Digital Copier Coretech 2

Ricoh Americas Corporation
Core Basics v4.0

Reference Manual
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Table of Contents
Handling Paper .
Photocopying Processes ....
Digital Processes ..
Process Control
Color Processes
Standard Components .
4
74
159
233
272
299
Handling Paper
Overview
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For most machines, paper handling can be broken into six main procedures: feed, registration,
transport, duplexing, misfeed detection and finishing. Originals are handled in a similar, though
separate, fashion.
Paper handling begins at the paper sourcethis could be a paper tray, cassette, roll, or a single,
hand-fed sheet in the by-pass tray. The paper feed process ensures that the paper is positioned and
ready for use. It also feeds the paper into the main unit, and separates sheets of paper so that only
one sheet is fed at a time.
Registration ensures that each sheet is positioned properly for printing. Registration typically
addresses two issues: timing and skew. For timing, it synchronizes the image on the photoconductor
with the paper. It ensures that the leading edge of the paper matches the leading edge of the
developed image. Meanwhile, skew control ensures that the paper is lined up straight. It
compensates for slight rotations to the paper during paper feed.
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Handling Paper
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Paper Path
Paper transport is merely moving the paper. Paper is usually transported from paper feed to
registration, from paper separation to fusing, and from fusing to the finisher or output tray.
Not all machines are capable of double-sided printing; however, those that are must have some type
of duplex unit. The duplex process redirects the paper, allowing information to be printed on both
sides of a single sheet. For duplexing, paper can be handled either inside the main unit or using
external duplex units.
Misfeed detection uses a combination of sensors along the paper path to track the progress of each
sheet of paper. These sensors help detect paper jams, determining when and where a jam takes
place
Finally, after they are printed, the sheets can be stacked, sorted, directed to various output trays or
bins, stapled, punched, or otherwise processed. Finishing processes can take place inside the main
unit itself or can be handled by a finishing unit.
Paper Path
The paper path is, basically, the path that the paper travels from the paper source to the output tray.
Most machines have a branching paper paththe paper can come from more than one source, and
can be directed to more than one finishing process or output tray. Most paper paths can run through
all six processes. There are two basic designs for the paper path. Most machines use a variation of
these.
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Handling Paper
Paper Path
Vertical Path
Here, the paper is stored in the lower
portion of the machine. Each sheet is fed
from the paper source, transported
vertically up the machine, then fed to the
registration rollers and development
section. Sometimes a shorter, straight path
runs from the by-pass tray, this can be
used to handle paper stocks that cannot
run through the main paper path.
Duplexing is handled through either an
internal, horizontal duplexing unit or an
external, vertical duplexing unit.
The illustration shows the A265. Paper is
stored in paper trays or fed in the by-pass
tray. The copier uses an external duplexing
unit. Finished sheets can be routed to a
variety of output trays or to the finisher.
Note: in this machine even the
development unit and fusing unit are vertical. The horizontal path across the top of the machine is
merely to transport sheets to the finisher. Also, this copier does not provide a straight paper path
from the by-pass tray. This layout is used in many new copiers and multifunction products.
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Handling Paper
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Paper Path
Horizontal Path
Here the paper travels a generally
horizontal path from the paper
source to the finisher or output tray.
A straight, horizontal paper path
reduces the likelihood of paper
jams. It may also improve speed, or
to allow a wider variety of paper
stocksparticularly heavier paper
stocks.
In some color machines, a
development process called
tetradrive uses a horizontal path.
Four development units are placed
in a line. This provides quick, high
quality color printing.
Unfortunately, the horizontal paper path is not as compact as the vertical path. These machines tend
to be larger.
The illustration above shows the A294. Paper from the LCT follows a traditional, horizontal paper
path. However, paper from the main units trays follows a largely vertical transport path. (Pure
horizontal systems have become quite rare.) Also, unlike the A265, the copy processes are aligned
horizontally. This machine also includes a finisher and an internal, horizontal duplex unit.
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Paper Feed
Paper feed is the separation of a single sheet of paper from a paper sourceusually a stack of
paper in a cassette or trayand moving it into the machine.
Paper Feed Methods

Feed and Reverse Roller (FRR)
The FRR feed mechanism consists of a pick-up
roller, a feed roller, and a reverse roller.
The pick-up roller [A] is not in contact with the
paper stack before it starts feeding paper.
Shortly after the start key is pressed, the pick-up
roller drops down and feeds the top sheet
between the feed roller [B] and the reverse roller
[C]. At almost the same time that the papers
leading edge arrives at the feed roller, the pickup roller lifts off the paper stack so that it does
not interfere with the operation of the feed and
reverse rollers. The feed and reverse rollers
then take over the paper feed process.
frr1.jpg
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Handling Paper
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Paper Feed
There is a one-way bearing inside the feed roller so it can turn only
in one direction. The reverse roller turns in the opposite direction as
the feed roller. A slip clutch (torque limiter clutch) drives the reverse
roller, however, allowing it to turn in either direction depending on
the friction between the rollers. A spring keeps the reverse roller in
contact with the feed roller.
The direction that the reverse roller [A] turns depends on the
frictional forces acting on it. The slip clutch applies a constant
clockwise force (F1). When there is a single sheet of paper being
frr3.tif
driven between the rollers, the force of friction between the feed
roller [B] and the paper (F2) is greater than F1. So, the reverse
roller turns counterclockwise.
If two or more sheets are fed between the rollers, the forward force
on the second sheet (F3), becomes less than F1 because the low
coefficient of friction between the two sheets. So, the reverse roller
starts turning clockwise and drives the second sheet back to the
cassette.
frr2.tif
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Friction Pad
[A]
The friction pad mechanism has two principle

componentsthe paper feed roller [A] and a friction
pad [B].
When the paper feed roller rotates, it feeds the top
sheet of paper. The second sheet also tries to feed,
but because the friction force between the friction pad
and the second sheet is greater than that between the
first and second sheets, the first sheet of paper is the
only one that feeds.
[B]
020117.tif
The friction coefficient applied to the surface of each

sheet of paper is shown below.
1>2>3
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Handling Paper
020118.tif
Page
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Paper Feed
Friction roller
The paper separation mechanism for the friction roller uses
the same principles as the paper separation method for the
friction pad.
The two main components are the paper feed roller and the
friction roller. When the paper feed roller rotates, the top
sheet of paper is fed. The second sheet also tries to feed, but
as the friction force between the friction roller and the second
sheet is greater than that between the first and second
sheets, only the first sheet of paper is fed.
fricroll1.tif
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168
Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Separation Belt
The separation belt system (also called the
friction belt system) primarily feeds sheets from
the bottom of a stack. It is commonly employed in
automatic document feeders (ADFs) and in
duplexing systems.
The separation belt feed mechanism is similar to
the friction pad and friction roller systems; it
exploits the difference in friction resistance to
separate a single sheet of paper. However, unlike
these two systems, the separation belt does not
passively resist the passage of extra sheets of
paper; it turns against the movement of the paper
to feed back all but the bottom sheet.
The mechanism shown to the right is from the
DF62.
[B]
[A]
[A] Separation belts
A610d506.wmf
[B] Feed rollers
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Separation Tab
The separation tab separation system is a
variation of the separation belt system. It is used
in slower feeding ADF units.
[C]
The illustration shows a document feeder using a

separation tab. The pick-up roller [A] and feed
roller [B] feed the document into the ADF unit.
Only the bottom sheet is fed because the
separation tab [C] prevents any other sheets from
feeding. The document feed-in roller [D], feeds the
document through the ADF unit.
[A]
[B]
g025d504.wmf
[D]
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Corner Separator
[B]
Corner separators provide a simple and reliable

method of separating off the top sheet during
paper feed. Commonly, they are used along with
semicircular feed rollers in low and medium speed
copiers.
A spring [A] holds the paper stack up against the
underside of the corner separators [B]. As the
feed rollers [C] start forcing the paper forward, the
corner separators retard the movement of the
paper causing the top sheet to bow up at the
edges and thus separate from the lower sheets.
With further feeding, the corners of the top sheet
release from the corner separators. The top sheet
then feeds into the paper path while the corner
separators stop the lower sheets from feeding.
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Handling Paper
[C]
[A]
cor_sep.tif
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Paper Feed
Air Knife
The air knife paper feed process uses jets of air to
separate sheets of paper for paper feed. The air
knife method (also called air separation method)
is suitable for high speed copying and printing
systems because it reduces the feed roller marks
and paper deformation that can occur in high
speed feeding.
The duplex paper feed mechanism of model A112
(right) uses a combination of air knife and FRR
feed mechanisms. The air knife directs jets of air
at the bottom of the paper stack to separate the
sheets of paper. A vacuum fan holds the bottom
sheet against the transport belt. The separation
roller allows only the bottom sheet to feed.
airknife.tif
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Paper Cassette
A paper cassette is a removable paper tray. A
cassette is taken out of the machine to load paper
and then reinserted in a cassette holder or
cassette entrance.
Paper Lift Mechanism

Cassettes all have a moveable bottom plate on
which the paper rests. The bottom plate must be
raised to place the paper in position to be fed.
Generally, this is accomplished by raising a
cassette arm under the bottom plate. (Refer to the
following examples.)
cassett1.tif
cassett2.tif
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Handling Paper
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Paper Feed
Paper Tray
A paper tray is a non-removable drawer or bin that
is permanently built into or attached to the
machine. The capacity of paper trays varies
considerably; smaller trays typically hold 250 to
500 sheets of paper, but large capacity trays hold
a paper stock of 1000 or more sheets.
Paper Lift Mechanism

Smaller paper trays resemble paper cassettes and
have similar paper lift mechanisms employing
springs or a bottom plate lift arm.
However, large capacity trays have more
complicated mechanisms to raise the bottom plate
and place the paper in position to be fed.
Generally, this is accomplished using a wire- or
belt-lift mechanism. (Refer to the following
examples.)
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500_sheet_tray.tif
1700_sheet_tray.tif
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
By-pass Feed Tray

[A]
Most copiers and multifunction machines

incorporate a fold-out by-pass feed table. By-pass
feed is useful for casual copying on odd paper
sizes. Also, on most machines, the by-pass feed
tray provides a straight paper path that is suitable
for stiff feed stock such as post cards or OHP
transparencies.
Example: A195
The by-pass feed table switch [A] detects when
the by-pass feed table is opened. Then the CPU
turns on the by-pass feed indicator on the
operation panel.
a195d602.wmf
The by-pass feed table uses an FRR feed system,

using the same rollers as the LCT, and one of the
solenoids. Only the by-pass pick-up solenoid [B] is
used, because the pick-up roller does not have to
drop so far as it does when feeding from the LCT.
[C]
The user can put up to 40 sheets of paper on the

by-pass feed table. Note that the paper can be
pushed right into the machine, causing jams. The
a195d569.wmf
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
user must stop pushing the paper in when the bypass feed indicator goes out.
When the Start key is pressed, the by-pass feed
clutch [C] and the pick-up solenoid turn on to feed
the top sheet of paper.
When there is no paper on the by-pass feed table,
the paper end feeler [D] drops into the cutout in
the lower guide plate and the by-pass feed paper
end sensor [E] is deactivated.
[B]
[C]
[E]
[D]
a195d604.wmf
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Paper Roll
Wide format copiers and machines that use a
thermal printing process commonly feed paper
from a roll.
The illustration to the right shows the main
components of a roll feeding systemthe paper
feed rollers [A], the paper roll [B], the cutter unit
[C], and the paper leading edge sensor [D].
sr740-4.pcx
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Handling Paper
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Paper Feed
Cutter Operation
The illustration to the right shows the type of roll
paper cutter used by wide format copiers.
This cutter unit uses a sliding rotary cutting blade
[A] that is pulled past a fixed blade by a drive wire.
The rotary cutting blade allows the cutter unit to
cut paper in both directions. There are home
position switches [B] at both ends of the cutter
unit. The cutter motor turns off, stopping the
cutting action, when the rotary cutting blade knob
plate [C] turns off one of these switches.
Some smaller products such as thermal fax
machines and white-board printers use similar
cutters to cut roll thermal paper.
sr740-7.pcx
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Paper Size Detection

For many copy processes, operation timing depends on paper size. Machines can detect paper size
in a number of different ways. Here are some common ones.
rd
NOTE: Sometimes there isnt a paper size detection mechanism. For example, for the 3 tray of
model A171, the paper size must be input using the SP mode.
Switch Combination
The illustration to the right shows a paper size
detection mechanism commonly used with
cassettes and smaller paper trays.
A block of five microswitches [A] detects the paper
size. The switches are actuated by an actuator
plate [B] on the cassette or tray. (Generally, such
an actuator is set manually.) Each paper size has
its own unique switch combination and the CPU
determines the paper size by the combination.
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[B]
[A]
a229d614.wmf
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Paper Size Dial

Some paper trays use a dial to change paper size.
The illustration to the right shows a case where
the paper dial changes both the guide posts
position and paper size. When the paper size dial
[A] is rotated, the cam groove [B] moves the size
lever [C], which repositions the guide posts [D].
When the dial reaches a standard paper size, one
of the actuator plates [E] enters the paper size
sensor array [F]. The combination of sensors
activated tells the CPU the paper size.
Paper Size Detection Table
Paper Size
B4
A4 Sideways
A4 Lengthwise
B5 Sideways
B5 Lengthwise
11" x 81/2
81/2" x 11"
81/2" x 14"
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1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sensor
3
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
4
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
5
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
rt17dial.pcx
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
This illustration shows a paper size dial that is

used to change only the paper size setting for the
CPU. The paper side fences are set manually.
[B]
There are four microswitches [A] on the front right

plate of the machine that detect paper size. The
switches are actuated by a paper size actuator [B]
on the inside of the paper size dial, which is on the
front right of the tray. Each paper size has its own
unique combination of notches. To determine
paper size, the CPU reads which microswitches
the actuator has switched off.
[A]
g020d025.wmf
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Side Fence Detection
[B]
Many trays have sensors to detect the side fence

position.
In the upper example, the paper size detection
sensors [A] are mounted under the paper tray
bottom plate. When the rear side fence [B] is
inserted into one of the paper size positions, it
enters a photointerrupter. The signal from this
sensor informs the CPU which size paper is in the
tray.
[A]
a171d539.pcx
The lower example is a tray that can be easily

adjusted for different paper sizes by moving the
guide post brackets [C] and the end post [D]. The
guide post brackets and end post have actuator
plates mounted on their bottoms. These plates
activate sensors [E] (photointerrupters) mounted
under the bottom plate. The CPU determines the
paper size by reading the combination of sensors
activated.
[C]
[E]
[E]
[D]
a171d621.pcx
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
By-pass Size Detection

By-pass paper size detection has to be able to
handle various paper sizes and orientations.
[B]
Many machines measure paper width with a slide

switch [A] located inside the by-pass tray [B]. The
side fence is connected to a terminal plate [C].
When the side fences are moved to match the
paper width, the terminal plate slides along the
wiring patterns on the detection board. The
patterns for each paper width on the detection
board are unique. Therefore, the machine
determines the width of the paper placed in the
by-pass tray by the signal output from the board.
However, the by-pass tray cannot determine the
paper length. A4 paper set sideways is
determined to be A3 paper. Generally, the
registration sensor or paper feed sensor
measures the length of the paper (using pulse
count) so the various copy processes cut off at the
proper time.
[C]
[A]
g020d030.wmf
[A]
[C]
g020d534.wmf
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Paper End Detection

No matter what the paper sourcecassette, tray, by-pass, or rollthe machine has to detect when
paper runs out. This can be done in many ways. Here we will look at some of the most common.
Paper End Feeler Method

Cassettes generally detect the paper end
condition through the use of a feeler which drops
through the cassettes bottom plate when paper
runs out. The illustration shows a typical
mechanism.
When paper is loaded in the cassette, the paper
holds up the feeler [A] and the actuator stays out
of the slot of the paper end sensor [B] (photointerrupter). When the paper runs out, the feeler
drops through a cut-out [C] in the bottom plate
and the actuator enters the paper end sensor,
thus notifying the CPU that paper has run out.
[A]
[B]
[C]
endfeeler1.wmf
Trays also often use paper end feelers.

It is necessary to have some mechanism to move
the feeler out of the cut-out in the bottom plate
when the tray or cassette is pulled out.
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
The illustration to the right shows a typical paper

end detection mechanism for a small paper tray.
[A
When the paper tray runs out of paper, the paper

end feeler [A] drops into the cutout [B] in the tray
bottom plate, and the paper end actuator activates
the paper end sensor [C].
The paper end actuator is in contact with a lever
[D]. When the tray is drawn out, the lever turns as
shown by the arrow and pushes up the actuator.
As a result, the feeler rotates upwards. This
mechanism prevents the feeler from getting
damaged by the paper tray body.
[C]
[B]
[D]
endfeeler2.wmf
Some trays have the paper end detection

mechanism under the tray bottom plate. To the
right is one possible configuration. (paper end
feeler: [E], paper end sensor: [F])
endfeeler3.pcx
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Handling Paper
Paper Feed
Roll end detection

Roll paper end is detected by a reflective
photosensor. When paper [A] is present, light
reflects back to the sensor [B]. When paper runs
out the black core [C] doesnt reflect light and
paper end is detected.
[B]
[A]
[C]
rollendsensor.wmf
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Handling Paper
Registration
Registration
Overview
There is often some slippage during paper feed. As a result, paper cannot be transported directly to
the image transfer or printing position, because the image position on the paper would not be stable.
After paper feed starts, its transport timing requires adjustment to match it with the imaging process
timing. This alignment is called image registration or just registration. Generally the registration
process also removes any skew that the paper may have acquired during paper feed.
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Handling Paper
Registration
Registration Using A Stopper

Some machines use a stopper to delay the paper
at the registration rollers. It allows a simplified
drive mechanism where the registration rollers are
not stopped during feeding. This method is used
mainly with low speed machines.
Example: Model A226/A227
The registration rollers [A] always rotate while the
main motor rotates. Relay rollers (not shown)
transport the paper to the registration rollers.
There is a paper stopper [B] between the relay
rollers and the registration rollers. After the
leading edge of the paper reaches the stopper,
the paper buckles slightly to remove skew. Then,
2.9 seconds after the paper feed clutch is turned
on, the registration solenoid [C] is energized to
move the stopper down, releasing the paper. This
synchronizes the paper feeding with the image on
the drum. After 0.6 seconds, the registration
solenoid is de-energized.
[A]
[C]
[B]
a227d517.wmf
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Handling Paper
Registration
Registration Using Rollers

Most copiers and printers use registration rollers
to match the paper timing to the image and
remove skew.
Example: Model G020
The registration sensor [A] is positioned just
before the registration rollers. When the paper
leading edge activates the registration sensor, the
registration clutch [B] turns off and the registration
rollers [C]s stop turning. However, the relay clutch
stays on for a bit longer. This delay allows time for
the paper to press against the registration rollers
and buckle slightly to correct skew. The
registration clutch energizes and the relay clutch
re-energizes at the proper time to align the paper
with the image on the drum. The registration and
relay rollers feed the paper to the image transfer
section.
[C]
[B]
[A]
G020registration.wmf
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Handling Paper
Paper Transport
Paper Transport
Roller Transport
The illustration to the right shows a typical vertical
transport mechanism that is used in several
models.
Three sets of vertical transport rollers [A], driven
by the paper feed motor, and their opposing idle
rollers [B] are mounted in vertical guide plates [C].
They transport the paper from each feed unit to
the registration rollers.
[C]
[A]
[B]
The vertical transport guides can be opened to

access jammed paper in the vertical transport
area.
vertrans.wmf
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Handling Paper
Paper Transport
Belt + Vacuum Transport

Many photocopiers use a combination of belts and
vacuum fans to transport paper from the drum to
the fusing unit. The vacuum holds the paper firmly
against the transport belts. This method has the
advantage of holding the paper secure to prevent
vibrations or slippage that might disturb the as yet
unfused toner image.
The number of transport belts and fans varies
depending on the product. A single vacuum fan
with multiple transport belts is common. The
illustration to the right (from model A166) shows a
mechanism employing two belts and two vacuum
fans.
belt_vac.wmf
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Handling Paper
Duplex
Duplex
Duplexing mechanisms can take many forms. However, they have the following things in common.
They all have some way of sending copies or prints to the duplex mechanism. This is usually
accomplished by a junction gate, which redirects the paper as it exits from the fusing unit.
There is a mechanism that turns the paper over (reverses it) so that it is ready to receive an image
on the reverse side. This can occur before the paper enters the duplex tray or after it exits the
duplex tray.
Duplexing systems in most machines also have the following mechanisms.
There is a tray to hold the sheets of paper to be duplexed. Usually, it is simply "called the duplex
tray.
There is a mechanism, usually called a jogger, to align the sheets of paper in the duplex tray.
There is a paper feed mechanism employing one of the standard paper separation techniques.
Duplex Tray
A duplex tray holds sheets for multi-copy duplexing. The following example illustrates the basic
operation of a commonly used duplex tray system.
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Handling Paper
Duplex
Example: Model A195

The junction gate [A] rotates up 1.1 seconds after
the registration clutch turns on to direct copies to
the duplex tray. Shortly after the fusing exit sensor
detects the leading edge of the paper, the
entrance rollers [B] and duplex feed roller [C] start
to rotate. At the same time, the duplex bottom
plate [D] lowers.
[A]
The copy feeds over the duplex feed roller and

into the tray, thus reversing the copy. The jogger
fences [E] and end fence [F] move inward to
square the copy stack, then they move back 10.5
mm from the paper stack. After the final copy is
delivered to the stack area, the jogger and end
fences remain against the paper stack.
a195d577.wmf
[C]
Soon after the final copy is squared, the duplex

bottom plate lifts to the paper feed position and
the duplex feed roller starts rotating
counterclockwise to feed the top copy to the relay
rollers [G]. The second side is then copied with
the copy following the paper tray feed station
paper path.
[G]
[B]
[F]
[E]
a195d578.wmf
[D]
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Handling Paper
Duplex Stacking (Jogger)
Duplex
[C]
[A]
When sheets of paper enter a duplex tray they

tend to become misaligned. A jogger aligns the
sheets of paper before printing on the reverse side
starts.
Example 1: Model A195
Two motors drive the fencesthe side-fence
jogger motor [A], and the end-fence jogger motor
[B]. Using two motors for the side and end fences
allows the duplex tray to handle all paper sizes
from A3/11" x 17" to A5/ 8" x 5" sideways.
There are two home position sensors. One is for
the jogger fences [C], and the other is for the end
fence [D]. When the main switch turns on, the side
fence jogger motor and the end fence jogger
motor rotate to place the jogger fences and the
end fence at their home positions.
There are two end fences. One [E] is for A3/11 x
17" size paper. The other [F] is for sizes smaller
than B4. They are included as a unit. When A3/11
x 17" size paper is in the duplex tray, the end
fence unit moves to the left (as seen from the
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[G]
A195jog1.wmf
[D]
[B]
[F]
A195jog2.wmf
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Duplex
operation side of the machine) and the B4 end

fence rotates down as it is pressed against the
end fence stopper [G].
10.5
mm
When the registration clutch turns on, the side

fences move 10.5 mm, and the end fence moves
8.7 mm away from the selected paper size. Then,
when the copy paper is delivered to the duplex
tray, the jogger fences move inward to square the
paper after the duplex turn sensor detects the
trailing edge of the copy paper. Shortly after this,
the jogger fences move back to their previous
positions. After the last copy of the first side copy
run enters the duplex tray, the jogger fences
remain against the paper stack.
10.5
mm
8.7
mm
A195jog3.wmf
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Duplex
[B]

As in the previous example, model A171 uses two
motors in the duplexing mechanism. The jogger
fence drive motor [A] positions the side fences [B]
and the end fence drive motor [C] positions the
end fence [D].
[A]
[C]
[D]
During the copy cycle, the side fences wait 10 mm

away from the selected paper size position. After
a sheet enters the duplex tray, the jogger fence
drive motor moves the jogger fences in to align
the paper stack and then moves them back out to
the 10 mm position.
A171D546.wmf
[E]
The end fence, however, does not have a jogging

function. Instead, this model uses a positioning
roller [E] to move the paper to the feed position.
[F]
A pressure plate [F] prevents the paper stack from

moving while the sheet enters the duplex tray.
After it is released, the positioning roller moves
down and drives the sheet to the feed position.
(Pressure plate solenoid: [G], positioning roller
solenoid: [H])
[H]
[G]
A171D545.wmf
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Handling Paper
Duplex
Interleave Duplexing
Overview
Some digital machines have a lot of RAM and a large capacity hard disk that can store many pages.
This allows a different method of duplexing called interleave duplexing, in which sheets are not
stacked. Instead, in interleave duplexing, sheets are continuously fed through the machine and the
correct image is selected from memory or disk depending on which sheet and side is in the imaging
section.
This type of mechanism allows more than one page to be processed at once, and it increases the
productivity of duplex imaging, especially when making multiple duplex copies. Also, in the case of
making copies from paper originals, it decreases the cycling of and the wear on originals.
Example: Model A229
For paper lengths up to A4/Letter lengthwise, the top duplex speed is possible, with the duplex unit
processing three sheets of copy paper at the same time.
For paper longer than this, the duplex tray can still process two sheets of copy paper at once.
In case of single-set duplex copy job, the duplexing processes only one sheet of copy paper at a
time.
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Handling Paper
Duplex
Up to A4/Letter lengthwise
The duplex unit can process three sheets at of copy paper at once.
Example: A 14-page copy. The large numbers in the illustration show the order of pages. The small
numbers in circles show the order of sheets of copy paper (if shaded, this indicates the second side).
6
3
11
6
8
4
13
7
10
5
12
6
9
5
14
7
A229D550.WMF
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Duplex
1. The first 3 sheets are fed and printed.

1) 1st sheet printed (1st page)
2) 2nd sheet printed (3rd page)
3) 3rd sheet printed (5th page)
A229D545.WMF
2. The first 3 sheets go into the duplex unit.

3. The 4th sheet is fed in.
A229D546.WMF
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Duplex
4. The back of the 1st sheet is printed (2nd page).

5. The 4th sheet is printed (7th page).
A229D547.WMF
6.
7.
8.
9.
The 1st sheet is fed out (1st and 2nd pages printed).
The 4th sheet is directed to the duplex unit.
The back of the 2nd sheet is printed (4th page).
The 5th sheet is fed.
A229D548.WMF
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Duplex
10. The 2nd sheet is fed out (3rd and 4th pages printed).
11. The 5th sheet is printed (9th page) and directed to the
duplex unit.
12. The back of the 3rd sheet (6th page) is printed.
13. The 6th sheet is fed and printed (11th page).
A229D549.WMF
14. The 3rd sheet (5th and 6th pages) is fed out
15. The back of the 4th sheet (8th page) is printed.
16. The 7th sheet is fed and printed (13th page).
17. The back of the 5th sheet (10th page) is printed.
A229D583.WMF
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Duplex
18. The 4th and 5th sheets are fed out (pages 7 to 10).
19. The back of the 6th (12th page) and 7th (14th page)
sheets are printed.
20. The 6th and 7th sheets are fed out (pages 11 to 14).
A229D584.WMF
When copying on A3 or 11 x 17 paper, the process is similar, but only two sheets at a time can be
processed. For details, refer to the service manual for model A229.
For another example of interleave duplexing, refer to the service manual of the A687 duplex unit.
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Handling Paper
Misfeed Detection
Misfeed Detection
Office machines that print images on paper (copiers, fax, laser printers, etc.) have to detect paper
misfeeds and jams and take appropriate action. One or more sensors placed along the paper path
accomplish misfeed detection. Typically, photointerrupters with feeler actuators are used for misfeed
detection because they are unaffected by the reflectivity or transparency of the feed stock.
The number of misfeed detectors used depends on the length and complexity of the paper path. The
following timing chart, from model A226/A227, is an example of misfeed check timing in a low-end
machine.
0
(second)
Start Key
Main Motor
Paper Feed
Clutch
Registration
Sensor
Registration
Solenoid
1.2
PE
ON Check
Paper Length
Detection
2.9
6.7
OFF Check
3.5
6.7
12.4
Exit Sensor
ON Check
A227d519.wmf
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Misfeed Detection
This machine uses the registration sensor and the exit sensor to detect misfeeds. The CPU checks
each sensor twicefirst it does an ON check to confirm paper arrival and then it performs an OFF
check to confirm that the paper has passed the sensor.
Larger machines have more complex paper paths and transport paper at higher speeds. The
illustration on the following page shows the misfeed sensors along the paper path of model A112.
Model A112 uses 20 sensors to detect misfeeds. This is a high-speed machine (101 cpm) and,
therefore, paper transport timing is much more critical than in a low-speed machine. For that reason
the CPU does not just perform simple ON and OFF checks at points during the copy cycle. Instead,
for each sensor, it monitors two critical periods. For both the ON and OFF checks, the sensor may
change state within a period that is -93.6 ms and +117 ms from the standard check timing.
f5jam1.pcx
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Misfeed Detection
f5jam1.pcx
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Handling Originals
Handling Originals
Most office machines that scan or copy paper documents are equipped with a document feeder.
These feeders are variously called automatic document feeders (ADF), auto reversing document
feeders (ARDF), or automatic document handlers (ADH); however, we will refer to them all as
document feeders in this section. While document feeders vary in mechanical and operational
details, they generally have to do the following basic tasks:
Feed documents one at a time

from a stack of documents
Detect the document size
Transport the documents to the

scan position
Invert the documents (if

reverse side scanning is
necessary)
Feed out the documents (original exit)
A typical document feeder
In this section, we will look at typical ways that these tasks are accomplished, and at specific
examples of each.
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Handling Originals
Document Feed
Document feed is a special case of paper feed, which was covered earlier in this chapter. Most
document feeders use one of three paper-feed methods. These are:
The separation belt system
The separation tab system
A modified feed and reverse roller system

using a feed belt rather than a feed roller
The following pages briefly cover the separation belt

and separation tab systems, and cover more in
depth the FRR with feed belt system.
Separation Belt
The separation belt system is covered earlier in
this chapter. This system is also called the friction
belt system. This system is mainly used in
document feeders that feed sheets from the bottom
of the original stack.
The illustration to the right shows the feed system of
the DF61/DF64. For details on the feed mechanism
of this ADF, refer to the service manuals for the
DF61 and DF64 (used with model A133).
[A] Separation Belt

[B] Feed Roller
[D] Pick-up Roller
[E] Pull-out Roller
[F] Registration Sensor
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Handling Originals
Separation Tab
The separation tab system is covered earlier in
this chapter. This system, which is also called the
friction tab system, is used in document feeders
when a straight paper feed path is required.
The illustration to the right shows the feed system
of the document feeder of model A084. For more
details, refer to the ARDF section of the service
manual for model A084.
[A] Feed Roller

[B] Separation Tab
[C] Pick-up Roller
[D] Relay Rollers
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Handling Originals
FRR with Feed Belt

Some document feeders, especially those used
with higher throughput machines, use a version of
the FRR (feed and reverse roller) system that
employs a feed belt rather than a feed roller. A
feed-belt type FRR provides more contact area
than a roller type. This makes it more reliable for
feeding original documents, which can vary over a
wide range of types, sizes, and conditions.
However, feed-belt type FRR is rarely used for
primary paper feed (where feedstock quality can
be controlled and throughput is much higher)
because it is relatively expensive in terms of parts
and maintenance.
Example: Model A294
The pick-up roller [A], feed belt [B], and separation
roller [C] are driven by the feed-in motor [D]. The
feed-in motor [D] and feed-in clutch [E] turn on to
supply the drive for the separation process.
[D]
[A]
[B]
[E]
[C]
[B]
[C]
Basic operation is the same as for standard FRR.

