to the reference edge surface. The one or more media sheets are restrained between the reference edge surface and the media edge guide with the translation mechanism automatically translating the pick mechanism to the centerline of the corresponding media width during insertion of the media tray into the imaging apparatus. | 04-17-2014 |
20140093263 | System and Method for Controlling Multiple Light Sources of a Laser Scanning System in an Imaging Apparatus - An imaging device having a printhead unit which includes a plurality of independently controllable light sources, each light source generating a light beam when activated; a photoconductive surface operable at a plurality of image transfer rates; a scanning device having one or more deflecting surfaces, the scanning device arranged to direct the light beams so as to sweep in at least one scan direction across a surface such that, for each sweep, scan lines written by the light beams are spaced from one another on the photoconductive surface in a process direction that is nominally orthogonal to the scan direction; and a controller configured to selectively activate any number of the light sources for use during a print operation to write image data along scan lines on the photoconductive surface, wherein a rotational velocity of the scanning device is selected and the number of the light sources activated based upon at least one selected operating parameter for the imaging device. | 04-03-2014 |
20140092195 | Motor Control System and Method for a Laser Scanning Unit of an Imaging Apparatus - A scanning system for use in an imaging apparatus includes a mirror assembly having a rotating mirror with a plurality of facets, a motor operatively coupled to the rotating mirror and closed loop control circuitry coupled to the motor. The minor assembly generates a lock signal indicative of whether or not the motor is substantially at a target speed. A controller is communicatively coupled to the minor assembly for controlling rotation of the rotating mirror, the controller generating a reference signal received by the motor assembly indicating the target speed for the rotating minor. The reference signal is varied based at least in part upon an acceleration profile that accelerates the motor so that overshoot of the target speed is substantially reduced. | 04-03-2014 |
20140079427 | Method and System for Efficient Duplex Printing - An imaging device, including one or more imaging units for use in transferring toner to media sheets, one of the imaging units being a black imaging unit for transferring black toner; a media transport path having a duplex path, the duplex path having at least one set of rollers for independently moving media sheets through the duplex path; and a controller operatively coupled to the one or more imaging units and the media transport path, for staging one or more media sheets in the duplex path for a period of time. The period of time results in an increase in the interpage gap which may be utilized while the imaging device interrupts a printing operation to perform any of a number of operations. | 03-20-2014 |
20140051161 | Micro-Fluidic Modules on a Chip for Diagnostic Applications - A micro-fluidic device includes a plurality of heaters on a substrate for heating the substrate. The plurality of heaters define a plurality of temperature regions having distinct temperatures on the substrate. A flow feature layer is formed above the substrate to define a channel extending across the substrate through each temperature region. As fluid is repeatedly pumped within the channel, it flows from one temperature region to a next temperature region to undergo thermal cycling. | 02-20-2014 |
20140051159 | Micro-Fluidic Modules on a Chip for Diagnostic Applications - A chip having a substrate for amplifying genetic material includes a substrate heater having a plurality of substrate heating resistors. The heating resistors define a first temperature zone for maintaining a first temperature, a second temperature zone for maintaining a second temperature below the first temperature, and a third temperature zone for maintaining a third temperature between the first and second temperatures, on the substrate. A flow path formed on the substrate allows conveying of reactions to the first temperature zone, the third temperature zone, and the second temperature zone so as to undergo denaturing, annealing, and extension, respectively, according to a polymerase chain reaction process, for at least one cycle. | 02-20-2014 |
20140044303 | Method of Securely Scanning a Payment Card - A method of securely scanning a payment card according to one example embodiment includes receiving an electronic image, determining by a processing device whether the received electronic image includes an image of a payment card, and if the received electronic image includes an image of a payment card, electronically masking at least a portion of a card number in the image of the payment card. | 02-13-2014 |
20140040517 | Dynamic Address Change Optimizations - A method of setting an address of a component that includes determining a characterization value associated with a consumable, calculating a number of address change operations based upon the characterization value, and setting a last address generated from the number of address change operations as the new address of the component, wherein the characterization value is determined based upon a usage of the consumable. | 02-06-2014 |
20140003718 | Methods of Content-Driven Image Cropping | 01-02-2014 |
20140003712 | Methods of Content-Based Image Identification | 01-02-2014 |
