Abstract:
A method for delivering molten ink to a printing mechanism alternates between a first and second reservoir receiving molten ink from a receiving ink reservoir while providing ink from the other of the first and second reservoirs to a printing mechanism. The alternation of the two reservoirs is achieved with coordinated operation of two actuators operatively connected to two seal members.
Abstract:
A system and method for delivering molten ink to a printing mechanism or print head includes; receiving molten ink in a receiving reservoir 18, and alternating which of a plurality of reservoirs is opened to the receiving reservoir to receive molten ink while at least one other of the plurality of reservoirs is opened to dispense molten ink to the printing mechanism. The plurality of reservoirs may comprise a first reservoir 20 and second reservoir 22.The opening of the reservoirs may be alternated in response to the level of ink detected within the reservoirs. The first and second reservoirs may receive ink via inlets 32 and dispense ink via outlets 36. Valve assemblies may be disposed between the inlets and outlets and may comprise a seal member 70 movable between inlet and outlet positions.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided to calibrate a xerographic print engine toner concentration sensor (32) to accurately control the toner concentration defined as the ratio of weight of toner and the weight of the overall developing agent in a two-component developing agent to a specified operating target. At least two control patches are imaged onto a photoreceptor (10). Each patch has a different voltage level (VemLo,VemHi) where the voltage levels are the difference between the exposure discharge voltage (VeLo,VeHi) and the developmental roll voltage (VD). The relative reflectivity of each patches is obtained. The latent patches are repeatedly developed at different toner concentrations. The reflectivities of the patches formed at the same toner concentration are combined to obtain a combined reflectivity for that toner concentration. As a result, a toner concentration curve is obtained that has an improved response relative to the toner concentration curves that correspond to each of the individual voltage levels.
Abstract:
A method for delivering molten ink to a printing mechanism alternates between a first and second reservoir receiving molten ink from a receiving ink reservoir while providing ink from the other of the first and second reservoirs to a printing mechanism. The alternation of the two reservoirs is achieved with coordinated operation of two actuators operatively connected to two seal members.
Abstract:
A molten ink supply for a solid ink printing machine includes a container 27 for storing solid ink pellets P and a withdrawal tube 62 having an inlet end 63 disposed within the container 27. A vacuum generator 64 is disposed at the outlet end 65 of the withdrawal tube 62 operable to draw a vacuum within the tube 62. A feed conduit 28 is connected to the outlet end 65 for receiving solid ink pellets P drawn therein by said vacuum generator 64 and conveying the pellets P to a melting station operable to melt the solid ink pellets P. An assist tube 70 is provided within the container 27 with a discharge nozzle (75, Fig.3) disposed within the withdrawal tube 62 at the inlet end 63 and operable to provide a flow of air (F, Fig.3) into the withdrawal tube 62 to agitate solid ink pellets P and facilitate withdrawal of the pellets P by the vacuum generator 64.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided to calibrate a xerographic print engine toner concentration sensor (32) to accurately control the toner concentration defined as the ratio of weight of toner and the weight of the overall developing agent in a two-component developing agent to a specified operating target. At least two control patches are imaged onto a photoreceptor (10). Each patch has a different voltage level (VemLo,VemHi) where the voltage levels are the difference between the exposure discharge voltage (VeLo,VeHi) and the developmental roll voltage (VD). The relative reflectivity of each patches is obtained. The latent patches are repeatedly developed at different toner concentrations. The reflectivities of the patches formed at the same toner concentration are combined to obtain a combined reflectivity for that toner concentration. As a result, a toner concentration curve is obtained that has an improved response relative to the toner concentration curves that correspond to each of the individual voltage levels.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method that determine an improved toner concentration sensor calibration curve. SOLUTION: The calibration system and method for the toner concentration sensor of a print engine having an exposure discharging voltage and a developing voltage perform image formation of a first patch on a photoreceptor with a specified relatively large voltage difference between the exposure discharging voltage and development voltage (S130), perform image formation of a second patch with a relatively smaller voltage difference between the exposure discharging voltage and developing voltage, and develop the first patch and second patch with a first toner concentration (S180). Then the first and second patches obtained by repeating the above image forming process are developed with a toner concentration different from the first toner concentration. Values of relative reflection factors of the first and second patches which are developed with the plurality of different toner concentrations are determined (S190) and the values of the relative reflection factors of the first and second patches corresponding to the values of the respective toner concentrations are combined (S230) to obtain mean toner concentration sensitivity of the print engine. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance processing amount of an image producing machine and printing device. SOLUTION: A solid phase-change ink melting assembly 510 in a phase-change ink image producing machine includes: an array 511 of a plurality of spaced apart fins 512, the array defining a top face 541 for receiving the pellet P of phase-change ink, a bottom face 543 for discharging melted ink, and a molten surface 545 for melting the solid pieces in contact therewith. The assembly further comprises a number of heat transfer means extending through and in heat transfer contact state with the plurality of fins 512, the heat transfer devices each includes a heating element 525 for heating the means 513. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and method for delivering molten ink to a printing mechanism.SOLUTION: The system includes receiving the molten ink in a receiving reservoir, and alternating which of a plurality of reservoirs is opened to the receiving reservoir to receive the molten ink while at least one other of the plurality of reservoirs is opened to dispense the molten ink to the printing mechanism, in response to the level of ink in a reservoir dispensing the molten ink to the printing mechanism.