When two originals are fed by the pick-up roller,
the separation roller will turn opposite the feed belt
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Handling Originals
direction and the 2nd sheet will be pushed back

into the original tray. When there is only one
original between the feed belt and separation
roller, the separation roller will then rotate in the
same direction as the feed belt and feed the
original through to the platen glass. The
separation roller contains a torque limiter so that
it can rotate in both directions.
When the leading edge of the original activates
the entrance sensor [A], the feed-in clutch [B]
turns off and the drive for the feed belt is released.
The original is now fed by the transport rollers [C]
to the platen glass.
[B]
[D]
At the same time, the pick-up motor starts again

and the pick-up roller [D] is lifted up. When the
pick-up roller HP sensor turns on, the pick-up
motor stops.
[A]
[C]
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Handling Originals
Original Size Detection

Most Ricoh made document feeders use one of two main methods to detect original size.
One method dynamically detects the original size using sensors to detect the width and length of the
original on the fly as the DF feeds it in. This method allows the user to copy a stack of mixed size
originals. However, the drawback is that it may not be possible to start paper feed until after the
original has been fed (in auto paper size selection mode, for example).
The other method is a static detection system. It detects the original size prior to feeding. Generally
this is done by sensing the position of the side fence to determine the original width and by sensing
the original length with reflective photosensors on the original tray. Naturally, only the largest sheet
will be detected by this method; so, mixing different size originals isnt recommended.
This following pages look at an example of each method.
Some document feeders, especially those used with low copy rate machines, do not measure
original size. The DF40 is an example. It is the users responsibility to ensure that the paper size
matches the original size on such machines.
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Handling Originals
Original Transport
This section deals with transporting the document after document feed.
Original Transport falls into two major classes based on the document scanning method. One type of
document feeder transports the document past fixed optics. In such document feeders the document
never stops; transport and feed-out occur as one continuous process. This will be the first
mechanism examined in this section.
The second type of document feeder positions the document on an exposure glass, where it is
scanned by moving optics. Such document feeders usually have several other transport functions.
We will look at belt transport, skew correction, document inversion, and feed-out as separate original
transport processes in such machines.
Transport Past Fixed Optics

When the optics are fixed, scanning is done by moving the document past the reading mechanism at
a constant rate. This is the basic way that fax machines work, but it is also used in some
multifunction machines. The basic requirements are that the paper transport speed and the distance
from the document to the exposure glass both remain constant. Such document feeders are simple
in design and operation. The major drawback is that they cannot easily be designed for duplexing.
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Handling Originals
Transport Belt
Most document feeders use a roller driven belt to position documents on the exposure glass.
Example: Model A294
[B]
The transport belt [A] is driven by the transport

belt motor [B]. The transport belt motor starts
when the copier sends an original feed-in signal.
Inside the transport belt are six pressure rollers
which maintain the correct pressure between the
belt and original. The pressure roller [C] closest to
the left original scale is made of rubber for the
stronger pressure needed for thick originals. The
other rollers are sponge rollers.
Normally, originals are manually placed at the left
rear corner, so an original [D] fed from the DF
must also be at this position. But if the original is
fed along the rear scale [E], original skew, jam, or
wrinkling may occur.
[A]
[C]
[E]
[D
To prevent such problems, the original transfer

position is set to 3.5 mm away from the rear scale
as shown. The 3.5 mm gap is compensated for by
changing the starting position of the main scan.
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Handling Originals
Skew Correction
Skew correction compensates for any misalignment (original skew) that occurs when the original is
transported to the exposure glass by the document feeder. The original is pushed against a scale,
after transport to the exposure glass, to align it properly.
Example: Model A294
The transport belt motor remains
energized to carry the original about 7
mm past the left scale [A] (see the
middle drawing). Then the motor stops
and reverses to feed the original back
against the left scale (see the bottom
drawing). This forces the original to hit
the left scale, which aligns the trailing
edge to minimize original skew on the [A]
exposure glass.
After a two-sided original has been
inverted to copy the 2nd side, it is fed
in from the inverter against the left
scale (see the bottom drawing; the top
two drawings do not apply in this mode).
If a thin original mode is available (and is selected), skew correction does not occur. This prevents
damage to the thin originals.
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Handling Originals
Original Inversion
Document feeders must invert (or turn over) documents to copy the reverse side orwith some
designsto return documents to their original order. Document feeders have various mechanisms
for inverting originals. Most involve routing the document around a roller (or rollers) using solenoidactuated gates. The example shown below is typical.
Example: Model A294
When the DF receives the original invert signal
from the copier, the transport belt motor, feed-out
motor, exit gate solenoid [A], and inverter gate
solenoid [B] turn on and the original is fed back to
the exposure glass through the inverter roller [C],
exit gate [D], inverter guide roller [E], inverter gate
[F], and inverter roller.
The transport belt motor turns in reverse shortly
after the leading edge of the original turns on the
inverter sensor [G], and feeds the original to the
left scale.
[F]
[B]
[E]
[G]
[D]
[A]
[C]
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Handling Originals
Original Exit
Document feeders switch gates within the exit/inverter section to direct documents to the exit tray.
Most document feeders have only one exit tray, which necessitates inverting the documents twice to
keep them in proper order. However, the example below has two exit trays one for duplex mode and
the other for normal mode; so, throughput can remain high with only a single inversion required in
duplex mode.
Example: Model A294
Single-sided Original Mode
The exit gate solenoid [A] remains off and the original
is fed out to the right exit tray. The transport belt
motor turns off after the exit sensor [B] turns off.
To stack the originals neatly on the exit tray, the feedout motor speed is reduced about 30 mm before the
trailing edge of the original turns off the exit sensor.
[A]
[B]
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Handling Originals
Double-sided Original Mode

The exit gate solenoid [A] turns on and the inverter
gate solenoid [B] remains off, and the original is
[B]
fed out to the upper tray. The transport belt motor
turns off when the trailing edge of the original
passes through the exit sensor [C].
To stack the originals neatly on the upper tray, the
[A]
feed-out motor speed is reduced shortly after the
trailing edge of the original turns off the inverter
sensor [D].
[D]
[C]
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Handling Finished Copies/Prints

Handling finished copies and prints involves sorting and stacking with various tray types (fixed,
moving, and shift), as well as stapling and punching. Finished copies and prints are usually handled
with a finishing or sorting unit. All finishing and sorting units do not have the same functions, but
generally there is some sort of stacking and sorting on all basic units with stapling and punching as
added features.
This section will discuss sorting and stacking using the various tray types, stapling and punching
processes, and the exiting of the finished copy or print.
Sorters and finishers can be categorized into three basic types as follows:
Those using fixed position trays or bins. These machines move the finished copies to the
appropriate bin after it exits the copier.
Those using moving bins. These move the trays to the copier exit at the appropriate time to
receive the copy as it exits the copier.
Those using shift trays.
The following pages cover examples of each type.
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Sorting/Stacking with Fixed Trays

Machines that Sort and Stack with Fixed
Trays are usually medium or high speed
machines. In fixed-tray sorters, the copies
are moved to the trays after exiting the
copier by belts or rollers. Fixed trays tend
toward Analog machines rather than Digital
ones.
Example: Model ST23
The general concept of the fixed tray has
the print or copy transported individually to
an exit tray (usually one of many), which
does not move, through a series of rollers.
Transportation is usually by a vertical,
diagonal [D] and/or horizontal transport unit
[E] with a distribution unit [F] that contains
distribution rollers, and bin gates operated
by bin solenoids.
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The Sorter Mechanism

Example: Model ST23
Copies exiting the copier enter the sorter. They are then
delivered to the bins in order. The jogger arm arranges
the copies in the bins. The distribution section has the
distribution rollers [A], bin gates, and bin solenoids.
When a bin gate solenoid [B] is off, the return spring [C]
holds the bin gate [D] out of the paper path, allowing the
copies to pass to the upper bin.
The appropriate bin gate solenoid turns on and opens
the bin gate. The other solenoids are off. The copies go
to the bin [E] through the gate.
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Sorting/Stacking with Moving Trays

Sorters with Moving Trays tend to be smaller and less expensive. They are used with lower-end
models. These machines usually have one of two types of mechanisms for moving trayswheel
drive or screw drive (sometimes called a helical wheel).
Wheel Drive
The bin drive mechanism moves the bins up
and down to receive copies or prints. This
movement is made by a wheel mechanism
that is explained in the following example.
Example: Model CS130
Basic Operation
- Sort Mode In this mode, all copies of the first
original are delivered to separate bins starting
from the top. The copies of the second original
are delivered to the same bins, but starting from
the bottom. The copies of the third original start
from the top and so on. At 250 milliseconds after
the copy has gone through the paper sensor, the
bin drive motor turns on to advance the bin one step.
- Stack Mode In this mode, all copies of the first original are delivered to the first bin, all copies of the
second original are delivered to the second bin, and so on. At 250 milliseconds after the last copy of the
original has gone through the paper sensor, the bin drive motor turns on to advance the bin one step.
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Bin Drive Mechanism
[G] Exit Roller

[H] Upper Paper Guide
[I] Lower Paper Guide
The bin drive mechanism moves the bins up and down to receive
copies under the direction of the copier CPU. The main components in
this mechanism are the bin drive motor [A], two transfer wheels [B,B],
the wheel switch [C], and the bins themselves.
Pins on either side of each bin are inserted into slots called bin guides
[D,D]. The bins slide up and down in the bin guides. The bins sit on
each other with the lower bin resting on the 10th bin (the 10th bin is
permanently fixed in position). The upper and lower paper guides pivot
up and down depending on the height of the bin to be picked up or
released.
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Screw Drive (helical wheel drive)

Screw drive provides a bin drive mechanism that is more robust than the wheel drive method and is
suitable for heavier workloads.
Example: Model ST10
Basic Operation
When sort mode is selected, the bin drive motor
[A] energizes to rotate the helical wheels. The
helical wheels [B] rotate twice to move the top bin
to the transport roller position, then the first copy
is delivered to the top bin.
[C]
After the first copy of the first original has been fed
to the top bin, the bin drive motor moves the bins
up one step (the helical wheels rotate once) so
that the second copy of the first original will be
delivered to the next bin. The jogger plate [C]
squares the copies after each copy has been fed
to a bin. After the copies of the first original have
been delivered to each bin, the sorter stapler
maintains its status (the bin drive motor does not
rotate). The first copy of the second original is
delivered to the final bin that was used for the first
original, then the final bin descends one step. The
[A]
[B]
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bins descend each time a copy of the second

original is delivered.
The direction of motion of the bins alternates for
each page of the original until the copy run is
finished.
Stack mode is similar to sort mode. However, the
bins move upward only.
[A]
Bin Drive Mechanism

The bin drive mechanism moves the bins up and
down to receive copies.
There are four pins on each bin. Two pins fit into
the slots [A] in both the front and rear side frames;
the pins slide up and down in these slots. The
other two pins fit into the slot in the helical wheels;
as the helical wheels turn, these pins move up
and down, and the other pins move up and down
in the slots at the other end of the bin.
The bin drive motor [B] drives the helical wheels
through four timing belts [C]. When the motor
rotates clockwise, the bins lift; when it rotates
counterclockwise, the bins lower. There is a wheel
sensor actuator [D] on the front helical wheel; the
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[A]
[B]
[C]
[D]
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actuator has a slot that detects when the helical

wheel has rotated once.
When the bins are advanced, the helical wheels
rotate once for each step. As the pitch of the spiral
on the helical wheel is greater when the bins are
at the staple and paper exit area than when the
bins are elsewhere, the amount of bin shift is
greater when the bins are at the staple and paper
exit area. This leaves enough space to staple and
stack the copies. Also, this reduces the total
machine height.
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Sorting/Stacking with Shift Trays

Machines with Shift trays tend toward medium-sized, middle segment to upper segment machines.
Recently, most digital machines are using this type of tray. Shift trays usually have up/down and
side-to-side movement. This facilitates the sorting and stacking of copies or prints. The up/down
movement allows for a large number of copies to stack in the shift tray. The side-to-side movement
separates sets of copies by alternating the position of the shift tray for each set.
Example: SR810 Finisher
[D]
[E]
Up/Down Movement
The shift tray lift motor [A] controls the vertical position
of the shift tray [B] through gears and timing belts [C].
When the main switch is turned on, the tray is initialized
at the upper position. The tray is moved up until stack
height sensor 1 [D] is de-actuated.
As paper feeds into the tray the stack height feeler [E]
raises; when it actuates stack-height sensor 2 [F] the
shift tray lift motor lowers the shift tray. (Exact timing
and amount of movement depends on the mode. See
the SR810 service manual for more details.)
The shift tray rises until stack height sensor 1 is deactuated when the user takes the stack of paper from
the shift tray.
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[F]
[A]
[B]
[C]
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Side-to-Side Movement
In sort/stack mode, the shift tray [A] moves from side to side to separate the sets of copies.
The horizontal position of the shift tray
is controlled by the shift motor [B] and
shift gear disk [C]. After one set of
copies is made and delivered to the
shift tray, the shift motor turns on,
driving the shift gear disk and the shaft
[D]. The shaft positions the end fence
[E], creating the side-to-side
movement.
When the shift gear disk has rotated
180 degrees (when the shift tray is
fully shifted across), the cut-out in the
shift gear disk turns on the shift tray
half-turn sensor [F] and the shift motor
stops. The next set of copies is then
delivered. The motor turns on,
repeating the same process and
moving the tray back to the previous
position.
[D]
[A]
[F]
[C]
[B]
[E]
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Handling Paper
Paper pre-stacking
This mechanism improves productivity in staple mode.
During stapling, the copier has to
wait. This mechanism reduces the
wait by holding the first two sheets of
a job while the previous job is still
being stapled. It only works during
the second and subsequent sets of a
multi-set copy job.
[A]
[B]
[E]
[F]
The pre-stack junction gate solenoid
[A] turns on about 230 ms after the
[D]
1st sheet of paper turns on the
[C]
entrance sensor, and this directs the
sheet to the pre-stack tray [B]. (This sheet cannot be fed to the stapler yet, because the first set is
still being stapled.) The pre-stack paper stopper solenoid [C] turns on about 680 ms after the 1st
sheet turns on the entrance sensor. The pre-stack paper stopper [D] then stops the paper.
The pre-stack junction gate solenoid turns off 450 ms after the trailing edge of the 1st sheet passes
through the entrance sensor, and the 2nd sheet is sent to the paper guide [E]. The pre-stack paper
stopper is released about 50 ms after the 2nd sheet turns on the pre-stack stopper sensor [F], and
the two sheets of copy paper are sent to the stapler tray. All sheets after the 2nd sheet go to the
stapler tray via the paper guide [E].
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Handling Paper
Stapling and Punching

Stapling and punching go through a fairly set process. The
copies are collected in a bin, stack correction occurs so
that all of the copies are aligned properly for the punch and
staple units, and finally the stapler and/or punch moves to
one of usually three positions for stapling and/or punching.
After stapling/punching is complete, the document is
transported to the exit tray.
[A]
[B]
Example: SR810 Finisher

Stapler Unit
[C]
The stapler motor [A] moves the stapler [B] from side to
side. After the start key is pressed, the stapler moves from its home position to the stapling position.
If two-staple-position mode is selected, the stapler moves to the front stapling position first, then
moves to the rear stapling position. However, for the next copy set, it staples in the reverse order (at
the rear side first then at the front side).
After the job is completed, the stapler moves back to its home position. This is detected by the
stapler HP sensor [C].
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Handling Paper
[D]
Punch Unit
The punch unit makes 2 or 3 holes
(depending on the type of punch unit) at
the trailing edge of the paper.
The punch unit is driven by the punch
motor [A]. The punch motor turns on 78
ms after the trailing edge of the paper
passes through the entrance sensor [B],
and makes the punch holes.
The home position is detected by the
punch HP sensor [C]. When the cut-out in
the punch shaft gear disk [D] enters the
punch HP sensor, the punch motor stops.
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[C]
[A]
[B]
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Photocopying Processes
Overview
1
1. Scanning
An exposure lamp illuminates the original. Light reflected off the original is used to create the
image on a drum*. In analog machines, the light is reflected through a series of mirrors,
eventually striking the drum directly. For multi-copy runs, the original must be scanned for each
copy.
In digital machines, the reflected light is passed to a CCD or CIS, where it is converted into an
analog data signal. This data is further converted to a digital signal, processed, and stored in
memory. To print, the data is retrieved and sent to a laser diode. For multi-copy runs, the original
is scanned only once and stored to a hard disk.
*

SKRWRFRQGXFWRUGUXP

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2. Charging
A charge is applied to the
photoconductor drum. There are a
variety of methods for this. Some
machines apply a positive charge,
others apply a negative. Most use a
non-contact corona wirethough
some use a contact, charge roller.
The drum holds the charge because
the photoconductive surface of the
drum has a high electrical
resistanceunless exposed to light.
Overview
7
4
6
3. Exposure
5
In an analog machine, the light
reflected off the original is redirected
to the drum. In a digital machine, the processed data from the scanned original is retrieved from
memory or from a hard disk and transferred to the drum by one or more laser beams. In both
cases, the areas exposed to light lose some or all of their charge. This writes an electrostatic
image on the drum.
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Overview
4. Development
Toner is attracted to the latent image on the drum. The exact process varies depending on
whether the drum holds a positive or negative charge. Most analog machines are Write to
Whitethe toner is attracted to unexposed areas on the drum. Most digital machines are Write to
Blackthe toner is attracted to exposed areas.
5. Transfer
The image is transferred to paper. Some machines transfer the image directly from the drum.
Others use an intermediary transfer belt. Transfer belts are particularly common in color
machines. The four colors are layered onto the belt, and then the final image is transferred to the
paper in one step.
6. Separation
The paper can be separated from the drum (or image transfer belt) electrostatically or
mechanically. Charge coronas, discharge plates, pick-off pawls and sharply curved paper paths
are all used. Often a machine will combine two or more methods.
7. Cleaning
The remaining toner is cleaned off the drum. Most machines use a cleaning blade to wipe off the
excess toner. Some add a cleaning brush or cleaning roller to improve efficiency.
8. Quenching
Light from a lamp neutralizes the remaining charge on the drums surface.
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9. Fusing
Heat and pressure are used to melt the toner and
attach it to the page. The hot roller [A] is usually
heated by one or more halogen lamps. The
pressure roller [B] may or may not be heated.
[A]
[B]
9
Charge
Overview
Charge refers to the application of a uniform electrostatic charge to a photoconductor in darkness. At
present, two kinds of electrostatic charge methods are widely used in Ricoh products. The most
common is the corona electrostatic charge method (non-contact type), which takes advantage of the
corona discharge produced when a high voltage is applied to a fine wire. The other is the
electrostatic charge roller method (contact type), which provides an electrostatic charge by applying a
high voltage to a roller and contacting the roller to the photoconductor.
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Charge
Corona Charge
Corotron MethodPositive charge (Se)
A power pack applies several thousand volts of
electricity to a charge wire and a corona discharge is
generated from the charge wire. The corona discharge
ionizes air particles and the positive ions concentrate
around the charge casing and photoconductive surface
(Selenium). The photoconductor (insulator in darkness)
stops the positive ions. The positive ions induce a
negative electrostatic charge in the aluminum base,
retaining the electrostatic charge.
050101.pcx
[A]
Scorotron MethodNegative charge (OPC)

When several thousand volts of electricity are
applied to a charge wire [A], a corona discharge is
generated from the charge wire. The corona
discharge ionizes air particles and the negative
ions concentrate around the charge casing [B] and
grid [C]. The negative ions adhere to the photoconductor [D] (insulator in the darkness), causing
positive electrostatic charge in the aluminum base
[E], retaining the electrostatic charge.
[B]
[C
[D]
[E]
050102.pcx
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Charge
Scorotron Grid
Corona
output
The quantity of the current of discharged

electricity along the wire length changes as shown
by the chart on the right. As this suggests, a
negative corona is less uniform than a positive
corona.
Effect
of grid
Therefore, the scorotron method uses a grid to

even out the electric potential on the
photosensitive surface.
The grid is located at +1 or +2 millimeters away
from the photosensitive surface, and the grid
material is either stainless steel or tungsten wire.
050103.pcx
[A]
[A]: Grid
[B]: Power pack
[C]: Drum
[B]
[C]
chrggrid.pcx
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Charge
Corona Charge Power Pack

A rated current power pack is used for corona charging. In comparison to a rated voltage power
pack, a rated current power pack provides a more stable image quality. It does this by stabilizing the
total wire current even when the charge wire deteriorates or the wire resistance increases due to
staining caused by dust.
Uneven Charge Prevention

To prevent an uneven build-up of charge on the
photoconductor, a flow of air is supplied to the
electrostatic charge section. In the machine
illustrated (model A184), the exhaust fan [A]
causes a flow of air through the charge corona
section.
[A]
[B]
Generally, an ozone filter [B] is also installed in

the charge section to adsorb ozone (O3)
generated by the charge corona.
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Charge
Charge Roller Method

[C]
[B]
[A]
mo6.wmf
An electrostatic charge is applied to the photoconductor by applying several thousand volts of

electricity to the drum charge roller [A]. The drum charge roller contacts the surface of the OPC drum
[B] to give a negative charge
The DC power pack [C] for the electrostatic charge is a constant voltage type. This is because, in
comparison to constant current power packs commonly used for coronas, the constant voltage type
is better able to supply a uniform electrostatic charge on the drum surface when using a roller.
The amount of ozone generated during drum charging is much less than the amount made by a
corona wire scorotron system. Therefore, there is no need for an ozone filter
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Charge
Drum Charge Roller Construction

Outer Layer:
Hydrin,
Fluorine compound, Silica
The charge roller consists of a steel core,

surrounded by layers of rubber and other
material.
Steel Core
Inner Layer:
Epichlorohydrin
Rubber
Charge Roller Cleaning

If the charge roller becomes dirty, uneven charge may be applied to the photoconductor. This would
decrease drum charge efficiency and cause spots and streaks on the output image. For this reason,
the charge roller must be cleaned.
The charge roller cleaning may be done periodically or, if space is limited, the cleaning pad may be
constantly in contact with the charge roller.
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Exposure
Exposure
Overview
Exposure refers to a process where light is applied to a photoconductor to create a latent reverse
image in the form of a charge pattern on the surface of the photoconductive material. Depending
on the brightness of the image, the electric potential on the photoconducutors surface is attenuated;
thus, forming an electrostatic latent image
Ricoh products use three main exposure methodsflash exposure, strip exposure (sometimes
called slit exposure), and laser exposure. The analog methodsflash and strip exposureare
covered in this chapter. Strip exposure is further divided into exposure using moving optics and
exposure with fixed optics. Laser exposure is covered in the Digital Processes chapter
Strip Exposure With Moving Optics

Strip exposure with moving optics scans a strong light source across a fixed original. The strip of the
image illuminated during this scanning, is continuously projected to the photoconductor by an optical
assembly (mirrors and lens).
This method makes it easy to obtain even illumination distributions and it is well suited to projecting
images onto cylindrical drums. Also, it is easy to change magnification by repositioning the optical
components. However, it has speed limitations. Due to these characteristics, strip exposure is the
most common exposure method used for low and medium speed models.
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101
Exposure
Scanner Drive
Here we will look at a couple of examples
of scanner drive mechanisms in analog
machines.
The illustration to the right shows a typical
drive mechanism for an analog process
photocopier. (Model A095)
A dc servomotor is used as the scanner
drive motor [A]. Scanner drive speed
during scanning depends on the
reproduction ratio. For a 100% copy, the
scanning speed is 330mm/s.
The scanner drive motor drives the first
[B] and second scanners [C] using two
scanner drive wires via the timing belt [D]
and the scanner drive shaft [E]. The
second scanner speed is half of the first
scanner speed. The scanner drive wire is
not directly wound around the pulley on
the scanner drive motor.
scandrv1.pcx
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Exposure
The second scanner drive example (model A219) shows scanner drive using belts rather than wires.
A stepper motor [A] drives the scanners. The first scanner [B], which consists of the exposure lamp
and the first mirror, is connected to the first scanner belt [C]. The second scanner [D], which consists
of the second and third mirrors, is connected to the second scanner belt [E]. Both the scanners move
along the guide rod [F].
[H]
[F]
[D]
[C]
[A]
[G]
[B]
[E]
A219D522.wmf
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Exposure
There are no scanner drive wires, and only one side of the scanner is supported (by a rod and guide
rail).
The pulley [G] drives both the first and second scanner belts. The 2nd scanner moves at half the
speed of the first scanner. This maintains the focal distance between the original and the lens during
scanning.
The scanner home position is detected by a home position sensor [H]. The scanner return position is
determined by counting the scanner motor drive pulses.
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105
Exposure
Lens Drive
For a copier to make reduced or enlarged
copies, the lens must be moved to achieve
the proper optical distance between the lens
and the drum surface for the selected
reproduction ratio.
There are many ways this can be done. The
illustration (from model A152) shows a typical
arrangement. In this case, a stepper motor
[A] changes the lens [B] position through the
lens drive wire [C].
The rotation of the lens drive pulley moves
the lens back and forth in discrete steps. The
home position of the lens is detected by the
home position sensor [D]. The main board
keeps track of the lens position based on the
number of pulses sent to the lens motor.
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Exposure
Mirror Positioning
[B]
To make reduced or enlarged copies, it isnt

enough to just move the lens. To maintain focus,
analog copiers must move mirrors also. For the
typical 6-mirror exposure system, the 4th/5th mirror
assembly is repositioned. (This is sometimes
referred to as third scanner drive; however, that
actually isnt an accurate name because the
mirrors are stationary during scanning.)
The illustrations to the right show two examples. In
the upper illustration, a stepper motor [A] changes
the 4th/5th mirror assembly position through a rack
and pinion drive system [B].
A219D510.wmf
[A]
[C]
The lower illustration shows a system where the

mirror assembly is repositioned using a drive belt
[C].
A171D567.pcx
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Exposure
Strip Exposure With Fixed Optics

Strip exposure with fixed optics is a system
where the original moves and the optics and
light source are fixed. A strip of the original
image is illuminated as it moves past the optics,
and the optics continuously project this strip
image to the photoconductor. While several
types of optics could be used for this system,
Ricoh uses a SELFOC fiber optic array. The
fiber optic array has the advantage of being very
compact. For that reason it is used mostly in
large format copiers, where lens and mirror
optics are impractical, and in small, low speed
personal copiers, where compact size is
important.
Original document
SELFOC fiber optic array
Exposure image
ips138.wmf
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Exposure
Flash Exposure
Flash exposure is an overall exposure method, which
projects the document image onto the photoconductor,
by exposing the entire document surface at once. As
this method does not require a scanning mechanism, it
enables high speed copying. However, it requires the
photoconductors surface to be flat and it requires an
optics cavity that is quite large compared to standard
scanner optics.
Example: Models A112/A201 (Big Bird)
[A]
[C]
[D]
The illustration to the right shows the exposure

mechanism of the FT9101/9105. A xenon flash lamp
[A] illuminates the entire document in a single flash of
light. The flash is of such short duration (170 ms) that
the opc belt [B], which moves at 430 mm/s, does not
have to stop during exposure.
[B]
Reflectors [C] provide even light intensity to the

original. Even though mirrors [D] are used to fold the
light path, most of the interior of the main body of the
copier is taken up by the optics cavity.
IPS165.wmf
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Exposure
Exposure Lamp Control

Fluorescent Lamp
Feedback Control System
Light from a fluorescent lamp tends to
fluctuate. For this reason, exposure lamp
intensity must be stabilized during the copy
cycle to get a constant latent image on the
drum. To accomplish this the actual light
output by the lamp is fed back to a control
circuit.
The illustration to the right (from model
A171) shows a typical control system. The
main PCB [A] monitors the light intensity
through a fiber optics cable [B]. based on
this input, a lamp power signal (pulse width
modulated signal) is sent to the fluorescent
lamp regulator [C].
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[C]
[B]
[A]
A171D572.pcx
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Exposure
Fluorescent Lamp Regulator

The fluorescent lamp regulator (also called
FL stabilizer) converts the power input to a
stable, high-frequency ac output to the
fluorescent lamp. A fluorescent lamp
operates more efficiently with high
frequency power input.
The percentage of the time that the lamp
receives powerthe duty cycleis
controlled by a pulse width modulated
control signal.
In the illustration to the right (from model
A163), the lamp regulator [A] receives 24
volts dc at CN401-1 from the PSU [B]. The
control signal, which is a pulse width
modulated (PWM) signal, is received at
CN401-4. The PWM signal has a period (T)
of 1 millisecond and a duty ratio of 15% to
100%.
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FL_regulator.pcx
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Exposure
Halogen Lamp
The illustration to the right (from model
A110) shows a typical control circuit for
a halogen lamp used for exposure.
The main board sends lamp trigger
pulses to the ac drive board from
CN122-7. PC401 activates TRC401,
which provides ac power to the exposure lamp, at the trailing edge of each
trigger pulse.
The voltage applied to the exposure
lamp is also provided to the feedback
circuit. The feedback circuit steps
down (TR401), rectifies (DB401), and
smoothes (zener diodes and capacitors) the lamp voltage. The
CPU monitors the lowest point of the smoothed wave (feedback
signal), which is directly proportional to the actual lamp voltage.
The CPU changes the timing of the trigger pulses in response to
the feedback voltage. If the lamp voltage is too low, the CPU
sends the trigger pulses earlier so that more ac power is applied
to the exposure lamp. This feedback control is performed
instantly; so, the lamp voltage is always stable even under
fluctuating ac power conditions.
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explamp1.pcx
explamp2.pcx
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Development
Development
This section covers standard systems for latent image development that are commonly used in Ricoh
products. These development systems are divided into the dual-component development method
and the mono-component development method.
Dual-Component Development (Magnetic Brush)

Overview
The two-component development process uses
developer made of mixed toner [A] and carrier [B]. These
two components rub against each other in the development unit and take on opposite charges. When a
selenium photoconductor (drum) [C] is used, the toner
takes a negative charge and the carrier takes a positive
charge.
The carrier consists of resin-coated metallic particles, and
they align with magnetic lines of force from magnets [D]
inside the development roller, [E] forming a magnetic
brush. The rotating drum contacts the magnetic brush,
and the charged latent image areas of the drum attract
the oppositely charged toner particles.
[C]
[D]
[A] [B]
[E]
magbrush.pcx
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Development
Features
Advantages
Achieves high speed development
Allows relatively wide scope in terms of accuracy
Disadvantages
The development section is complex and large
Deterioration of developer over time (difficult to achieve maintenance free operations)
Requires toner concentration control
Developer Composition
Carrier
Carrier consists of roughly spherical metallic particles ranging in size from 50 to 200 m. The
particles have a resin coating with specific characteristics which determine the polarity and strength
of the carriers triboelectric charge.
Toner
Several weight percent of toner (weight ratio) is mixed with the carrier. Toner particles have a
diameter of 5 to 20 m. Toner particles are made of a thermosetting carbon black resin in which an
electrostatic charge agent is mixed. The triboelectric characteristics ensure that the toner always
takes on a charge that is opposite to the carrier.
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Development
Mono-Component Development
Overview
The monocomponent development process uses toner only with no carrier. Monocomponent
development systems are used mainly in small photocopiers with a low copy rate.
Advantages:
Development unit structure is simple and compact.
Toner density control is unnecessary.
Disadvantages:
Unsuitable for high speed developing

Suitable for low-volume copying only because the development unit parts wear out relatively
quickly.
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Development
Basic Process
[B]
The illustration to the right (from model A027) shows

a typical monocomponent development system. This
system does not use a magnetic brush, and as a
consequence, there isnt a doctor gap or photoconductor gap. The development roller [A] directly
contacts the OPC belt [B] and the toner metering
blade [C].
As the development roller turns past the toner
metering blade, only a thin coating of positively
charged toner particles stays adhered to the
development roller. After that, the development roller
turns past the OPC belt. The negatively charged
latent image on the OPC belt's surface attracts the
toner from the development roller, making the image
visible on the OPC surface.
[A]
A027blackdev.pcx
[C]
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Development
Development Roller and Toner Metering Blade
[C]
The typical development roller used in the mono- [D]

component process has two layers. At the core
there is a conductive layer [A] to which the
development bias is applied. Around that, there is
a magnetic rubber layer [B], which has closely
spaced, alternating north and south magnetic
poles. The development roller rotates at a high
speedtypically greater than 300 rpm.
The toner metering blade [C] is made of an iron
based material. It is attracted against the development roller by the magnetic field of the magnetic
rubber layer. The toner metering blade vibrates
because of rapid changes in the magnetic field as
the roller turns. The vibration allows toner to pass
by and prevents foreign matter from being caught
on the edge of the metering blade.
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[B]
[A]
A027devroll.wmf
Toner particles [D] receive a positive triboelectric charge as they move past the toner metering blade.
This charge is created by the rubbing action of the development roller, toner, and toner metering
blade.
The monocomponent toner used with this type of roller is composed of resin and ferrite. Attraction
between the ferrite and the magnetic rubber layer causes the toner to adhere to the development
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Development
roller. (Typically, this kind of toner also has high electrical resistance, which gives it good
development and image transfer characteristics, even under high humidity conditions.)
[A]
FEED Development Roller

