Abstract:
An apparatus for maintaining a uniform temperature along its axis by increasing the heat transfer efficiency. The apparatus uses a sealed chamber containing a substantially pure working fluid in a two phase (liquid and vapor) condition. The vaporization and condensation of the fluid increases the heat transfer efficiency and tends to equalize temperature gradients in a body in contact with the apparatus. The apparatus is utilized in various locations in an electrophotographic printing machine and can be used as a pressure roll for a heat and pressure fuser, a support or drive roll for a photoreceptive member, a support member for a photoreceptor and a heat sink for a developer housing.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for maintaining the air pressure within a xerograph ic module/chamber of an image forming device above ambient pressure outside of the xerographic module/chamber which uses a pressure sensor, e.g., an altimeter to monitor ambient atmospheric pressure, and a microprocessor to control and maintain air pressure to a determined set point.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for maintaining the air pressure within a xerographic module (1) of an image forming device above the ambient pressure outside of the xerographic module (1). A pressure sensor, (e.g., an altimeter) is used to monitor ambient atmospheric pressure, and a controller maintains the air pressure at a determined set point or within a determined range so that the risk of contaminants entering the xerographic module (1) and adversely affecting its internal elements is reduced.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for maintaining the air pressure within a xerograph ic module/chamber of an image forming device above ambient pressure outside of the xerographic module/chamber which uses a pressure sensor, e.g., an altimeter to monitor ambient atmospheric pressure, and a microprocessor to control and maintain air pressure to a determined set point.
Abstract:
Apparatus for transporting sheets in a longitudinal direction includes an improvement for reducing the imparting to the sheet material of friction, static charge, and foreign deleterious material while substantially minimizing the burnishing of the surface of the sheets. To this end, a plurality of elongated sheet supporting rib members project outwardly from a guide surface, extend diagonally relative to the longitudinal direction, are all of uniform height above the sheet guide surface, and are of uniform cross section. The sheet supporting rib members are so dimensioned and positioned that any random element of a sheet being fed in the longitudinal direction through the apparatus crosses only one of the sheet supporting rib members. Actually, a plurality of first sheet supporting rib members extend diagonally in a first direction and another plurality of elongated second sheet supporting rib members extend diagonally in a second direction which is transverse of the first direction. The incidence angle between the longitudinal direction and each of the sheet supporting rib members is in the range of about 5° to about 30° and, preferably, in the range of about 10° to about 20°. A drive roll mechanism may be provided for engaging the sheets in the region of the sheet supporting rib members.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for controlling air inside the electrophotographic control module of an image forming device. SOLUTION: This image forming device is equipped with a blower 15 for making the air circulate in the device, an environment unit 10 for controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the circulating air, and a controller maintaining the air inside the electrophotographic control module within a desired temperature range and the range of desired absolute humidity.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive system with automatic feed-on and feed-off operations to minimize labor overhead to satisfy needs of small print shops.SOLUTION: A media feeding and cutting system 10 includes: a media cutter 16 including a cutting surface and a digital cutting device; a first feeder 14 configured to automatically transport individual sheets of media from an in-feed receptacle 12 toward the cutter; a positioner configured to position the medium on the cutting surface; a second feeder 18 disposed adjacent to or connected to the cutting surface which is configured to automatically transport the cut medium from the cutter to an out-feed receptacle; and a processor configured to operate the cutter, first feeder, positioner and second feeder.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for keeping the pressure inside the electrophotographic module/chamber of an image forming device in the specified range. SOLUTION: This image forming device has the electrophotographic module 1 arranged in the chamber having the pressure made higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure by pressurization.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus capable of moving a fluid to the entire electronic apparatus such as image forming apparatus, using structural members having one or more integrated plenum chambers or fluid/gas passages. SOLUTION: An integrated plenum fluid gas passage 11 is provided for feeding a gas into or exhausting it from an apparatus on which a structural member 1 is mounted. This member 1 has inner and outer walls 3, 2 and two relatively long ribs or tack-offs 6 which provide a structural rigidity for the structural member 1 and form a plenum passage 11.