Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080237976 | Media Sheet Ramp For An Image Forming Device - The present application is directed to embodiments of an input device and methods to introduce a media sheet into an image forming apparatus. The device may include a support surface sized to support the media sheet. A ramp may be positioned adjacent to the support surface to direct the media sheet from the support surface to a media path. In one embodiment, a pick mechanism is positioned to move the media sheet from the support surface and alone the ramp. An adjustment member may be operatively connected to the ramp to adjust an angle of the ramp relative to the support surface depending upon a stiffness of the media sheet. | 10-02-2008 |
20080240761 | Preconditioning Media Sheets To Reduce Transfer Voltage - Image transfer quality in an electrophotographic image forming device is improved by preconditioning a media sheet prior to transferring a toner image thereto at an image transfer station. The media sheet is preconditioned by applying a static charge to it. In a color DTM type device, the charge reduces the transfer voltages required at downstream image transfer stations to account for charge accumulated on the media sheet as a result of the image transfer process at upstream image transfer stations. The charge may be applied to the media sheet at a media sheet preconditioning element positioned upstream of an image transfer station. Alternatively, an initial charge may be applied to the media sheet at an image transfer station, without transferring a toner image to the sheet, and returning the sheet via a duplex path to positioned upstream of an image transfer station prior to an image transfer operation. | 10-02-2008 |
20080315499 | Methods And Devices For Improving The Reliability Of Feeding Media Sheets Within An Image Forming Device - The present application is directed to devices and methods for moving media sheets in an image forming device. In one embodiment, a contact member includes a contact roller that contacts a top-most media sheet in a stack of media sheets positioned on a support surface in an input area of the image forming device. A hub extends outward from an axial side of the contact roller. The hub includes a smaller length than the contact roller, forming a gap between the hub and the top-most media sheet when the contact roller is in contact with the top-most media sheet. The hub prevents or reduces transverse buckling of the top-most media sheet when it is moved from the stack of media sheets. | 12-25-2008 |
20090152797 | Media Sheet Input Devices For Use In An Image Forming Apparatus - Assemblies and methods to move media sheets from a media stack within an image forming apparatus. These may include a pivoting arm with an attached roller that contacts the media stack and rotates to move a top-most sheet from the media stack. A clutch may be operatively connected to the arm for the arm to pivot in a first direction to maintain the roller positioned on a top of the media stack as the media stack is depleted and a height of the media stack is reduced. The clutch may also reduce movement of the arm in a second direction beyond a predetermined amount. | 06-18-2009 |
20090153922 | Multifunction Sensor for An Image Forming Device - The present application is directed to methods and devices for determining the presence of a module and presence of a media sheet in a media path using output signals from a single sensor in an image forming device. One embodiment includes a sensor which may be oriented in a variety of positions through interaction with the module and the media sheet. An algorithm may be used to determine the presence of the module in a module insertion path and presence of the media sheet in the media path based on the position of the sensor. | 06-18-2009 |
20110085831 | Fuser for an Image-Forming Apparatus and Method of Using Same - An image-forming device includes a belt-based fuser for fixing an image to a media substrate. The fuser includes a belt disposed about a heating element to facilitate the media handling and to transfer the heat of the heater to the passing media. A lubricant layer lubricates the movement of the belt about the heating element. The lubricant layer includes fluorinated oil having a number average molecular weight greater than 10,000 amu. | 04-14-2011 |
20110103853 | Flat Heater for Electrophotographic Belt Fusing Systems, and Methods of Making Same - An image-forming device includes a belt based fuser for fixing an image to a media substrate. The fuser includes a heater having a base component with at least one heating element disposed thereon. The heater further includes a covering layer covering the at least one heating element providing a substantially even surface to abut a belt. Unevenness, which may be present on the substantially even surface, has a height, defined by a base and a peak, of less than about 10 μm. A process for producing the heater is also disclosed. The process includes disposing one or more heating elements on a base component of the heater, covering the heating elements of the fuser heater with a covering layer and providing a substantially even outer surface to abut a fuser belt. | 05-05-2011 |
20110318070 | Transfer NIP for an Electrophotographic Device, and Methods of Making and Using Same - An imaging apparatus having a toner transfer station, including a donating member for donating toner forming an image; and a transfer roll which serves to form a transfer nip in which toner is transferred from the donating member to a media sheet disposed in the transfer nip between the donating member and the transfer roll, wherein a product of a resistivity of the transfer nip and a dielectric constant thereof is greater than or equal to a product of a resistivity of the media sheet and a dielectric constant thereof. | 12-29-2011 |