APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STRIPPER FINGER OPERATION

An apparatus and method that operates a stripper finger. The apparatus can include a media path configured to transport a media sheet. The apparatus can include a rotational member configured to contact the media sheet. The apparatus can include a stripper finger having a length along a longitudinal axis. The stripper finger can include tip at an end of the length. The stripper finger can be configured to selectively engage and disengage contact between the tip and the rotational member to selectively strip the media sheet from the rotational member. 1. An apparatus comprising:a media path configured to transport a media sheet;a rotational member configured to contact the media sheet; anda stripper finger having a length along a longitudinal axis, the stripper finger including tip at an end of the length, wherein the stripper finger is configured to selectively engage and disengage contact between the tip and the rotational member to selectively strip the media sheet from the rotational member.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the stripper finger claim 1 , the piezoelectric actuator configured to selectively engage and disengage contact between the stripper finger tip and the rotational member.3. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the piezoelectric actuator is configured to bend to selectively engage and disengage contact between the stripper finger tip and the rotational member.4. The apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a voltage source coupled to the piezoelectric actuator claim 2 , the voltage source configured to apply a first voltage to the piezoelectric actuator to engage contact between the stripper finger tip and the rotational member and configured to apply a second voltage to the piezoelectric actuator to disengage contact between the stripper finger tip and the rotational member.5. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the piezoelectric actuator includes a first ...

Release-agent-resistant fixing belts, fixing devices and methods of making fixing belts

Fixing belts, fixing devices and methods of making fixing belts are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the fixing belts includes an inner layer comprising a first surface forming an inner surface of the fixing belt and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the inner layer comprising a first polymer; an intermediate layer overlying the second surface of the inner layer, the intermediate layer including a third surface, a first end face and a second end face opposite to the first end face, the intermediate layer comprising silicone rubber; and an outer layer including a fourth surface forming an outer surface of the fixing belt, the outer layer overlying the third surface, the first end face, the second end face and portions of the second surface disposed outward from the first end face and second end face, the outer layer comprising a second polymer. The outer layer seals and protects the intermediate layer from exposure to a liquid release agent applied to the fourth surface.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRESSURE ROLL FLARE IN A PRINT APPARATUS

An apparatus and method that control pressure roll flare in a print apparatus. The apparatus can include a fuser having a fuser surface. The apparatus can include at least one heat source configured to heat the fuser surface. The apparatus can include a pressure roll having a pressure roll surface, the pressure roll having a rotational axis, the pressure roll having an inside paper path portion towards the middle of the pressure roll along the rotational axis and having an outside paper path portion near at least one end of the pressure roll along the rotational axis, the pressure roll coupled to the fuser at a fuser nip, where the fuser nip is configured to fuse marking material on a media sheet. The apparatus can include a pressure roll cooling device configured to cool at least one of the inside paper path portion and the outside paper path portion of the pressure roll to maintain substantially consistent pressure roll flare prior to media sheets entering the fuser nip and while media sheets pass through the fuser nip to provide wrinkle control of media sheets while limiting image smear of the marking material on the media sheets. 1. An apparatus useful in printing , the apparatus comprising:a fuser having a fuser surface;at least one heat source configured to heat the fuser surface;a pressure roll having a pressure roll surface, the pressure roll having a rotational axis, the pressure roll having an inside paper path portion towards the middle of the pressure roll along the rotational axis and having an outside paper path portion near at least one end of the pressure roll along the rotational axis, the pressure roll coupled to the fuser at a fuser nip, where the fuser nip is configured to fuse marking material on a media sheet; anda pressure roll cooling device configured to cool at least one of the inside paper path portion and the outside paper path portion of the pressure roll to maintain substantially consistent pressure roll flare prior to media sheets ...

REDISTRIBUTING RELEASE AGENT USING A SMOOTHING ROLL IN AN IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

According to various illustrative embodiments, an apparatus for redistributing release agent on a fuser surface of an image forming device is provided. The apparatus has a fuser surface for contacting a sheet of media having an image formed thereon by the image forming device, the fuser surface moving in a traveling direction; and a smoothing roll for redistributing the release agent on the fuser surface from a first post-fusing distribution to a second distribution, the smoothing roll contacting the release agent on the fuser surface at a contact area and pressing the release agent against the fuser surface to redistribute the release agent from the first post-fusing distribution to the second distribution. The smoothing roll is adapted to redistribute the release agent such that the second distribution is more uniform across the fuser surface than the first post-fusing distribution. 1. An apparatus for redistributing release agent on a fuser surface of an image forming device , the apparatus comprising:a fuser surface for contacting a sheet of media having an image formed thereon by the image forming device, the fuser surface moving in a traveling direction; anda smoothing roll for redistributing the release agent on the fuser surface from a first post-fusing distribution to a second distribution, the smoothing roll contacting the release agent on the fuser surface at a contact area and pressing the release agent against the fuser surface to redistribute the release agent from the first post-fusing distribution to the second distribution,wherein the smoothing roll is adapted to redistribute the release agent such that the second distribution is more uniform across the fuser surface than the first post-fusing distribution.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fuser surface is a surface of a fuser belt.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the fuser surface has an overall width in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the travelling direction claim 2 , ...

APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR BELT-ROLL FUSER LATCHING

A belt-roll fuser system includes a belt-roll fuser module that is movable to engage and disengage to a main frame of the belt-roll fuser system. The belt-roll fuser has an internal pressure member that defines a fusing nip with an external pressure member of the main frame when the belt-roll fuser module is engaged. The belt-roll fuser module is movable by a latch, and when engaged, a nip load path crosses through a point at which the latch attaches to the belt-roll fuser module. 1. A belt-roll fuser system , comprising:a belt roll fuser module, the belt roll fuser module having an internal pressure member, the belt roll fuser module being movable to engage and disengage the internal pressure member, the internal pressure member defining a nip when engaged; anda latch point on the belt-roll fuser module, the latch point being located in a path of a load vector of the nip when the internal pressure member is engaged.2. The belt-roll fuser system of claim 1 , the belt-roll module further comprising at least one heated belt entraining member.3. The belt-roll fuser system of claim 1 , further comprising:a latch member, the latch member being attached to the latch point.4. The belt-roll fuser system of claim 1 , the system further comprising:a belt-roll fuser main frame, the main frame having an external pressure member, the nip being defined by the external pressure member and the internal pressure member when the internal pressure member is engaged.5. The belt-roll fuser system of wherein the latch member is a handle.6. The belt-roll fuser system of claim 5 , wherein the handle is an elongated handle.7. The belt-roll fuser system of claim 5 , wherein the handle includes a hinged portion.8. A customer serviceable belt-roll fuser claim 5 , comprising:a belt-roll fuser module having an internal pressure member, the belt-roll fuser module being movable to engage and disengage, wherein when the belt-roll fuser module is engaged, the internal pressure member defines a ...

METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR DIRECT INKING TO A DIGITAL OFFSET PLATE

A digital offset inking system includes an ink chamber that contains ink, and deposits ink onto an inking member. Excess deposited ink is removed from the surface of the inking member. The inking member transfers the ink directly to a conformable surface of an imaging member. 1. A digital offset inking method , comprising:removing excess ink from an inking member; andtransferring ink directly from the inking member to a conformable digital offset plate.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:removing fountain solution from the inking member.3. The method of claim 2 , the removing fountain solution comprising applying a doctor blade to a surface of the inking member.4. The method of claim 2 , the removing fountain solution comprising applying an air knife to a surface of the inking member.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:removing fountain solution from the inking member using at least one of a doctor blade and an air knife.6. The method of claim 1 , the transferring ink directly from the inking member to the digital offset plate being after removing excess ink from a surface of the inking member.7. The method of claim 1 , the leveling comprising doctoring excess ink from a surface of the ink roll.8. A digital offset inking system claim 1 , comprising:an ink chamber;an inking member, the inking member having an ink well that receives ink from the ink chamber;an ink chamber doctor blade configured to remove excess ink from the ink well.9. The digital offset inking system of claim 8 , further comprising:an imaging member, the imaging member having a conformable offset surface.10. The digital offset inking system of claim 8 , the inking member further comprising:a plurality of ink wells, wherein the plurality of ink wells are arranged in one of a tri-helical pattern or a quad-channel pattern.11. The digital offset inking system of claim 8 , wherein the inking member directly contacts an imaging member to transfer ink carried by the inking member.12. ...

METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR ERASING INK HISTORY FROM INK TRANSFER ROLL IN DIGITAL OFFSET SYSTEMS

A digital offset inking system includes an ink chamber that contains ink, and deposits ink onto an inking member. The ink is transferred to an ink transfer member, which is then transferred to an image transfer member. An ink removal member removes leftover or excess ink from the ink removal member. A cleaning member cleans the ink removal member. 1. A digital offset inking method useful for ink-based variable data printing , comprising:depositing ink on a surface of an inking member;transferring the deposited ink to a surface of an ink transfer member;transferring the ink from the surface of the ink transfer member to a surface of an imaging member; andremoving leftover ink from an ink transfer member.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:removing fountain solution from the ink transfer member.3. The method of claim 1 , the removing leftover ink comprising contacting the ink transfer member with an ink removal member.4. The method of claim 2 , the removing fountain solution comprising applying an air knife to a surface of the ink transfer member.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the ink removal member comprises an oleophilic surface.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the oleophilic surface comprises urethane.7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the oleophilic surface comprises ceramic.8. The method of claim 6 , further comprising:removing the leftover ink from the ink removal member using a cleaning member.9. The method of claim 8 , the cleaning member having an oleophilic surface comprising ceramic.10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising:removing the leftover ink from the cleaning member using a doctor blade.11. A digital offset inking system useful for ink-based variable data printing claim 9 , comprising:an ink chamber;an inking member, the inking member having an ink well that receives ink from the ink chamber;an ink transfer member; andan ink removal member.12. The digital offset inking system of claim 11 , further comprising:a cleaning member.13 ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO IMPROVE BELT ROLL FUSING STRIPPING LATITUDE BY STRIP SHOE POSITION ADJUSTMENT

According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided apparatus and methods of improving the self-stripping capabilities of a printing system employing a belt roll fuser structure. An exemplary embodiment apparatus comprises a pressure roll; a fuser belt; a nip formed by the fuser belt contacting the pressure roll, the nip including an inlet end where a medium enters the nip, an outlet end where the medium exits the nip, and a first nip width defined between the inlet end and the outlet end; and a striping shoe coupled to a controller that uses a lookup table to incrementally move the stripping shoe to some defined optimum position to compensate for at least one of belt degradation, media weight, and media coating to gain stripping latitude. 1. A fusing system useful in a printing apparatus , comprising:a first member including a first outer surface;a second member including a second outer surface;a belt including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein a first nip having a first nip width is formed by contact between the inner surface of the belt and the first outer surface and contact between the outer surface of the belt and the second outer surface;a stripping mechanism comprising a stripping shoe disposed internal to the belt, wherein the stripping shoe is positionable relative to the first nip to vary contact between the outer surface of the belt against the second outer surface downstream from the first nip, wherein media are stripped from the belt after exiting from the first nip and wherein the contact between the outer surface of the belt against the second outer surface forms a second nip width adjacent to the first nip; anda controller applying an algorithm to incrementally move the stripping shoe to adjust the contact between the outer surface of the belt against the second outer surface downstream from the first nip so as to compensate for at least one of belt degradation, media weight, and media coating;wherein the incremental movement of ...

METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR SPREADING RADIATION CURABLE GEL INK

A radiation curable gel ink spreading system includes a print head for jetting radiation curable gel ink onto a front side of a substrate, a heated re-flow drum for contacting a back side of the substrate to heat the gel ink and cause the ink to re-flow, and at least one radiation source that irradiates the heated ink to reduce or stop re-flow. A re-flow drum temperature, amount of radiation emission per unit time, radiation source location including a substrate wrap angle with respect to the re-flow drum and/or the radiation source, a distance between a re-flow zone start and the radiation source, and a gap distance between the radiation source and the substrate, and a process speed or substrate translation speed are adjustable for achieving desired spreading characteristics. 1. A radiation curable gel ink spreading method , comprising:heating a back side of a substrate whereby radiation curable gel ink deposited on a front side of the substrate re-flows.2. The method of claim 1 , comprising:depositing the radiation curable gel ink directly onto the front side of the substrate.3. The method of claim 1 , comprising:irradiating the radiation curable gel ink to polymerize an amount of the gel ink.4. The method of claim 1 , the heating further comprising:contacting the back side of the substrate with a heated re-flow member, the contact member being temperature controlled.5. The method of claim 3 , the irradiating further comprising irradiating the radiation curable gel ink during re-flow of the ink.6. The method of claim 4 , comprising:separating the substrate from the contact member; and irradiating the re-flowed radiation curable gel ink after the heated re-flow member contacts the substrate.7. The method of claim 1 , the heating further comprising:contacting the back side of a substrate at a spreading zone with a heated re-flow member, the spreading zone being defined by an area of the substrate wherein the heated re-flow member transfers heat to the substrate.8. ...

IMAGE DATA BASED TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF A KEYLESS INKER

A method and systems to control the temperature of a Keyless inker for variable data lithography printing. Inker heating elements are adjustable to control ink feed to individual zones located across the width of an ink roller. Feedforward and feedback control loops adjust the ink supply dynamically based on a pixel count of the image content. The pixel count looks ahead in the video stream to allow time for the adjustment at the inker heating elements to propagate through the inker unit to affect ink output onto the imaging drum surface. Feedback of the achieved ink density on control patches on the imaging drum is also used to command the inker heating elements. Feedback is also used to update the inker propagation delay and dynamic model used to determine how much the inker keys need to be adjusted based on the pixel count stream. 1. A system to control ink bath temperature of a keyless inking unit for a printing machine comprising at least one heating element adjacent to each other across the width of a roller in a printing machine , each heating element adaptable to control the ink feed to individual ink bath zones , the system comprising:a feedforward controller responsive to an ink load demand for an image to provide an output in accordance to a first control function which is adaptable to control the temperature of the at least one ink bath zone; andat least one heater element to control the temperature of the at least one ink bath zone in response to the feedforward controller.2. The system according to claim 1 , the system further comprising:a feedback controller to adapt the first control function and operative in accordance to an inker dynamic model for the printing machine.3. The system according to claim 2 , wherein the ink load demand is based on a pixel count of the image that has been separated into cross-process direction sub-images associated with at least one ink bath zone.4. The system according to claim 3 , wherein the ink load demand comprises ...

PARK LOCK FOR NARROW TRANSMISSION

A park lock of a transmission, including a park gear; a park pawl rotating about a pawl shaft, the park pawl having a pawl portion locking the park gear, the park pawl including a cam contact portion; a park rod responsive to an operation of a controller, the park rod having a cam portion pressing the cam contact portion to have park pawl engage the park gear; a park sleeve receiving the cam portion and defining a first contact point providing a reactive force to the cam contact portion of the park pawl pressing against the cam portion at a second contact point; a pawl torsional spring biasing the park pawl towards disengagement; and a pawl stopper limiting the rotation of the park pawl wherein motions are constrained within a plane of the transmission and components are rotatingly disposed in parallel axis bores in one half of a transmission case. 1. A park lock device of a narrow transmission , comprising:a park gear provided in a transmission case at a rotational axis which rotates together with a wheel axle;a park pawl provided in the transmission case so as to rotate about a pawl shaft coupled to a proximal end of said park pawl, said park pawl having a pawl portion at a distal end which locks said park gear through an engagement therebetween wherein said park pawl further includes a body portion coupling said proximal end to said distal end and a cam contact portion at said distal end opposing said pawl portion;a park rod provided in the transmission case so as to move together with an operation of a controller, said park rod having a cam portion which presses said cam contact portion of said park pawl so as to make said engagement between said pawl portion of said park pawl and said park gear according to said operation of said controller;a park sleeve receiving said cam portion of said park rod and defining a first contact point providing a reactive force to said cam contact portion of said park pawl pressing against said cam portion of said park rod at a ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING DIGITAL OFFSET LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING TECHNIQUES

