Abstract:
A system and method are provided for improving stack integrity for a set of image receiving media substrates at an output of a compiler in an image forming device positioning a plurality of pairs of rotating shelf structures in a vicinity of an exit/ejection port of an image receiving media processing or post-processing unit. The plurality of pairs of rotating shelf structures cycle between a first (support) position and a substantially orthogonal second (drop) position with respect to a rotating axis for the rotating shelf structures. Each of the rotating shelf structures has a uniquely-portioned top surface that includes a substantially-parallel top (supporting) portion and a ramped lead-in portion facing the exit/ejection port from the image receiving media processing or post-processing unit in an effort to reduce any image receiving media substrate “stubbing” against a first of the plurality of pairs of rotating shelf structures in a process direction.
Abstract:
A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus operates an ejector in an ejection mode to form exterior portions of an object and in an extrusion mode to form interior portions within a perimeter of an object layer. In the extrusion mode, the ejector continuously extrudes melted metal to fill the interior portions quickly.
Abstract:
A system and method are provided for improving stack integrity for image receiving media substrates in a compiler tray in an image forming device by supplementing the structure of the compiler tray with a pair of auger components configured with a bottom surface that, in conjunction with a stepped support structure in the compiler tray, applies a mechanical leveling force to reduce or otherwise eliminate detrimental effects associated with substrate curl or uneven set build-up in the compiler tray. The vertical compiler components provide an accommodation for localized thickness build-up in compiled image receiving media substrates by one or more processing or post-processing steps. The auger components provide a mechanical pressing force that is intended to level a top surface of the compiled substrates with the configuration of the compiler tray providing the relief area necessary for the accommodation.
Abstract:
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for automatically adjusting a feeder tray of a printing device are disclosed. For example, the method receives a signal to initiate a feeder tray adjustment routine, wherein the feeder tray adjustment routine determines an amount of lateral adjustment of the feeder tray to eliminate a lateral input error of a print media that is fed to a registration subsystem of the printing device, activates a mechanism to adjust a lateral position of the feeder tray by the amount that is determined, and feeds subsequent print media through the registration subsystem for printing an image on the subsequent print media.
Abstract:
3-D printing system include development stations positioned to electrostatically transfer build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface, a transfer station adjacent the intermediate transfer surface, guides adjacent the transfer station, and platens moving on the guides. The guides are shaped to direct the platens to repeatedly pass the transfer station and come in contact with the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to the platens each time the platens contact the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station to successively form layers of the build and support materials on the platens. The platens and the intermediate transfer surface include rack and pinion structures that temporarily join at the transfer station, as the platens pass the transfer station, to align the platens with the intermediate transfer surface as the platens contact the intermediate transfer surface.
Abstract:
A print head protection system is used in connection with an inkjet printer having a print head adapted for elevating, and a belt moving over a platen. A plurality of acoustic sensors is arrayed transversely to the process direction. The acoustic sensors measure a combined thickness of the belt, the platen, and the media sheet. An analyzer will detect if the media sheet is in contact with the media transport. An error signal is created when the thickness is below a predetermined value, indicating the media sheet is not in contact with the media transport. A mitigation control is operative to mitigate print head damage in response to the signal. Printing is halted in response to the signal to preclude damage to the print head. The sheet is discarded.
Abstract:
A system and method are provided improving stack integrity for a set of image receiving media substrates at an output of a compiler in an image forming device by supplementing a compiler shelf with a pair of augers having a unique planar lead-in for a top surface of the augers. The vertical compiler components reduce a “stepped” configuration of conventional compiler systems to keep a bottom sheet substantially “flat” thereby reducing a tendency for the bottom sheet to disadvantageously shift during in-set alignment processing. The large flat surface at the top of the augers effectively extends the plane of the lead edge shelf. A larger contact area with the sheets/sets of image receiving media substrates, along with the flatter shape of the sets, results in a more stable stack with a lesser tendency of individual sheets to migrate away from a registration edge.
Abstract:
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for automatically adjusting a feeder tray of a printing device are disclosed. For example, the method receives a signal to initiate a feeder tray adjustment routine, wherein the feeder tray adjustment routine determines an amount of lateral adjustment of the feeder tray to eliminate a lateral input error of a print media that is fed to a registration subsystem of the printing device, activates a mechanism to adjust a lateral position of the feeder tray by the amount that is determined, and feeds subsequent print media through the registration subsystem for printing an image on the subsequent print media.
Abstract:
A print head protection system is used in connection with an inkjet printer having a print head adapted for elevating. A projector upstream of the print head projects a reference pattern onto the media sheet. An imaging camera captures a digital image of the projected pattern. An analyzer compares the digital image of the projected pattern with the reference pattern. If moiré fringes are detected, the moiré fringes are analyzed for media sheet curl. An error signal is created when the sheet curl exceeds a predetermined distance above the process path. A mitigation control raises the print head to preclude damage in response to the signal. Alternately, the sheet can be discarded.
Abstract:
3-D printing system include development stations positioned to electrostatically transfer build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface, a transfer station adjacent the intermediate transfer surface, guides adjacent the transfer station, and platens moving on the guides. The guides are shaped to direct the platens to repeatedly pass the transfer station and come in contact with the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to the platens each time the platens contact the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station to successively form layers of the build and support materials on the platens. The platens and the intermediate transfer surface include rack and pinion structures that temporarily join at the transfer station, as the platens pass the transfer station, to align the platens with the intermediate transfer surface as the platens contact the intermediate transfer surface.