20130344434 | Emulsion Aggregation Toner Formulation - An emulsion aggregation toner formulation for electrophotography and a method for preparation thereof. The emulsion aggregation toner formulation includes a polyester resin emulsion formed using an extruded polyester binder resin having a broad molecular weight distribution. The extruded polyester binder resin is formed using a plurality of polyester binder resins. Further, the emulsion aggregation toner formulation comprises at least one colorant dispersion and a wax dispersion. | 12-26-2013 |
20130318267 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POLLING ADDRESSES OF ONE OR MORE SLAVE DEVICES IN A COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM - An address polling method and system for communicating unique slave address values to a master device over a shared bus. The method includes receiving a request signal from the master device requesting that a slave address from each slave device coupled to the data line be sent to the master; causing, in a serial manner, the data line to be placed in logic states corresponding to bit values in a first slave address; and upon the data line being placed in a logic state that is different from a corresponding bit value of the first slave address, determining that another slave device is placing its slave address on the data line and temporarily entering an idle state until such other slave device has finished communicating its slave address to the master device. | 11-28-2013 |
20130257459 | Capacitive Measurement Multiplexing Circuit and Method - A capacitance measuring system, including: a calibration capacitor; first circuitry for sensing an input current at an input thereof and generating an output signal that is based upon a capacitance appearing at the input of the first circuitry; and multiplexer circuitry, coupled between the input of the first circuitry and a terminal of each of the capacitor to be measured and the calibration capacitor, for selectively coupling the terminal of each, one at a time, to the input of the first circuitry while the terminal not coupled to the input of the conversion circuitry is coupled to a ground reference; and controller circuitry for calculating a capacitance of the capacitor to be measured based upon the output signal of the first circuitry when the capacitor to be measured is coupled to the input thereof and upon the output signal of the first circuitry when the calibration capacitor is coupled to the input thereof. | 10-03-2013 |
20130243500 | Electrophotographic Roller with Resistance to Nip Banding - An endless electrophotographic member, such as a developer roller, which indicates an improved resistance to nip banding. The improvement to nip banding may be provided by the use of an organic salt within a roller surface region. The roller may provide, at a nip location, a resistive surface layer having an electrical resistance that avoids the development of nip banding and relatively dark regions on printed media. | 09-19-2013 |
20130209141 | Toner Cartridge Having Positional Control Features - A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing that has an elongated shape extending from a first side to a second side. The housing defines a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port is in fluid communication with the reservoir and faces downward on the front of the housing near the first side. A first leg portion and a second leg portion each projects from the bottom of the housing and extends along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing. The first leg portion has a first outer side spaced inward from the first side of the housing and the second leg portion has a second outer side spaced inward from the second side of the housing. The first outer side and the second outer side are unobstructed to limit the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device. | 08-15-2013 |
20130177327 | Systems for Detecting Low Toner in an Electro-photographic Toner Cartridge - An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes an optical emitter positioned to emit a light beam through a window into a reservoir holding toner toward a reflective surface in the reservoir as a paddle positioned within the reservoir rotates. An optical receiver is positioned to sense an amount of the light beam reflected by the reflective surface. At least one processor is configured to receive a signal related to the amount of light sensed by the optical receiver. The at least one processor includes computer executable program instructions including: instructions for calculating an average value for the signal for each of a plurality of sets of paddle revolutions, instructions for calculating a variation value for the signal for each of the plurality of sets of paddle revolutions, instructions for filtering each variation value to determine a plurality of short term variation values, instructions for monitoring whether at least one short term variation value exceeds a first threshold, and instructions for signaling that a toner level in the reservoir is low when the at least one short term variation value exceeds the first threshold. | 07-11-2013 |
20130170872 | Toner Cartridge having a Pivoting Exit Port Cover - A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A cover is mounted on an exterior portion of the housing that is pivotable between a closed position blocking the exit port and an open position unblocking the exit port. The cover is biased toward the closed position. The cover has a projection extending therefrom such that a force on the projection causes the cover to move toward the open position. | 07-04-2013 |
20130170869 | Movable Toner Port Cover Member for a Replaceable Unit of an Imaging Device - A rotating cover on the developer unit of an imaging apparatus to prevent toner leaks from the toner entry port of the developer unit. When installing a toner cartridge, the cartridge contacts a surface to cause the cover to rotate to an open position, thereby exposing the toner port for receiving toner. Conversely, when the toner cartridge is removed the cover is rotated into a closed position with the aid of a torsion spring so as to seal the toner entry port of the developer unit. | 07-04-2013 |
