Xerox Corporation

Michael G Swales

James M Pacer

Roger W Budnik

Guru B Raj

Ralph A Shoemaker

Michael E Beard

David E Rollins

David P Vanbortel

Porfirio J Perez

Steven E Kolb

Ameet S Bhattacharya

Fred F Hubble, Iii

Raphael F Bov, Jr

Gerald Abowitz

Michael E Weber

John F Knapp

Robert J Gruber

Lam F Wong

Steven B Bolte

Lawrence Floyd, Jr

Andrew R Melnyk

Raymond W Stover

Robert G Martin

John D Sotack

Donald J Teney

Scott L Kauffman

Richard M Maier

Paul W Eakin

Gerald Scott Leclerc

Timothy A Cole

Peter J Featherly

An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.

System for managing replaceable modules in a digital printing apparatus

In an electrostatographic development system wherein toner is conveyed from a donor member over a development gap to a charge receptor by a development field in the development gap, a method including the step of: monitoring at least a first parameter of the system to detect an arcing condition within the development gap; and if an arcing condition is detected, tuning a duty cycle to avoid the arcing condition.

Dynamic duty cycle for increased latitude

A method and apparatus to determine the use status of a customer replaceable unit (CRU) in an electrophotographic printing machine. The CRU has a customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM) which communicates with the machine controller upon insertion of the CRU into the machine. Based on the signal generated by the CRUM the controller can determine whether the CRU has been previously used in the machine or is new. Appropriate settings and adjustments can be made based on predetermined parameters according to use. In addition, if a CRU is new a cycle can be initiated in which a toner patch is developed and not transferred so that a layer of toner is deposited on the cleaning blade. This minimizes damage to a photoreceptor belt due to lack of lubrication of the cleaner blade and chatter that may result therefrom.

Method and apparatus for automatic customer replaceable unit (CRU) setup and cleaner blade lubrication

In a xerographic development system in which an AC field is set up in a gap between a donor member and the photoreceptor to develop an electrostatic latent image, a series of tests are performed to ascertain that the width of the gap is within a suitable range. In test mode, various DC and AC biases associated with the field are systematically altered, and the reflectivities of resulting test images are read. Based on these reflectivity readings, it can be determined if the gap is too wide, such as to cause poor print quality, or too narrow, such as to cause arcing.

System for determining development gap width in a xerographic development system using an AC field

A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and third level data. The second level tests and second level data are capable of identifying second and third levels of part failure. Codes are stored and displayed to manifest specific part failures.

Non-uniform development indicator

Ros beam failure detector

Actuator performance indicator

ROS pixel size growth detector

Dirt level early warning system

Tribo decay rest recovery and developer material break in procedure

A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a second level test and second level data. The second level tests and second level data are capable of identifying second and third levels of part failure. Codes are stored and displayed to manifest specific part failures.

Xerographic xerciser including a hierarchy system for determining part

Cleaner stress indicator

P/R process control patch uniformity analyzer

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Sodus, NY, United States of America

Michael G Swales