Some monocomponent development units use the
FEED development technique. (FEED stands for
floating electrode effect development.) This
system is similar to that discussed in the previous
section; however, the development roller has an
insulating layer over the magnetic rubber layer.
Floating electrodes [A] are embedded in the
insulating layer [B]. (They are called floating
electrodes because they float electrically in the
insulating layer.)
This type of system is suitable for use with toners
containing little or no ferrite (for example color
toners). The floating electrodes take on a
triboelectric charge opposite to that of the toner,
and thus, attract the toner to the development
roller.
April
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+
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[B]
A027cdevrol.wmf
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Development
Double Development Roller Process

The development of the double development roller method for monocomponent development was in
two stages. The double development roller process was originally developed as an adaptation of the
normal monocomponent process for use with an OPC drum. Since the development roller was a
metal roller with magnetic strips, it wasnt suitable for direct contact with a hard OPC surface.
Because of this, a rubber roller was placed between the drum and the metal roller. This rubber roller
was called the development roller, and the old metal-and-magnet roller was called the toner
application roller. This is the type of development system used in model H523. (See example 1
below for details.)
In the second stage, the double roller process was modified for use in replaceable cartridges. In such
cartridges, the toner application roller is a sponge. It is not magnetic. It just picks up toner and
applies it to the development roller. The development roller is similar to the one used in the first
stage. The toner-metering blade was moved to the development roller, because the application roller
does not apply an even layer to the development roller.
Also, the potential difference (bias) between the application roller and development roller was
reduced in the second stage. Less potential difference is required because it isnt necessary to
overcome the attraction of the magnets. This is the type of development system used for models
H545 and G026/G036. (See example 2 below for details.)
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Development
Development Bias
When a photoconductor (photosensitive drum or belt) is exposed, the charge decreases in the
sections that receive light, corresponding to the white sections of the document. However, exposure
does not eliminate the charge completely, and there is always a small residual charge on the
photoconductor. To prevent toner from being attracted to the non-image areas and thus causing
toner background on copies, the development roller is charged with a bias voltage greater than the
residual voltage on the photoconductor. This bias voltage is opposite in polarity to that of the toner;
so, its attraction is greater than that of the residual voltage on the photoconductor.
In some machines, the bias voltage is also used to control image density. The higher the
development bias voltage is, the less toner is attracted to the drum surface.
In the past, the most common copy process used a positively charged selenium drum
photoconductor, negatively charged toner, and a positive development bias. However, recent
products use a negatively charged organic photoconductor (OPC) and positively charged toner; so,
the development bias is negative.
NOTE: The calculation of the actual value of the development bias can be quite complex and
varies from machine to machine. Various compensating factorsfor example for residual
voltage changes, temperature, original background, drum wear, magnification, and many
other factorsmay be calculated by the machines CPU depending on the details of the
machines process control. (For more details, see the Process Control section or refer to
the service manual of the product you are interested in.)
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Development
Crossmixing
[B]
[C]
[E]
[C]
[F]
[E]
[B]
[D]
[F]
[A]
[A]
[D]
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a246d556.wmf
The illustrations above show a standard cross-mixing mechanism. Most dual component
development systems use a mechanism like this to keep the toner and carrier evenly mixed. This
mechanism also helps agitate the developer to prevent developer clumps from forming and helps
create the triboelectric charge (an electric charge generated by friction) on the toner and carrier.
The developer on the turning development rollers [A] is split into two parts by the doctor blade [B].
The part that stays on the development rollers forms the magnetic brush and develops the latent
image on the drum. The part that the doctor blade trims off goes to the backspill plate [C].
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Development
As the developer slides down the backspill plate to the agitator [D], the mixing vanes [E] move it
slightly toward the rear of the unit. Part of the developer falls into the auger inlet and the auger [F]
transmits it to the front of the unit.
The agitator moves the developer slightly to the front as it turns, so the developer remains evenly
distributed in the development unit.
Development Seal
Development units have several seals to prevent toner from spilling out into the copier. Usually there
are an upper (or inlet) seal, a lower seal, and side seals. In some cases, the upper seal is a brush
seal and actually contacts the drum. In other development units, the upper seal is positioned close to
the drum to prevent particles from scattering upward. The development unit side seals, are in contact
with the drum ends (out of the image area) preventing toner scattering from the ends of the unit. The
lower seal is positioned to catch falling particles.
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Development
Toner Supply
In order to keep the toner density (ratio of toner to carrier) constant the development mechanism
must have a way of adding toner to the developer. This is called the toner supply mechanism.
The toner supply mechanism cannot just dump toner into the development unit. To avoid fluctuations
it must add small, measured amounts of toner in response to the toner density control system. (Also
seeToner Supply Control in the Color Development section.)
There are many ways of designing a toner supply system. Here we will look at a couple of standard
mechanisms.
This machine uses a toner bottle that has a spiral
groove in it. When the toner supply drive
mechanism is activated, the toner bottle rotates
and the groove moves toner to the mouth of the
bottle, where toner spills into a small hopper.
Turning mylar blades move the toner to an
opening in the side of the hopper and the toner
drops into the development unit. The amount of
toner added depends on the length of time that
the toner supply mechanism rotates.
Toner supply mechanisms similar to this one are
used in many machines.
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The illustration to the right is an example of the most
common structure for a toner supply system. The
toner hopper, which is larger than the one in the
previous example, is mounted on top of the
development unit and runs the full length of the
development unit.
Development
[A]
[B]
An agitator [A] inside the toner hopper stirs the toner

to prevent clumps from forming.
The toner supply roller [B] blocks the opening to the
development unit. When the toner supply roller
rotates, the grooves on the toner supply roller catch
the toner. Then, as the grooves turn past the
opening, the toner falls into the development unit.
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Development
Toner Density Control

The toner density control system senses the density of toner in the
developer mixture and activates the toner supply mechanism to add
toner when the ratio of toner to carrier becomes too low. Some
machines measure the toner density directly, others use an indirect
sensing method, and still other machines use a combination of
direct and indirect sensing.
Indirect Sensing
The CPU indirectly checks toner density by sensing the image
density of a sensor pattern developed on the photoconductor.
[A]
lowtoner.pcx
During image density check cycles, the sensor pattern is exposed

prior to exposure of the original. After the sensor pattern is
developed, its reflectivity is checked by the image density sensor [A]
(which is a photosensor). The CPU notes the strength of reflectivity.
If the reflected light is too strong, indicating a too low toner density
condition, it adds toner to the development unit.
[A]
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Development
Direct Sensing
The illustration to the right is an example of a
sensor used to directly measure the amount of
toner in developer. (From model A163)
The active sensor element is a very small
transformer with three coils. When iron ferrite
(carrier) is near the sensor element, the
inductance of the coils changes, causing the
current through the transformer to change. As
the amount of toner in the developer increases,
TDSensor.pcx
the effect of the carrier particles decreases and
the voltage applied to CN104-A10 decreases. 7RQHU'HQVLW\6HQVRU0DLQ%RDUG
Conversely, when the toner concentration

drops as toner is used up, the effect of the
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carrier on the sensor coils increases and the
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The CPU monitors the output at CN104-A10
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and when the voltage at CN104-A10 reaches
a level that indicates toner density is too low,
the toner supply mechanism adds an appro&RLOV
priate amount of toner to the developer.
TD_Cir.wmf
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Development
Toner End Detection

Some machines detect the toner end condition directly using a sensor or mechanical detection
mechanism. Others detect toner end indirectly based on the toner density.
Indirect Toner End Detection

Some machines use the output of the image density sensor to determine when it is time to add toner.
(Examples are models A166 and A110.) Other machines use the output from the toner density
sensor. (An example is model A219.)The details of how the CPU decides when toner has run out
depend on the control program and vary from machine to machine. However, there are some overall
similarities.
Toner end detection proceeds in two steps. First, if toner density stays too low for a certain number
of machine cycles, the CPU decides that a toner near end condition exists. In this condition, the CPU
generally monitors the toner density more closely and increases the amount of toner supplied to the
developer. Copying or printing is possible during the near end condition, but generally an Add Toner
indicator blinks.
The machine proceeds to the second step if the toner near end condition persists for more than a
predetermined number of cyclestypically 50 copies. The CPU then determines (based on the
control program) that a true toner end condition exists, and it inhibits copying and lights an Add
Toner indicator.
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Development
Example 1: Model A110 (Image density sensor)

Toner Near End Condition
When (Vsp/Vsg x 100) becomes greater than 22.5, the toner density detection cycle changes from
every 10 copies to 5 copies. When this condition is detected three times consecutively, the toner
supply ratio becomes two times the amount of toner supply level 4. The resulting toner supply ratio is
60%, and the ID sensor data is 236. Then, when this condition is detected five times consecutively,
the CPU determines that it is the near end condition and starts blinking the Add Toner indicators.
Toner End Condition
After the Add Toner indicator starts blinking (Near Toner End Condition), the operator can make 50
copies. If the toner cartridge is not replaced within 50 copies, copying is inhibited and a toner end
condition is determined. In this condition, the Add Toner indicator lights.
Example 2: Model A219 (Toner density sensor)
Toner Near End Condition
If the CPU detects toner supply level 6 (VT VTS + 4S/5) five times consecutively, the toner end
indicator blinks and the machine goes to the toner near end condition.
In this condition, the toner supply motor is energized for 10 seconds for every copy (this time can be
changed using SP35). Also, the toner supply motor stays on continuously between pages of a multicopy job.
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Development
If a toner sensor voltage lower than VTS + 4S/5 is detected twice consecutively while the toner
supply motor is on, the machine recovers from the toner near end condition. Also, if this condition is
detected during the normal copy cycle, the toner near end is canceled.
Toner End Condition
If toner supply level 6 is detected, the machine supplies toner between copies and for 10 seconds
after the copy job is finished (as explained above). While the toner supply motor is on, if the CPU
detects toner supply level 7 (VT VTS +S) three times consecutively, a toner end condition is
detected and copier operation is disabled.
If the toner sensor voltage stays at level 6 after the toner near end condition is detected, 50 more
copies can be made. After 50 copies, the toner end indicator lights and copying is disabled.
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Development
Direct Toner End Detection

Toner end is sensed directly using either a sensor or a mechanical mechanism. Here we will look at
one example of each
Toner end sensor

Many machines use a piezoelectric sensor [A] to detect
whether or not there is sufficient toner in the toner supply
unit. This type of sensor is sensitive to pressure. Pressure
from toner in the toner supply unit causes the sensor to
output a high signal. When there is not much toner in the
unit, the pressure of toner on the toner end sensor becomes
low and the sensor outputs a low signal (0V). To prevent
false readings, the toner end sensor is cleaned by a spring
[B] on the toner agitator shaft.
The details of what happens when the sensor outputs a low [B]
signal vary depending on the machine; however, there are
three major steps. First; the toner bottle turns to add toner to
the toner supply unit. Then, if the sensor still has a low
output after a specified interval, the machine changes to the
toner near-end condition and the Add Toner indicator starts
blinking. Finally, if the toner near-end condition persists for a
programmed number of machine cycles (generally 50
copies), the machine enters the toner end condition and
operation is disabled.
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[A]
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Development
Mechanical Toner End Detection

Several mid and high volume photocopiers use the
mechanism shown to the right to check the amount of
toner remaining in the toner tank.
The toner near end feeler [A] has a magnet [B] and is
installed on the toner mixing vane drive shaft [C]. The
toner near end sensor [D] is located underneath the
toner tank (outside) and has a sensor actuator [E], which
also has a magnet. When the toner tank has enough
toner, the toner near end feeler does not lower due to
the resistance of toner.
When the to amount of toner remaining in the toner tank
becomes below approximately 250 grams, the near end
feeler lowers and magnetic repulsion pushes down the
sensor actuator. This actuates the toner near end
sensor. When the main PCB senses the toner near end
sensor actuation three times in a row, the toner near end
condition is displayed on the CRT screen to let the
operator know to replace the toner cartridge. In the toner
near end condition, copies can be made until the ID
sensor detects toner end.
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[C]
[D]
[B]
[A]
[E]
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Image Transfer And Paper Separation

Overview
The transfer and separation process can be broken
down into the three areas shown to the right.
Area A: Pre-transfer
Just before the image transfer process starts,
guides direct the paper against the photosensitive
surface of the drum (or belt). The mechanism is
structured so that the transfer charge does not
reach this area, and therefore, the paper can
achieve complete contact with the photoconductor
before image transfer starts.
Area B: Image Transfer
This is the area where the image is actually
transferred from the photoconductor to the paper.
Generally, an electrostatic charge is applied to the
back of the paper to pull the oppositely charged
toner from the photoconductor to the paper.
Area C: Paper Separation
The paper separates from the photoconductor after
the toner image is transferred. This is usually
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achieved by applying an ac corona to the back of the paper to eliminate the previously applied
transfer charge. Pick-off pawls are also used to physically separate paper of low stiffness from the
drum.
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Corona Transfer And Separation

[B]
Image Transfer
05040502.pcx
In the image transfer process, the toner image on

the photosensitive material (drum surface) is
moved onto the copy paper.
[A]
05040503.pcx
As the paper enters the transfer area, a corona

applies a charge to the reverse side of the copy
paper [A]. This charge induces an opposite
electrostatic charge in the drums substrate [B]
(usually aluminum) The resulting electrostatic
force holds the paper close against the drum. This
helps the transfer process.
The charge on the reverse of the paper also
attracts the toner because the polarity is opposite
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to the charge on the toner. Since, this attractive

force (FA) is designed to be greater than the
attractive force holding the toner to the drum (FB),
the toner attaches to the paper
Paper Separation
During the separation process, the copy paper
with the toner image on it separates from the
photoconductor. The paper can be separated
either mechanically or electrostatically (or by a
combination of both). Recent Ricoh copiers use
the electrostatic method.
The charge given to the paper during the image
transfer process causes the paper to cling to the
photosensitive material. This makes it difficult to
strip the paper from the drum. Therefore, an AC
corona applied by the separation corotron
neutralizes the charge on the paper in order to
break the attraction between the drum and the
copy paper. The paper then separates from the
drum because of the rigidity and the weight of the
paper.
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The pick-off pawls provide a mechanical backup

for the separation process. Normally, they are not
needed. However, when the corona separation
function is not sufficient for some unknown
reason, they force paper separation.
The section with the diagonal lines in the
illustration on the right shows the areas where the
charge on the paper is eliminated by the
separation corotron. This requires the use of two
wires to create a wide-angle corona.
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Belt Transfer and Separation

Advantages Of The Transfer Belt System
Many models use a transfer belt unit instead of a transfer and separation corona unit. The transfer
belt process has the following advantages:
Since the copy is held closely against the transfer belt, there is little chance of the paper lifting
off of the belt during transport, making it less likely that creases and jams will be produced at
the fusing unit inlet, and also reducing image blurring.
As the paper adheres to the belt during transport, the transport performance is stable, even
with smaller paper sizes, such as postcards.
Because the belt and printing paper maintain close contact, an excellent separation
performance over a wide range of paper types is ensured.
As high voltage charge wires are not used, there is no problem with electrical leaks from
charge wires.
There is no trailing edge white margin on copies.
It improves the printing efficiency and also enhances the printing performance on paper with a
higher moisture content.
A transport fan is not required.
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Belt Transfer and Paper Separation Mechanism

The following is a discussion of the operation of a typical transfer belt mechanism. This example is
based on the Phoenix series (model A156).
1. The registration rollers [A] start feeding the
paper [B] to the gap between the OPC
drum [C] and the transfer belt [D] at the
proper time to align the leading edges of
the paper and the image on the drum. The
transfer belt does not contact the OPC
drum at this moment (the on-off lever [E]
pushes down the transfer belt lift lever [F]).
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2. Before the leading edge of the paper reaches

the gap between the transfer belt and the OPC
drum, the transfer belt contact clutch [G]
rotates one third of a complete rotation to
release the on-off lever. Then, the transfer belt
lift lever pushes up the transfer belt as a result
of spring pressure. The contact width [H] is
about 4 ~ 5 mm.
tsbelt2.pcx
3. Then a negative potential of 1.0 ~ 6.5

kilovolts is applied to the transfer bias roller [I].
The negative charge attracts the positively
charged toner [J] from the OPC drum. It also
attracts the paper and separates the paper
from the OPC drum.
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4. After the image transfer is completed, the charge on

the transfer belt holds the paper on the transfer belt.
Excess charge on the paper and the transfer belt is
discharged during rotation via the grounded idle
roller [K].
When the transfer high voltage supply board [L]
inside the transfer belt unit provides high voltage to
the transfer bias roller, a small current (I2) flows to
ground via the transfer belt, the paper, and the OPC
drum. It is important that this current stays constant
even if the paper, environmental conditions, or the
transfer belt surface resistance change. The positive
feedback of I1 to the power supply board causes the
voltage to increase and decrease with I1 so that (I2)
remains constant. (The relationship is I2 = I I1.)
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Drum Transfer
Basic Concept
Some color copiers (models A072, A030) use a drum to transfer the image from the photoconductor
to the paper. This is actually a variation of the corona transfer and separation process
This process uses a second drum, the transfer drum, which rotates in contact with the OPC drum
(photoconductor). The copy paper is held on the surface of the transfer drum, which makes several
rotations to transfer the various colored toners. The image is transferred electrostatically using a
corona.
Drum Transfer And Paper Separation Mechanism

Example: Model A072
The registration rollers feed the copy paper to the
transfer drum, where the leading edge of the
paper is secured by a clamp. The transfer corona
unit [A] is located inside the transfer drum unit. A
high negative charge is applied to the transfer
corona wire and the corona wire generates
negative ions. The negative ions are applied to the
copy paper and the negative charge attracts the
positively charged toner away from the drum and
onto the paper. At the same time, the copy paper
is electrostatically attracted to the transfer sheet.
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The transfer drum motor [D] drives the transfer

drum directly. The number of transfer cycles
depends on the number of colors being copied
and the copier mode.
After the necessary number of transfer cycles, the
clamp releases the leading edge of the paper and
lifts it slightly. The leading edge of the paper
catches on the pick-off pawls [B], which separate
the paper from the transfer drum. The separation
corona wire applies an AC charge to the paper in
order to break the attraction between the paper
and transfer drum.
The cleaning unit [C] for the transfer drum is
located at the bottom of the transfer drum. During
the copy cycle, the cleaning unit is not in contact
with the transfer drum. After the copying sequence
is completed, the cleaning unit moves against the
transfer drum. This cleaning unit removes toner
that gets on the transfer sheet as the result of
paper misfeeds.
trandrum.pcx
Note: The "transfer sheet" is a thin sheet of

polyester film that forms the surface of the
transfer drum.
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Pre-Transfer Potential Reduction

Purpose
To improve image transfer efficiency, prevent offset images and improve cleaning efficiency, the
electric potential on the photosensitive material surface is reduced, after the development process.
There are two commonly used methodsthe pre-transfer lamp method and the pre-transfer corona
method.
Pre-Transfer Lamp (PTL)

After the latent image is developed but before the image is transferred to the copy paper, the
photoconductor surface is illuminated by a lamp. This illumination functions in much the same way as
the exposure process. The light neutralizes some of the charge on the photoconductor, and thus
reduces the attraction of the toner to the photoconductor. This prevents the toner particles from
being re-attracted to the photoconductor during the paper separation process. It also makes image
transfer and paper separation easier.
Pre-Transfer Corona (PTC)

Some copiers use an alternating current corona prior to image transfer. This is referred to as the pretransfer corona unit or PTC. The ac charge decreases the charge on the drum and makes paper
separation easier.
Ricoh uses the PTC process only in higher speed copiers that require quick image transfer and
paper separation.
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Pick-off Pawls
Purpose
Pick-off pawls are mechanical fingers that forcibly strip copy paper off of the photoconductor. In
Ricoh photocopiers they are usually employed as a safety device to prevent paper from wrapping
around the drum.
Example: Model A053
Touch-and-Release Mechanism
The pick-off solenoid [A] energizes just after the
registration rollers turn on. The pick-off lever [B]
rotates counterclockwise (rear view) and pushes
the pawl shaft pin [C]. The pawl shaft [D] then
rotates clockwise and the pick-off pawls [E] touch
the drum. The pawl springs [F] hold the pick-off
pawls on the shaft and prevent them from touching
the drum too strongly. When the leading edge of
the paper passes the pick-off area and just before it
reaches the fusing unit, the pick-off solenoid turns
off. The pick-off shaft spring [G] then rotates the
pick-off lever to move the pick-off pawls away from
the drum.
pickoff1.
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Side-to-Side Movement
The pick-off pawls do not always contact the
drum in the same place but instead move slightly
to the side on each copy cycle. The pick-off pawl
shaft [H] and the cam rider [I] are joined by a
one-way bearing [J]. Each time the pick-off pawl
solenoid turns on, the one-way bearing causes
the cam rider to turn together with the pick-off
pawl shaft. As the cam rider turns, it and the pawl
shaft are forced to move laterally by a cam [K].
When the pawl shaft rotates the pawls away from
the drum, however, the cam rider does not turn.
Pawl lateral movement is 0.1 to 0.2 millimeter per
copy cycle. After moving about 8 millimeters, the
cam rider passes the lobe of the cam and the
pawl shaft is returned to its start position by the
pawl shaft spring [G].
pickoff2.pcx
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Curvature Separation
Some machines do not have a paper separation
mechanism. In the illustration to the right (model
A027), the master (OPC belt) turns at a sharp
angle (approximately 90 degrees) just after the
transfer point. Due to the papers stiffness, it
cannot make this sharp turn and separates
without any assistance.
Master
Paper
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Transfer Roller + Discharger

Process Principles
Some machines use a transfer roller rather than a corona or belt to transfer the image to the copy
paper.
Copy paper is fed between the transfer roller and the surface carrying the toner image (either a drum
or a transfer belt). The transfer roller is given a charge opposite to the charge on the toner; so, the
toner is attracted to the paper. After image transfer, a discharger removes the charge given to the
paper by the transfer roller, and this allows curvature separation to take place.
[A]
Instead of using a transfer wire or a transfer belt,

this machine uses a transfer roller [A], which
touches the drum surface.
The high voltage supply board supplies a positive
current (approximately +15 mA) to the transfer
roller. The roller has a high electrical resistance, so
it can hold a high positive electrical potential to
attract toner from the drum onto the paper.
There is a discharge brush [B] after the transfer
roller. The curvature of the drum and the discharge
brush help the paper to drop away from the drum.
[B]
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Example 2: Models A172/A199

The transfer roller [A] contacts the transfer belt [B] and
starts rotating at the same speed as the transfer belt.
Copy paper is fed to the nip band between the transfer
belt and transfer roller aligned with the lead edge of
the full color image. A high positive voltage is applied
to the transfer roller to attract toner onto the paper.
A high ac voltage is applied to the discharge plate [C].
This discharges the remaining electricity on the paper
to help the paper separate from the transfer belt.
[B]
[C]
[A]
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Cleaning
Cleaning
Overview
Cleaning refers to the process of removing any toner remaining on the
photoconductor (drum or OPC belt) after the imaging process is complete
to prepare the photoconductor for the next copy/print cycle. The cleaning
step also removes any paper dust on the photoconductor surface.
Cleaning is necessary before a new copy cycle or print cycle can start. If
the cleaning step were not included in the copy process, the background of
images would become progressively darker and dirtier.
All cleaning systems use a cleaning blade or a cleaning brush or both.
Additionally, all cleaning systems have a mechanism for collecting and
storing (or recycling) the toner cleaned from the photoconductor.
05050509.pcx
The most common cleaning systems use blades, and these are further
divided into trailing-blade cleaning and counter-blade cleaning systems.
Cleaning brushes all rotate in contact with the photoconductor. There are
also two types of cleaning brushesfiber brushes and magnetic brushes.
Some cleaning systems also use a corona (pre-cleaning corona) to prepare
the drum and toner for cleaning.
We will look at examples of all of these mechanisms in this section.
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Cleaning
Counter Blade
Counter blade cleaning is the most common method used
in modern copiers. In comparison to the trailing blade
method, counter blade cleaning causes less wear on the
cleaning blade. Also, the blade has less of a tendency to
ride over toner particles, significantly improving the
cleaning performance.
[A]
[B]
Example: Model A193

The illustrations to the right show a typical counter blade
cleaning mechanism.
A193d010.wmf
The cleaning blade [A] removes any toner remaining on

the drum after the image is transferred to the paper. The
cleaning blade scrapes off the toner remaining on the drum
and it falls onto the toner collection coil [B].
To remove the toner and other particles that are
accumulated at the edge of the cleaning blade, the drum
turns in reverse for about 5 mm at the end of every copy
job,
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Cleaning
Counter Blade + Brush

Some copiers, especially high-speed models, use a
cleaning brush in combination with a counter cleaning
blade. This increases the cleaning efficiency
compared to systems using only a counter blade. The
cleaning brush has a support function. The counter
[B]
blade is the main cleaning component.
[A]
Example: Model A171

A cleaning brush [A] supports the cleaning blade [B]
to improve cleaning. A looped-type brush is used for
better efficiency.
The brush removes some of the toner from the drum
surface and collects the toner wiped off the drum by
the cleaning blade. The flick bar [C] and the flick
roller [D] mechanically remove toner on the cleaning
brush. Toner is transported to the toner cartridge by
the toner collection coil [E].
To remove the accumulated toner at the edge of the
cleaning blade, the drum turns in reverse for about 20
mm at the end of every copy job.
[D]
[C]
[E]
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Cleaning
Trailing Blade + Brush

Many older copiers use a cleaning brush in
combination with a trailing cleaning blade. Typically,
in such systems, the brush does most of the cleaning
with the cleaning blade as a supporting cleaning
mechanism.
Electrostatic attraction is an important part of this type
of cleaning system. A pre-cleaning corona is used to
prepare the toner for removal and a bias is applied to
attract the toner.
[B]
Example: Model A029

The illustration to the right shows the major
components in a cleaning unit that uses a brush [A]
and a trailing type blade [B] for cleaning.
The first step in the drum cleaning process is the
application of the pre-cleaning corona [C]. The precleaning corona has both ac and dc components. The
ac component makes drum cleaning more efficient by
reducing the drums potential and weakening the
electrical attraction between toner and the drum. The
dc component of the corona gives a uniform negative
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[G]
[A]
[C]
[E]
[F]
[D]
A029cln.pcx
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Cleaning
charge to the toner particles.

Next, the drum rotates past the cleaning brush. The brush moves in the opposite direction to the
drum at the contact point. The brush, which is made of conductive acrylic carbon, receives a positive
charge from the bias roller [D]. The brush removes the toner from the drum by both rubbing action
and electrostatic attraction. The bias roller has a charge of +300 volts which attracts the negatively
charged toner from the brush. The bias roller blade [E] scrapes off the toner from the bias roller.
Finally, the cleaning blade scrapes off any toner, paper dust, or other foreign material remaining on
the drum. The toner collection coil [F] transports the toner to the rear end of the cleaning unit, From
there, a collection mechanism returns the toner to the toner cartridge.
Paper dust or toner build up on the blade edge decreases the efficiency of the cleaning blade. To
prevent this problem, the blade cleaner [G] (a strip of mylar) cleans the edge of the blade each time
pressure is released.
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Cleaning
Magnetic Brush
Magnetic brush cleaning is basically development in reverse. This method uses a magnetic roller
and carrier to electrostatically lift the toner off of the photoconductor.
Example: Models A030 and A072
The illustrations to the right and on the next page show
the cleaning unit used in models A030 and A072.
To ensure OPC drum cleaning, the pre-cleaning
corona [A] applies an ac voltage with a positive dc bias
to the surface of the drum. This gives the residual
toner a uniform positive charge and neutralizes the
negative charge on the drum.
The cleaning roller [B] looks like and operates similarly
to a magnetic brush development roller. However, the
attractive forces work in reverse. Internal permanent
magnets in the cleaning roller attract cleaning carrier to
the cleaning roller sleeve. The cleaning roller sleeve
turns and carries the cleaning carrier to the OPC drum.
The cleaning carrier has a negative triboelectric charge
as the result of contact between the carrier and toner
particles in the carrier. (New cleaning carrier contains
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[D]
[C]
[B]
[E]
[A]
A030cln1.pcx
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1% toner.) This negative charge attracts

the positively charged toner particles
from the drum surface. A 150 V DC
bias is applied to the cleaning roller to
attract more toner particles from the
drum.
Cleaning
[C]
[D]
The cleaning bias roller [C] (called a

scavenging roller in some machines)
is near the cleaning roller. The cleaning
bias roller receives a 500 V charge,
which is strong enough to separate the
toner particles from the cleaner carrier
on the cleaning roller and attract them
to the cleaning bias roller. The cleaning
carrier remains on the cleaning roller for
the next cleaning cycle.
The bias roller blade [D] scrapes toner
off the bias roller. The toner collection
coil [E] transports the toner to the rear
side of the cleaning unit, where it drops
into the toner collection bottle [F].
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A030cln2.pcx
[E]
[B]
[F]
A030cln3.pcx
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Cleaning
Used Toner Collection and Recycling

Once toner is cleaned from the photoconductor, something must be done with it. There are two
options (1) collect the used toner for later disposal or (2) recycle it. There is a cost versus image
quality trade-off between the two options.
Recycling has the obvious advantage of reducing toner consumption and thus reducing cost per
copy/print. However, even if it is carefully done, recycling to some extent damages the toner and
degrades its triboelectric characteristics. Also, recycled toner tends to stick together and form
clumps, and paper dust is collected along with the toner. For these reasons, image quality tends to
be a problem in machines that recycle toner. This presents a challenge for engineers.
On the other hand, simply collecting the used toner prevents fewer design problems and makes it
easier to maintain copy quality. However, the copy per cost increases. Also, the used toner container
takes up space inside the machine, and some provision must be made for periodic disposal of the
used toner.
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Cleaning
Used Toner Collection

The location of the toner collection unit or used
toner bottle varies. Smaller machines tend to have
simple designs. For example, machines that use allin-one cartridges such as model G026 (shown to the
right) have the used toner tank inside the cartridge.
Such machines do not have a used toner overflow
detection mechanism because the used toner tank
[A] is large enough for the lifetime of the toner
cassette.
Other machines, especially low volume and mid
volume products, mount the used toner tank directly
on the cleaning unit. An example is model A110,
shown to the right. The used toner tank [A] of this
machine must be emptied periodically. The tank has
a toner overflow detection mechanism [B] that stops
copier operation when the used toner tank gets full.
When the tank gets full, the pressure of the used
toner pushes up a movable plate mounted in the top
of the used toner tank. As this plate moves up, it
raises the toner overflow actuator. When the actuator
moves into the toner overflow sensor.
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[A]
G025D513.wmf
[A]
[B]
A110overflow.pcx
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Cleaning
Larger machines have to transport used toner to

a toner collection bottle. Typically, a helical coil
does this.
For example the toner recover mechanism of
model A174 (pictured to the right) has a toner
collection coil [A], which moves used toner from
the cleaning unit to the toner collection bottle
[B]. The toner collection bottle capacity is
enough to hold used toner from making 6 km
(capacity: 4000 ml) copies. (This is a large
format copier.)
A toner overflow sensor [C] detects when the
used toner tank is full.
A174D524.wmf
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Cleaning
Recycling Used Toner