A system and method are provided to implement variable data lithographic image forming in devices that are designed to maximize re-use of conventional offset lithographic image forming components, module and architectures. A truly variable data digital lithography scheme has been proposed as a departure from conventional offset lithography schemes. This disclosure introduces a system architecture to overcome limitations based on the architectural differences that make acceptance of the variable data lithographic scheme less practical and less attractive to some manufacturers and users. The disclosed systems and methods propose incorporating novel aspects of the true variable digital printing scheme into conventional offset lithographic modules and architectures. This disclosure describes re-use of conventional offset lithographic modules and/or architectures while making the disclosed systems and methods digital. 1. A method for forming images in an offset lithographic image forming system , comprising:cleaning a digitally reproducible imaging surface in the image forming system with a first cleaning device between imaging operations;cleaning at least one intermediate image transfer surface in the image forming system with a second cleaning device between imaging operations, the second cleaning device being a different cleaning device from the first cleaning device, the at least one intermediate image transfer surface being a surface to which an inked image is transferred from the digitally reproducible imaging surface before being transferred to an output image receiving substrate in the imaging operations;dampening the digitally reproducible imaging surface with a layer of dampening fluid;forming a digital pattern in the layer of dampening solution on the digitally reproducible imaging surface;inking the digital pattern formed on the digitally reproducible imaging surface with ink to produce the inked image;transferring the inked image from the digitally ...

Cantilever stator

An electric motor includes: a housing having a first rotor bearing and a stator support surface; a cantilever stator that includes a lamination stack, a first side of the lamination stack abutting the stator support surface and a second side of the lamination stack abutting a stator endbell that has a second rotor bearing, wherein the cantilever stator is held by way of tie rods attaching the stator endbell to the housing; and a rotor in the cantilever stator, the rotor held by the first and second rotor bearings.

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

An energy storage system includes a module housing and multiple battery cells positioned inside the module housing. Each of the battery cells has a first end and a second end. Further, each of the battery cells has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The energy storage system includes a first interconnect and a second interconnect positioned over the battery cells. Multiple first cell connectors connect the positive terminals of the battery cells to the first interconnect. Multiple second cell connectors connect the negative terminals of the battery cells to the second interconnect. A top plate having an interior side and an exterior side is positioned over the first interconnect and the second interconnect. The top plate includes one or more weak areas positioned above one or more battery cell. 1. An energy storage system comprising:a module housing;a plurality of battery cells positioned inside the module housing, each of the plurality of battery cells including a first end and a second end, each of the plurality of battery cells further including a positive terminal and a negative terminal;a first interconnect positioned over the plurality of battery cells;a second interconnect positioned over the plurality of battery cells;a plurality of first cell connectors connecting the positive terminals of the battery cells to the first interconnect;a plurality of second cell connectors connecting the negative terminals of the battery cells to the second interconnect; anda top plate comprising an interior side and an exterior side and positioned over the first interconnect and the second interconnect, wherein the top plate includes one or more weak areas positioned above one or more battery cell.2. The energy storage system of claim 1 , wherein the weak areas in the top plate are physically weaker portions of the top plate.3. The energy storage system of claim 2 , wherein the weak areas are structural depressions in the top plate such that the structural ...

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM WITH HEAT PIPE THERMAL MANAGEMENT

An energy storage system includes: multiple cells, each cell having a first end with anode and cathode terminals, and a second end opposite the first end, the cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned; for each of the cells, electrical connections coupled to the anode and cathode terminals at the first end; and a heat pipe having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends. 1. An energy storage system comprising:multiple cells, each cell having a first end with anode and cathode terminals, and a second end opposite the first end, the cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned;for each of the cells, electrical connections coupled to the anode and cathode terminals at the first end; anda heat pipe having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends.2. The energy storage system of claim 1 , wherein the heat pipe has substantially an L-shape formed by the flat evaporation surface and a flat condensation surface.3. The energy storage system of claim 2 , further comprising a heat transfer channel that abuts the flat condensation surface claim 2 , the heat transfer channel configured to reject thermal energy from claim 2 , or bring thermal energy to claim 2 , the multiple cells.4. The energy storage system of claim 3 , wherein there are multiple heat pipes and the multiple cells are positioned in modules arranged in at least two rows claim 3 , wherein each of the modules is positioned on at least one of the heat pipes claim 3 , wherein the heat transfer channel extends between the two rows claim 3 , and wherein flat evaporation surfaces of the heat pipes extend in opposite directions on either side of the heat transfer channel.5. The energy storage system of claim 2 , wherein the multiple cells are positioned so that the second ends are aligned with a vertical plane claim 2 , and wherein the flat evaporation surface extends along the vertical plane claim 2 , the heat pipe further comprising a flat condensation surface that extends in a ...