20130161082 | Z-Directed Delay Line Components for Printed Circuit Boards - A Z-directed signal delay line component for insertion into a printed circuit board while allowing electrical connection to internal conductive planes contained with the PCB. In one embodiment the Z-directed delay line component is housed within the thickness of the PCB allowing other components to be mounted over it. The delay line embodiments include a W-like line and a plurality of spaced apart, semi-circular line segment connected such that current flow direction alternates in direction between adjacent semi-circular line segments, each of which in other embodiments can be varied by use of shorting bars. Several Z-directed delay line components may be mounted into a PCB and serially connected to provide for longer delays. The body may contain one or more conductors and may include one or more surface channels or wells extending along at least a portion of the length of the body. Methods for mounting Z-directed components are also provided. | 06-27-2013 |
20130156462 | Tubular Skiving Seal for a Rotary Toner Metering Mechanism and Methods for Forming the Tubular Skiving Seal - A skiving seal for blocking toner from entering a gap between adjacent a rotatable member in a toner container system of an image forming apparatus. The skiving seal includes a flexible sheet having a surface and a length. The skiving seal includes a tubular portion formed by folding the flexible sheet over itself from an edge extending along the length of the flexible sheet without creasing the fold and adhesively adhering a portion of the folded portion of the flexible sheet to the surface of the flexible sheet along the length of the flexible sheet. The skiving seal includes an adhesive-coated area unobstructed on the surface of the flexible sheet for adhesively affixing the skiving seal in the toner container system. | 06-20-2013 |
20130129933 | Developer Rolls having a Tuned Resistivity Method for Making - Developer roll having a conductive or semi-conductive soft rubber core and a coating deposited in the soft rubber core wherein the coating has a conductive agent. The outer surface of the soft rubber core is modified before the coating is deposited onto the outer surface of the soft rubber core. Methods for making the same. | 05-23-2013 |
20130108286 | Method for Delaying the Start of a Gage for Tracking the Life of a Consumable Item for an Imaging Device | 05-02-2013 |
20130070317 | Optical System for a Scanner - An optical system for a scanner according to one example embodiment includes a light source for illuminating a target area and a plurality of mirrors that includes a first mirror positioned to receive a light beam traveling along a first optical path and to reflect the beam along a second optical path. A second mirror receives the beam traveling along the second optical path and reflects the beam along a third optical path. A third mirror receives the beam traveling along the third optical path and reflects the beam along a fourth optical path. A fourth mirror receives the beam traveling along the fourth optical path and reflects the beam along a fifth optical path. A fifth mirror receives the beam traveling along the fifth optical path and reflects the beam along a sixth optical path. An image sensor receives the beam and senses an image of the target area. | 03-21-2013 |
20110094102 | Micro-Fluid Ejection Devices, Methods for Making Micro-Fluid Ejection Heads, And Micro-Fluid Ejection Head Having High Resistance Thin Film Heaters - Micro-fluid ejection devices, methods for making micro-fluid ejection heads, and micro-fluid ejection heads, including a micro-fluid ejection head. One such micro-fluid ejection head has relatively high resistance thin film heaters adjacent to a substrate. The thin film material comprises silicon, metal, and carbon (SiMC wherein M is a metal). Each thin film heater has a sheet resistance ranging from about 100 to about 600 ohms per square and a thickness ranging from about 100 to about 800 Angstroms. | 04-28-2011 |
20100195133 | LICENSING METHOD FOR USE WITH AN IMAGING DEVICE - A licensing method includes the steps of establishing a licensing vendor; providing an imaging device that uses an imaging media in forming printed images on print media, the imaging media including an initial supply amount of an imaging substance; associating a usage license with at least one of the imaging device and the imaging media, the usage license defining a first usage threshold at which a consumer is prompted to acquire a new license; and providing a license monitoring mechanism communicatively coupled with the imaging device, the license monitoring mechanism performing the steps of tracking an amount of usage of the imaging media by the imaging device; determining whether the amount of usage of the imaging media by the imaging device has reached a usage threshold; and upon reaching the usage threshold, then prompting the consumer to acquire the new license from the licensing vendor. | 08-05-2010 |
20100086325 | Architecture for an Image-Forming Device - An image forming device includes a body having a top, a bottom, a front and a back. In one embodiment, a plurality of horizontally-aligned imaging units, each comprising a photoconductive member, transfer toner images to an intermediate transfer mechanism located below the plurality of imaging units. A pick mechanism may pick media sheets from a media input tray and feeds the media towards the front of the body. For duplex printing, the media sheets may travel along a duplex path that extends along the front of the body. In one embodiment, an access door at the front of the body pivots between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, a user may gain access to both media paths. | 04-08-2010 |
