Xerox Corporation

Edward W Schnepf

Eliud Robles-Flores

David Bradley Montfort

Paul F Sawicki

Christopher Auguste Dirubio

Thomas C Keyes

John Stephen Facci

Bruce J Parks

Charles H Tabb

John R Falvo

Douglas Allen Gutberlet

Randall C Ryon

Michael A Fayette

William R Klimley

James B Myers

Carl H Hall

Disclosed is a closed-loop control method and system to control the nip width and transfer field uniformity associated with an image marking apparatus. According to an exemplary embodiment, a closed-loop control system senses the uniformity of the image transfer field and applies forces to a transfer nip based on the sensed field to provide a more uniform field.

Method and system for closed-loop control of nip width and image transfer field uniformity for an image transfer system

Disclosed is an image transfer roller (ITR) utilizing an elastomer crown, imaging devices and imaging apparatus using the disclosed ITR. According to one exemplary embodiment, an ITR includes a cylindrically shaped conductive shaft and an elastomer material covering all or a portion of the conductive shaft. The profile of the outer surface of the elastomer material includes a substantially quadratic crown profile.

Image transfer roller (ITR) utilizing an elastomer crown

Embodiments herein include a transfer assist blade that is adapted to bias media toward a marking device. The transfer assist blade has a plurality of movable blade segments that overlap one another. In one embodiment, a first movable blade segment (comprising a first wear layer and a first underlying layer beneath the first wear layer) overlies a second movable blade segment (comprising a second wear layer and a second underlying layer beneath the first wear layer). More specifically, in this embodiment, a portion of the first wear layer overlaps a portion of the second wear layer.

Segmented transfer assist blade

Embodiments herein include a transfer assist blade that is adapted to bias media toward a marking device. The transfer assist blade is somewhat flexible and has a media contact edge positioned adjacent the marking device. The shape of the media contact edge comprises a curved shape. More specifically, the transfer assist blade assembly comprises a base and a transfer assist blade operatively connected to (or made an integral part of) the base. The curved media contact edge of the transfer assist blade comprises a center portion and end portions distal to the center portion, and the center portion extends a different distance from the base than the end portions extend from the base. Thus, the shape of the media contact edge can comprise one of a convex shape, a concave shape, and an irregular shape.

Curved transfer assist blade

A device that can sense small changes in distance between opposed surfaces includes a ferromagnetic material and a giant magneto resistance effect sensor. A current source applies a current to the sensor to operate the sensor and read the magnetic field that impinges on the sensor from the ferromagnetic material. The magnetic field changes when the distance between the opposed surfaces changes. The device can be used in imaging apparatus to sense multifeeds and other conditions.

Apparatus and method for detecting small distance changes between opposed surfaces using giant magneto resistance effect sensor

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Ontario, NY, United States of America

Edward W Schnepf