CANTILEVER STATOR

An electric motor includes: a housing having a first rotor bearing and a stator support surface; a cantilever stator that includes a lamination stack, a first side of the lamination stack abutting the stator support surface and a second side of the lamination stack abutting a stator endbell that has a second rotor bearing, wherein the cantilever stator is held by way of tie rods attaching the stator endbell to the housing; and a rotor in the cantilever stator, the rotor held by the first and second rotor bearings 116.-. (canceled)17. An electric motor comprising:a housing having a first rotor bearing and a stator support surface;a cantilever stator that includes a lamination stack, a first side of the lamination stack abutting the stator support surface and a second side of the lamination stack abutting a stator endbell that has a second rotor bearing;a plurality of tie rods connecting the cantilever stator to the stator endbell to the housing;at least one alignment pin aligning the housing, the cantilever stator, and the stator endbell to each other; anda rotor disposed in the cantilever stator, the rotor held in position by the first and second rotor bearings.18. The electric motor of claim 17 , wherein the at least one alignment pin comprises:a first end extending into one of the first and second sides of the lamination stacks; anda second end extending into a corresponding one of the stator support surface and the stator endbell.19. The electric motor of claim 18 , wherein the first end of the at least one alignment pin extends into a hole that is stamped into at least an outer lamination of the lamination stack.20. The electric motor of claim 17 , wherein the tie rods pass through openings in the stator endbell claim 17 , extend along an outer surface of the cantilever stator claim 17 , and are attached to the housing at the stator support surface.21. The electric motor of claim 17 , further comprising a bucket that covers the stator endbell claim 17 , tie rods ...

Limiting radial expansion in rotor balancing

A rotor including: a shaft; a structure comprising at least one end ring and rotor bars, wherein at least the end ring comprises a material subject to expansion or movement radially outward from the shaft upon a rotor balancing process that involves spinning of the structure; a core that at least partially encloses the rotor bars; and means for limiting the expansion or movement of the structure radially outward. A method including: providing a structure comprising at least one end ring and rotor bars, wherein at least the end ring comprises a material subject to expansion or movement radially outward from the shaft upon spinning of the structure; assembling a rotor from the structure and a core, the core at least partially enclosing the rotor bars; spinning the rotor in a rotor balancing process; and limiting the expansion or movement of the structure radially outward in the rotor balancing process.

Controlling End Ring Balance in Pre-Balancing Spinning Process

A rotor includes: a shaft; a core around the shaft; at least one end ring connected to rotor bars that are at least partially enclosed in the core; and means for balancing the end ring around the shaft in a pre-balancing spinning process. A method includes: assembling rotor bars so that they are at least partially enclosed in a core of a rotor; connecting an end ring to ends of the rotor bars; inserting a shaft into the core; step for balancing the end ring around the shaft in a pre-balancing spinning process that involves spinning the rotor; and spinning the rotor in the pre-balancing spinning process. 1. A rotor comprising:a shaft;a core around the shaft;at least one end ring connected to rotor bars that are at least partially enclosed in the core; andmeans for balancing the end ring around the shaft in a pre-balancing spinning process.2. The rotor of claim 1 , wherein the means for balancing the end ring around the shaft comprises a conical wedge that places a pre-load on the end ring before the spinning process.3. The rotor of claim 2 , wherein the means comprises two conical wedges and wherein one of the conical wedges is created by machining the shaft.4. The rotor of claim 2 , further comprising a snap ring that restricts the conical wedge from moving along the shaft.5. The rotor of claim 1 , wherein the means for balancing the end ring around the shaft comprises an inner bracket inside the end ring claim 1 , the inner bracket having an interference fit to the end ring and to the shaft.6. The rotor of claim 5 , wherein the inner bracket is annular with a cylindrical inner surface toward the shaft claim 5 , and a cylindrical outer surface toward the end ring claim 5 , and an annular groove between the cylindrical inner and outer surfaces.7. The rotor of claim 6 , wherein the shaft has a chamfer configured for use in assembling the end ring and the inner bracket onto the shaft.8. The rotor of claim 1 , wherein the means for balancing the end ring around the ...

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

An energy storage system includes a module housing and multiple battery cells with insulating material and discharge directing material positioned inside the module housing. Each of the battery cells has a first end and a second end. Further, each of the battery cells has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The energy storage system includes a first interconnect and a second interconnect positioned over the battery cells. Multiple first cell connectors connect the positive terminals of the battery cells to the first interconnect. Multiple second cell connectors connect the negative terminals of the battery cells to the second interconnect. A top plate having an interior side and an exterior side is positioned over the first interconnect and the second interconnect. The top plate includes one or more weak areas with reduced integrity positioned above one or more battery cells. 1. An energy storage system comprising:a module housing;a plurality of battery cells positioned inside the module housing, each of the plurality of battery cells including a first end and a second end, each of the plurality of battery cells further including a positive terminal and a negative terminal;a first interconnect positioned over the plurality of battery cells;a second interconnect positioned over the plurality of battery cells;a plurality of first cell connectors connecting the positive terminals of the battery cells to the first interconnect;a plurality of second cell connectors connecting the negative terminals of the battery cells to the second interconnect; anda top plate comprising an interior side and an exterior side and positioned over the first interconnect and the second interconnect, wherein the top plate includes one or more weak areas positioned above one or more battery cell.2. The energy storage system of claim 1 , wherein the weak areas in the top plate are physically weaker portions of the top plate.3. The energy storage system of claim 2 , wherein the weak ...