20100072938 | Encoder Eccentricity Correction for Motion Control Systems - Correction of rotary encoder eccentricity in an image forming device having a motor controller using period and position pulse train feedback signals. A motor includes an encoder disc rotating with the motor and at least two encoder sensors disposed at different circumferential positions about the encoder disc. A controller may use a high speed clock to calculate a corrected speed count based on speed counts determined from the number of clock cycles that elapse per cycle of pulse trains from the encoders. The controller may also calculate a corrected position count based at least partly on one or more position counts determined from the number of clock cycles that elapse between periodic sampling points and transitions of encoder pulse trains. The corrected position count may also be calculated based on a position count and one or more speed counts. | 03-25-2010 |
20090279155 | Multiharmonic Galvonometric Scanning Device - A scanning apparatus for a printer or similar instrument. A multiharmonic oscillator is used to provide a composite motion of a laser beam or other light beam to scan an imaging surface. The multiharmonic oscillator may have multiple sections each having a different resonant frequency. One section includes a reflector that intercepts the light beam, and drive electronics move the reflector so the light beam scans the imaging surface. Linear and complex non-linear motions of the light beam may be achieved. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology may be used to fabricate the oscillator. | 11-12-2009 |
20090269707 | Thick Film Layers and Methods Relating Thereto - Thick film layers for a micro-fluid ejection head, micro-fluid ejection heads, and methods for making micro-fluid ejection head and thick film layers. One such thick film layer is derived from a difunctional epoxy component having a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 2500 to about 4000 Daltons, a photoacid generator, an aryl ketone solvent, and an adhesion enhancing component. One such thick film layer has a cross-link density upon curing that increases the dimensional stability of the thick film layer sufficient to provide flow features therein having substantially vertical walls. | 10-29-2009 |
20090196519 | System and Method for Dynamically Shifting Error Diffusion Data - Error diffusion is performed using a Floyd-Steinberg-like approach. A integer-representation of a running error is compressed by storing only its most significant bits and returning any remainder to the error diffusion processor. The running error is shifted to the right until only the desired number of significant bits remain, and this compressed error is stored. Any portion of the original running error that is lost due to the shifting is treated as a remainder and is returned to the error diffusion processor for use in calculating an adjusted current pixel value. The amount of the shift is retained in compressed form to keep track of the number of shifts needed to form a truncated running error from the compressed running error. | 08-06-2009 |
20090174137 | Exit Shaft Dampening Device to Improve Print Quality - The present invention includes a damping device for a media feed mechanism for a peripheral device having a media feedpath having a feed shaft and a downstream exit shaft. In one form a damping hub is mounted on said exit shaft, a resilient biasing member extending between the damping hub and the feed shaft to create a damping force on the damping hub. In another embodiment damping is provided by a brake structure engaging said damping hub. In yet another embodiment, a brake structure is pivotably mounted. | 07-09-2009 |
20090166944 | Duplex Architecture For An Imaging Apparatus - An imaging apparatus including an image transfer device, a first motor, a redrive section and a duplexing section. The first motor is drivingly connected to the image transfer device. The reversible redrive section is downstream from the image transfer device, and the reversible redrive section includes a second motor. The duplexing section includes a third motor. The duplexing section is positioned to receive media from the redrive section. The first motor, the second motor and the third motor are each independently controlled. | 07-02-2009 |
20090112731 | Method of Licensing Functionality After Initial Transaction - Methods for licensing functionality after an initial transaction are provided. One such method is directed to licensing after an initial transaction of a customer obtaining a supply item including the step of prompting the customer to acquire a usage license for the supply item. | 04-30-2009 |
20090110410 | METHODS FOR MOVING A MEDIA SHEET WITHIN AN IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - The present application is directed to methods for determining the location and movement of a media sheet within an image forming device. In one embodiment, the media sheet is positioned within an input area of the device. A pick roller is rotated to move the sheet from the input area and into a media path. An encoder roller may be positioned in contact with the sheet to detect the actual movement of the sheet from the input area. A controller may determine the expected amount of movement based on the movement of the pick roller and compare this amount with an actual amount of movement based on the movement of the encoder roller. | 04-30-2009 |