There are many configurations for toner recycling
systems. All of them use helical coils to collect and
transport the toner from the cleaning unit. Some of them
return the used toner directly to the development unit.
Others, mix the old toner with new toner first. We will look
at a few examples.
In this model, toner recycling is completely internal to a
photoconductor unit (PCU). See the illustrations.
[A]
[C]
A193D010.wmf
The cleaning blade removes any toner remaining on the

drum after the image is transferred to the paper. This
model uses a counter blade system. The toner
removed by the cleaning blade falls onto the toner
collection coil [A].
[A]
The toner collection coil transports the recycled toner

to the transport belt [B] at the front of the PCU. The
transport belt carries the toner to mixing auger 2. The
two mixing augers [C] combine the recycled toner with
the developer and new toner from the toner bottle.
[C]
[B]
A193D016.wmf
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Cleaning
Example 2: Models A230/A231/A232

The cleaning blade removes any toner remaining on
the drum after the image is transferred to the paper.
This model like the previous example uses a counter
blade system. The toner is transferred to the toner
collection coil [A] by the toner collection plate [B].
[B]
[A]
A231D507.wmf
The toner collection coil transports the used toner to

the opening [C] in the bottom of the PCU. Then, this
toner falls into the development unit with new toner
coming from the toner bottle and it is all mixed into
the developer by the paddle roller [D].
[A]
[C]
[C]
[D]
A230D452.wmf
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Cleaning

The toner recycling system of this model
has a couple of unusual features. First, it
recycles not only the toner cleaned from the
drum but also toner cleaned from the
transfer belt. Second, it filters the recycled
toner.
Toner collection coils in the drum cleaning
unit [A] and in the transfer belt cleaning unit
[B] transport used toner to the toner
transport coil [C]. To ensure good toner
flow, a fin [D] breaks up the toner that drops
from the tube of the drum-cleaning unit. The
toner transport coil moves the toner through
a tube to the filtering unit [E].
[A]
[D]
The filtering unit separates useable toner

from toner that has adhered together into
clumps. The useable toner is returned to the
development unit, and the waste toner goes
to a used toner bottle.
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[B]
[C]
[E]
A246D500.wmf
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Quenching
Quenching
Overview
Quenching is the process that eliminates any residual electric charge remaining on the
photoconductor after the cleaning process. Quenching prepares the photoconductor for the charge
step of the next copy or print cycle.
Several different methods are used to quench the photoconductor. The most common method is
photo quenching using a lamp. Some machines use a combination of a dc corona and photo
quenching. A few machines use an ac corona for quenching. The choice of quenching method
depends on the type of photoconductor used and the details of the other steps of the copy process.
Photo Quenching
As the name implies, photo quenching uses the application of light
to reduce the resistance of the photoconductor and thus eliminate
the electrical charge. Photo quenching also stabilizes the drum
sensitivity from the first cycle by pre-illuminating the drum.
Various types of lamp have been used for quenching lamps. LED
arrays are the most common; however, cold cathode tubes, neon
tubes, and fluorescent lamps have also been used.
LEDs are inexpensive and compact, and it is easy to match

the wavelength of the light to the spectral sensitivity of the
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q_lamp.pcx
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Quenching
photoconductor. However, LEDs output a relatively weak light.
The cold cathode lamp has the characteristics of low power consumption and low heat output
combined with strong, even light output covering a broad spectrum. However, it is more
expensive (special power supply) than LEDs.
The neon tube is cost effective; however, there is significant unevenness in the amount of light
output.
Fluorescent lamps output a strong, wide spectrum light, but they are the most expensive.
Fluorescent lamps are used for quenching only in very high-speed photocopiers.
Various types of filters may be used depending on the copy process and photoconductor
characteristics. For example when using a cold cathode lamp and an OPC drum, a yellow filter is
usually used to reduce ultraviolet light which would cause light fatigue on the OPC drum.
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Quenching
DC Corona and Photo Quenching

This type of quenching involves two steps.
First, the pre-quenching corona (PQC)
applies a positive charge to the drum. This
neutralizes any negative charge remaining
on the drum from the pre-cleaning corona.
Then, the quenching lamp neutralizes the
positive charge. Two steps are required
because the quenching lamp is less
effective against negative charges than
positive charges.
The quenching lamp also stabilizes the
drum sensitivity from the first cycle by preilluminating (pre-fatiguing) the drum. The
machine illustrated (model A029) uses a
cold cathode lamp as the quenching lamp.
The cold cathode lamp has characteristics
of low power consumption and low heat
output combined with strong light output.
PQC.pcx
In some machines (for example model

A053), the PQC and quenching lamp are
applied simultaneously.
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Fusing
Fusing
Overview
After the image transfer and paper separation steps, the image must be bound or fixed to the paper.
Modern photocopiers and other machines (fax, printer) that use photocopier imaging processes, use resin
based toners. To form a stable permanent image, the toner is heated to cause it to melt and soften.
Simultaneously, pressure is applied to cause the toner to fuse with the fibers of the paper.
Heat-Roll Method
The heat-roll method is the most common way
that Ricoh products use to fuse the toner image
to paper. It is used in all types of machines
from the lowest speed to high speed.
In the heat-roll fusing method, paper with dry
toner particles on it moves between two rollers,
the hot roller and the pressure roller. A quartz
halogen lamp heats the hot roller from inside.
When the paper comes in contact with the hot
roller, the heat of the roller melts the toner. The
pressure between the two rollers forces the
melted toner into the fibers of the paper.
Hot roller
Fusing Lamp
Oil application
Thermistor
Copy paper
Stripper pawls
Pressure roller
IPS_255.wmf
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Fusing
The Hot Roller

The hot roller is a hard-surfaced, hollow, metal tube with a halogen lamp at its axis. Toner tends to
stick to the hot roller as well as the paper. To minimize this tendency, the hot roller is coated with
non-stick Teflon.
Even with the non-stick coating, a small amount of toner still sticks to the hot roller. This toner
contamination must be removed or it will be applied to subsequent copies, giving an offset image or
dirty copies. This is usually done with a cleaning pad or with a cleaning roller. In many machines
silicone oil is applied to the hot roller. The silicone oil acts as a lubricant and helps to prevent toner
from sticking. (Refer to Oil Supply and Cleaning below.)
The Pressure Roller

The pressure roller is a relatively soft roller made of silicone rubber. Silicone rubber is used because
it is not easily damaged by the heat of the hot roller. Sometimes the roller surface is coated with
Teflon. Since the pressure roller is soft, the pressure between the two rollers causes the pressure
roller to deform slightly and creates a zone of contact called the nip band. The nip band extends the
time that the rollers are in contact with the paper and helps to force the melted toner into the copy
paper. If the pressure roller were a hard roller, the paper would contact the hot roller at only one point
and the toner would not completely bond with the paper.
The hot roller and pressure roller are very slightly concave (spindle shaped) so that the pressure
between them is a little greater near the ends than in the middle. This tends to pull the paper outward
slightly at the edges and helps to prevent creasing of the paper.
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Fusing
Fusing Belt Method

The fusing belt method is similar to the heat roll method in that it uses heat and pressure to fuse the
toner image to the paper. Although somewhat more costly than the heat-roll method, the fusing belt
method is often used in color copiers and printers as it has less of a tendency to disturb or smear the
layers of colored toner on the copy or print. Compared to the heat-roll method it has the following
characteristics:
x The fusing belt [A] heats up quicker than a Teflon
roller because it is heated by an aluminum heating
roller [B]. (Fast-heating aluminum can be used
because it does not touch the paper.)
[C]
x During a multi-page print job, the belt does not cool
as quickly as a Teflon roller.
[F]
x The belt applies less pressure to the paper than a
heat-roll system, so there is less chance of toner
[A]
smearing on the copy or print.
Example: Model G071
The illustration to the right shows the fusing unit of model
G071. The key components are the heating roller, hot roller
[C], pressure roller [D], and fusing belt. The heating and
pressure rollers each have a fusing lamp. (770W and 350W
respectively) However, the hot roller has no fusing lamp;
instead, it is heated by the belt. Thermistors [E] control the
3 January
April
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[B]
[E]
[D]
Page
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Fusing
temperature of the rollers.

A small idle roller [F] increases the nip width between the belt and the pressure roller, so more of the
paper is heated at any one time. At the start of the fusing nip (area of contact between the pressure
roller and the fusing belt), toner begins melting. When the paper comes between the hot and
pressure rollers, the toner has already melted, and at that point it is pressed into the fibers of the
paper.
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Fusing
Fusing Pressure Mechanism

The pressure mechanism is a critical part of the fusing
unit. The fusing pressure must be sufficient to form a
proper nip band (see previous page). The pressure
must also be even so that the paper feeds smoothly
between the rollers without creasing or wrinkling.
The most common method of applying fusing pressure
is with a spring. The illustration to the right (model A219)
is a typical example. The fusing pressure can be
adjusted by changing the point where the spring is
attached. In this case fusing pressure is applied
constantly.
A219R538.wmf
Some copiers, especially higher-speed models, use

screws to apply fusing pressure. The mechanism shown
in the lower picture (model A171) allows precise
pressure adjustment using adjustment screws [A].
This model allows the user to release fusing pressure to
help clear paper jams. This is done by the upper
pressure lever [B] and lower pressure lever [C] which
are lifted up by the fusing unit release lever [D] via the
pressure cam [E].
[B]
[D]
[C]
[E]
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[A]
A171D641.pcx
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Fusing
Oil Supply
Silicone oil is applied to the hot roller to help prevent toner and paper from sticking to the hot roller, to
reduce paper curl, improve hot roller durability, and to help in roller cleaning. With such benefits you
would expect that all photocopiers would have an oil supply system. This used to be the case.
However, advances in design and composition of fusing rollers and toner have made oil application
less important. Recently, many products do not have an oil supply mechanism. But, oil supply
systems are generally used in products that have a critical fusing functiontypically high-speed or
color machines.
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Fusing
Cleaning
The hot roller has a non-stick coating and toner is formulated
to help prevent it from sticking to the hot roller; but even with
that, a small amount of toner still sticks to the hot roller. This
toner is removed by a cleaning pad or a cleaning roller. In
many machines silicone oil is applied to the hot roller. The
silicone oil acts as a lubricant and helps to prevent toner from
sticking. (See the preceding section.)
[A]
Cleaning Pad
G025D522.WMF
Fusing roller cleaning pads are not as common now as in the

past, but they are still commonly used in low speed copiers
and fax machines. The upper illustration shows the position
of the cleaning pad [A] in the fusing unit of model G026.
[B]
The chief advantages of a cleaning pad are low cost and

simple design.
The major drawback of the cleaning pad is that it must be
replaced periodically. To reduce service cost, recently
machines have been designed with user replaceable
cleaning pads. The illustration to the right shows
replacement of the fusing cleaning pad in model H523.
FX10fcln.pcx
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Fusing
Cleaning Roller
The cleaning roller is the most common way of
removing toner and paper dust from the fusing rollers.
The principle of operation is simple. Any toner that
sticks to the hot roller preferentially transfers to the
pressure roller. The pressure roller may also pick up
some toner from the reverse side of the paper (from
duplex copies). The toner and paper dust transfer to
the cleaning roller due to adhesion. The toner
preferentially sticks to the cleaning roller because it is
made of metal.
[B]
Example: Model A133

The cleaning roller [A] is always in contact with the
pressure roller [B]. It collects toner and paper dust
adhering to the surface of the pressure roller. This is
because the cleaning roller is made of metal and
collects any adhering matter more easily than the
pressure roller (which has a Teflon coating).
A133d603.wmf
[A]
A133d575.wmf
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Fusing
Fusing Temperature Control

The CPU uses a thermistor to sense the temperature of the hot roller surface. Based on the input
from the thermistor, it turns the fusing lamp on and off to keep the hot roller surface at the target
temperature. Due to differences in copy rate, toner composition, and fusing unit construction, the
target temperature varies from machine to machine but is generally in the 180C to 200C range.
The target temperature may also change depending on the machine condition. For example
temperature is controlled in model A219 as shown in the following diagram.
A219D533.wmf
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Fusing
The following table explains the conditions shown by the above diagram.
Machine Condition
Ready
Fusing Lamp
ON/OFF Threshold
Remarks
165C: 120 V
machines
172C: 230 V
machines
After the main switch is

turned on, until one minute
has passed after the hot
roller temperature reaches
the Ready condition.
190C
After the above time period,

the copier enters the energy
saver mode.
120C: 120 V
machines
130C: 230 V
machines
During copying
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190C
After the fusing temperature

reaches the ready
temperature the fusing lamp
is kept on until it reaches
190C.
When the Print key is
pressed, the red indicator
blinks and copying starts after
the fusing temperature
reaches the Ready condition.
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Fusing
Fusing Lamp Control Circuit

The diagram (model A219) is
a typical fusing lamp control
circuit. While circuit details
vary depending on power
requirements and machine
design, certain features are
common to most machines.
First, all machines monitor the
fusing temperature using a
thermistor. The thermistor is
either in contact with the hot
roller or positioned very close
to it. Also, a zero cross signal
generated from the ac power
supply is used to generate the
trigger pulse and control the
applied power accurately.
CN113-1
CN113-2
5V
CN101-3
24 V
Fusing
Thermistor
CN207-7
Trigger Pulse
24 V
0V
T208
TF
PC2
C20
CN101-4
Fusing Lamp
T207
CN207-6
T205
Main Board
L4
RY1
T206
T204
Main Switch
Interlock
Switch
T203
FU1
T202
T201
AC Power Source
AC Drive/DC Power
Supply Board
230 V machines only
A219D537.wmf
Since the fusing lamp is a high temperature heat source, safety is an important consideration.
Interlock switches cut power to the fusing circuit whenever a cover is opened. Also, all machines
have an overheat protection circuit which automatically cuts off the fusing power and stops machine
operation if the temperature detected by the thermistor gets too high. Backup overheat protection is
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Fusing
provided by a thermofuse (TF). Even if the thermistor overheat protection fails, the thermofuse opens
if the heat gets excessive, removing power from the fusing lamp.
On/Off Control
When the main switch is turned on, the main board starts to output a trigger pulse, which has the
same timing as the zero cross signal, to the ac power supply circuit. This trigger pulse allows
maximum ac power to be applied to the fusing lamp. When the operating temperature is reached, the
CPU stops outputting the trigger pulse (the trigger stays HIGH) and the fusing lamp turns off.
Phase Control
Normally, the voltage applied to the lamp is the full duty cycle of the ac waveform. However, many
machines have an alternate method of fusing power control called phase control. Generally, phase
control is used only if the customer has a problem with electrical noise or interference on the power
line. Phase control is selected using a service program.
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Fusing
Soft Start
Soft start is a type of phase control mode.
In phase control mode, power is only applied to the lamp for a part of each ac cycle. This is to
prevent sudden drops in room power supply when the copier starts to warm up.
In soft start mode, phase control is used for the first few ac cycles (a fraction of a second); power is
gradually applied from zero to full power over these first few ac cycles.
The above diagram shows full power being applied to the lamp gradually over the duration of 6 zerocross cycles. (This is the number of cycles taken to reach application of full ac power, not for
reaching the required fusing temperature.)
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Page
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April
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Digital Processes
Digital Scanning
Digital Machines
Example: Model A193
a193v505.wmf
The big difference with scanners in digital machines is that the light reflected from the original does
not pass directly to the photoconductor.
The light is reflected onto a light-sensitive element, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). This
device converts the light into an analog electrical signal. Circuits inside the machine convert this
signal into a digital signal. This signal then passes to a laser diode, which emits a laser beam to write
a latent image on the photoconductor.
So, in a digital machine, there is a lot of electronics between the light reflected off the original and the
light arriving at the photoconductor.
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Digital Processes
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Digital Scanning
Digital Signals
Digital signals consist of binary code. When
scanning an original, binary code is used to
represent the brightness of each pixel of the
image.
In the most simple of systems, there are only two
values for each pixel: 0 and 1, for black and
white.
However, most machines use 4 or 8 bits.
In a four-bit system, there are 16 possible values
for each pixel. This allows black, white, and 14
shades of grey in between.
Similarly, in an eight-bit system, there are 256
possible values for each pixel. This allows black,
white, and 254 shades of grey in between (see
the diagram).
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digdata.wmf
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Digital Processes
Digital Scanning
Digital Images
Overview
Analog machines transfer an optical image of
the original directly onto the photoconductor.
Digital machines break the image up into small
dots, known as picture elements, or pixels for
short.
The example shows the image that the machine
builds up of a fax machine test chart.
This may seem to be a rather inaccurate
representation. However, digital signals can be
manipulated to enhance the image and create
special effects.
Also, digital images can be used immediately, or
stored for later use (see Image Files).
The size of the pixels (smaller pixels yield
greater resolution) depends on several factors
related to the scanner and printer hardware.
(The software may also be set up to alter the
resolution in various ways, but we shall look at
hardware in this section.)
testchrt.wmf
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Digital Processes
Digital Scanning
Scanner Resolution
There are two points to consider: the image detector (typically a CCD) and the scanner motor
CCD
The CCD (charge-coupled device) is a line of
photosensitive elements. The output of the CCD
represents one line across the page. Each
element of the CCD generates one picture
element of the line. So the CCD resolution is the
resolution of the scanner across the page (this is
also known as the main scan). The more
elements there are per unit length, the finer the
resolution. Typical CCDs have 200 or 400
elements per inch (or, for Group 3 fax machines
operating in metric units, 8 or 16 elements per
mm).
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CCD
Elements
ccdpixel.wmf
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Digital Processes
Digital Scanning
Scanner or ADF Motor

Sub scan
Example: Model A229, ADF mode

The scanner or ADF motor is normally a
stepper motor. The distance fed by each
step of the motor determines the
resolution of the scan down the page
(also known as the sub scan direction).
Typical resolutions are 200, 300, or 400
lines per inch (or for Group 3 fax
machines, 3.85, 7.7, or 15.4 lines per
mm).
To scan an image, the CCD scans a line.
Then the scanner motor feeds the page
one line, and the CCD scans another
line. This is repeated until the entire page
has been scanned.
a229d651.wmf
Main scan
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Digital Processes
Digital Scanning
Scanner Output
Each element of the CCD generates a voltage
which represents the intensity of the light reflected
onto it from the document. The signals from all the
elements are output in sequence, to generate an
analog signal that represents the line that is
currently being scanned.
CCD
Output
White
Black
CCD
SCAN LINE
The upper diagram on the right shows an example

of output from a line on a page which is all white
except for a black shape on the left of the page.
After the line has been scanned, the scanner
moves the document forward one scan line width
to move the next scan line into position. Then, the
CCD reads the next scan line.
The bottom diagram shows the next line being
scanned.
scanlin1
White
CCD
Output
Black
CCD
SCAN LINE
scanlin2.wmf
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The signals from each consecutive scan line are

strung together end to end, and sent out as an
analog signal. The diagram opposite shows what
the video signal would be like for the two
consecutive scan lines shown in the previous two
diagrams.
Digital Scanning
VIDEO SIGNAL
One scan line
One scan line
Etc
White
Black
ccdsig.wmf
The output is then processed as described in Image

Processing.
The next few pages show the basics about how the processed data is printed.
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Digital Scanning
Printer Resolution
The output from the scanner is converted to a laser diode drive signal. The laser beam then writes a
latent image of the original on the photoconductor. There are two points to consider: the laser beam
as it arrives on the photoconductor, and the speed of the photoconductor.
Example: Model H006, using a master belt
Exposure of the photoconductor to the laser beam
creates the latent image.
To make the main scan, the laser beam moves
across the photoconductor. The resolution depends
on the speed of the laser beams motion across the
photoconductor and on the frequency of the laser
beam on/off switching clock.
Main Scan (Laser

Beam Motion)
To make the sub scan, the photoconductor rotates.

The resolution depends on the speed that the
photoconductor rotates.
In multifunctional machines, laser engines have to
be able to print at a range of resolutions: 400 dpi
for copying and Group 4 fax, 600 dpi for printing,
and 16 x 15.4 dots per mm (391.2 x 406.4 dpi) for
Group 3 fax.
Sub Scan
(Photoconductor Rotation)
laserprt.wmf
For full details of the laser optic system, see the Laser Printing section.
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Digital Scanning
The cross section of the beam on the master

(i.e., the size of each printed dot) varies from
model to model; it is roughly circular.
In the example shown, from a Group 3 fax
machine, the diameter is about 80 m. This
means that the printed dots overlap each
other slightly, as shown in the diagram. 80 m
is about 12 dots per mm, and 90 m is about
11 dots per mm.
laserdot.wmf
However, the printer resolution is 16 x 15.4 dots per mm for a Group 3 fax machine. The dots are
larger than this resolution, so they overlap. This results in a better image than if there were no
overlap.
Generally, the laser beam switches off between pixels, even between black pixels.
Note that, unlike the scanner/ADF motors, the motor that drives the photoconductor is normally a dc
motor, not a stepper motor. Therefore, in theory, the main scan lines written across the
photoconductor will be sloping very slightly.
For more details, see the Laser Printing section.
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Digital Scanning
Printer Output
During the copy cycle, the
photoconductor is charged to about 900 V (see Photocopying Processes
Charge). The laser beam writes a
latent image on the photoconductor.
ORIGINAL
WRITE TO WHITE
WRITE TO BLACK
The charge on irradiated areas drops

significantly, typically to between 0
and -100 V. (Voltage values differ
from model to model.)
The area of the photoconductor that is
irradiated depends on whether the
write to white or write to black
method is being used.
April
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Irradiated Areas
laserwrt.wmf
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Image Processing
Image Processing
Introduction
This section describes how digital machines convert the image from a scanned original into digital
data. This section also describes techniques for processing the digital data, so that the printout is as
close to the original as possible. For example, techniques used to process a business letter will be
different from those used to process an original containing photographs.
Each model implements these techniques in different ways, and some models do not implement all
the techniques. In addition, the order of steps may be slightly different from that presented here. This
section will provide a general description, with examples from various models.
The techniques used by black-and-white machines and color machines are different. Also, blackand-white machines can use two different types of image sensor in the scanner. As a result, this
section will be divided into three sub-sections, as follows.
Black and White Machines - CCD Systems
This section describes black-and-white models that use a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). This is
the standard method for mainstream digital machines.
Black and White Machines - CIS Systems
This section describes black-and-white models that use a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). This type
of system is often used in lower-priced models.
Color Machines
This section describes image processing for color machines. These use a CCD of a different
type, to generate data for the three primary colors.
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Image Processing
Black and White CCD Systems
CCD
Overview
SBU
Memory
Control ICs
GA1
LD
Driver
Drum
LD
Controller
(GAVD)
IPU
GA2
LD
Driver
LDDR
HDD
SBICU
a229d578 wmf
The diagram shows a typical example of an image processing circuit.

An exposure lamp illuminates the original. Light reflected from the original is reflected through a lens
to the CCD.
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Image Processing
The CCD generates an analog signal from the light. The voltage of the signal varies with the intensity
of the light. The CCD is mounted on a board called the SBU (Sensor Board Unit). The analog output
from the CCD must be converted to a digital signal. In the above example, the analog-to-digital
conversion circuits are on the SBU board.
The digital signal is then processed, using large-scale integrated circuits, like the IPU (Image
Processing Unit) in the above example. Some of the processes require enough working memory to
store a page of image data. The data may then be stored temporarily on a hard disk until it is time for
printing. The data then passes to the laser diode controller and laser diode driver.
After data processing, each pixel scanned from the original is represented by a number of bits (eight
is a typical number), or only one bit (0: White, 1: Black), depending on the type of digital processing
used. Also, the image may be enlarged or reduced. In this case, pixels will be deleted or artificially
created to make the new image.
Scanner Lamps and the Shading Plate

Fluorescent lamp: The ends of the lamp are not so bright as the center. To compensate for this, the
light reflected from the original goes through a shading plate before it reaches the CCD. The shading
plate allows more light to pass through from the ends of the lamp than from the center.
Xenon lamp: If a xenon lamp is used, the difference in brightness is smaller than with a conventional
fluorescent lamp, but this problem still exists.
LED array: This is a strip of photodiodes. As all the diodes are equally bright, a shading plate is not
needed.
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Image Processing
CCD
A CCD converts the light reflected from the original into an analog signal.
The CCD (Charge Coupled Device) consists of a row of photosensitive
elements. The circuit of each element in the CCD is shown at the right. Light
hitting the photodiode charges up a capacitor. The brighter the light, the more
charge goes into the capacitor. There is more about CCDs in the Standard
Components chapter.
The CCD has between 2,500 and 5,000 of these elements, depending on the
maximum scanning width and number of pixels per unit length (i.e., the
resolution across the page). A typical CCD in a high-end digital copier has
5,000 elements, at a resolution of 400 dpi (15.7 dots/mm).
c222d580.wmf
A CCD in a G3 fax machine may have a resolution of 8 or 16 pixels/mm, to match ITU-T standards.
However, as many machines are now multi-functional, such machines often employ a dpi-based
CCD and convert the signal to mm format when sending a Group 3 fax.
The voltage from each element depends on the intensity of the light reflected from the original onto
the element; the intensity of the light depends on the darkness of the area of the document it was
reflected from.
These charges are output from the CCD one after another, to make an analog video signal. Then the
scanner moves to the next line of the original, and the CCD scans the next line.
The CCD scans the original one line at a time, and outputs an analog signal for each line.
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Image Processing
Analog Signal Processing

Overview
Zeroing
Automatic Gain
Control (AGC)
Signal Combining
Even
Z/C
Black
Level
Analog Signal Input
CCD
Z/C
Z/C
Odd
Feedback
A/D
Converter
Feedback
Feedback
Peak Hold
1 Ref
0 Ref
Black Level
Digital Signal
Output
To Digital
Processing
Circuits
Feedback
White Level
Auto Shading Circuits
ana-ads.wmf
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Image Processing
This section describes:

How the raw CCD output is prepared for conversion to digital data
How the corrected CCD output is converted to digital data
The previous illustration shows the various steps and processes involved in preparing and converting
the analog signal. The following table quickly summarizes each step.
CCD output
How the raw data is output from the CCD.
Auto shading
A key part of analog signal processing. It affects

most of the other steps and processes.
Zeroing
Black level correction prior to signal combination.
Signal combining
Merging of the odd and even picture elements.
Automatic gain control
Signal amplification and white level correction.
Black level
Black level correction after automatic gain control.
Auto image density
Removes background from the scanned image
Peak hold
Holds the peak white value for A/D conversion.
A/D conversion
Conversion of the analog signal to a digital signal.
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Image Processing
CCD Output
Even
This diagram shows the CCD and its data output

lines as a simplified block diagram.
CCD
Reflected
light
Amplifier
There are two outputs from the CCD. One is for oddnumbered pixels, and the other is for even-numbered
pixels. A clock switches the output for each pixel onto
the odd or even output line alternately.
ODD
Having two outputs speeds up the image processing.

CCDs in older models (mainly fax machines) only had
one output line.
Switching clock
The two outputs are amplified before entering the

analog signal processing circuits.
Details about the amplification of the raw CCD output
signal are given in section 8 (Components).
April
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Signal
amplification
ccdblock.wmf
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Digital Processes
Auto Shading
Photoelectric
conversion
Image Processing
Variations in the
White Level
Variations in the
Black Level
a229d645.wmf
Auto shading corrects errors caused by variations in the signal level for each pixel. Both the black
level and the white level are corrected.
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Digital Processes
Image Processing
1) White Level Correction

The video signal information for each pixel obtained during image scanning is corrected by the image
processing circuits.
The data has to be corrected for variations in white level across the page. These variations are
caused by the following factors.
Loss of brightness at the ends of the exposure lamp with age or temperature (noticeable with
fluorescent lamps and xenon lamps), or any bright and dull spots on the lamp
Less brightness at the edges of the lens
Variations in response among the CCD elements
Distortions in the light path, such as differences in reflectivity across the scanner mirrors.
To correct for this, the machine scans a white plate before scanning each original. (This white plate
is normally under the scanner cover or under the left scale of the exposure glass.) The white plate is
uniform in color and in reflection.
The output from each element of the CCD is
converted to digital and passed to a memory in the
auto shading circuit. The waveform of the white
platen cover from the CCD is not uniform, because
of the factors mentioned above.
c222d584.wmf
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Image Processing
In some models, there is a protection circuit which limits the white peak voltage. This is to prevent
dark printouts resulting from an abnormally high reference voltage caused by strong light intruding
into the scanner.
In models that have a built in ADF, continuous scanning of large originals can cause the scanner to
heat up, which affects the CCDs response. Also, continuous exposure to light affects the CCD.
Therefore, the white plate is scanned every 30 s to recalibrate the white level (it is done between
originals; scanning is not interrupted).
After auto shading, the machine scans the page. The machine then uses the white waveform stored
in the auto shading memory to correct the data. This is known as Automatic Gain Control (AGC). It is
described later.
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Digital Processes
Image Processing
2) Black Level Correction

Method 1: Dummy Pixels
This zeroes the black level for each
scanned line of data while scanning the
original. To get the current black level, the
CPU reads the dummy data elements at
one end of the CCD signal (some pixels at
the end are blacked off), and takes an
average of the voltages read from these
elements. Then, the CPU deletes the black
level value from each image pixel.
Video Signal
Before Correction
Output
(V)
Output
Video Signal
After Correction
(V)
0
1 line
1 line
blk-lvl.wmf
This corrects the video signal for changes in response to the dummy black pixels as time passes.
The black level is stored in the auto shading circuits (as a charge inside a capacitor, for example).
Method 2: Black Level Waveform
In some older models, the black level is done for every original, by shutting off the exposure lamp
and reading a black level waveform across the page. This is stored in memory in the auto shading
circuits in a similar way to that described earlier for the white level.
Method 3: Fixed Reference Voltage
Some models correct the black level using a standard reference voltage for the black reference
(about 1.5 Volts)
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Digital Processes
Image Processing
Zeroing
Signal Combining
Automatic Gain
Control (AGC)
Even
Z/C
CCD
Black
Level
Z/C
Z/C
Odd
Straight
Through
Straight
Through
Straight
Through
Analog Signal Input
Fixed Voltage
Example: 2.5 V
A/D
Converter
Digital Signal
Output
1 Ref
0 Ref
Black Level
Every line
White Level
From white plate,
before each page
shadcct .wmf
When the machine scans the white plate before scanning the original, the odd and even pixel signals
are combined. The resulting signal is converted to digital in the A/D converter, and stored in the
memory in the auto shading circuits.
The auto shading circuits are normally inside the digital processing circuits, and signals from this
feed back into the analog circuits when needed.
The black level goes to the auto shading circuit every line during scanning.
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Digital Processes
Image Processing
Peak white can be detected every scan line too - this is Auto Image Density mode (also known as
ADS mode). This is described later in this section.
In the above diagram, the high level reference is arbitrarily fixed at 2.5 V and the low level reference
at ground. In some cases, analog to digital (A/D) conversion is done using the peak value of the
signal for the high reference, and half of the peak value for the low reference.
Example: Model C211
The potential difference between the output
of each pixel and the 53% level of the peak
hold is converted by an A/D converter into 4bit data.
VPH
Memory
4 bits
100%
53%
VT2100/2130/2150: 1.7V
VT2300/2500: 1.4V
5,000 pixels
shading1.wmf
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Image Processing
Zeroing
Zeroing
A zero clamp (Z/C) on each output adjusts

the black level reference. The black level for
the even pixels is adjusted to match the
black level from the odd pixels. Feedback of
the black level from the auto shading circuit
is used.
Automatic Gain
Control (AGC)
Signal Combining
Black
Level
Even
Z/C
CCD
Z/C
Z/C
Odd
Feedback
Feedback
Feedback
Black Level
White Level
Signal Combining
A multiplexer merges the analog signals for

odd and even pixels from the CCD.
In very high speed digital machines, the
signals are not combined until the digital
processing circuits. These machines have
separate analog processing circuits for odd
and even pixels.
ana-ads.wmf
4999
4995
4997
4998
5000
4999
4996
5000
4998
vid-comb.wmf
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Image Processing
Automatic Gain Control (AGC)

Zeroing
The analog signal is amplified by

operational amplifiers in the AGC circuit.
Automatic Gain
Control (AGC)
Signal Combining
Even
Z/C
CCD
When the original is scanned, the white

level waveform is read back in from the auto
shading memory. The AGC circuit uses the
white level signal to correct the video data
signal.
Black
Level
Z/C
Z/C
Odd
Feedback
Feedback
Feedback
In effect, each element of the scan line is

amplified by an amount that depends on the
voltage of the same element in the white
level signal. An example is shown on the
next page
Black Level
White Level
ana-ads.wmf
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Digital Processes
For shading correction, the peak of the scan

from the white plate is set to 1. Let us take
an example, in which the level of the 500th
element of the white waveform is 0.8 (i.e.,
not perfectly white).
Image Processing
Element 500
500
0.8
Then, at a point during scanning, say that

element 500 in the video signal has a value
of 0.6; it would be higher if there were no
scanner irregularities.
So, element 500 in the video signal is
corrected as follows: 0.6/0.8 = 0.75.
500
0
0.6
0
White Waveform
Scan Line
Video Image
Scan Line
shadcorr.wmf
Each element in each video signal scan line

is corrected in this way.
Also, if the platen cover is dirty, the values will be lower due to reduced reflection from the platen
cover. This means that the image data will be overcorrected, causing pale bands in the image.
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Digital Processes
Black Level
Before the data enters the A/D (analog-to-digital)
converter, a zero clamp circuit again fixes the
absolute value of the black level using feedback
from the auto shading circuit.
Image Processing
Automatic Gain
Control (AGC)
Signal Combining
Black
Level
Analog Signal Input
Z/C
Feedback
A/D
Converter
Feedback
Peak Hold
1 Ref
0 Ref
Black Level
Feedback
White Level
ana-ads.wmf
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Image Processing
Auto Image Density

In some machines, this feature is called Original Background Correction.
Auto Image Density (ADS) mode corrects for variation in background density down the page, to
prevent the background of an original from appearing on copies.
ADS mode detects the background level for the original, also known as the peak white level, and
removes this from the image, to make a white background. The machine must ensure that it detects
white level from areas of the original that are free from image data. There are two methods, which
are explained on the next page.
When an original with a grey background is scanned, the density of the grey area becomes the peak
white level density for that original. Therefore, the grey background will not appear on copies. Also, in
machines where peak level data is taken for each scan line, ADS corrects for any changes in
background density down the page.
Unlike with analog copiers, the user can select a manual image density when in auto image density
mode, and the machine will use both the manual and auto settings when processing the original.
This is useful when making copies of an original that has light image density with background; AD
removes the background, and if the user selected a dark manual image density setting, the image
will be brought out more clearly in the copy.
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Method 1: Scanned from a narrow strip near the

rear scale (Example: Model A229)
Image Processing
[A]
0.5mm
The copier scans the auto image density detection

area [A]. This corresponds to a narrow strip at one
end of the main scan line, as shown in the
diagram. As the scanner scans down the page, the
machine detects the peak white level for each scan
line, within this narrow strip only.
15mm
75mm
Method 2: Scanned from a narrow strip at the

center of the leading edge (Example: C211
series)
Sub scan direction
a229d581.wmf
In this machine, the original is placed at the center
of the original feed path, and not at one side like in
the A229. Therefore, the peak level is read from the central 64 mm at the leading edge of the
original.
One problem with this method is that, since scanning starts before the light intensity from the
fluorescent lamp stabilizes, the light intensity tends to increase for a little while. The voltage from the
CCD increases until the light intensity stabilizes. As a result, lighter image densities may not appear
on prints after the light stabilizes. To prevent this, the peak voltage is changed when a higher (whiter)
image signal is detected. If the peak voltage changes regardless of the output value, like in the A229,
there is a chance of mistaking grey areas in the center of the image for peak white.
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Digital Processes
The peak hold circuit holds the peak white level.