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM WITH HEAT PIPE THERMAL MANAGEMENT

An energy storage system includes multiple cells, a heat pipe, a first heat transfer channel, and a second heat transfer channel. Each cell has a first end with anode and cathode terminals and a second end opposite the first end with the multiple cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned. The heat pipe has a U-shape and includes an evaporation portion having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends of the multiple cells, a first condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion, and a second condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion. The first condensation portion is at a first end of the evaporation portion and the second condensation portion is at a second end of the evaporation portion. The first heat transfer channel abuts the first condensation portion and the second heat transfer channel abuts the second condensation portion. 1. An energy storage system comprising:multiple cells, each cell having a first end with anode and cathode terminals, and a second end opposite the first end, the multiple cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned;a heat pipe having a U-shape, the heat pipe including an evaporation portion having a flat evaporation surface thermally coupled to the second ends of the multiple cells, a first condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion, and a second condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion, the first condensation portion at a first end of the evaporation portion, and the second condensation portion at a second end of the evaporation portion;a first heat transfer channel abutting the first condensation portion, the first heat transfer channel configured to reject thermal energy from, or bring thermal energy to, the first condensation portion; anda second heat transfer channel abutting the second condensation portion, the second heat transfer channel ...

Redistributing release agent using a smoothing roll in an image forming system

According to various illustrative embodiments, an apparatus for redistributing release agent on a fuser surface of an image forming device is provided. The apparatus has a fuser surface for contacting a sheet of media having an image formed thereon by the image forming device, the fuser surface moving in a traveling direction; and a smoothing roll for redistributing the release agent on the fuser surface from a first post-fusing distribution to a second distribution, the smoothing roll contacting the release agent on the fuser surface at a contact area and pressing the release agent against the fuser surface to redistribute the release agent from the first post-fusing distribution to the second distribution. The smoothing roll is adapted to redistribute the release agent such that the second distribution is more uniform across the fuser surface than the first post-fusing distribution.

Energy storage system with heat pipe thermal management

Universal module for enabling measurements on color printers

A measurement module for a printer generally includes a page diverter mechanism configured to selectively divert a sheet of media from a main media path to a module media path; a rotating drum configured to receive the media from the module media path and to affix the media on an outer surface of the drum; a measuring device spaced adjacent to the drum and configured to measure as aspect of the media affixed to the surface of the drum; and a sheet transport configured to remove the media from the drum. According to one embodiment, the module may include a drum with an electrostatic hold-down mechanism that captures a sheet and an axially translating measuring device that is configured to read the entire surface as the drum rotates. The measurement module also allows the printed media to cool to eliminate problems with color measurements due to thermo chromaticity.

Methods, apparatus, and systems for spreading radiation curable gel ink

A radiation curable gel ink spreading system includes a print head for jetting radiation curable gel ink onto a front side of a substrate, a heated re-flow drum for contacting a back side of the substrate to heat the gel ink and cause the ink to re-flow, and at least one radiation source that irradiates the heated ink to reduce or stop re-flow. A re-flow drum temperature, amount of radiation emission per unit time, radiation source location including a substrate wrap angle with respect to the re-flow drum and/or the radiation source, a distance between a re-flow zone start and the radiation source, and a gap distance between the radiation source and the substrate, and a process speed or substrate translation speed are adjustable for achieving desired spreading characteristics.

Energy storage system with heat pipe thermal management

Cantilever stator

Cantilever stator

An electric motor includes: a housing having a first rotor bearing and a stator support surface; a cantilever stator that includes a lamination stack, a first side of the lamination stack abutting the stator support surface and a second side of the lamination stack abutting a stator endbell that has a second rotor bearing, wherein the cantilever stator is held by way of tie rods attaching the stator endbell to the housing; and a rotor in the cantilever stator, the rotor held by the first and second rotor bearings.

Apparatus and method for controlling the change of direction of a fusing belt in a printing apparatus

An apparatus ( 100 ) and method ( 500 ) that controls the change of direction of a fusing belt in a printing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus can include a fusing belt ( 120 ) configured to rotate about an axis of rotation ( 128 ). The apparatus can include at least one fusing belt support roller ( 131 ) where the fusing belt can be entrained on the fusing belt support roller. The apparatus can include a pressure roller ( 132 ) that contacts the fusing belt to form a fusing nip ( 137 ), where the pressure roller, the heater, and the fusing belt can be configured to fuse an image on a media sheet ( 112 ) in the fusing nip. The apparatus can include a belt position changing mechanism ( 150 ) configured to move the fusing belt axially in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction relative the axis of rotation. The apparatus can include a belt position changing control module ( 152 ) coupled to the belt position changing mechanism. The belt position changing control module can be configured to change an axial location of a change in direction from the first direction to the second direction so the fusing belt changes direction from the first direction to the second direction at different axial locations.

Park lock for narrow transmission

Apparatuses useful in printing onto media and methods of mitigating media edge wear effects on fixing belts in printing

Apparatuses useful in printing and methods of mitigating media edge wear effects on fixing belts in printing are provided. An exemplary apparatus useful for printing onto media includes a first roll including a first surface; a second roll including a second surface; a fixing member including a third surface; a fixing belt supported on the first surface and second surface, the fixing belt including a surface forming a nip with the fixing member; a registration distribution system for translating the first roll, second roll, fixing member and fixing belt, as a unit, transversely with respect to a media travel path of media received at the nip; and a belt steering mechanism connected to the second roll for translating the fixing belt across the first surface of the first roll at the nip, transversely to the media travel path, while the registration distribution system translates the first roll, second roll, fixing member and fixing belt transversely to the media travel path.

Method and apparatus for fusing toner onto a support sheet

Fuser assemblies for fusing toner on support sheets, electrophotographic apparatuses, and methods of fusing toner on support sheets are disclosed. The fuser assembly includes a fuser belt; a thermally-insulated enclosure surrounding at least a portion of the fuser belt; a conveyor for conveying the support sheet to a nip at which the fuser belt contacts the support sheet and the toner is fused onto the support sheet; a pre-heater; and a heat transfer system for transferring heat from inside of the enclosure to the pre-heater, the pre-heater using the heat to pre-heat the support sheet before the support sheet is conveyed to the nip.