20090109459 | Processing Print Jobs - Methods for processing print jobs include flagging, or not, to-be-printed objects having PDL-specified math or logic functions requiring hard processing operations, such as two or more inputs. The math or logic functions preferably reside in ink attributes of display list objects corresponding to the to-be-printed objects. To-be-printed pages of the print job become divided into bands. Bands with to-be-printed objects therein have band display lists constructed in the event the to-be-printed objects become flagged. On a band-by-band basis, if bands have band display lists flagged with hard processing operations, contone bands become constructed. The contone bands result from color information blending between overlapping pixels of to-be-printed objects or an object and a contone page. A contone page includes color information of the to-be-printed page in a first color space. To-be-printed objects are rendered in a second color space in device specific page(s) of memory. | 04-30-2009 |
20090097070 | EXTENSIBLE FRAMEWORK FOR PARSING VARYING FORMATS OF PRINT STREAM DATA - A method of parsing print stream data including the steps of intercepting a data file from at least a portion of the print stream data, reading at least a portion of the data file and determining if said data file is of a format having subset formats. | 04-16-2009 |
20090097069 | EXTENSIBLE FRAMEWORK FOR PARSING VARYING FORMATS OF PRINT STREAM DATA - A method of parsing print stream data including the steps of intercepting a data file from at least a portion of the print stream data, reading at least a portion of the data file and determining if said data file is of a format having subset formats. | 04-16-2009 |
20090096824 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF A SIGNAL IN A PRINTING APPARATUS - A printing apparatus is provided that precisely control the transition of an electrical signal that causes a printing substance to be deposited. In particular, in some embodiments, a circuit is configured to control the application of a firing pulse to a printing element, and the printing element is configured to control the application of a printing substance. The circuit in this embodiment is co figured to condition or control the transition of the firing pulse from the first state to the second state such that current through the printing element dissipates to zero over a period of tine that is neither too fast nor too slow. | 04-16-2009 |
20080319845 | PRINTING INCENTIVE AND OTHER INCENTIVE METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Embodiments of the invention provide printing incentive methods and systems. In one embodiment, a method of providing advertising content to a customer can be provided. The method can include receiving information associated with a customer. In addition, the method can include receiving information associated with at least one advertiser. Furthermore, the method can include associating at least one keyword with the at least one advertiser. Moreover, the method can include comparing the at least one keyword to a portion of information associated with the customer. Further, the method can include outputting advertising content to the customer based at least in part on the comparison. | 12-25-2008 |
20080276048 | Addressing and Command Protocols for Non-Volatile Memories Utilized in Recording Usage Counts - Electrical interfaces, addressing schemes, and command protocols allow for communications with memory modules in computing devices such as imaging and printing devices. Memory modules may be assigned an address through a set of discrete voltages. One, multiple, or all of the memory modules may be addressed with a single command, which may be an increment counter command, a write command, or a punch out bit field. The status of the memory modules may be determined by sampling a single signal that may be at a low, high, or intermediate voltage level. | 11-06-2008 |
20080268584 | ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FORMING THE SAME - Methods for forming electronic devices, such as those having a flexible substrate and printed material on the flexible substrate. In one embodiment, the method may include applying materials to a flexible substrate to form the electronic device. At least some of the materials applied to the flexible substrate may be applied using a printing apparatus. The substrate may be annealed when at least some of the materials are present on the flexible substrate. The resulting electronic device may have a high charge carrier mobility in the range from about 10 cm | 10-30-2008 |
20080259131 | LOW ENERGY, LONG LIFE MICRO-FLUID EJECTION DEVICE - Micro-fluid ejection heads and methods for extending the life of micro-fluid ejection heads. One such micro-fluid ejection head includes a substrate having a plurality of thermal ejection actuators. Each of the thermal ejection actuators has a resistive layer and a protective layer thereon. A flow feature member is adjacent the substrate and defines a fluid feed channel, a fluid chamber associated with at least one of the actuators and in flow communication with the fluid feed channel, and a nozzle. The nozzle is offset to a side of the chamber opposite the feed channel. A polymeric layer having a degradation temperature of less than about 400° C. overlaps a portion of the at least one actuator associated with the fluid chamber and positioned less than about five microns from at least an edge of the at least one actuator opposite the fluid feed channel. | 10-23-2008 |
20080247777 | Switching Device and System - A heating assembly for a printing device includes a heating device configured to be energized or deenergized. A switching device includes a bimetallic element efficiently thermally coupled to the heating device and configured to deenergize the heating device in a defined period of time in the event of an over temperature condition. | 10-09-2008 |