From this peak white level, the machine determines
the white reference value for A/D conversion.
The white level from auto shading is fed back to the
ADS circuit to correct for fluctuations in the white
level across the page.
Image Processing
Automatic Gain
Control (AGC)
Signal Combining
Black
Level
Analog Signal Input
Z/C
Feedback
A/D
Converter
Feedback
Peak Hold
1 Ref
0 Ref
Black Level
Feedback
White Level
ana-ads.wmf
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Digital Processes
Image Processing
A/D Conversion
The A/D converter converts the analog signal to digital.
In a typical machine, the resulting digital signal has eight bits. This means that each pixel can have
one of 256 values.
However, before this can be done, the A/D converter must be supplied with reference voltages that
determine the black and white limits.
To do this, the A/D converter is supplied with a black
reference voltage (0 Ref). For example, the input
could be held to ground. This fixes the lowest of the
256 levels any pixel with the same voltage as the
black level will become black.
Analog Signal Input
Fixed Voltage
Example: 2.5 V
Also, the highest of the 256 values is fixed with a

white reference voltage (1 Ref).
A/D
Converter
Digital Signal Output
1 Ref
When the analog signal is digitised, 0 Ref and 1 Ref

will serve as references for black and white, and the
256 levels of the grey scale will be distributed
between these two levels.
To Digital Processing
Circuits
0 Ref
ananoads.wmf
If ADS is not being used, the white reference (1 ref in

the diagram) is held to a fixed voltage.
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Digital Processes
If ADS is being used, the white reference

voltage depends on the output of the peak
hold circuit.
Image Processing
Automatic Gain
Control (AGC)
Signal Combining
Black
Level
Analog Signal Input
Z/C
Feedback
A/D
Converter
Feedback
Peak Hold
1 Ref
0 Ref
Black Level
Feedback
White Level
ana-ads.wmf
The A/D converter divides the range between the black and white reference voltage into 256 levels
and digitizes the analog signal based on these levels. These 256 levels are known as grayscales.
The low reference voltage terminal stays constant. Only the high reference terminal voltage varies.
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Digital Processes
Image Processing
Example: Model A099

In this example, the signal has been
inverted so that digital 0 is white and
1 (0 Volts) is black.
The white level varies between 1.7
and 2.9 V, depending on the
feedback from the peak hold circuit
for ADS. (If ADS was not being used,
the white level would remain fixed.)
Analog
2.9 V 256
White
........................... 00000000
0Ref
Range
1.7 V 256
255
4
3
The A/D converter divides up the

range from black to the current white
level into 256 levels.
The grey scale is based on the peak
white level. The right side of the
diagram shows how the range is
divided up if the white level is 1.7 V.
If the white level was 2.9 V, the
spacing would be wider.
Digital
2
1
............................ 00000000
............................ 00000001
............................ 11111100
............................ 11111101
............................ 11111110
............................ 11111111
256 levels calculated

as follows:
256
0Ref
(D is the Digital data)
D= Vin x
Black
adcon.wmf
0V
If the voltage for a pixel is between level 2 and level 3, this is converted into a digital value of
11111101.
Pure black (above level 255) becomes 00000000. Pure white (below level 1) becomes 11111111.
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Image Processing
Digital Signal Processing

Overview
This section explains how the raw digital data from the A/D converter is processed to produce a
faithful image of the original.
Digital fax machines, scanners, printers, and copiers use a wide range of digital image processing
tools. The processes used are different in every machine, and so is the order in which they are done.
Because of this, a comprehensive description is impossible. To see a representative example of
the descriptions listed below, refer to the Digital Processes section in the Core Technology Manual.
Digital processes can be broadly classified into the following types.
Preliminary Image Enhancement: These processes prepare the data for processing by correcting
the data for scanner characteristics, and removing unwanted data such as dots in the
background.
Scanner Gamma Correction
Background Erase
Independent Dot Erase
Text/Image Separation
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Image Processing
Filtering: These processes enhance the data to suit the original mode (text or photo) selected by
the user.
MTF (Modulation Transfer Function)
Photo mode Smoothing
Magnification and Reduction: This enlarges and reduces the data, depending on the reproduction
ratio selected by the user, or the paper size in the receiving fax terminal.
Gradation Processing: The gradation processing methods used generally depend on the original
type setting (text, photo, etc) selected by the user.
Grayscale Processing
Binary Picture Processing
Dithering
Error Diffusion
Editing and Merging

Using a memory work area, digital data can be manipulated to produce various effects, such as
combining several images onto one copy.
Also, multiple originals can be scanned into memory and several copies can be printed, already
sorted, onto a single output tray. This is sometimes called electronic sorting. This feature allows
low-volume sorted output without needing all the extra hardware.
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Image Processing
Another benefit of digital processing with memory storage is faster duplex copying throughput,
using a feature known as 'interleaving'. This feature uses a duplex tray with a one-page capacity,
stores multiple originals in memory, and outputs the data in the order that is suitable for the fastest
printing. This order is not necessarily the order in which the pages were scanned. This is covered
more fully in the Paper Handling section (Interleave Duplexing).
The main benefits for most users are that a job with multiple originals can be scanned just once
and stored in memory, then printed many times from memory without having to scan again. Also,
printer jams can be recovered without having to scan the original again.
Merging
Make-up Mode
Image Rotation
Combining Images
Final Image Enhancement
Erasure of Irregular Dots
Line Width Correction
Edge Detection
Sub-scan Resolution Conversion
Inch-mm Conversion
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April
2008 2004
3 January
Process Control
Basic Concepts
Process control is a system that automatically
changes machine processes to compensate for
changes in the environment or the machine
condition. The objective of process control is to
stabilize the quality of image output. The practical
result is a decrease in the frequency of service
calls, thus increasing customer satisfaction and
decreasing service cost.
The box to the right lists the machine conditions
that process control compensates for.
Page352
229
Page
Basic Concepts
OPC Analog Systems
OPC Digital Systems
Selenium Analog Systems
Target Machine Conditions
Dirty optics
Exposure lamp deterioration
Dirty charge corona wire/grid
Change of drum sensitivity
Deterioration of developer
In this section (Basic Concepts) we will take an overall look at process control. Then we will look at
the details of process control using several example machines. We will look at two OPC analog
machinesone using a potential sensor (model A095) and one using a V sensor (model A074).
Then we will study an OPC digital system (model A229). Finally, we will look at selenium drum
analog systems (models A029 and A058).
NOTE:
Unlike other parts of the Core Technology Manual, we don't pull out and compare example sub-units of
process control but instead look at the process control systems of the example machines in their entirety.
This is because process control components are interactive and best studied as a whole.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page982
230
Page
Basic Concepts
PROCESS CONTROL
Latent Image Control and Image Density Control

This illustration represents a copier model
that uses two process control methods.
One compensates for variation in the drum
potential (latent image control) and the
other controls the toner concentration and
toner supply amount (image density
control).
All process control components affect one
or the other (or both) of these methods.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page983
231
Page
Basic Concepts
PROCESS CONTROL
Latent Image Control
The figure shows the changes of the drum potential during the copy process.
VO
Drum potential just after charging the drum.
VD (Dark Potential)
Drum potential just after exposing the black pattern (VD pattern)
VL (Light Potential)
Drum potential just after exposing the white pattern (VL pattern)
VR (Residual
Voltage)
Drum potential just after the exposure of the erase lamp.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page984
232
Page
Basic Concepts
PROCESS CONTROL
Image Density Control

The following sensors control image density.
Toner density sensor (TD sensor)

Image density sensor (ID sensor)
Data from the TD sensor is used to keep the toner concentration in the developer at a constant level.
However, the image on the OPC drum varies due to the variation of toner chargeability (influenced by
the environment) even if the toner concentration is constant. By the ID sensor compensation, toner
concentration is changed to keep the image density on the OPC drum constant.
The following items are controlled to maintain a constant copy image density:
Toner supply clutch on time

Toner supply level data (VREF) of the TD sensor
NOTE: Some machines do not have a TD sensor and use only an ID sensor for
image density control.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page985
233
Page
Basic Concepts
PROCESS CONTROL
Terminology and Abbreviations

The following list explains the meaning of some of the terms and abbreviations used when describing
process control.
VO (Original Potential)
The drum potential after the drum is charged.
VD (Dark Potential)
The drum potential in black image areas after exposure. Standard

VD is the potential measured after exposing a black pattern.
The drum potential in white image areas after exposure. Standard

VL is the potential measured after exposing a white pattern.
VR (Residual Voltage)
The drum potential after the drum has been exposed by the erase
lamp.
Potential Sensor
A sensor used to measure the strength of the charge on the OPC

drum surface (drum potential).
VL Pattern
A standard white pattern used for reference. On some machines

the VL pattern is actually a light gray tone rather than pure white.
VD Pattern
A standard black pattern used for reference.
ID Sensor
A photosensor that measures the image density (reflectivity) of the

drum and of a test pattern (ID sensor pattern). The output of this
sensor is used to control toner supply.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page986
234
Page
Basic Concepts
PROCESS CONTROL
ID Sensor Pattern
A standard pattern that is exposed and developed for sensing by

the ID sensor.
VSG
The ID sensor output when checking the erased drum surface.
VSP
The ID sensor output when checking the ID sensor pattern image.
VLAMP
Exposure lamp voltage.
VB or VBB
Development bias.
TD Sensor
Toner density sensorit measures the concentration of toner in

the developer.
VREF
A targeted control reference for the TD sensor. When VTD

becomes too low, toner is added to the developer to bring VTD
back to the VREF value.
VTD, VT, or VOUT
The output voltage of the TD sensor.
V Sensor
A reflective photosensor similar to the ID sensor that is used to

indirectly measure the drum potential. It was used prior to the
development of the potential sensor system and will be found in
earlier models using process control.
VG or VGRID
Charge corona grid potential.
April
2008 2004
3 January
PROCESS CONTROL
VH (Halftone Potential)
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page987
235
Page
Basic Concepts
A standard halftone drum potential. This value is used for laser

power adjustment in the process control system of some digital
products.
Page988
236
Page
PROCESS CONTROL
OPC Analog Systems
OPC Analog Systems

Model A095Process Control Using a Potential Sensor
After long usage following installation or a PM, drum potential will gradually increase due to the
following factors:
Dirty optics or exposure lamp deterioration
Dirty charge corona casing and grid plate
Change of the drum sensitivity
In this copier, the change in drum potential is detected by the drum potential sensor and the following
items are controlled to maintain good copy quality.
The grid bias voltage
The exposure lamp voltage
The development bias voltage.
A drum thermistor detects the drum temperature and this data is also used to control the above
voltages. It is impossible to explain simply because it is controlled by methods developed in our
laboratories using an artificial neural network.
April
2008 2004
3 January
PROCESS CONTROL
Page989
237
Page
OPC Analog Systems
Process Control Data Initial Setting

The flow chart shows the steps
performed when turning on the machine
while the hot roller temperature is below
100C. This initializes all the process
control settings.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page990
238
Page
PROCESS CONTROL
OPC Analog Systems
Latent Image Control

Drum Potential Sensor Calibration
The drum potential sensor [A] detects the
strength of the electrical potential on the drum.
The output of the potential sensor depends on
the strength of the electrical field on the drum.
Since environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity affect sensor output,
the sensor output data is recalibrated during
each process control initialization.
The High Voltage Control PCB [B] has two
relay contacts. Usually RA602 grounds the
drum. However, during the initial setting, the
main PCB turns RA601 on and RA602 off and
applies the recalibration voltage to the drum shaft.
By measuring the output of the drum potential sensor when 100 V and 800 V are applied to the
drum, the sensor output data is calibrated automatically. (The machine recognizes the relationship
between actual drum potential and the potential sensor output.) To prevent toner attraction during
potential sensor calibration, an equivalent bias voltage (-100 and -800) is applied to the development
rollers.
April
2008 2004
3 January
PROCESS CONTROL
Page991
239
Page
OPC Analog Systems
VR Measurement
The relationship between the drum
potential and the original density is
illustrated at right. To get consistent
copy quality throughout the drums
life, this relationship must be
maintained. Since this relationship
changes due to various factors to the
one represented by the dotted line,
compensation is required. Factors
causing these changes occur in the
optics and charge sections and in
drum sensitivity. The residual voltage
(VR) cannot be compensated even if
exposure lamp voltage is increased.
Therefore, the VR change has to be
compensated by other means.
After drum conditioning the main
control board turns on the erase lamps. Then the potential sensor checks the drum potential. This
measured drum potential is in fact VR. This VR is used as the standard for the VD and VL corrections.
NOTE: In the figure above, the residual voltage (VR) for the new drum is 0V. Actually, there is some
residual voltage even on a new drum.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page992
240
Page
PROCESS CONTROL
OPC Analog Systems
VD Correction
The drum potential just after the black
pattern (VD Pattern) is exposed (VD: Dark
Potential) tends to lower during drum life due
to a decrease in the drums capacity to carry
a charge. To check the actual VD, the first
scanner moves to the home position and the
VD pattern (Black) mounted on the bottom of
the exposure glass bracket, is exposed on
the drum.
The main control board measures VD
through the drum potential sensor and
adjusts it to a target value by adjusting the
grid bias voltage (VGRID). On the other hand,
there is a change of the drum residual
voltage (VR), so that the target VD voltage is
compensated as follows:
Target VD Value: VD = VR + (770)
The adjusted grid bias voltage (VGRID) is kept in memory until the next process control data initial
setting.
April
2008 2004
3 January
PROCESS CONTROL
Page993
241
Page
OPC Analog Systems
VL Correction
Dirty optics and exposure lamp deterioration
decreases the intensity of the light that reaches
the drum. In addition to this, the drum sensitivity
also changes during the drums life. These factors
change the drum potential just after white pattern
exposure (VL: Light Potential).
To check the actual VL, the lens moves to the VL
pattern check position. The VL pattern (White)
mounted on the bottom of the exposure glass
bracket is exposed on the drum. The main control
board measures VL through the drum potential
sensor and adjusts it to a target value by adjusting
the exposure lamp voltage (VLAMP). The residual
voltage (VR) change also affects VL, so that
VLs target voltage is compensated as follows:
Target VL Value: VL = VR + (140)
The adjusted exposure lamp voltage (VLAMP) is
stored in memory until the next process control
data initial setting.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page994
242
Page
OPC Analog Systems
PROCESS CONTROL
VR Correction
Potentials (VR, VD, VL) are monitored by
the potential sensor. (This is done only
when the fusing temperature is less than
100C after the machine is turned on.)
During the check cycle, the VD and VL
patterns are exposed and the drum
potential of the area exposed by each
pattern is checked by the potential sensor.
Compare the curve of the VD and VL
compensated drum potential with the
curve of the new drum, they are parallel
but the compensated potential is still
higher (VR) than the new drum potential.
To prevent dirty backgrounds due to
increased residual potential, development
bias (VBB) is applied as follows:
VBB = VR + (220)
The adjusted development bias (VBB) is stored in
memory until the next process control initial
setting.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page995
243
Page
OPC Analog Systems
PROCESS CONTROL

Toner density sensor (TD sensor)
Toner weight %
Developer consists of carrier particles (iron) and toner particles (resin and carbon). Inside the
development unit, developer passes through a magnetic field created by coils inside the toner
density sensor. When the toner concentration changes, the voltage output by the sensor changes
accordingly.
April
2008 2004
3 January
Page996
244
Page
PROCESS CONTROL
OPC Analog Systems
When new developer with the standard toner concentration (2.0% by weight, 20 g of toner in 1000 g
of developer for the illustrated machine) is installed, developer initial setting must be performed by
using SP mode.
During this setting, the output voltage (VOUT) from the auto gain control circuit (AGC) on the main
control board PCB varies to change the output voltage from the toner density (TD) sensor. This is
done by changing the gain data as follows.
If the data is high, VOUT becomes high, and the sensor output voltage becomes high. As a result, the
sensor characteristic becomes as illustrated by curve A. If the data is low, VOUT becomes low, and
the sensor output voltage becomes low. As a result, the sensor characteristic shifts as illustrated by
curve C.
By selecting the proper gain data, the sensor output is set within the targeted control level (VREF,
VREF = 2.5 0.1 V). Now, the sensor characteristic is illustrated by curve B and the TD sensor initial
setting is completed. The selected gain data is stored in memory, and VOUT from the auto gain
control circuit stays constant during the toner sensor detection cycle.
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Toner Supply Criteria

At every copy cycle, toner density in the
developer is detected once. The sensor
output voltage (VTD) during the detection
cycle is compared with the toner supply
level voltage (VREF).
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Toner Supply Clutch on Time

To stabilize toner concentration, toner supply amount (toner supply clutch on time) is controlled by
referring to VREF and VTD. The toner supply amount is calculated at every copy. The toner supply
amount is determined by using the following factors.
1. VREF VTD
2. VREF VTD' (VTD' = VTD of the previous copy cycle)
By referring to these factors, the machine recognizes the difference between the current toner
concentration (VTD) and the target toner concentration (VREF). The machine also understands how
much toner concentration has changed and predicts how much the toner supply amount will probably
change.
By changing the toner supply amount precisely, toner concentration (image density) is kept at a
constant level. Since the toner supply clutch on time updating is under fuzzy control, the relation
among VTD, V TD', VREF cannot be expressed by a simple algebraic formula.
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VREF Correction
The image on the OPC drum changes due to variation of toner chargeability (influenced by the
environment) even if the toner concentration is constant. The image density sensor (ID sensor)
directly checks the image on the OPC drum and shifts VREF data (under fuzzy control) to keep the
image on the OPC drum constant, as explained in the next section.
NOTE: 1. Toner end condition is detected by the toner end sensor.
2. The toner supply clutch turns on at the intervals between each copy process while
image development is not being performed.
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Image density sensor (ID sensor)

VSG and VSP are checked by the ID
sensor [A]. The ID sensor is located
underneath the drum cleaning section.
There is no ID sensor pattern in the
optics, however, a pattern image is made
on the OPC drum by the charge corona
unit [B] and the erase lamp [C].
VSG is the ID sensor output when

checking the erased drum surface.
VSP is the ID sensor output when
checking the ID sensor pattern image.
To compensate for any variation in light intensity

from the sensor LED, the reflectivity of both the
erased drum surface and the pattern on the drum
are checked.
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In the above example, VSG is detected every time the machine starts copying. During VSG detection,
the development sleeve rollers do not rotate and no development bias is applied.
VSP is detected after copying is completed if 10 or more copies have been made since VSP was last
detected. Since the transfer belt must be released when checking VSP, a VSP check cannot be done
during continuous copying.
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Model A074Process Control Using a V sensor

The copy process around the drum and
the copy image (image and background
density) are controlled by many factors.
The following items are controlled during
the copy process to maintain good copy
quality:
exposure lamp (optics)

grid bias (drum charge)
development bias (development)
toner supply (development)
The items above use various electrical

components for the various process
control functions. The most significant of
these are for the control of the drum
residual voltage, exposure lamp voltage
and drum aging.
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Overview
During the OPC drums life, residual drum voltage
gradually increases due to electrical fatigue. This
may cause dirty background on copies. The V
sensor is used to avoid this problem. The V
sensor is located in the drum unit, near the ID
sensor.
Residual Voltage
The CPU checks the drum residual voltage

through the V sensor by directly sensing the VR
pattern on the drum surface. This VR pattern
detection is performed after the drum initial
setting. After this, the CPU will do one VR pattern
detection every 200 copies for the next 2,000
copies, and every 1,000 copies after that. Also
when VR data correction is applied and the drum
temperature goes over 25C, this detection is
performed.
According to the data of VR pattern detection, the
CPU applies VR correction to the grid bias voltage
and the development bias voltage.
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VR Pattern Control
The VR pattern is made on the drum
before the original latent image, as in the
case of the ID sensor pattern.
During VR pattern detection, the drum
surface is charged with a fixed grid bias
voltage: -500V + VG correction (Drum
Rotation Time Control). At the same time
all the blocks of the erase lamp unit turn
on to illuminate this charged area of the
drum.
The exposed area of the drum is developed with a fixed bias voltage for non-image area: -160V + VR
correction + VR Data correction (Drum Temperature Control) + Black Bias correction. The V sensor
checks the reflectivity of the bare area of the drum and this sensor output voltage is called Vrg. (Vrg
is the same as Vsg detected by the ID sensor.) Next to this bare drum area, the drum is developed
with VR pattern bias voltage (0V). If there is residual voltage on the drum, this area of the drum will
attract some toner, making a VR pattern. The V sensor checks the reflectivity of the VR pattern and
this sensor output voltage is called Vrp.
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VR Correction
The CPU notes the ratio, of Vrp/Vrg. This VR pattern check is done 5 times in a row during the copy
cycle and the CPU takes their average. The reference voltage of the V sensor output Vrg, is
automatically adjusted to 4V at the same time as Vsg isadjusted.
VR Level
VrpxVrg x 100(%)
0
1
2
3
4
100~84
83~58
57~41
40~28
27~0
Grid bias correction

voltage
0 V
40 V
80 V
120 V
160 V
Development bias
correction voltage
0 V
40 V
80 V
120 V
160 V
The grid bias voltage and the development bias voltage are corrected (VR correction) according to
the ratio between Vrp and Vrg as shown in the above table.
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VL Pattern Control Overview

Dirty optics or deterioration of the exposure lamp
decreases the intensity of the light that reaches
the drum via the optics cavity. As more copies are
made during the drums life, the photoconductive
layer gets worn and drum sensitivity drops. The
drum sensitivity also drops under low temperature
condition.
ID Pattern
VL pattern control is performed on this copier to

prevent dirty backgrounds caused by the factors
mentioned above. The V sensor is used for VL
and for VR pattern control.
The VL pattern (light gray) is located on the
bottom of the left scale bracket. When a copy job
finishes, VL pattern detection occurs. The
exposure lamp stays on for about 6 seconds while
at the home position. The VL pattern is lit and a
latent image is made on the drum. After this
image is developed, its reflectivity is checked by
the V sensor. The CPU notes the strength of
reflectivity, and if the reflected light is too weak,
the exposure lamp voltage is increased.
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VL Pattern Detection
VL pattern detection is done after VR pattern detection, but unlike VR pattern detection it is done after
the copy job is finished. This means after the drum initial setting, based on specific copy counts and
when the drum temperature goes over 25C under the VR data correction condition.
When VL pattern detection starts, the exposure lamp turns
on, the main motor stays on, the charge corona, grid bias,
all the blocks of the erase lamp, the pre-transfer and
quenching lamps turn on. After about one drum revolution,
the appropriate blocks of the erase lamp turn off and on to
make a VL pattern on the drum surface. The drum surface
is developed with non-image area bias for both the bare
drum and VL pattern.
The V sensor checks the reflectivity of the bare drum (Vlg)
and the VL pattern (Vlp). The CPU calculates the ratio
between Vlp and Vlg (Vlp/Vlg).
The VL pattern is made 4 times with 150 mm distance
between each pattern. The CPU takes the average of Vlp/Vlg (=Vdat).
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VL Correction
When the drum initial setting (SP mode #66) is performed
and more than 7 black copies are made, the initial VL
detection is performed at the end of the copy job and the
CPU stores the VL reference value (initial Vlp/Vlg = Vref)
in memory. ID sensor pattern detection and VR pattern
detection is done prior to this initial VL detection.
VL Level (%)
151~>
101~150
0~100
Lamp
correction
voltage
1 V
0 V
+1 V
ID sensor pattern and VR pattern detection are performed when black copies are made, even in the
SP mode. VL pattern detection is performed only when a black copy is made in enlarge or full size
mode and not in the SP mode.
The V sensor output is automatically adjusted to 4V for both Vlg and Vrg) by SP mode. When the VL
pattern detection is performed during the copy operation, the CPU compares the Vdat with the Vref.
According to the ratio between Vdat and Vref, the CPU applies the voltage correction to the exposure
lamp (VL Correction) as shown in the above table.
Vdat/Vref x 100 = VL level (%)
The exposure lamp voltage for VL pattern detection depends on all previous correction factors, and
the new VL correction factor is added to them. This result is then applied to the exposure lamp
voltage till the next VL pattern detection.
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Drum Temperature Control
Under low temperature conditions drum sensitivity drops and drum residual voltage increases. This is
a characteristic of the drum and may cause dirty backgrounds on copies. To compensate for this, a
drum thermistor is installed to monitor the temperature around the drum.
When the main switch is turned on, the CPU checks the temperature through the drum thermistor. If
the temperature is 25C or less, the CPU applies appropriate corrections to the exposure lamp
voltage (low temp. correction), to the grid bias voltage (VR data correction), and to the development
bias voltage (VR data correction).
When the temperature goes over 25C, the VR pattern detection and VL pattern detection are
performed and the corrections above are canceled.
If the temperature is already over 25C when the main switch is turned on, no correction is applied.
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Drum Rotation Control And VG Correction

Overview
During the OPC drums life the photo
conductive layer gets worn and this
causes a drop in drum sensitivity and a
decrease in the drum potential after the
drum charge. The CPU keeps track of
the drum rotation time that corresponds
to the wear of the drum surface. The
grid bias voltage is increased at set
intervals (VG correction).
VG Correction
If drum potential decreases after the
drum charge, the ID sensor pattern on
the drum becomes lighter, causing
higher toner concentration in the
developer. Also, copy image density
becomes slightly lighter. To control
toner density and copy image density,
the drum potential is maintained by
increments of the grid bias voltage at
set intervals. (See graph.)
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OPC Digital Systems

Based on model A229
Overview
The drum potential will gradually change because of the following factors.
Dirty optics or exposure glass
Dirty charge corona casing and grid plate
Changes in drum sensitivity
To maintain good copy quality, the machine does the following just after the main switch has been
turned on (if the fusing temperature is less than 100 C and Auto Process Control [SP] is selected).
1) Potential Sensor Calibration
2) VSG Adjustment
3) VG (Grid Voltage) Adjustment
4) LD Power Adjustment
5) VREF Update
This process is known as Process Control Initial Setting. The rest of this section will describe these
steps in more detail.
Processes 1, 3, and 4 in the above list compensate for changes in drum potential. Processes 2 and
5 are for toner density control.
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Drum Potential Sensor Calibration
The drum potential sensor [A] detects the electric potential of the drum surface [B].
Since the output of the sensor is affected by environmental conditions, such as temperature and
humidity, the sensor needs recalibration at times. This is done during process control initial setting.
The development power pack [C] has two relay contacts. Usually RA102 grounds the drum.
However, to calibrate the sensor, RA102 and RA101 switch over and apply the power pack output
voltage to the drum shaft [D].
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The machine automatically calibrates the drum potential sensor by measuring the output of the
sensor when 200V and 700V are applied to the drum. From these two readings, the machine can
determine the actual drum potential from the potential sensor output that is measured during
operation.
During calibration, if the rate of change in drum potential sensor response to applied voltage is out of
the target range, SC370 is logged and auto process control turns off. The VG and LD power
adjustments are skipped; VG is set to the value stored in SP2-001-01, and LD power is set to the
values stored in SP2-103.
VSG adjustment
This calibrates the ID sensor output for a bare drum to 4.0, 0.2V. It does this by changing the
intensity of the light shining on the drum from the sensor. This is done automatically during process
control initial setting, and it can also be done manually with SP3-001-002.
If the ID sensor output cannot be adjusted to within the standard, SC350 is logged and toner density
control is done using the TD sensor only.
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VG Adjustment
The potential on unexposed areas of the drum
(VD) gradually changes during drum life. To keep
VD constant, the grid voltage (VG) is adjusted
during process control initial setting. The SBICU
checks VD using the drum potential sensor [A]. If
it is not within the target range (-900V + 10V),
the SBICU adjusts VG (Grid Voltage) through the
Charge/Grid power pack to get the correct target
voltage. The most recently detected values can
be displayed with SP3-902-2 (VD) and 3-902-4
(VG). If the CPU cannot get VD within the target
range by changing VG, VG is set to the previous
value and SC 370 is logged. For details of how
the machine determines an abnormal sensor
detection see the A229 service manual (p7-9).
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LD power adjustment
This adjustment uses the drum potential sensor
to keep the ID sensor pattern at the same
density, so that VREF will be updated correctly
(see the next page). The VH pattern is
developed using the current LD power (the
density is the same as the ID sensor pattern).
The drum potential sensor detects the potential
on this pattern. The LD power is adjusted until
VH becomes 300V +20V. This is done only
during process control initial setting.
The latest VH can be displayed using SP3-902-3. The corrected LD power can be displayed using
SP3-902-5 (the default is stored in SP2-103-1-4). See Laser exposure for more details about laser
power. If VH cannot be adjusted to within the standard within 25 attempts, LD power is set to the
latest value (the one used for the 25th attempt) and SC 370 is logged. For details of how the
machine determines an abnormal sensor detection.
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VREF Update
The TD sensor reference voltage (VREF) is updated to stabilize the concentration of toner in the
development unit as follows;
New VREF = Current VREF +
VREF
VREF is determined using the following Vsp/Vsg and VREF VT table
VT: TD Sensor Output

When SC350 (ID Sensor Abnormal) is generated, VREF is not updated. The machine uses the
current value. VREF is updated during process control initial setting. It is also updated if both of
the following conditions exist:
50 or more copies have been made since the last VREF update
The copy job is finished
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1017

Based on models A029 and A058

Changing the strength of the positive bias voltage applied to the development roller sleeve controls
image density. The bias voltage applied to the development roller sleeve reduces the potential
between the development roller and the drum. This reduces the amount of toner transferred to the
drum. So, the stronger the bias voltage is the lighter the resulting copy image will be.
The bias base level is set either by the operator through the manual image density keys (V1) or by
the automatic image density system (V2). The CPU increases the bias base level as necessary to
compensate for the rest time between copy runs and the drum temperature, both of which are
affected drum sensitivity.
Bias Compensation Factors

While not a true process control system, the drum temperature and rest time compensation of these
analog systems was a forerunner of the systems we have today. The rest time (V3) and drum
temperature (V4) compensation factors affect only the development bias voltage value. These
compensation factors are added to the manual (V1) or automatic (V2) image density base bias
levels.
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Rest Time Compensation (V3)

The CPU increases the bias level as necessary to compensate for the rest time between copy runs
and the drum temperature, both of which affect drum sensitivity.
Copy #
Rest Time
0 to 1 minute
1 to 6 minutes
6 to 30 minutes
0.5 to 3 hours
Over 3 hours
<----------------------------------V3-------------------------------- >
1
2
3,4
5,6
7-11
12
30
60
90
120
150
30
30
60
90
120
0
0
30
60
90
0
0
0
30
60
0
0
0
0
30
0
0
0
0
0
The drum sensitivity often drops slightly over the first few cycles of a copy run. This is because the
light from the exposure lamp fatigues the drum slightly. The amount that it drops depends on the rest
time between copy runsthe longer the rest time the greater the change.
The A029/A058 copiers increase the bias at the beginning of each copy run to prevent variations in
the image density of the first few copies. The bias increase is shown in the above table.
When the main switch is turned on, the CPU will automatically select the greater than three hours
rest time compensation level.
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1019
Drum Temperature Compensation (V4)

When the switch on the bias power
pack is on, the development bias
power pack monitors the drum
temperature through a thermistor, and
it increases or decreases the bias
voltage to compensate for temperature
induced variations in drum sensitivity.
The temperature compensation is -6
volts for each degree increase in drum
temperature and is effective from 15C
to 45C.
However, if the bias switch is off, the
CPU assumes a drum temperature of
30C. The power pack does not
compensate for temperature, and V4
becomes +90 volts.
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1020
Color Processes
This chapter of the Core Basics Reference Manual deals with
color specific principles and processes. Discussions of
monochromatic specific process or general subjects
that are not affected by color will be found in other
chapters.
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,PDJH)LOHV
Principles of Color
When discussing the processes involved in color
copying, it is important to understand what light is
and how just three basic colors can create a vast
array of colors.