Fuser assemblies, xerographic apparatuses and methods of fusing toner on copy sheets

Fuser assemblies for fusing toner on copy sheets, xerographic apparatuses, and methods of fusing toner on copy sheets in xerographic apparatuses are disclosed. An embodiment of the fuser assemblies includes a continuous fuser belt including an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface; at least a first roll and a second roll which support the fuser belt, at least one of the first roll and second roll being adapted to heat the fuser belt; a heater including an outer heating surface facing the inner surface of the fuser belt; and a mechanism operatively connected to the heater for moving the heater to bring the heating surface into contact with the inner surface of the fuser belt. The heater is operable to supply heat from the heating surface to the inner surface to increase the temperature of the outer surface of the fuser belt adjacent the inner surface heated by the heating surface.

Limiting radial expansion in rotor balancing

A rotor including: a shaft; a structure comprising at least one end ring and rotor bars, wherein at least the end ring comprises a material subject to expansion or movement radially outward from the shaft upon a rotor balancing process that involves spinning of the structure; a core that at least partially encloses the rotor bars; and means for limiting the expansion or movement of the structure radially outward. A method including: providing a structure comprising at least one end ring and rotor bars, wherein at least the end ring comprises a material subject to expansion or movement radially outward from the shaft upon spinning of the structure; assembling a rotor from the structure and a core, the core at least partially enclosing the rotor bars; spinning the rotor in a rotor balancing process; and limiting the expansion or movement of the structure radially outward in the rotor balancing process.

Fuser assemblies, xerographic apparatuses and methods of fusing toner on media

Fuser assemblies, xerographic apparatuses, and methods of fusing toner on media in xerographic apparatuses are disclosed. An embodiment of the fuser assemblies includes a fuser belt having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, at least a first roll and a second roll supporting the fuser belt, and a radiant heater facing the inner surface of the fuser belt. The radiant heater is adapted to emit radiant heat onto the inner surface of the fuser belt to increase the temperature of the outer surface of the fuser belt opposite the inner surface heated by the radiant heater.

Apparatuses useful in printing, fixing devices and methods of stripping substrates from surfaces in apparatuses useful in printing

Apparatuses useful in printing, fixing devices and methods of stripping media from surfaces in apparatuses useful in printing are provided. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus useful in printing includes a first member including a first surface; at least one heating element for heating the first surface of the first member; a second member including a second surface forming a nip with the first surface, the nip including an inlet end at which a substrate enters the nip and an outlet end at which the substrate exits from the nip; and an air knife disposed downstream from the outlet end of the nip and extending along an axial direction of the first member, the air knife including a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and a plurality of axially-spaced nozzles disposed between the first end and second end; and at least one gas inlet through which gas is supplied to the air knife. The nozzles are oriented to eject the gas toward the first surface downstream from the outlet end of the nip to facilitate stripping of the substrate from the first surface. The air knife has a configuration and is positioned proximate to the nip such that the substrate does not contact the air knife after exiting the outlet end of the nip when the nozzle gas ejection is ON or OFF.

Controlling end ring balance in pre-balancing spinning process

A rotor includes: a shaft; a core around the shaft; at least one end ring connected to rotor bars that are at least partially enclosed in the core; and means for balancing the end ring around the shaft in a pre-balancing spinning process. A method includes: assembling rotor bars so that they are at least partially enclosed in a core of a rotor; connecting an end ring to ends of the rotor bars; inserting a shaft into the core; step for balancing the end ring around the shaft in a pre-balancing spinning process that involves spinning the rotor; and spinning the rotor in the pre-balancing spinning process.

A method and apparatus for stripping media from a surface in an apparatus useful in printing

An apparatus and method for stripping media from a surface and useful in printing may include a first member, a fixing belt, a first nip, a second nip, and a stripping device including a curved stripping edge contacting the inner surface of the fixing belt, the stripping edge being defined by a radius of less than about 10 mm, the stripping edge being spaced from the first outlet end of the first nip by a distance of less than about 10 mm, and the fixing belt bending at a stripping angle of about 20° to about 30° at the stripping edge, the stripping device being adjustably movable by a mechanism to vary the distance from the stripping edge to the first outlet end of the first nip, wherein media are stripped from an outer surface of the fixing belt after exiting from the first outlet end of the first nip.

Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of stripping media from surfaces in apparatuses useful for printing

Apparatuses useful for printing and methods for stripping media from surfaces in apparatuses useful for printing are disclosed. An apparatus useful for printing comprising a first member including a first outer surface; a second member including a second outer surface; a belt including an inner surface and an outer surface; a first nip formed by contact between the inner surface of the belt and the second outer surface and contact between the outer surface of the belt and the first outer surface; and a stripping mechanism comprising a stripping member disposed internal to the belt. The stripping member is positionable relative to the first nip to vary a pressure applied by the outer surface of the belt against the first outer surface downstream from the first nip. The media are stripped from the outer surface of the belt after exiting from the first nip.

Fusers, printing apparatuses and methods of fusing toner on media

Fusers, printing apparatuses and methods of fusing toner on media are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the fusers includes a pressure roll; a fuser belt; a nip formed by the fuser belt contacting the pressure roll, the nip including an inlet end where the medium enters the nip, an outlet end where the medium exits the nip, and a nip width defined between the inlet end and the outlet end; a mechanism for moving the pressure roll toward or away from the fuser belt to adjust the nip width; and a stripping member for stripping the medium from the fuser belt after the medium exits from the outlet end of the nip.

