Multiple use of a sensor in a printing machine
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorJeffrey J. Folkins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for sensing multiple process parameters with a single sensor in a printing machine. The sensor senses the photoreceptor belt seam to insure that the latent image is not formed on the belt seam; the toner density is used to control the toner dispenser, photoreceptor charging, developer bias, image exposure and image processing systems; registration marks which are used to control registration of multiple images; presence of copysheets in a paper transport which is used to indicate timing and paper jams or faults; and copysheet type which is used to control the fusing process time. In order to measure all of these parameters, the sensor is uniquely located in printing parameter sensing relationship to the photoreceptor and along the paper path of the printing machine.
Claims20
A method of sensing process parameters and controlling the printing process in a printing machine comprising:
- passing a charge retentive surface through at least one revolution about the printing machine;
- forming a latent image on the charge retentive surface during the revolution;
- developing the latent image with toner;
- transporting a transfer sheet along an operative paper path;
- transferring the developed image to the transfer sheet;
- fusing the transferred image to the transfer sheet;
- locating an optoelectronic sensor in sensing relationship with the charge retentive surface and the operative paper path;
- sensing a printing parameter with the optoelectronic sensor;
- and
- controlling the printing process based on the sensed printing parameter.
An apparatus for sensing process parameters and controlling the printing process in a printing machine comprising:
- a charge retentive surface;
- an operative paper path;
- means for passing the charge retentive surface through at least one revolution about the printing machine;
- means for forming a latent image on the charge retentive surface;
- means for developing the latent image with toner;
- means for moving a transfer sheet along the operative paper path into transferring relationship with the developed image on the charge retentive surface;
- means for transferring the developed image to a transfer sheet;
- means for fusing the transferred image to the transfer sheet;
- an optoelectronic sensor for sensing a printing parameter located in sensing relationship with the charge retentive surface and the operative paper path;
- and
- a controller for controlling the printing process based on the sensed printing parameter.
A printing machine including a charge retentive surface;
- image forming means for forming a latent image on the charge retentive surface;
- developing means for developing the latent image with toner;
- transfer means for transferring the developed toner image from the charge retentive surface to a support surface;
- and a control arrangement responsive to a printer parameter sensor for controlling operation of the printing machine, comprising:
- a sensor, mounted in printer parameter sensing relationship to at least the charge retentive surface and a portion of an operative support surface transport path and sensing a plurality of printing parameters thereat;
- and
- means responsive to said sensor, controlling adjustment of a plurality of sensed printer parameters.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.