Electromagnetic Waves
Once thought to be the smallest particles of
matteratomshave over time been shown to
consist of a variety of subatomic particles. These
subatomic particles are organized into three
groupshadrons, leptons, and bosons.
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1021
Color Processes
Color Scanning
Color Scanning
In this section we will look at the aspects of image
scanning and photoconductor exposure that are
unique to color systems. The details of processes
that are common to both color and black/white
systems are covered in Photocopying Processes
and Digital Processes chapters.
Ricoh color products have used three different
scanning methods, depending on the underlying
basic architecture of the machines. These
methods can be classified as color analog
scanning/exposure, digital systems using lens and
mirror scanning, and direct scanning digital
systems using a fiber optic array. We will discuss
and look at examples of each.
The number of scans that a color copier makes
depends on the amount of memory it has. Most
color copiers must make one scan per color.
However, digital color copiers with a large amount
of memoryfor example model A269can store
the full image data for all colors and need only
one scan per image.
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Analog
Digital with lens and mirrors
Digital with fiber optic array

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Color Processes
Color Scanning
Analog Scanning
Most color machines are digital. However, there
are some analog color machines in the field.
The color analog scanning and exposure is
basically the same as the systems used for black
and white analog copiers. (See and Exposure in
the Photocopying Processes chapter.) The only
difference is that filters have to be used to
separate the colors and the original has to be
scanned for each of the primary colors to be
reproduced.
The illustration to the right shows the scanning
mechanism of models A030/A072.
During the copy cycle, an image of the original is
reflected onto the drum surface via the optics
assembly.
Three color filters (red, green, and blue) and a
neutral filter are mounted on a rotor. The three
color filters are used when the full color mode is
selected or single color erase mode is selected.
Exposure Light Path:

Exposure Lamp [A] 1st Mirror [B] 2nd Mirror [C]
3rd Mirror [D] Lens [E] 4th Mirror [F] Color Filter
[G] Toner Shield Glass [H] Drum [I]
Optics cooling fan: [J]
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Color Processes
Color Scanning
The neutral filter is used when black copies or

single color copies are made.
The filter rotor, which holds the four filters [A], is
shown to the right. The rotor turns to bring the
proper filter into the light path. A home position
sensor [B] informs the CPU when the rotor is at
the home position. A stepper motor [C] rotates the
filter rotor the precise angle to bring the selected
filter into the light path.
[A]
[B]
[C]
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Color Processes
Color Scanning
Lens and Mirror Digital Scanning

Most color digital machines use a lens and
scanners with mirrors to reflect an image of the
original to a charge coupled device (CCD). This is
very similar to the system used in most digital
black and white copiers.
An image of the original illuminated by the
exposure lamp [A] (a halogen lamp) is reflected
onto a color CCD [B] (Charge Coupled Device) via
the 1st [C], 2nd [D], and 3rd [E] mirrors, filter, and
lens [F]. The filter removes infrared from the light
reflected off the original; this is particularly
important for glossy photos with black areas,
which can appear reddish in copies.
For all copy modes except the Auto Original
Type mode machine makes a single scan. The
CCD is a one-chip color CCD with RGB color
filters. The scanning resolution is 400 dpi (5,000
pixels).
[C]
[A]
[D]
[E]
[F]
[B]
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Color Processes
Color Scanning
The key element in digital color machines is the

color CCD. The color CCD resembles the type of
CCD used in black & white digital machines;
however, it has three rows of light sensitive
elements instead of one row. The color CCD
converts light reflected from the original into three
analog signals, one for each of the three basic
colors Red, Green, and Blue. The signals are
called the R, G, and B signals. A single scan
generates a separate set of three signals (RGB).
The CCD consists of three lines of 5000 elements
at a resolution of 400 dpi (15.7 dots/mm)one
line for each color. To make the R, G, and B
signals, each line has a color separation filter (R,
G, or B). The lines of CCD elements are very
close together, but there is some space between
them. In model A269 the lines are spaced 4 pixels
apart at full size magnificationillustrated to the
right. (In many earlier models they are spaced 8
pixels apart.) To correct for the spacing, the R, G,
and B signals must be synchronized. This is done
by delaying the signals in memory buffers on the
image processing unit (IPU) board. This process
is called scan line correction.
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3
5000
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Color Processes
Color Scanning
The CCD is mounted on the board with the lens

block (the assembly is known as the SBU or
Sensor Board Unit). Therefore, to replace the
CCD, you must replace the SBU.
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Color Processes
Color Scanning
Direct Digital Scanning (SELFOC +CCD)

Color direct digital scanning systems use a selffocusing fiber optic array (SELFOC) and full-size
CCD mounted together on a scanner. The basic
principle of this method is quite simple. As the
scanner moves across (scans) the original, a strip
of the original is reflected through the fiber optic
array to the CCD.
[D]
[A]
The scanner unit used in models A046 and A105

consists of two exposure lamps [A] (fluorescent
lamps), the full-size CCD [B], the CCD drive board
[C], the CCD pre-amp board [D] and the optical
fiber array [E]. The light from the exposure lamps
exposes the original and reflects on to the full-size
CCD through the optical fiber array.
[C]
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[B]
[E]
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Color Processes
Color Scanning
The full-size CCD board has an unusual design.

There are 5 CCD chips on the CCD board, each
CCD chip has 2,928 elements (2,880 elements for
model A105). Each element has a tiny green (G),
blue (B), or red (R) filter on top. This G.B.R. order
is repeated along the full length of the CCD chips.
One set of these G.B.R. elements is equal to one
picture element or pixel. The CCD elements are
angled 45 degrees, so that all three CCD
elements of any pixel receive the same reflected
light.
45
1 pixel
62.5 m
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Color Processes
Color Development
Color Development
Like black and white machines, color copiers and
printers use dual-component development or
monocomponent development systems. However,
color systems require a separate development
unit for each color, and they must make at least
one development cycle per color.
The development systems of Ricoh color products
can be classified into three groups(1) systems
with the development units arranged in fixed
positions around the photoconductor, (2) systems
with a revolver that brings the development units
to the photoconductor when needed, and (3)
tetradrive systems. This section looks at
representative examples of each group.
Development
units in fixed
positions
2nd
Y
d
1st
Development units
on a revolver
Tetradrive
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Color Processes
Color Development
Fixed Position Development Systems

Many color copiers and printers have the four color development mechanisms (CMYK) arranged in
fixed positions around the photoconductor. Such an arrangement is logical from a design point of
view; however, such designs have two requirements that designers must address.
1. Photoconductor Surface Area

Four development mechanisms take up a lot of photoconductor surface. For this reason, color
systems using fixed position development units must use a larger than normal photoconductor. One
way is to increase the drum size; this is the approach used by model A109 as explained in example 1
below. Another method is to use a long photoconductor belt; this is the method used by model G033
(see example 2 below).
2. Prevention of Simultaneous Development

Although the development units are in a fixed position, only one color can be allowed to develop the
image at a time. Examples 1 and 2 below show two ways to handle this requirementmodel A109
removes the developer from the rollers that arent being used for development, and model G033
holds the development rollers away from the photoconductor when they are not in use.
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Color Development

This machine has one large development unit
[E]
divided into four sections. From the left they are
the black development section [A], the cyan deve- [A]
lopment section [B], the magenta development
section [C] and the yellow development section
[D]. Each development section has a sleeve roller
[E], dual mixing roller [F], doctor plate [G], and
toner density sensor [H].
[B]
To make room for the four development sections,
model A109 uses a drum with a diameter of 120
mm. (Other Ricoh color systems typically use a 90
[F]
mm diameter drum.)
[G]
Continued on next page.
[D]
[H]
[C]
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One interesting feature of this machine is the use

of six motors to drive the various development
components. The color development drive motor
drives the dual mixing rollers in the cyan,
magenta, and yellow development sections. The
black development drive motor drives those in the
black development unit.
Each of the four sleeve rollers is driven by an
independent, reversible motor [A]. When the
sleeve turns as shown by the black arrows,
developer is carried to the OPC drum. When the
sleeve turns in the direction of the white arrows,
all the developer left on the sleeve roller surface is
returned to the development section. Only one
color development section at a time carries
developer to the drum.
[A]
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Color Development
Example 2: Model G033

This machine has the four color development
units [K,Y,M,C] arranged along one side of an
OPC belt [A].
[A]
When the printer is idle, none of the development

units contacts the OPC belt. During printing, the
machine moves the development units into
contact with the belt one at a time. (Refer to the
G033 service manual for details. The mechanism
used is a standard mechanical system using a
solenoid, a spring clutch, and a cam.)
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Color Development
Revolver Systems
M
Revolver Operation Overview

Machines using the revolver system have the four
development units (K, Y, C, and M) mounted
around a rotating mechanism called the revolver.
The revolver rotates to bring the proper color
development unit to the drum. Revolver systems
use a standard size OPC drum.
2nd
Y
1st
Example: Model A257/A269

The illustrations to the right show the revolver [A]
used in models A257 and A269.
[A]
The revolver unit holds four development units,

one for each color (KYCM). It develops colors by
rotating the revolver counter-clockwise (as viewed
from the front of the copier), 90 degrees at a time,
in the order K, Y, C, and M. (In printer mode, this
machine develops in the order Y, C, M, and K to
improve the reproduction of black letters.)
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Color Development
Tetradrive Systems
[A] OPC drum

[B] Development roller
[C] Toner supply roller
[D] Transport rollers
[E] Mixing augers
[D]
The tetradrive system uses four print engines lined up in a row. It has
four drums, four laser beams, four charge corona units, four transfer
corona units, and four development units. The four print engines allow
the creation of the CMYK images simultaneously, thus greatly
increasing the full color copy speed. The primary drawback of the
tetradrive system is expense.
[E]
[C]
Examples of the original tetradrive system include models A092 and

A105. The development units of these products use a standard
dual component development system. The components of the
development units of model A105 are illustrated to the right.
[B]
[A]
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Newer tetradrive systems (sometimes called four-tandem

systems) have a number of improvements over the original.
In the model G060, the paper path is inclined about 38
degrees to make the machine as compact as possible. The
development units are redesigned, and there are four motors.
Development drive motor-K drives the development unit for
black, the fusing unit, and the paper exit section.
Development drive motor-CMY drives the development
units for magenta, cyan, and yellow, the registration roller and
by-pass feed mechanism.
Drum drive motor-K drives the PCU for black and the transfer
unit.
Drum drive motor-CMY drives the PCUs for magenta, cyan,
and yellow.
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Color Development
Toner Supply Control

Current machines generally use fuzzy logic to control toner supply. Most use two inputs to the fuzzy
control algorithmthe amount of toner attracted to the drum as sensed by the ID sensor and the
calculated volume of toner used based on pixel count. (See example 1.) Higher end systems also
use a toner density sensor. (See example 2.)
Note: While the explanation and examples in this section are given using machines with revolver
development units, the basic information applies to other machinesboth color and black and white.
Fuzzy Control Mode

First, the machine assesses the amount of toner
per unit area on the drum (M/A). This is
determined from two sensor inputs: Vsg, and
Vsp(toner).
The fuzzy logic algorithm then uses the most
recent M/A values to assess current toner density
conditions.
Copy
Vsp Detection for Toner

Supply Control
Fuzzy Control
Image Area Ratio
The output from the fuzzy logic process is then

combined with the image area ratio obtained from
the image data signal coming from the IPU board.
The result of this calculation is the amount of
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Required Amount of Toner

is Determined
Toner Supply Motor
Duration is Calculated
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toner required, and from this, the machine

determines the time that the toner supply motor
must stay on in order to supply the correct amount
of toner.
Vsp detection for toner supply control

The copier generates an ID sensor pattern using a
standard laser diode power. The copier generates
this pattern between the K, C, M, and Y images,
and then detects the density using the ID sensor.
The result is known as VSP for toner supply
control, or VSP (toner) to distinguish it from the
other VSP, measured during potential control.
20 mm
20 mm
This process is done after

Each color development cycle for oddnumbered copies when making continuous
copies of A4/LT landscape size or smaller.
Each color development cycle, every copy in all
other modes.
Calculating the amount of toner on the drum

First, the machine calculates a value from the
current VSP (toner) value. Then, it refers to a table
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in the ROM to determine the toner density on the

drum (M/A).
M/A: Toner amount per unit area on the drum
(mg/cm2)
The target M/A for toner supply control is 0.4
mg/cm2 for the C, M, and Y toners and 0.3
mg/cm2 for the K toner. M/A is calculated in the
same way as for potential control.
Fuzzy Logic Algorithm

The fuzzy logic algorithm has two input factors
which are related to the amount of toner on the
drum. These are:
The difference between the average of the
previous 10 M/As and the target M/A
The tendency of the previous 10 M/As
Image Area Ratio
This is a measure of how much toner will be
needed for each color on a page. From the image
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Color Development
data from the image processing unit (IPU), the

machine determines the total amount of the color
on the page. It takes into account the grayscale
values for each pixel for that color.
Fixed Supply Mode

Models A258/A259/A260 normally use the fuzzy
logic supply mode described above. The fixed
supply method is used only when abnormal
conditions occur during the process control self
check. In fixed supply mode, the machine adds a
fixed amount of toner to the developer every copy.
Readings from the ID sensor are ignored.
The toner supply ratios for each color in fixed
supply mode are determined by service programs
(SP 2-208-005 to 008).
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Color Development
Example 2: Models A257/A269
Fuzzy Control Mode

The toner supply control of models A257 and A269 is similar to that described in example 1 above.
However, in the fuzzy logic control mode, input from the toner density sensor (TD sensor) is also
used in the calculation. Thus these machines use three input parameters as follows:
1. Density of the toner read by the TD sensor
2. Amount of toner attached to the drum sensed by the ID sensor
3. Pixel count (image area ratio)
The amount of toner supplied is determined by the toner supply clutch on time
Other Toner Supply Control Modes

In addition to the default fuzzy logic control mode, these copiers have a proportional control mode
and a fixed supply mode.
The proportional control mode is used if an ID sensor becomes faulty. Only the TD sensor is used to
control toner supply.
The fixed supply mode is used if both the TD sensor and ID sensor become faulty.
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Color Development
TD Sensor Output
The relationship between the TD sensor output Vt
and the toner density in the developer is shown in
the figure on the right. The target toner density of
this copier is 5 WT%. The TD sensor output for
this toner density is referred to as Vref. Vref of this
copier is adjusted to 2.5 0.1 volts for a toner
density of 5 WT% (brand-new developer) for each
of the C, M, Y, and K toners. When developers
are replaced, since TD sensor fluctuations can
occur in such a case, it is necessary to initialize
the TD sensor and adjust its gain using SP3-005-1
through SP3-005-5.
Relationship between toner density and TD

sensor output
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Color Development
TD Sensor Noncontact Coupler

Interfacing the toner density sensors in a revolver
mechanism presents a special design problem.
Models A257 and A269 handle this with a
mechanism called a noncontact coupler.
Each of the four development units has a TD
sensor [A]. These sensors interface with the CPU
through a single interfacethe noncontact
coupler. The noncontact coupler has two parts;
one is mounted on the main unit [B] and the other
[C] is inside the bearing ring of the revolver. These
two sections are separated by an air-gap.
[C]
[B]
Power for the revolver side is provided through a

circular coil [D] (a small transformer) inside the
coupler sections. The power transformation is:
38 Vac (main unit) 12 Vac (revolver) 12 V
(for TD sensor).
The TD sensor output is conveyed through optical
communication. The CPU receives TD sensor
output only from the development unit at the
development position.
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[A]
[D]
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Color Image Transfer

Image transfer in color machines is more
challenging than in single color copiers or printers.
The image must be developed and then
transferred once for each color. Each of the color
separations must be transferred and overlaid to
achieve the complete colored copy or print. Ricoh
products have two basic methods of transferring
the developed color separations.
The most common method is a two step transfer
system. In the first step, each of the color separations transfers from the OPC to an intermediate
surface. The complete image builds on the intermediate surface one color at a time. Once the
color image is complete, it is then transferred to
the paper.
The OPC can be either a drum or a belt. When it
is a drum, the intermediate surface is a transfer
belt. (Schematically illustrated to the right.) When
it is a belt, the intermediate surface is a transfer
drum.
OPC drum
Transfer
belt
Paper
Two step image transfer

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The other method is to transfer the color

separations from the OPC drum the paper as they
are developed much in the same way as in single
color imaging systems. This is repeated for each
color to build the complete image directly on the
paper. This is the method used in analog color
copiers and in tetradrive systems.
OPC drum
Paper
The following sections examine examples of both

methods.
Direct-to-paper image transfer
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Image Files
Image Files
Instead of being printed immediately, scanned data can be stored as an image file for later use. As a
growing number of machines produce or use these image files, a basic understanding of file types
becomes increasingly necessary.
Raster vs. Vector

There are two basic ways to create images. Rasters are created by defining color data for each dot
in the image. Images are built from a grid of dots. A crude example can be seen at the football
stadium. Fans holding up colored squares produce images for the television cameras.
Rasters are usually created by scanners or paint programs. They are particularly good at
representing textures or photo-realistic images. On the down-side, the unmodified, physical size of
the image varies depending on the resolution of the output device. Rasters are naturally displayed
dot-for-dot on the output device. If an image is 600 x 600 pixels, it will be displayed as a 1 inch
square on a 600 dpi printer. The same image will appear as an 8.3 inch square on a 72 dpi monitor.
While most applications can force the image to appear at a user-defined size, scaling the image can
adversely affect its quality. Also, file sizes are based on the number of pixels and color depth of the
image. Large, full-color raster images often result in mammoth files.
Vectors, on the other hand, do not try to define every dot. The image is created by building objects
out of mathematically defined curves and lines. These objects can be further filled with various colors
or patterns. Vector images are usually used for graphs, illustrations and technical drawings. They are
created using draw programs. Vector images are easily resized without losing image quality. The
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Light Sources
Semiconductor Components
Sensors and Switches
Clutches, Motors, and Solenoids
Other Electrical Components
Consumables
Standard Components
Light Sources
Our products use a variety of different light sources. These range from intense sources such as
halogen lamps to relatively weak sources such as LED arrays. The light source selected depends on
the functionoriginal exposure, quenching, etc.and the machine design. The most important light
sources from a design point of view are those commonly used for original exposure (scanning)the
halogen lamp, the fluorescent lamp, and the xenon lamp. The most basic characteristics of these
three lamps are summarized in the following table.
Halogen
Fluorescent
Xenon
Light Intensity
High
Low
Low
Spectrum
Wide
Narrow
Narrow
Temperature dependency*
Small
Large
Large
Stability at start-up
Good
Poor
Good
Heat output
Large
Small
Smallest
Cost
High
Low
Lowest
*Dependency of light intensity on temperature
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of these three lamp types.
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Light Sources
Halogen Lamp
A Halogen lamp is an incandescent lamp filled with
halogen gas (iodine or bromine). The halogen gas
suppresses filament evaporation using a chemical
regeneration process known as the halogen cycle
(see below). Halogen lamps have a long effective
life and strong light output.
Characteristics
Extensive spectrometric distribution

High illumination level
Small changes resulting from the temperature of
the light source and small transient changes
Long lead time to lighting
Large electricity consumption
Large heat output
halogen.pcx
Halogen Cycle
During lamp operation, the halogen gas combines with tungsten molecules that have evaporated off
the filament. The evaporated tungsten molecules are then deposited back onto the filament, instead
of on the lamp wall. Consequently, there is almost no reduction of light output from lamp wall
darkening. Some light reduction from filament degradation does occur, but it is significantly lower
than in other incandescent lamps. The halogen regenerative process requires that tungsten-halogen
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Standard Components
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lamps operate at an extremely high temperature, which slightly increases lamp efficiency, and
produces bright light and high temperatures. To withstand these high temperatures, tungstenhalogen lamps usually have quartz glass walls. Halogen lamps with quartz walled bulbs must be
handled carefully. Quartz materials are extremely sensitive to oil and dirt from human skin, which can
cause bulb wall deterioration, and premature lamp failure.
Applications
The intense light and wide spectral output of the halogen lamp suit it to color copiers and high-speed
copiers. However, as it consumes a lot of electricity and undergoes drastic rises in temperature, it is
generally not used for low-speed copiers and single scanner models. Since halogen lamps output a
large amount of heat, they are also commonly used as a heat source in fusing units.
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Light Sources
Fluorescent Lamp
A fluorescent lamp is a closed glass tube that has
electrodes at each end and an internal coated surface of
a phosphorous material. The tube is filled with argon gas
(or argon/krypton gas) mixed with a small amount of
mercury vapor. When a suitable high voltage is applied
across the electrodes, an electric arc forms and the
resulting current ionizes the mercury vapor. The ionized
mercury emits ultraviolet radiation, which strikes and
excites the phosphor coating, causing it to glow and
produce visible light.
FL operation (Illustration source unknown)
Characteristics
Has a medium luminance

Produces excess heat from filaments
Short lead time to lighting
The exact makeup of the phosphor coating determines the color
properties of a fluorescent lamps light output.
The intensity of illumination changes depending on the tube
temperature.
Uneven illumination at the ends of the tube requires shading
plates.
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Standard Components
Lamp heater
Fluorescent lamp
fluorsnt.pcx
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Applications
Fluorescent lamps are suited for use in low-speed color copiers as well as medium-speed black and
white copiers. They are the most commonly used type of lamp in fax machines. However, the light
quantity changes depending on the tube temperature; and a lamp heater may be included to solve
this problem.
Some Ricoh machines use a variation of the fluorescent lamp, called the cold cathode fluorescent
lamp (sometimes called CFL or CCFL), as a quenching lamp or pre-transfer lamp. CFLs are also
sometimes used as the exposure lamp in image scanners.
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Light Sources
Xenon Lamps
A xenon lamp is a tube filled with xenon gas. When a voltage is applied across the lamp terminals,
the xenon gas ionizes and current flows through the gas, which emits light. The terminals do not
have to be preheated, unlike in fluorescent lamps.
There are different kinds of xenon lamp. The xenon lamps used in black and white digital machines
output a yellowish-green light with a peak at 543 nm. The xenon lamps used with color machines
utilize fluorescence as well as gas discharge to produce white light.
The xenon lamp

used in model A250
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Standard Components
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Light Sources
Characteristics
Medium brightness light output

Less expensive than fluorescent or halogen lamps
Good durabilitygenerally can be expected to last the life of the machine
Low heat outputexposure cavity cooling isn't required
More compact than fluorescent lamps
Applications
Xenon lamps can be used as exposure lamps for printers, lower speed copiers, fax machines, and
scanners.
Recently, xenon lamps have been increasingly used in digital products. This is mainly due to
improvements in the spectral sensitivity of CCDs, which allows use of the more economical xenon
lamp.
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Light Sources
Xenon Flash Lamp

The xenon flash lamps used in office
machines are basically the same as
the flash lamps used in photography
only larger. A xenon flash lamp has
main electrodes at both ends of a gas
tube, which contains xenon (Xe) gas.
(Generally, any noble gas will work in a
flash lamp. However, gases other than
xenon are rarely used.) The lamp also
has trigger electrodes, generally in the
form of a wire, or conductive coating in
the lamp tube wall.
xenon.pcx
The typical xenon flash lamp circuit consists of four parts: (1) power supply, (2) energy storage
capacitor, (3) trigger circuit, and (4) the flash lamp itself. It operates as follows:
The energy storage capacitor connected across the flash lamp is charged by the power supply.
(The energy storage capacity is quite large.)
A separate small capacitor is charged to generate a trigger pulse.
The charge on the trigger capacitor to is dumped into the primary of a pulse transformer whose
secondary is connected to the trigger electrodes. The pulse generated by this trigger is enough
to ionize the xenon gas inside the flash lamp.
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Standard Components
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The resistance of the ionized xenon gas is very low and the energy storage capacitor
discharges through the flash lamp, which then emits a brilliant burst of light.
Characteristics
Produces an intense peak of radiant energy.
Since flash lamps use a high voltage, precautions must be taken against electric shocks.
Applications
Xenon flash lamps are suited for use in high-speed black-and-white copiers. They are also
occasionally used as the heat source for flash fusing.
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Light Sources
Neon Lamps
Like the cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a neon lamp uses a cold cathode to excite the atoms of a
gas in an enclosed tube. However, the light is emitted by the neon gas in the tube rather than by a
phosphorous coating inside the tube. The neon gas gives an orangish-red light.
Applications
In Ricoh products, neon lamps are used only as quenching lamps.
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Light Sources
LED Arrays
LED stands for light emitting diode. As the name
implies, an LED is a diode that emits light when a
small electric current passes through it. LEDs are
commonly used as display devices and indicators
(see the next section), but they can also be
mounted together in an array and used as a light
source.
Characteristics
LED arrays can be wired so that the LEDs can be
turned on/off in blocks to provide precise
illumination.
LED arrays are useful where compact components
are required.
Applications
In Ricoh products, LED arrays are used for document
exposure in small fax machines and scanners. They
are commonly used as quenching lamps in analog and
digital copiers. Also, most analog copiers use them for
erase lamps. The illustration to the right shows an LED
array [A] used as an erase lamp in a copier.
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[A]
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This section deals with components that are based on semiconductors.
Diodes
+
Normal Diodes
A diode consists of a p-type semiconductor joined to an ntype semiconductor. A diode only passes current in one
direction. If it is connected up as shown opposite, current
will flow.
Current
flow
However, if the power source is connected up the opposite

way around, current will not flow.
Symbol:
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Zener Diodes
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A zener diode is connected the opposite way around

from a normal diode. Normal diodes cannot pass any
current if connected up in this way, and may be
destroyed. However, zener diodes connected in
V
reverse will pass current, if the voltage across the
diode exceeds a certain value, known as the
breakdown voltage. After the breakdown voltage has
been reached, the voltage across the diode will not
change much, even if the current is greatly increased.
Zener diodes can be used to make sure that the voltage at
a certain point in a circuit (Vz in the above-right diagram)
does not exceed a certain value. The diagram below right
is the typical diode characteristic curve. While normal
diodes should operate below the breakdown voltage and
may be damaged if it is exceeded, the zener diode is
intended to operate at that voltage.
VZ
Zener Diode
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Standard Components
Varistors
A varistor acts like two zener diodes connected back
to back. This means that it has positive and
negative breakdown voltages. A single zener diode
only has a negative breakdown voltage. Varistors
are used in similar ways to zener diodes. They are
also useful in protecting circuits against voltage
spikes. The example to the right shows a varistor
connected across a switch to eliminate sparking.
Vac
The illustration below right shows the characteristic

double-breakdown curve of the varistor.
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Standard Components
Light Emitting Diodes

A light emitting diode (LED) is a kind of diode that emits
photons (light particles) when a small electric current
passes through it. When current flows across the pn
junction in diodes, energy is released in the form of
heat. However, the material used to make LEDs is
selected so that some of the energy is emitted as light.
Light emitting diodes have some special characteristics.
They convert electrical current directly into light;
therefore, the LED is more efficient than many other
light sources. Also the light emitted by an LED has a
narrow wavelength range.
The LED is enclosed in a transparent case of epoxy
resin or plastic. The typical LED produces red or
infrared light; however, there are varieties to produce
many colors. Alternately, as shown in the illustration, a
colored case can be used to modify the light output.
LEDs can be used to form large displays and are often
the lighting elements in information displays used in
public places such as highways and airports. In office
machines, LEDs are used to light indicators on
operation panels, as indicator lights on circuit boards,
and in LED arrays.
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Current
flow
P
P
Symbol:
A small PCB with indicator LEDs on it.
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Standard Components
Laser Diodes
Natural light is a mixture of light of different
wavelengths. However, a laser beam consists of
light at one wavelength, and the waves are all in
phase (the peaks and troughs in the waves all
coincide).
As the waves are all in phase, the light is very
intense (if peaks and troughs do not coincide, they
tend to cancel each other out, reducing the power
of the beam).
Natural light can be focused, but it cannot be
focused to so fine a point as laser light can. This
is because a lens at the same angle does not
refract the different components of natural light,
having different wavelengths.
To the right is a simplified diagram of a laser
diode. Laser diodes can be considered as similar
to LEDs in operating principle; current flowing
across the pn junction causes energy to be
emitted in the form of light. LEDs emit light in all
directions. However, the pn junction in laser
diodes has a mirror at each end, reflecting the
light back into the diode. When the current
Current
flow
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Standard Components
passing through the diode reaches a threshold

value, the light reflected back into the junction
stimulates more atoms in that region to emit more
radiation of the same wavelength. Some of this
light passes out of the diode through one of the
mirrors, which is partially transparent. The light
beams emerge from the mirror parallel to each
other.
The wavelength of the laser depends on the
composition of the semiconductor material. The
lasers used in most printers emit red light.
Engineers are trying to develop lasers that emit
green or blue light; the shorter wavelengths of this
light would allow smaller dots to be written to the
photoconductor, leading to higher resolution
printouts.
Laser diode
LD Unit
For More Information