Energy storage system

Fuser Belt Assembly

A fuser belt assembly of a xerographic marking device is provided with an endless fuser belt having an inner side and an outer side, a pressure pad movable between a cammed-in position in which the pressure pad contacts an inner side of the fuser belt to press an outer side of the fuser belt against a fuser roll to form a fusing nip, and a cammed-out position in which the pressure pad does not press the fuser belt against the fuser roll. The pressure pad includes two or more embedded pressure sensors for sensing a load of the pressure pad in the cammed-in position, and one or more preload adjustment screws for adjusting the load on the pressure pad based on the sensed pressure pad loads.

Control de temperatura basado en datos de imagen de un entintador sin llaves.

Se proporciona un método y sistemas para controlar automáticamente la temperatura de un entintador sin llaves para la impresión litográfica de datos variables sobre la base del conteo de píxeles. Los elementos de calentamiento del entintador son ajustables para controlar la alimentación de tinta a zonas individuales localizadas adyacentes entre sí a todo lo ancho de un rodillo de tinta. El sistema usa circuitos de control de alimentación anticipada y retroalimentación para ajustar el suministro de tinta dinámicamente, sobre la base de un conteo de píxeles del contenido de la imagen. El conteo de píxeles busca en el flujo de video lo suficiente para dar tiempo al ajuste de los elementos de calentamiento del entintador para la propagación a través de la unidad de entintado para afectar la salida de tinta en el entintador sobre la superficie del tambor de formación de imágenes. La retroalimentación de la densidad de tinta lograda sobre los parches de control sobre el tambor de formación de imágenes es usada además del conteo de píxeles para dar órdenes a los elementos de calentamiento del entintador. La retroalimentación también es usada para actualizar el retraso de propagación del entintador y el modelo dinámico usado para determinar cuantas llaves del entintador necesitan ser ajustadas sobre la base del flujo del conteo de píxeles.

Apparatus and method for fuser and pressure assembly temperature control

An apparatus ( 100 ) and method ( 700 ) that can control fuser temperature is disclosed. The apparatus can include an image fuser member ( 110 ) rotatably supported in the apparatus, where the image fuser member can be configured to fuse an image on media ( 170 ). The apparatus can include a heater ( 120 ) coupled to the image fuser member, where the heater can be configured to heat the image fuser member. The apparatus can include a pressure assembly ( 130 ) rotatably supported in the apparatus and coupled to the image fuser member, where the pressure assembly can be configured to exert pressure against the image fuser member. The apparatus can include a temperature sensor ( 140 ) coupled to the pressure assembly, where the temperature sensor can be configured to sense a temperature of the pressure assembly. The apparatus can include a controller ( 150 ) coupled to the heater and coupled to the temperature sensor, where the controller can be configured to adjust the temperature set point of the image fuser member based on the sensed temperature of the pressure assembly.

Belt cleaning apparatus and systems for belt fuser

A belt fuser system has a cleaning member with a changeable wick. The cleaning member has a first belt cleaning surface and a second belt cleaning surface. The cleaning member rotates about a longitudinal axis for bringing the first belt cleaning surface and the second belt cleaning surface in contact with a back of a fuser belt.

Connector

A connector comprising a first circuit board and a second circuit board disassembled on the first circuit board through a connecting piece, the connecting piece slides through the first circuit board and the second circuit board, and the first circuit board and the second circuit board are fixed to each other, the first circuit board is provided with a conductive part, the second circuit board is provided with a contact part, and the second circuit board is provided with a contact part. When the second circuit board is installed on the first line circuit board, the conductive part and the contact part are electrically connected. The connector of the invention is simple in structure and convenient for disassembly and assembly between the first line circuit board and the second circuit board.

Energy storage system with heat pipe thermal management

An energy storage system includes: multiple cells, each cell having a first end with anode and cathode terminals, and a second end opposite the first end, the cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned; for each of the cells, electrical connections coupled to the anode and cathode terminals at the first end; and a heat pipe having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends.

Limiting radial expansion in rotor balancing

A rotor including: a shaft; a structure comprising at least one end ring and rotor bars, wherein at least the end ring comprises a material subject to expansion or movement radially outward from the shaft upon a rotor balancing process that involves spinning of the structure; a core that at least partially encloses the rotor bars; and means for limiting the expansion or movement of the structure radially outward. A method including: providing a structure comprising at least one end ring and rotor bars, wherein at least the end ring comprises a material subject to expansion or movement radially outward from the shaft upon spinning of the structure; assembling a rotor from the structure and a core, the core at least partially enclosing the rotor bars; spinning the rotor in a rotor balancing process; and limiting the expansion or movement of the structure radially outward in the rotor balancing process.

Controlling end ring balance in pre-balancing spinning process

A rotor includes: a shaft; a core around the shaft; at least one end ring connected to rotor bars that are at least partially enclosed in the core; and means for balancing the end ring around the shaft in a pre-balancing spinning process. A method includes: assembling rotor bars so that they are at least partially enclosed in a core of a rotor; connecting an end ring to ends of the rotor bars; inserting a shaft into the core; step for balancing the end ring around the shaft in a pre-balancing spinning process that involves spinning the rotor; and spinning the rotor in the pre-balancing spinning process.