For a brief introduction to laser theory
and more information on laser diodes
we suggest you reference A Brief
Introduction to Laser Diodes at the
University of Washington web site
(http://www.ee.washington.edu/class/
ConsElec/Chapter6.html)*.
*We have no control over this web page. The content or
location may change at any time.
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Transistors
Bipolar Junction Transistors
A bipolar junction transistor contains two junctions
between p and n type semiconductor, and three
electrodes (the collector, the base, and the
emitter). The most common use of a transistor is
as a switch. They are also used in amplification
and rectification. There are two types of transistor:
the npn transistor, and the pnp transistor. The npn
transistor is the most commonly-used of these.
The diagrams to the right show the symbols for
both types of transistor, their construction, and the
direction of current flow. Notice that the batteries
in the pnp transistor circuit are connected up the
opposite way round from the npn transistor.
(Continued on next page.)
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3 January
Standard Components
NPN
Type
PNP
Type
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313
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1131
In the diagram on the right, an npn transistor is

controlling a lamp. A positive voltage is applied
between the collector and the emitter. The lamp
cannot switch on unless a voltage is also applied
between the base and the emitter.
April
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3 January
Page
314
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1132
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Phototransistors
A phototransistor works like an ordinary bipolar
transistor, except that the transistor is switched on
by light shining on the base region of the
transistor. The diagram on the right shows an npntype phototransistor.
In office machines, phototransistors are used in
photointerrupters, optoisolators, and reflective
photosensors.
April
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Standard Components
Page
315
Page
1133

Reflective Photosensors
Reflective photosensors are short range sensors that
have a light emitting element (usually an LED) and a
light sensitive element (usually a phototransistor).
Reflective photosensors work by bouncing light off of
an object.
There are two main types of reflective photosensor.
The simplest type signals the presence or absence
of an object or conditionthe presence of paper, the
presence of a belt reference plate, the presence of a
cassette or cartridge. The illustration to the right is an
example. This type of sensor has a binary output; it
is either activated or deactivated.
The other type of reflective photosensor is used to
gather information about the surface being sensed. It
has a variable output that depends on the strength of
the light striking the light sensitive element. The
primary example is the image density sensor (or ID
sensor) used in copiers and other products.
April
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3 January
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316
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1134
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Characteristics
Small, inexpensive, rugged

Available in many different types (size, shape,
sensitivity, specifications).
Applications
Reflective photosensors are used for detecting
paper in the paper path, paper size detection,
master belt position detection, and a number of
other functions.
A reflective photosensor
April
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3 January
Page
317
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1135
Standard Components
ID Sensor
The ID sensor is a special application of the
reflective photosensor. Two types of ID sensor are
used as part of the process control system in
photocopiers.
Drum
One type is a direct reflection ID sensor. It is

positioned so that light from the LED reflects
directly to the detector. This is the commonly used
type of ID sensor.
The other type is a diffused reflection ID sensor.
In addition to the light reflected at a direct angle,
diffuse light reflects at all angles from the toner on
the drum. This sensor detects image density by
receiving some of this diffused light. Using this
type of sensor improves the measurement
accuracy of the sensor pattern densities
particularly for yellow, cyan, and magenta toners.
Toner
Direct
reflection
ID sensor
LED
Diffused
reflection
ID sensor
Detector
Drum
Toner
Detector
LED
April
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3 January
Diffuse light
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318
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1136
Standard Components
Photointerrupters
A photointerrupter consists of an LED and a
phototransistor separated by a slot. The sensor
detects when something enters or leaves the slot,
such as an actuator, a part of the machine, or a
sheet of paper.
When there is no actuator in the slot, light from
the LED activates the phototransistor, and current
flows through it. However, if an actuator enters the
slot, light from the LED is blocked and current
cannot pass through the phototransistor.
Photointerrupters have a variety of uses in office
machines. They are commonly used as home
position detectors for moving parts such as lenses
and scanners and to detect paper as it moves
through the paper feed path. In machines such as
photocopiers that handle a variety of feed stock
photointerrupters are generally preferred over
reflective photosensors because photointerrupters
are not affected by the reflectivity of the paper.
Continued on next page.)
April
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3 January
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319
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Characteristics
Small, inexpensive, rugged

Available in many different
types (size, shape, sensitivity,
specifications).
Most photointerrupters that are used as paper detectors

use a "feeler" type plastic actuator. However, a photointerrupter is occasionally installed across a paper feed
path, as shown above. This type of photointerrupter may
become dirty and will need cleaning periodically.
Photointerrupters: The one on the left has a

weight operated actuator built on it.
April
2008 2004
3 January
[A]
A photointerrupter [A] used as a home

position sensor. Notice the scanner drive
wire below the slot of the photointerrupter.
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320
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1138
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CCDs
Charge transfer
control signals
A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is a

semiconductor chip with light receiving elements
etched onto it. In a digital machine that scans
documents, the CCD is a row of these elements;
each element on the CCD corresponds to one
pixel on one main scan line across the original.
The CCD also contains circuits for transferring the
accumulated charges out of the elements and into
the video processing circuits.
The diagram on the right shows a simplified crosssection of a CCD element. When applying the
appropriate voltage across the element, any light
hitting the element liberates electrons from the
silicon at the boundary between the n and p type
semiconductors. Positive charges can flow out, but
an insulating layer traps the electrons, and gathers
them under the electrodes. The brighter the light
shining on the element, the more electrons
generated in that element.
T1 T2 T3
Charge transfer circuits
Output
Light sensitive elements
N
P
_
+
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321
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1139
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After scanning a line, the charges trapped in

each element must be moved out of the
CCD and into the video signal processing
circuits so that the next line can be
scanned. The diagram shows how this is
done.
The diagram shows two adjacent elements.
Each element has three electrodes attached
to it. After scanning a line of data, the
electrons are under electrode 1, as shown
in the top diagram.
A voltage V2, higher than V1, is then
applied to electrode 2. The electrons are
attracted to the area beneath electrode 2,
as shown in the middle diagram.
Then, the voltage at electrode 1 switches off
and the voltage at electrode 2 is set to V1,
as shown in the bottom diagram. The
electrons all gather under electrode 2.
By repeating the above procedure, but
using electrodes 2 and 3 instead of
electrodes 1 and 2, the electrons move to
April
2008 2004
3 January
T1 = V1
T2 = 0
1
__ _
_
T3 = 0
__ _
_
T1 = V1
T2 = V2
__ __
_ _ __
T3 = 0
__ __
_ _ __
T1 = 0
T2 = V1
__ _
_
T3 = 0
__ _
_
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322
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1140
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electrode 3. The result of this is that one element shifts all the charges along, and the element
charges at the end of the CCD shift out of the CCD. By continuing this process, all the charges shift
out of the CCD. The series of charges appears on the CCD output line as a serial analog video
signal. This signal passes to the video processing circuits, allowing the next line of the original to be
scanned.
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323
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1141
Standard Components
Contact Image Sensors (CIS)

The contact image sensor (CIS) is a compact
image reading assembly containing an LED array,
an array of self-focusing optic fibers (SELFOC),
and a strip of light detectors, such as
phototransistors. The CIS is used instead of the
CCD in the most compact of fax machines.
The illustration to the right (from model H545)
shows a typical CIS. Light from the LED array [A]
reflects off of the document, through a row of selffocusing optic fibers [B], and onto a strip of
phototransistors [C]. The entire assembly is
located directly below the document, so a long
light path is not necessary.
When using a fluorescent lamp/lens/CCD
arrangement, the light path is typically about 300
to 500 mm. However, with a CIS, the light path
can be reduced to about 15 to 50 mm; with the
most recent types, the CIS is positioned less than
0.1 mm from the surface of the document.
April
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3 January
[B]
[A]
[C]
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324
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1142
Standard Components
Hall Effect Sensors

Hall effect sensors are used in some network
control units (NCU) of fax machines to detect line
current. The output of a Hall effect sensor is called
the Hall voltage. If a conductor [A] is placed in a
magnetic field [B], and current [C] flows through
this conductor perpendicularly to the magnetic
field, a Hall voltage (VH) is generated across the
conductor.
The conductive material in Hall effect sensors is
normally a semiconductor, as the Hall effect is too
small to measure accurately in metallic
conductors.
April
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325
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1143
Standard Components
Thermistors
A thermistor is a device that undergoes a very
large change of resistance with temperature. The
name is derived from thermally sensitive
resistor. Typically, a thermistor is made from a
semiconductor or sintered metal oxides.
Most types have a negative temperature
coefficientthat is, the resistance decreases as
the temperature increases. However, some
positive temperature coefficient varieties are also
available. The material can be formed into rods or
small beads, but for sensing purposes the small
bead shape is generally used in order to get the
fastest possible response.
[A]
Thermistors have a large variety of uses. In office

machines, they are used mainly to measure the
temperature at critical pointsfor example inside
fusing units or optic cavities.
Thermistors [A] used to measure the
temperature of fusing rollers (model G024)
April
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326
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1144
Standard Components
Microswitches
Microswitches are electromechanical devices,
which contain two contacts. They are modular,
inexpensive, resistant to dust and contamination
as well as metered. This means that any time the
actuator is depressed, the contacts of the switch
will close at the same point each time. These
switches have a characteristic sound or click when
the contacts close. The main advantage of a
microswitch is its durability and its consistency.
The normally open

terminal of this switch
has been removed so
that it cannot be
connected incorrectly.
FP = Free Postion
OT = Overtravel
OP = Operating Position
PT = Pretravel
RP = Release Position
MD = Movement Differential
OF = Operating Force
Above pictures courtesy of Zippy USA Inc.
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Standard Components
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327
Page
1145
Reed Switches
Reed switches are magnetically operated
components with contacts hermetically sealed in a
glass capsule. Bringing a permanent magnet to
the switch or placing the switch in or near an
electromagnet causes the contact reeds to flex
and touch, completing the circuit. Either protective
inert gas or a vacuum within the capsule keeps
the contacts clean, protecting them for the life of
the device.
Due to their lack of mechanical parts, reed
switches are maintenance-free and remain
unaffected by temperature change, moisture,
chemicals, dust, abrasive fluids and other hostile
surroundings.
Features:
Reliable
Non-mechanical
Long operating life
Compact
Rugged
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328
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1146
Standard Components
Thermoswitches
As the name implies, a thermoswitch (also known as
thermal switch or thermostat) is a temperature
controlled switch.
Thermoswitches have contacts made of two
dissimilar metals molecularly bonded together.
These are called bi-metal contacts. The two metals
expand and contract at different rates with changes
in temperature. As the temperature rises the bi-metal
contacts start to flex, and at a certain temperature,
the contacts will open. At a lower, temperature, the
contacts will close again.
The difference between the opening and closing
temperature of a thermoswitch is the "hysterisis" or
"differential" of the device. Some thermoswitches,
such as those used in deep fat cookers or popcorn
machines, have a narrow hysterisis. However, In
Ricoh products, thermoswitches are usually
overheating safety devices with a large hysterisis.
For example, the thermoswitch used in the 1st
scanner of model A257 opens at 140C but will not
close again until its temperature drops to -35C!
April
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3 January
Standard Components
A collection of thermoswitches.
(Photo courtesy of Elmwood
Sensors, Inc.)
Note: Thermoswitch and thermostat are often

used interchangeably. In fact, thermostat is the
term used in our parts catalogs. However, here
we use thermoswitch to avoid confusion with
adjustable control devices such as room
temperature thermostats.
Page
329
Page
1147
Clutches, Motors, And Solenoids

Clutches
Torque Limiter Clutches
In Ricoh products, torque limiter clutches are often
in reverse rollers of feed and reverse roller paper
feed mechanisms. In concept, torque limiter
clutches (also called slip clutches) are simple.
They transmit rotation to a drive component
(usually a roller, pulley, or gear mounted on a
rotating shaft). As long as the resistance to
rotation is less than the torque (twisting force)
limitation of the clutch, the roller turns with the
shaft. If the resistance exceeds the torque
limitation, the roller stops turningit slips. In fact,
it may turn in the opposite direction if sufficient
counter force is applied.
Torque limiter structures vary: some use springs
as slip mechanism, while others use magnetic
force or powder filling. Compared to those that
use springs, torque limiters that use magnets
and/or powders do not need to be lubricated with
April
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330
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1148
Standard Components
grease or other lubricants, so that they are easier

to maintain. In addition, the magnet-type torque
limiter does not generate much heat, even after
extended use, because it does not come in
contact with other components. Consequently, it
ensures stable torque. The torque limiter of the
model A112 reverse roller, shown on the previous
page, is a magnetic type.
Model A084 (magnet)
Here are some other examples of torque limiter

clutches:
Outer
magnet
The clutch used in Model A084, illustrated to the

right, uses two coupled magnetic type clutches.
(Two coupled clutches have a stronger total
torque than a single clutch.)
Casing
Inner
magnet
Continued on the next page.
Drive
shaft
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331
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Model A133 uses a magnet and ferrite powder

type slip clutch.
Rotor
Model A133 (magnet + ferrite powder)
Magnetic
ring
Input
hub
Output
hub
Ferrite
powder
Ferrite
ring
April
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332
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1150
Standard Components
Electromagnetic Clutches
The illustration to the right diagrams the basic
[D]
parts of an electromagnetic clutch. Gear [A] is
driven by a motor. This gear is an idle gear; it
does not drive the roller shaft [B]. Shaft [B] is
attached to the rotatable part [C] of the clutch, and
held in place by an E-ring [D].
When the clutch is switched on, current flows
through the coil [E]. The magnetic field generated
by this coil attracts plate [F], which is connected to
gear [A]. The motor is still turning gear [A], and
when plate [F] comes into contact with the rotating
part of the clutch [C], the roller shaft begins to
turn.
[E]
[F]
[A]
[B]
[C]
A typical application is shown to the right, where a

clutch [A] switches on to connect shaft [B] to the
drive from motor [C].
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Standard Components
Page
333
Page
1151
An electromagnetic clutch requires + 24 or + 12

volts to drive it, but a CPU cannot output this high
a voltage, so the CPU controls the clutch through
a driver. When the clutch is off, the driver is
holding the control signal to the clutch high,
preventing current from going to ground. When
the CPU drops the control signal low, + 24V flows
through the coils in the clutch, and through the
driver to ground.
April
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334
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1152
Standard Components
Spring Clutch
A spring clutch is purely mechanical clutch. It is a
simple device that consists of two separate pieces fitted
inside a coiled spring. One piece called the drive hub,
supplies rotation from a motor. The other piece, called
the output hub, delivers the rotation of the drive hub to
a shaft. Under normal circumstances, the spring grips
both pieces very tightly, so they function as one unit
and pass on the rotation from the motor. The clutchs
release mechanism is a sleeve that surrounds the
spring. The sleeve is attached to one end of the
springthe clutch spring tail. The other end of the
spring is engaged with the output hub. When the sleeve
is kept from turning, the spring expands away from the
drive hub, disengaging the drive.
Spring
tail
Drive
Hub
Sleeve
projection
Output
Hub
Sleeve
The sleeve of a spring clutch either has a ratchet

surface for a pawl to engage with or one or more
projections for a stopper to engage with.
Typically, spring clutches are engaged and disengaged
by some kind of electronic controlusually a solenoid.
April
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Standard Components
Page
335
Page
1153
Magnetic Spring Clutch

A magnetic spring clutch is a hybrid of the
electromagnetic clutch and the spring clutch.
Unlike the normal spring clutch, the spring is loose
while idling. When the electric coil is energized, it
causes the spring to tighten around the output
element.
3 January
April
2008 2004
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1154
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145
336
Standard Components
Dc Motors
Electric motors are based on the following two
observations:
x When current flows along a wire, a magnetic
field develops about that wire.
x When two magnetic fields are close to each
other, an attractive or a repulsive force is felt.
So, if a wire carrying current is placed in a
magnetic field, a magnetic field develops around
the wire, and a force is exerted on the wire. The
force is strongest if the wire is at 90 to the
magnetic field. The force is also at 90 to the wire.
If there is no angle between the wire and the field,
there is no force. This is summarized in the
diagram opposite; the wire would be forced
directly upwards, away from the plane of the
paper.
If a loop of wire is placed in a magnetic field, the
current direction is opposite on each side of the
loop. This means that one side has an upward
force on it, and the other side has a downward
3 January
April
2008 2004
Standard Components
Page
1155
Page
337
force on it. This causes the loop to rotate, as

shown opposite.
The part of the motor containing the loop of wire is
called the armature. It is normally in the form of a
drum, with many loops of wire wound around it for
increased motor power.
The armature is connected to the drive current by
a split metal ring called the commutator, and a
pair of brushes made from a low-resistance
material such as graphite.
Each segment of the commutator is insulated from
the other. The commutator is split in a dc motor so
that the polarity of the current flowing through the
loop is reversed every 180 of rotation. This allows
the rotation of the coil to continue; if there were no
reversal of current, the coil would not rotate
constantly.
April
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338
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1156
Standard Components
Brushless DC Motors
In the dc motor described above, the magnet is
stationary while the coil rotates. In the brushless
dc motor, the coil is stationary and the magnet
moves.
In a typical example, nine coils are attached to the
motor drive board, arranged in a circle around the
shaft. A circular magnet, com-posed of eight
alternating north and south polarized segments,
fits around the outside of these coils. The magnet
is bonded to a metal cover, which is bolted to the
motor shaft.
As shown in the diagram, the coils are wired up so
that there are three north poles, three south poles,
and three neutral positions around the center. To
rotate the magnet, the motor drive board switches
the positions of the poles in such a way that the
magnet is always pulled around in the same
direction.
Ricoh products primarily use two types of
brushless dc motorsservomotors and stepper
motors.
April
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339
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1157
Standard Components
Servomotors
Servomotors use feedback to maintain a constant
rotating speed. To check that a dc servomotor is
running at the correct speed, the drive board
contains a circuit known as a phase-locked loop.
An oscillator generates a reference frequency.
The circuit board contains a detector that converts
the motors rotation into another frequency signal.
The phase detector compares both signals; a
feedback signal is sent to the motor drive board to
adjust the motor speed until it reaches the correct
value. When the motor is at the correct speed, the
two frequencies are the same.
Rotor
A servomotor mounted on its controller board.
April
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3 January
Stator
The same motor disassembled to show stator

and rotor.
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340
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Stepper Motors
Stepper motors are used whenever accurate
positioning of a component is required.
The outer shell of the motor is stationary. Coils are
wound around teeth attached to this shell. The
core of the motor, made of iron, can rotate. The
arrangement of the teeth is such that, if pulses are
applied to the coils in the correct timing sequence,
the core of the motor can be rotated in stepwise
increments of a few degrees.
In the example shown here, when phase 1 is
energized, two of the teeth on the motor core will
align with the coils on the outer shell, but the other
four teeth will be out of alignment. Then, if phase
2 is energized, the core rotates by 15 to align
two of the other teeth. If phases 1, 2, 3, and 4 are
energized in sequence continuously, the motor will
drive the shaft in increments of 15 . The order of
activating the coils can be varied to give different
effects, such as reverse motion, or coarser steps.
April
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341
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The stator
A typical stepper
motor
April
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3 January
The Rotor
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342
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Solenoids
The solenoid is one of the oldest, simplest and
most commonly used electromagnetic devices. It
consists of a hollow electromagnet (coil) and a
movable plunger that fits inside. When an electric
current energizes the coil, it creates an electromagnetic force around the coil. This force causes
the plunger to move into the coil. The picture to
the right shows a disassembled solenoid.
Plunger
Coil
The amount of force created by a solenoid is in

direct proportion to the amount of current applied.
Some other factors, such as the number of turns
in the coil, the magnetic character of the steel,
and the stroke of the solenoid affect the amount of
force produced.
Direction of motion
The solenoid drive circuit is similar to the drive

circuit for and electromagnetic clutch as explained
on an earlier page.
Coil
April
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3 January
Plunger
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A typical application is shown to the right, where

the solenoids plunger is activating a mechanical
paper feed mechanism. A pawl [A] is gripping the
ratchet sleeve of a spring clutch [B], preventing
motor drive from reaching the feed rollers [C].
When the solenoid [D] turns on, the plunger pulls
the pawl away from the ratchet sleeve, and the
rollers start to rotate.
[B]
[C]

For more information on solenoid theory,
operation, and design, we suggest you
reference What is a Solenoid at the web
site of the Detroit Coil Company.
(http://www.detroitcoil.com/whatis.htm)*.
[D]
[A]
*We have no control over this web page. The content or

location may change at any time.
April
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Thermal Heads
Operation
The thermal head is the central component of the thermal printer. A thermal head consists of a row
of heating elements. If a heating element is turned on, it will heat up. The heat from the element will
make a dot on the thermosensitive printer paper.
Roughly speaking, each element on the thermal head reproduces what was scanned by the
corresponding element of the CCD at the transmitter.
There are 8 heating elements for each mm across the thermal head. A4 [8.5"] thermal heads have
1728 elements, B4 [10.1"] thermal heads have 2048 elements, and A3 [11.7"] thermal heads have
2368 elements.
Basically, the CPU clocks a line of data into a shift register in the thermal head. When the line is
complete, the CPU sends a latch signal, then prints the line. Then the paper is fed forward one line,
and the next line is printed in the same way.
When printing a line, the CPU divides the line into 4 blocks. It prints the blocks one at a time. Each of
these blocks is transferred to the printing elements using a strobe signal. Each block has a separate
strobe signal.
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Standard Components
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345
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1163
The blocks are usually adjacent on the thermal

head, but they do not have to be. In fact it is
even possible to interleave the blocks, having
an element from block 0 next to an element
from block 1, then one from block 2, followed by
one from block 3, then back to block 0 again,
and so on across the thermal head.
Data, latch, and strobe signals reach a decoder
in the thermal head from the CPU. The + 24VD
supply comes directly from the power supply; it
is a separate channel from the + 24VD supply
used by the rest of the machine.
Serial data comes from the CPU on pin A (see
the diagram on the previous page). In most
models, for a black dot, A is high. The data is
clocked into the shift registers (the clock is on
pin B).
When a line of data has been fed to the shift
registers, the CPU sends a latch pulse (pin C)
and the data moves into the latches.
To print the line of data, the CPU sends strobe
signals to the thermal head. First, the strobe
signal for block 0 (pin D goes low) is sent to
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block 0, and the data in the block 0 elements passes from the latch to the heating elements (for a
black dot, the element is heated). After all elements for block 0 have been printed, pin D goes high
again. Then blocks 1 (pin E), 2 (pin F), and 3 (pin G) are sent in sequence, in the same way as block
0.
The duration of the strobe pulse determines how much an element is heated to make a black dot.
The CPU monitors the thermistor on the thermal head (see section 3-5-4). The CPU calculates the
strobe pulse width based on the thermistor reading and on the value for the pulse width entered
using service mode when the head was installed.
NOTE: In most models, the pulse width must be programmed using a service function
after installing a new thermal head or system RAM board (called the MBU in
most fax models). In a few models, the pulse width is programmed
automatically.
April
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347
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Standard Components
Internal Structure

1728 Heating Elements
Block 0
Block 1
Block 2
Block 3
The internal structure of the thermal head varies

from model to model. However, two basic types
have been used so far. These are the discreteelement control type and the block control type.
In a thermal head using discrete-element control,
each element has its own discrete clock, latch,
and switching circuits. Each element also receives
the strobe signal.
CPU
FCU
24V
Heating Element
Circuit
Element
Latch
Shift Register
STROBE
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3 January
LATCH
DATA
CLOCK
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In a block control type thermal head, driver ICs

control a group of elements. For example, one
driver IC may control 64 elements. The decoder
sends a clock, latch, and strobe signal to each
driver IC. Each driver IC contains shift register,
latch, and switching circuits for the elements that it
controls.
1728 Heating Elements (27 driver ICs, 64 elements/driver IC)

Block 0
7 Driver
ICs
Block 1
7 Driver
ICs
Block 2
7 Driver
ICs
24V
Block 3
6 Driver
ICs
A good thermal head will have a conductive cover

that is grounded to prevent build-up of static,
which would damage the driver ICs inside the
thermal head.
CPU
FCU
Driver IC
STROBE
64 Heating Elements
LATCH
Latch
DATA
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Standard Components
Shift Register
CLOCK
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LCDs
LCD is an abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display. An
LCD is a digital display that consists of two sheets of
glass separated by hermetically sealed liquid crystal
material. The liquid crystal is normally transparent.
The outer surface of each glass sheet has a
transparent conductive coating, forming front and
back electrodes. On the viewing side, the conductive
coating is arranged as either a matrix of dots (for
example for a computer display) or character forming
segments (for example the 7-segment display
elements of a calculator). Leads at the edge of the
display attach to the segments or the lines of the
matrix. A voltage applied between the front and back
electrodes, causes the liquid crystal molecules to
change alignment and thus become reflective. The
reflectivity of the liquid crystal segments can vary
depending on the amount of voltage applied.
Some LCDs depend on the reflection of ambient light
for viewing. However, most larger displays use a
backlight. The illustrations to the right show LCD
displays used on model A201 (upper picture) and
model A246 (lower picture).
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Characteristics
Lightweight and thin construction
Not naturally radiant, a light source is required.
More expensive than CRTs (Still true but prices are dropping.)
Applications
LCDs are used as display screens.

For more information on LCD theory, operation, and design, we
suggest you reference the following web pages:
LCD Frequently Asked Questions.
(http://margo.student.utwente.nl/el/misc/lcd_faq.htm)*
Liquid Crystal And Other Non Emissive Displays
(http://itri.loyola.edu/displays/c3_s1.htm)*
*We have no control over these web pages. The content or location may change at any time.
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Standard Components
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Consumables
Consumables
Photoconductors
The photoconductora photoconductive drum or belt is the heart of most imaging processes. The
photoconductor's surface is where the latent image is formed and then developed. Photoconductors
have the following characteristics:
They are able to accept a high negative electrical charge in the dark. (The electrical resistance
of a photo-conductor is high in the absence of light)
The electrical charge dissipates when the photoconductor is exposed to light. (Exposure to
light greatly increases the conductivity of a photoconductor.)
The amount of charge dissipation is in direct proportion to the intensity of the light. That is,
where stronger light is directed to the photo-conductor surface, a smaller voltage remains.
Our products use two types of photoconductors. One type is a selenium based inorganic
photoconductor. That type was used in the past for analog copiers. The other type is an organic
photoconductor (OPC) that is used for analog and digital copiers, plain paper facsimiles, and laser
printers. Recently, all such products use OPCs instead of inorganic photoconductors.
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Consumables
Organic Photoconductors (OPC)

An OPC consists of a CTL (charge transfer layer),
CGL (charge generation layer), electrode layer,
and a substrate to which the layers are bonded.
(The electrode layer is also called the under
layer.)
Cross section of OPC layer

Charge transfer layer
Charge generation layer
Ricoh made OPCs have charge generation

pigments and charge transfer compounds
imbedded in the charge generation layer. These
materials greatly improve the response
characteristics of the OPC.
Electrode
Substrate
For more information on OPCs, refer to

Appendix 2-OPC.
CG material
CT material
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Standard Components
Consumables
Selenium
Many of the copiers in the field use selenium drum
photoconductors. These drums consist of a layer
of selenium or a selenium alloy bonded to an
aluminum base.
Selenium photoconductor types
Selenium drums have gone through several

generations of development. However, the only
types that you are likely to encounter in the field at
present are types H and F. Type H has a layer of
selenium-tellurium alloy bonded to an aluminum
core. Type F has a layer of selenium-arsenic
(actually Arsenic-Triselenide) bonded to an
aluminum core.
Type H
The F type drum is more durable and has greater

spectral sensitivity. However, it is more expensive
to make.
Type F
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Se-Te Layer
Al Core
Al
(Base)
Se-As Layer
Al Core
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Consumables
The sensitivity of selenium changes slightly with

variations in the temperature around the drum.
This is especially true of type F drums. Under cool
conditions, the drum may be excessively charged,
resulting in drum has an internal over-toning of the
copy image. To prevent this, many machines have
a heater to warm the drum if it becomes too cool.
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Selenium drum
with a heater
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Appendix 1
Glossary of Terms
Agitator
A type of mechanical mixing device; used in copiers in the toner supply to keep toner
particles separated; also used in the development unit to combine toner and carrier,
creating twocomponent developer.
AI Short Protocol
Artificial Intelligence Short Protocol reduces the time required for the protocol
exchange with a particular terminal by saving the communication parameters and the
modem rate used to send the last page of a transmission. These parameters are used
for the start of the next transmission to that terminal.
Air Knife (or Air

Separation)
The air knife paper separation process uses jets of air to separate sheets of paper for
paper feed.
Attenuation
After the modem converts data to serial and modulates it, the data passes through an
attenuator, which adjusts the TX level.
Auger
A screw-like mechanical transport device used to move bulk materials in many

different applications. It relies on a large screw with deep, wide-pitched threads turning
inside a close-fitting cylinder. The threads act like an endless scoop or wedge to lift
material from one end of the cylinder to the other.
Automatic Document
Feeder (ADF)
A motorized device that allows automatic feeding, alignment and stacking of multiple
originals, greatly improving the overall efficiency of photocopying.
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Glossary of Terms
Automatic Document
Handler (ADH)
An advanced type of document feeder that can recycle and reverse originals.
Autorouting
When a G3 fax message with a SUB code is received, the machine compares it with
the personal codes stored in the machine with e-mail addresses. If there is a match,
the machine automatically routes the message to that e-mail address.
Baud Rate
The Baud Rate is the number of bits per second divided by the number of bits per
Baud.
Bias Roller
A bias roller is a roller that has a constant electric voltage applied to it. Such rollers are
used at various places in copiers and printers. A typical use is in a copiers cleaning
system, where a bias roller is often used to attract toner removed by a cleaning blade
or brush.
Bipolar Junction
Transistor
A bipolar junction transistor contains two junctions between p and n type

semiconductor, and three electrodes (the collector, the base, and the emitter). See
Transistors.
Block Diagram
A kind of electronic map that divides a system into a number of functional blocks; it
shows all the interconnections among the blocks, but generally does not show detail
inside them.
Bond
A category of papers, consisting of many individual types. Most bond papers are
suitable for use in plain-paper copiers.
Breakdown Voltage
The voltage at which current will flow in reverse through a diode. Regular diodes will
generally be destroyed if a reverse voltage greater than the breakdown voltage is
applied; however, zener diodes are designed to operate at the breakdown voltage.
See Zener Diode.
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Glossary of Terms
Brushless DC Motor
In standard DC motors, the magnet is stationary while the coil rotates, and brushes
complete the electrical contact to the rotor. However, In a brushless DC motor, the coil
is stationary and the magnet moves.
Call Collision
Prevention
After the scanning the document, the machine checks whether there is an incoming
fax message. The machine cannot dial if there is an incoming message. This differs
between North American, and European and Asian models. See North American
models and European and Asian models.
Carrier (copiers)
Carrier is one of the components of a two-component developer. Carrier consists of

tiny iron-based beads that attract toner particles through a triboelectric charge and
transport them to the photoconductor during the development process. See
Triboelectric Charge.
Carrier (facsimile)
The carrier is the base frequency wave that fax machines use for communication. To
transmit data, fax machines superimpose a modulating signal onto the carrier wave by
varying the frequency, amplitude, or phase (or a combination of these) in a standard
manner. See Modulation Techniques.
Central Processing Unit A microprocessor chip that is used as the primary control and information processing
device in a sophisticated electronic system.
(CPU)
Charge
The first step in the copy process; during the charge process, an even electrical
charge is applied to the photoconductor, preparing it to receive the image of an original
during exposure.
Charge Corona Unit
A corona unit used for the first step in the copy process, to apply an even high
voltage charge to the photoconductor; usually ventilated by a blower to help distribute
ions during charging.
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Appendix 1
Charge Coupled
Device (CCD)
A solid-state component made from a number of very small light-sensitive elements;

the amount of light falling on each element produces an electrical signal of
corresponding strength. CCDs are used in laser-based copiers, fax machines and
some television cameras.
Cleaning
That step in the copy process during which residual toner particlesthose left behind
after image transferare removed from the photoconductor. Cleaning relies mainly on
mechanical systems but electrostatic forces may also be used.
Cleaning Blade
An element in a copiers cleaning system. After a copy has been made, the cleaning
blade acts like a windshield wiper, riding along the surface of the photoconductor to
wipe off all remaining toner particles.
Cleaning Brush
An element in a copiers cleaning system. After a copy has been made, the cleaning
brush removes the residual toner from the surface of the photoconductor. See Bias
Roller.
Clutch
A control device for rotational movement; a clutch will either be engaged, locking its
components together and transferring rotation, or disengaged, letting its components
turn separately and preventing the transfer of rotation.
Clutch, Magnetic
See Magnetic Clutch.
Clutch, Magnetic
Spring
See Magnetic Spring Clutch
Clutch, Slip
See Torque Limiter Clutches. See Slip Clutch.
Clutch, Spring
See Spring Clutch.
Clutch, Torque Limiter
See Torque Limiter Clutches.
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Appendix 1
Coefficient of Friction
(of paper)
The coefficient of friction directly affects the efficiency of paper feeding. It must be high
enough that the feed and transport rollers can get a good grip. However, it must be low
enough that the sheets of paper slip over each other.
Cold Cathode
Fluorescent Lamp
A variation of the fluorescent lamp. See Fluorescent Lamps, Applications.
Contact Image Sensor
The contact image sensor (CIS) is a compact image reading assembly containing an
LED array, an array of self-focusing optic fibers (SELFOC), and a strip of light
detectors, such as phototransistors. The CIS is used instead of the CCD in the most
compact of fax machines.
(CIS)
Corona Unit
A copier component that uses a high electrical voltage to create a localized electrical
field of charged ions; various kinds of corona units are used at different points in the
copy process. See Pre-Cleaning, Quenching, Transfer And Separation Corona Units.
Corona Wire
A thin wire usually made from tungsten and coated with carbon. Mounted inside a
corona unit, it carries the high voltage needed to generate an electrical field for a
specific copier application.
Cross Mixing
The process by which toner and carrier are mixed together inside a copier; also
creates and distributes the triboelectric charge that binds the toner to the carrier
particles.
Current
The rate of flow of electricity through a conductor; current is measured in Amperes or

Amps.
Data Compressor and

Reconstructor - DCR
Part of a fax circuit; it compresses the data before sending it out over the telephone
line. It also reconstructs compressed data coming in from the telephone line.
DC Motor
A motor that operates on direct current.
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Glossary of Terms
Appendix 1
DC motor, Brushless
Developer,
Mono-component
Developer,
Two-component
See Brushless DC motor.
Development
That step in the copy process which first produces a visible image on the
photoconductor. During development, toner is applied to the photoconductor, where it
is electrically attracted to the latent image formed during exposure.
Development Roller
Part of a copiers development system. Development rollers use some combination of

magnetism, triboelectric charge and/or bias voltage to apply toner to the latent image
on the photoconductor.
Diode
A p-type semiconductor joined to an n-type semiconductor. A diode allows current to

move in only one direction. See Diodes.
Diode, Zener
See Zener Diode.
DNS
Domain Name System is a service that enables the IP address to be obtained from the
host under the TCP/IP network environment.
Doctor Blade
Part of a copiers development system. It limits the thickness of developer picked up

by the development roller by scraping off the excess as the roller turns. It determines
the height of the magnetic brush.
See Mono-component Developer.

Also called dual-component developer. See Two-component Developer.
Dual Component Toner Toner designed to work in a dual-component development system. This toner is
similar to the non-magnetic type monocomponent toner. It works with a separate
particle known as a carrier. The mixture of toner and carrier is known as developer.
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Appendix 1
Duplex Unit
A paper handling device that permits the making of two-sided copies without manual
intervention by the user. Available through the installation of a peripheral duplex unit
on mid-size copiers, duplexing is a standard feature on most high-volume machines.
Duplexing
Making two-sided copies.
ECM Memory
Error Correction Mode memory, an optional extension to Group 3 protocol, is a

countermeasure for the frequent data errors that occur in areas that suffer from noisy
telephone lines. See ECM.
Electromagnetic Clutch
A type of clutch which contains its own electromagnetic actuator. When the clutchs
coil is energized, two metal plates are pulled together and transmit rotation to a given
component. When not energized, the two plates are separated by a spring, and no
rotation is transmitted.
E-mail
Electronic mail is a system in which messages in the form of digital data are sent and
received between computers.
Erase Lamp
A component which removes certain parts of the latent image after exposure. After
considering reproduction ratio and paper size, the main control board turns on specific
sections of the erase lamp to remove the charge from the photoconductor outside the
desired image area.
Estimated Fillbit
Control-EFC
This process was developed by Ricoh to improve the efficiency of MH, MR, and MMR
coding.
Ethernet
This is the most commonly used LAN. See Ethernet Frame Structure.
Exposure
A process where light is applied to a photoconductor to create a latent reverse image

in the form of a charge pattern on the surface of the photoconductive material. See
Photocopying Processes.
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Appendix 1
Exposure Lamp
Part of a copiers exposure and optical systems; provides the necessary illumination to
create a reflected image from an original, which in turn creates an electrical latent
image on the photoconductor.
Fax On Demand-FOD
A polling application with pre-recorded voice assistance.
FRR Paper Feed
One of the standard paper feeding systems; the FRR (feed and reverse roller) feed
mechanism consists of a pick-up roller, a feed roller, and a reverse roller.
Feed Roller
The first roller to handle paper a copiers paper feed system; pulls individual sheets
from a paper supply, feeding them into the copier where they are passed to other
rollers in the paper path.
FIFO Memory
First-In First-Out Memory synchronizes the transfer of video data to (transmission) or

from (reception) the modem.
Fluorescent Lamp
A lamp consisting of a gas-filled, closed glass tube that has electrodes at each end
and an internal coated surface of a phosphorous material.
Frequency Shift Keying
Frequency shift keying (FSK) is s type of frequency modulation that is used for
transmitting digital signals.
Fusing
The step in the copy process that bonds toner to a sheet of paper. Heat and pressure
melt toner and force it into the paper surface, creating a copy that meets or exceeds
the durability of the original.
Fusing Lubrication
System
Gray Scale
Part of a copiers fusing system, needed to keep toner from sticking to the fusing
rollers. Uses an absorbent pad and/or a blade to coat the rollers with silicone oil.
A row of small test patches showing a full range of image density, from solid black to
paper white, usually in five to ten steps. Printed on a copier test chart. It is a gauge for
the side-to-side and overall image density of the machine.
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Appendix 1
Grid Plate
Part of the charging system in copiers that use an Organic Photoconductor (OPC).
OPCs are more sensitive to high voltage charges, so the grid plate acts as a regulator
between the OPC surface and the charge corona.
Hall Effect Sensors
Hall effect sensors are used in some network control units (NCU) of fax machines to
detect line current.
Halogen Lamp
Hot Roller
An incandescent lamp filled with halogen gas.
I/O Rate
In fax machines this refers to the amount of time necessary for the scanner or printer
to process one scan line of image data. Modulation and demodulation are not included
in this time measurement.
ID Sensor
A photosensor that measures the image density (reflectivity) of the drum and of a test
pattern (ID sensor pattern). The output of this sensor is used to control toner supply.
ID Sensor Pattern
Image Density
A standard pattern that is exposed and developed for sensing by the ID sensor.
The system in a copier that compensates for the variation in reflectivity among
different originals. Some adjust the brightness of the exposure lamp. Others regulate
toner transfer during development, by adjusting a bias circuit. In either case, image
density controls can be manual, automatic or both.
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The part of a copiers fusing system that contains the fusing heat source, usually a
halogen lamp. The hot roller is usually coated with Teflon, and works with the pressure
roller. See Pressure Roller.
The quality of an original or copy that describes its relative lightness or darkness; high
image density refers to a very dark copy, low image density refers to a very light copy
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Appendix 1
Interleave Duplexing
A duplexing method used by some digital machines that speeds up duplexing by

storing original images in memory. Sheets continually feed and reverse without
stopping and the correct image for each sheet and side is selected from memory.
ITU-T Standards
International standards for data communication.
JBIG Compression
The JBIG compression method consists of four processes: conversion to bi-level data,
progressive coding, division into strips, and coding.
LAN
Local Area Network. See LAN Fax, LAN Basics.
Large Capacity Paper

Tray
A copier peripheral that holds a much greater amount of paper than a standard tray,
thereby enabling the copier to run for longer periods without the supply being refilled,
typically holds between 500 and 3000 sheets.
Laser Diode
Latent Image
An LED that outputs laser light.
LCD
LCD is an abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display. An LCD is a digital display that
consists of two sheets of glass separated by hermetically sealed liquid crystal material.
The liquid crystal is normally transparent.
LCT
Lead Edge
See Large Capacity Tray.
A photographic term which refers to an undeveloped image on a piece of film; in

xerography, it refers to the invisible, electrostatic image formed on the photoconductor
during exposure.
The first paper edge to contact the latent image on the photoconductor. The front
edge of a copy as it travels through the paper path.
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Appendix 1
Lead Edge Erase
The removal of that portion of a latent image which corresponds to a narrow strip
along the lead edge of the copy, usually no more than 5 mm wide. This prevents a
dark line from the edge of the original document from appearing on the copy. Achieved
through the action of an erase lamp immediately after the exposure process.
Light Emitting Diode
A kind of diode that emits photons. Usually shortened to LED.
LED Array
LEDs mounted together in an array as a light source.
Line Buffer
A memory buffer that ensures synchronization of video data transfer between different
components of the circuit.
Magnetic Brush
A localized concentration of two-component developer formed on the surface of a

development roller by magnetic fields. It brushes developer over the photoconductor
during the development process. This allows toner particles in the brush to be
attracted to the latent image.
Magnetic Clutch
See Electromagnetic Clutch.
Magnetic
Monocomponent Toner
Similar to the non-magnetic monocomponent toner, this type has iron oxide particles
encapsulated in the resin matrix of each individual particle of toner. The toner isnt
actually magnetic itself, but it can be attracted by a magnet.
Magnetic Spring Clutch
The magnetic spring clutch is a hybrid of the electromagnetic and spring clutches.
Unlike the normal spring clutch, the spring is loose when idling.
Magnification Lines
Two lines of an identical specified length, one vertical and one horizontal, printed on a
copier test chart. Used to check the vertical and horizontal magnification of a copiers
optical system.
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Glossary of Terms
Main Control Board
A printed circuit board containing the most important components in a copiers

electronic control system, including the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and factoryprogrammed instructions stored on Read Only Memory (ROM) chips. The main board
is linked to other parts of the control system with a number of multi-wire connectors.
Master Belt
A wide, flexible loop of plastic with an organic photoconductor surface.
Modified Huffman
Compression
This compression method has one-dimensional coding scheme codes scan line data
without reference to data on adjacent lines.
Microswitch
Microswitches are electromechanical switching devices containing two contacts.
MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions is a specification for the inclusion of various

types of data in e-mail.
Modified MR
Compression
The Modified MR method uses the same algorithm as the MR method, but has 6 main
differences.
Modulating Signal
The data signal from the fax machine. See Modulation Techniques.
Moisture Content
(of paper)
Moisture content directly affects paper transport, copy quality, and curl. The generally
acceptable range is 4 ~ 6 percent moisture. See Paper Characteristics.
Monocomponent Toner
A special toner formulation that has both magnetic and electrical properties; functions
without carrier. See Monocomponent Developer.
Motor, Stepper
Moving Platen
See Stepper Motor.

A type of scanning optical system in which originals are placed on a glass document
surface (the platen) which moves across a fixed exposure slit and lamp during an
exposure; found only on relatively small, low-speed copiers.
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Glossary of Terms
Moving Scanner
A type of scanning optical system in which originals are placed on a fixed glass
document surface, under which is a moving lamp and mirror assembly (the scanner).
This scanner moves under the original during an exposure. Found on most mediumto-high speed copiers; this design is also known as fixed platen scanning
Modified Read
Compression
This is the Modified Read compression method. It is an expanded form of the onedimensional run length encoding method. While the MH method encodes pixels in the
pixel scanning direction, the MR also takes notice of the pixels in the feed direction.
Neon Lamp
Similar to the cold cathode fluorescent lamp, but light emission is from the neon gas
rather than the phosphorous inside coating.
Network Control Unit

(NCU)
Interfaces a fax machine with the telephone network.
Network Interface
Circuits
The filters, relays, attenuators and other components in these circuits interface the
machine with the public telephone network.
New Estimated Fillbit

Control
Fill bits are never added to the data and the receiver uses the SAF memory or hard
disk instead of the FIFO memory. If the receiver's memory is full, it sends PIN to the
transmitter and the line is disconnected.
Non-magnetic
Monocomponent Toner
All-in-One toner that contains pigments for printing in a matrix of resin. This kind of
toner usually comes in a cartridge and is used with non-magnetic rollers.
Offset Image
A partial image that remains on the photoconductor or fusing rollers due to incomplete
cleaning and is transferred to subsequent copies.
Opacity of Paper
Paper must be sufficiently opaque to prevent image show through. This is especially
important in paper used for duplexing. Most brands of paper use some kind of filler to
enhance opacity. See Paper Characteristics.
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Glossary of Terms
Organic
Photoconductor (OPC)
A type of photoconductor based on certain organic chemicals, rather than metallic

elements like selenium or silicon. An OPC requires negative charging before
exposure. It is generally non-toxic, enabling it to be handled and disposed of more
easily than selenium types.
Over-toning
A condition that occurs when a copiers toner supply system is delivering too much
toner to the development unit; the excess toner builds up inside the copier, especially
around the photoconductor and paper path.
Paddle Roller
Part of the development unit of many copiers. It pushes charged developer (a mix of
toner and carrier) against the development roller, which picks up the developer
through magnetic attraction and brushes it over the latent image.
Paper Brightness
The brightness of a paper is a measure of its light reflectivity. See Paper

Characteristics.
Paper Curl
Curl in paper is a major cause of transport problems resulting in misfeeds. See Paper
Characteristics.
Paper Feed System
The various rollers, belts, sensors and control devices that are responsible for moving
sheets of paper through the copier; begins with the paper supply, and ends with the
exit tray or sorter that holds the finished copies. See Paper Feed
Paper Size
There are several standard systems for measuring paper size. The most commonly
used is the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) series of paper sizes.
In the United States, paper sizes are usually measured in inches.
Paper Stiffness
Paper stiffness is a result of the orientation of the fibers within the paper. Stiffness
affects paper feeding and transport in copiers and laser printers. Paper is generally
two or three times stiffer in the with grain direction than in the cross grain direction.
See Paper Characteristics.
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Appendix 1
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Paper Weight
There are three systems for classifying paper weight. These are the ISO system
(g/m2), the USA system (lb), and the Japanese system (Kg).
Parallel Circuit
A type of electrical connection in which components each have a direct, independent

path to a power source.
Phosphor
A chemical coating on the inside of a fluorescent tube that produces visible light when
struck by ultraviolet radiation. See Fluorescent Lamp.
Photoconductor
A special material that acts as an insulator in darkness and as a conductor when

exposed to light.
Photointerrupter
An electronic sensors that has a photocell and a light emitting diode (LED) on either
side of a small gap. When a tab on a moving component enters the gap, it blocks the
light from the LED, shutting off the photocell and signaling the components position to
the machines Main Control Board.
Phototransistor
A phototransistor works like an ordinary bipolar transistor, except that light shining on
the base of the transistor switches it on.
Pick-off Pawls
Part of a copiers paper separation system that provides a mechanical separation

method. Pick-off pawls ride along the surface of the photoconductor to peel off any
paper not removed electrically.
Point-to-point Diagram
An electronic map, specially designed for troubleshooting equipment with replaceable

circuit boards; combines features of a schematic drawing and a block diagram,
concentrating on connections to and from different components.
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Appendix 1
Polarity
The quality of electricity that describes its tendency to exist in either a positive or
negative state. In most electrical circuits, polarity determines the direction of current
flow. In electrostatic charges, polarity indicates the charge of ions that make up an
electrical field, and therefore determines the polarity of materials that can be attracted
by that field. A charge of a given polarity always attracts materials with a charge of the
opposite polarity
Polyphase Shift Keying
A type of phase modulation (PM) where data modulation occurs by altering the phase
of the carrier wave and frequency remains constant.
POP
Post Office Protocol servers are computers that receive mail using SMTP. The mail
includes a setting to ensure that it is directed to the POP server. POP servers are used
when the user is not permanently connected to the internet.
Pre-cleaning Corona
Unit
A corona unit used just before cleaning in the copy cycle. It creates an electrical field
that reduces the charge on the photoconductor before mechanical cleaning, making it
easier to remove leftover toner.
Pressure Roller
Part of a copiers fusing system. During fusing, toner is forced into the surface of the
paper by two rollers, the pressure roller and the hot roller. The pressure roller is
usually made of silicon rubber, to help it withstand heat and provide a good grip on the
paper. See Hot Roller.
Pre-transfer Lamp
Used in some copiers to reduce the charge of the latent image after development,
weakening its attraction just enough to assure a clean transfer. It also prevents toner
particles from being attracted back to the photoconductor during separation.
Process Control
Process control is a system that automatically changes machine processes to

compensate for changes in the environment or the machine condition.
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Appendix 1
Protocol Signals
Fax machines use two types of signals: Single (short, timed transmitted tones like
CED and CNG) and frame-like HDLC signals that transmit digital information like DIS
and NSF.
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network
Quadrature Amplitude
Modulation (QAM)
QAM is a combination of amplitude modulation (AM) and phase modulation (PM).
Quenching
Quenching is the process that eliminates any residual electric charge remaining on the
photoconductor after the cleaning process. Quenching prepares the photoconductor
for the charge step of the next copy or print cycle.
Quenching Corona
A corona used at the end of the copy process; it creates an electrical field to help
remove latent image charge on the photoconductor after mechanical cleaning,
preparing the surface for the next copy cycle; always used in conjunction with a
quenching lamp
Quenching Lamp
Shines light on the surface of the photoconductor to remove the latent image, after the
leftover toner has been removed by the cleaning system. See Quenching.
Reception Modes
There are two types of reception modes: manual (telephone mode) and automatic (fax
mode).
Reed Switch
Reed switches are magnetically operated switches with contacts hermetically sealed in
a glass capsule.
Reflective Photosensor
Reflective photosensors are short-range sensors that have a light emitting element
(usually an LED) and a light sensitive element (usually a phototransistor).
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Glossary of Terms
Registration
The process by which paper is lined up properly with the developed image on the
photoconductor; registration is usually accomplished with a system of rollers,
mechanical guides and electronic sensors.
Registration Marks
These marks are printed at the top and side of a copier test chart as a gauge of paper
alignment and copier erase margins. They consist of thin parallel lines that will show if
the paper is improperly meeting the latent image on the photoconductor.
Registration Rollers
Part of a copiers paper feed system. A pair of rollers that align a sheet of paper to
remove skew, and then feed the sheet toward the photoconductor at the correct time
during the copy cycle to align it with the image on the photoconductor.
Registration Sensor
Part of a copiers paper feed system; an electronic sensor mounted in the paper path
just before the registration rollers. This sensor alerts the copiers control system when
a sheet of paper approaches the registration rollers, so that they can be stopped
before the sheet contacts them.
Relay Devices
Required to expand LANs. These devices do the following: extend the connection
distance, enable connection between networks of different standards, allow control of
high-speed transmission routes and filtering. They include repeaters, bridges,
switches, gateways and routers.
Relay Rollers
Part of a copiers paper feed system; used in machines with long or complex paper
paths simply to move sheets from one area to another. They have no special copyrelated function.
Reproduction Ratio
An optical specification that determines the relationship between original size and copy
image size. A one-to-one reproduction ratio indicates that the original and copy have
the same image size. This ratio can vary in most copiers to produce enlarged and
reduced copies.
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Resolution Bars
Printed on a copier test chart as a gauge of the overall sharpness of a machines

optical system; should be clearly visible on copies as individual lines.
SAF Memory
Store and Forward Memory stores fax messages to send later or for transmission to
more than one location. It also holds the incoming message if, for example, the printer
is out of paper.
Scanner
Part of the exposure system in a moving-scanner copier; these exposure systems

have two scanners. The first consists of a lightweight metal frame containing one
mirror and the exposure lamp. The second has a similar frame and two mirrors. Both
scanners move along guide rails during an exposure, and reflect the image between
them during the scan to maintain a constant optical distance from the original to the
lens.
Schematic Diagram
The most traditional and detailed type of electronic map; shows every circuit, no matter
how complex, and every component, no matter how small.
Selenium Drum
A commonly used photoconductor. It consists of a hollow aluminum cylinder coated

with a layer of selenium-tellurium or selenium-arsenic alloy. The selenium alloy layer
provides the key photoconductive property of having high electrical resistance in the
dark, and low resistance when exposed to light.
SELFOC
An acronym for Self-Focusing Fiber Optic Array. SELFOCs are used for strip exposure
with fixed optics, in contact image sensors, and direct scanning digital systems.
SEP/PWD/SUB/SID
Signals
The ITU-T recommendations were changed in 1996 to allow polling and confidential
communications. At this time, this could only be done between Ricoh-made products.
With the institution of these signals, communication between all fax makers became
possible.
Separation
That step in the copy process during which the paper and toner are separated from
the photoconductor. See Image Transfer And Paper Separation
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Glossary of Terms
Servomotor
Used in many copiers to move scanners in the optical system; servomotors emit a
specific number of electrical pulses with each revolution, allowing a control circuit to
monitor and regulate their speed. Servomotors use feedback to maintain a constant
rotating speed.
Setting Powder
A dry lubricant powder applied to new photoconductors and or cleaning blades

immediately before installation. During initial operation, the powder protects the
surface from scratches that might result from contact with other copier components.
Slip Clutch
Another name for a torque limiter clutch. See Torque Limiter Clutch.
SMR Compression
The Simple Modified Read method is identical to MR coding except that the K
parameter is 8 for Standard and Detail resolution and 16 for Fine.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is the protocol for communication between internet mail
MTAs (message transfer agents).
Solenoid
A simple electrical control device, consisting of a hollow electromagnet and a metal

plunger. When the magnet is energized, the metal plunger is pulled inside it, triggering
whatever mechanism is attached.
Sorter
A sorter is a paper handling device that feeds finished copies into multiple output bins;
can produce sets of collated copies, matching the order of the original documents, or
count out stacks of single copies.
Spring Clutch
A popular clutch for copier applications; its internal components are normally held
together by a spring connected to an external sleeve, and rotation is transmitted to a
given component. When the sleeve is kept from turning, the spring expands, releasing
one internal component and preventing the transfer of rotation.
Super Speed Coding

(SSC) Method
The Super Speed Coding method combines EFC with Short Preamble and white line
double-speed processing to achieve a further reduction in transmission time.
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Stator
A stationary part of an electric motor in or about which a rotor turns. See DC Motors.
Stepper Motor
A type of electric motor designed to be controlled in individual steps that are portions
of a full rotation, each step as small as one degree of arc. It is often used to adjust
lens position in copiers with variable reproduction ratio. The design of a stepper motor
allows for extremely precise lens placement and easy electronic control. Stepper
motors are used whenever accurate positioning of a component is required.
Stripper Pawls
Part of a copiers fusing system; stripper pawls ride along the surface of the hot roller,
and peel off copies that stick to the roller despite the rollers lubrication.
Subnet
It is difficult for one network to handle 65,534 hosts, therefore the subnet mask creates
subnets to take some of the burden off of the main network. See Subnet and Subnet
Masks.
Subnet Mask
Subnet masks divides the host block into a maximum of 255 subnets within which a
maximum of 255 hosts can exist. This helps to increase the speed with which a user
can access a particular portion of the network. See Subnet and Subnet Masks.
Substitute Reception
Data is stored in memory as it comes in to avoid loss of data if there is a printer

problem. Basically, this means that memory substitutes for the print engine during
reception.
TCP/IP (Transmission
Control Protocol/
Internet Protocol)
A standard internet protocol supported by Windows 95, it allocates 32-bit network

addresses to nodes. The host requires a procedure for passing IP packets to the
desired application. This procedure is filled by the TCP/IP.
Test chart
A specially designed copier original, with printed gauges used to assess many aspects
of copy quality.
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Appendix 1
Thermal Head
The thermal head is the central component of the thermal printer. A thermal head
consists of a row of heating elements. If a heating element is turned on, it will heat up.
The heat from the element will make a dot on thermosensitive printer paper.
Thermal Paper
Thermosensitive printer paper. This is the paper used for white-board printers and
thermal fax machines.
Thermistor
A thermistor is a thermally sensitive resistor. It is a heat-sensitive electronic

component, which indicates changes in temperature by varying its electrical
resistance.
Thermoswitch
An electrical control device used for overheat protection in office machines.
Toner
The ink of an electrostatic copier that forms the actual image on finished copies. It is
made from resin and a solid lubricant combined with carbon or a colored pigment. In
dual-component development systems it is bound to carrier particles by a triboelectric
charge, creating two-component developer. See Triboelectric Charge.
Toner Density Sensor

(TD Sensor)
The toner density sensor (or TD sensor) measures the concentration of toner in the
developer.
Toner End Sensor
Part of a copiers development system. The toner end sensor monitors the level of
toner in the toner supply. When the sensor detects a predetermined low-toner
condition, it signals the control system, which then lights a corresponding indicator on
the machines operation panel. It usually detects two different toner levels: Toner
Near End (low) and Toner End (too low to continue operation).
Toner Overflow Sensor
Part of a copiers cleaning system. This sensor monitors the level of toner in the used
toner storage tank. When the sensor detects a predetermined used toner tank full
condition, it signals the control system, which then lights a corresponding indicator on
the operation panel of the machine.
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Toner Shield Glass
A piece of ordinary glass used in copiers as a window in the exposure slit; allows
light to reach the photoconductor, but keeps toner from contaminating the optical
system.
Toner Supply System
A combination of electronic and mechanical components that monitor the density of

toner and add toner to the development unit whenever the density falls too low.
Toner, Dual
Component
See Dual Component Toner.
Toner, Magnetic
monocomponent
See Magnetic Monocomponent Toner.
Toner, Non-magnetic
monocomponent
See Non-magnetic Monocomponent Toner.
Torque limiter clutch
In concept, torque limiter clutches transmit rotation to a drive component (usually a

roller, pulley, or gear mounted on a rotating shaft). As long as the resistance to rotation
is less than the torque (twisting force) limitation of the clutch, the roller turns with the
shaft. If the resistance exceeds the torque limitation, the roller stops turning. It slips
and in fact, may turn in the opposite direction if sufficient counter force is applied.
Transfer
That step in the copy process in which toner, held by the latent image on the
photoconductor, is transferred to a blank sheet of paper, thereby creating a copy.
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Transfer and
Separation (T/S)
Corona Unit
A corona unit used immediately after development. The T/S corona unit creates two
coronas. The first, the transfer corona, is an electrical field that pulls the developed
toner image away from the latent image on the photoconductor, transferring it to a
sheet of paper. The second corona, the separation corona, is an electrical field that
releases the paper, together with the developed toner image, from the
photoconductor.
Transport
The primary job of a copiers paper feed system: moving sheets of paper from the
supply, through the machine, and out into the exit tray; accomplished with a variety of
rubber belts and rollers.
Trapping Layer
The surface layer of a photoconductor. It receives and traps an electrostatic charge on

the surface as long as the photoconductor is in darkness.
Tray Heater
Paper in a copier's paper tray tends to curl as it picks up moisture from the air. Some
machines, especially higher speed models, have heaters in the paper trays to prevent
such curling.
Trellis Code Modulation TCM uses QAM, but part of the data signal is encoded, using trellis coding, for error
correction purposes.
(TCM)
Triboelectric Charge
A type of static charge that builds up when certain materials are rubbed together.
Triboelectric charges attract toner to carrier in a two-component developer system.
Two-component
Developer
The most popular developer formulation; uses tiny, metallic carrier beads to deliver
much smaller toner particles to the photoconductor during the development process.
Under-toning
A condition that occurs when a copiers toner supply system is delivering too little toner
to the development unit; can lead to carrier abrasion, which may damage the
photoconductor and shorten the useful life of the carrier particles.
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Appendix 1
V Sensor
A reflective photosensor similar to the ID sensor that indirectly measures drum

potential. Used before the development of the potential sensor system, it can be found
in earlier models using process control.
Varistor
Acts like two zener diodes connected back to back.
VB or VBB
Development bias.
VD (Dark Potential)
The drum potential in black image areas after exposure. Standard VD is the potential
measured after exposing a black pattern.
VD Pattern
A standard black pattern used for reference.
VG or VGRID
Charge corona grid potential.
VH (Halftone Potential)
A standard halftone drum potential. This value is used for laser power adjustment in
the process control system of some digital products.
Video Processing
The processing that is applied to image data after the machine scans the document.
Both analog and digital video processing steps may be applied to the image data.
The drum potential in white image areas after exposure. Standard VL is the potential
measured after exposing a white pattern.
VL Pattern
A standard white pattern used for reference. On some machines the VL pattern is
actually a light gray tone rather than pure white.
VLAMP
Exposure lamp voltage.
VO (Original Potential)
The drum potential after the drum is charged.
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Appendix 1
Voice Message
Processor
This converts recorded voice messages from analog (audio) to digital for storage in
the memory. It also retrieves the message from memory to send it out over the
telephone line.
VR (Residual Voltage)
The drum potential after the drum has been exposed by the erase lamp.
VREF, VTREF
A targeted control reference for the TD sensor. When VTD becomes too low, toner is
added to the developer to bring VTD back to the VREF value.
VSG
The ID sensor output when checking the erased drum surface.
VSP
The ID sensor output when checking the ID sensor pattern image.
VTD, VT, or VOUT
The output voltage of the TD sensor.
Xenon Flash Lamp
The xenon flash lamps used in office machines are basically the same as the flash
lamps used in photography only much larger.
Xenon Lamp
A xenon lamp is a xenon-filled glass tube with terminals at each end. When a voltage
is applied across the lamp terminals, the xenon gas ionizes and current flows through
the gas, which emits light. The terminals do not have to be preheated, unlike in
fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent xenon lamps also utilize a phosphor coating on the
inside wall of the lamp to generate light.
Xerography
The indirect electrostatic copying system which is the basis of all modern plain paper
copiers; patented in 1939 by Chester Carlson, Xerography comes from the Greek
words for dry writing.
Zener Diode
A diode connected in reverse to a normal diode and is designed to work in excess of

the breakdown voltage.
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Core Basics v4.0

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Paper Feed Methods

The friction pad mechanism has two principle

The friction coefficient applied to the surface of each

[A] Separation belts

[B] Feed rollers

The illustration shows a document feeder using a

Corner separators provide a simple and reliable

Paper Lift Mechanism

Paper Lift Mechanism

By-pass Feed Tray

Most copiers and multifunction machines

The by-pass feed table uses an FRR feed system,

The user can put up to 40 sheets of paper on the

Paper Size Detection

Paper Size Dial

This illustration shows a paper size dial that is

There are four microswitches [A] on the front right

Side Fence Detection

Many trays have sensors to detect the side fence

The lower example is a tray that can be easily

By-pass Size Detection

Many machines measure paper width with a slide

Paper End Detection

Paper End Feeler Method

Trays also often use paper end feelers.

The illustration to the right shows a typical paper

When the paper tray runs out of paper, the paper

Some trays have the paper end detection

Roll end detection

Registration Using A Stopper

Registration Using Rollers

The vertical transport guides can be opened to

Belt + Vacuum Transport

Example: Model A195

The copy feeds over the duplex feed roller and

Soon after the final copy is squared, the duplex

Duplex Stacking (Jogger)

When sheets of paper enter a duplex tray they

operation side of the machine) and the B4 end

When the registration clutch turns on, the side

Example 2: Model A171

During the copy cycle, the side fences wait 10 mm

The end fence, however, does not have a jogging

A pressure plate [F] prevents the paper stack from

1. The first 3 sheets are fed and printed.

2. The first 3 sheets go into the duplex unit.

4. The back of the 1st sheet is printed (2nd page).

17. The back of the 5th sheet (10th page) is printed.

Feed documents one at a time

Detect the document size

Transport the documents to the

Invert the documents (if

Feed out the documents (original exit)

A typical document feeder

The separation belt system

The separation tab system

A modified feed and reverse roller system

The following pages briefly cover the separation belt

[A] Separation Belt