Abstract: A method of remanufacturing a toner cartridge includes installing a modified end cap in which a portion of a drive assembly for an internal toner seal removal mechanism has been disabled. With the modified end cap installed, the toner cartridge may be post tested without removing the internal toner seal. When the post test is complete the modified end cap is removed and a non-modified end cap with a functional drive assembly is installed in its place.

Abstract: A remanufactured toner cartridge and related method includes a modified driven gear that is associated with an internal seal removal mechanism. The driven gear is modified so that driving rotational force from a printer is not transmitted to the seal removal mechanism during a post test of the remanufactured cartridge. When the post test is complete a fixing member, which may include a pin, is used to return the modified driven gear to an operational configuration so that when the cartridge is subsequently installed in a printer, driving rotational force from the printer is transmitted to the removal mechanism to remove the internal toner seal, thereby permitting cartridge operation.

Abstract: A method of refilling a used flexible toner container having a plurality of toner openings configured to discharge toner during a print operation. The method including forming a fill opening in the used flexible toner container. The fill opening may be formed separately from the toner openings. The method further including attaching a toner seal to the flexible toner container to cover the plurality of toner openings. The method further including, after attaching the toner seal, refilling the flexible toner container via the fill opening. The method further including sealing the fill opening.

Abstract: A toner cartridge disassembly machine for at least partially disassembling a toner cartridge. The toner cartridge includes a toner hopper and a waste hopper coupled to the toner hopper via a first pin and a second pin. The first pin is removably coupled within a first connection joint and the second pin is removably coupled within a second connection joint. The disassembly machine includes a base, a docking station supported by the base and capable of receiving the toner cartridge, and a carrier frame movably coupled to the base. The disassembly machine further includes a pin removal arm supported by the carrier frame. The pin removal is movable into a position between the first connection joint and the second connection joint. The pin removal arm includes a first push-out pin configured to interact with the first pin and a second push-out pin configured to interact with the second pin.

Abstract: A remanufactured toner cartridge and related method includes a modified driven gear that is associated with an internal seal removal mechanism. The driven gear is modified so that driving rotational force from a printer is not transmitted to the seal removal mechanism during a post test of the remanufactured cartridge. When the post test is complete a fixing member, which may include a pin, is used to return the modified driven gear to an operational configuration so that when the cartridge is subsequently installed in a printer, driving rotational force from the printer is transmitted to the removal mechanism to remove the internal toner seal, thereby permitting cartridge operation.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a vacuum bag packaging material into a desired shape includes subjecting the exterior of the packaging material to a vacuum to expand the packaging material. The expanded packaging material is then pressed into or against a forming device. Expanding the packaging material renders a filler material inside a sealed packaging membrane free flowing, such that the packaging material can assume the shape of the forming device during the pressing operation. When the vacuum is removed, the membrane recompresses upon the filler material and renders it non-free flowing such that the formed packaging material maintains the formed shape during ordinary handling.

Abstract: A system for splitting a printer cartridge. The system includes a cartridge holder, a cutting head, and an actuator. The cartridge holder is for holding the printer cartridge. The cutting head includes an idling cutting wheel configured to split the printer cartridge when in an idle state. The actuator provides relative movement between the printer cartridge and the cutting head to affect splitting of the printer cartridge by the idling cutting wheel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for refurbishing a used print cartridge for further use in a printing device are provided. An electronic patch is attached to a circuit on the used print cartridge. The electronic patch includes contact pads that are positioned to correspond to the location of contact pads on the circuit of the used print cartridge. The electronic patch also includes a control chip and an embedded memory array that replaces one or more functions of the memory on the used print cartridge, allowing the used print cartridge to be refilled with printing ink and reused in a printer.

Abstract: A method of refilling a used flexible toner container having a plurality of toner openings configured to discharge toner during a print operation. The method including forming a fill opening in the used flexible toner container. The fill opening may be formed separately from the toner openings. The method further including attaching a toner seal to the flexible toner container to cover the plurality of toner openings. The method further including, after attaching the toner seal, refilling the flexible toner container via the fill opening. The method further including sealing the fill opening.

Abstract: A system for filling a toner container with toner. The system includes a base, a receiving portion, and a vacuum source. The receiving portion is supported by the base and defines a chamber. The receiving portion includes an opened end that is configured to receive a toner container. The vacuum source is in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: A manufacturing center configured for use with a plurality of tools and a plurality of nests. The manufacturing center includes a base configured for coupling with one of the plurality of nests. The base includes a base electrical connector. The manufacturing center also includes an arm configured for coupling with one of the plurality of tools. The arm has an end movable with respect to the base, and the end includes an arm electrical connector. A controller is operable to control movement of the arm and is in communication with the base electrical connector and the arm electrical connector. The controller is operable to identify which one of the plurality of tools is coupled with the arm and which one of the plurality of nests is coupled with the base at least in part by way of communication with the arm electrical connector and the base electrical connector.

Abstract: A system and method for applying lubricant to a surface, such as a heating surface of a fuser member. The system includes lubricant conduit for carrying pressurized lubricant toward a spraying assembly. A heating element surrounds the lubricant conduit and heats the pressurized lubricant before it arrives at the spraying assembly. The system also includes a pair of double O-ring sealing assemblies for sealingly coupling a lubricant tube to the system.

Abstract: A modification for an imaging cartridge is provided for use with certain aftermarket or non-OEM cartridge drive mechanisms. At least one wall of a cartridge guiding member is removed to increase a clearance between the guiding member and the cartridge drive mechanism.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method provides an assembly that comprises a first drum-cylinder having an inner periphery surface and a gear assembly, wherein a portion of the gear assembly is in contact with the inner periphery surface; and decouples the gear assembly from the first drum-cylinder by crushing at least a portion of the first drum-cylinder.

Abstract: A system for splitting a printer cartridge. The system includes a cartridge holder, a cutting head, and a conveyor. The cartridge holder includes a receiver for receiving the printer cartridge, and a clamp for securing the printer cartridge in the receiver. The cutting head includes an idling cutting wheel configured to split the printer cartridge. The conveyor provides relative movement between the secured printer cartridge and the cutting head to affect splitting of the printer cartridge.

Abstract: Devices and methods for refurbishing a used print cartridge for further use in a printing device are provided. An electronic patch is attached to a circuit on the used print cartridge. The electronic patch includes contact pads that are positioned to correspond to the location of contact pads on the circuit of the used print cartridge. The electronic patch also includes a control chip and an embedded memory array that replaces one or more functions of the memory on the used print cartridge, allowing the used print cartridge to be refilled with printing ink and reused in a printer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for refurbishing a used print cartridge for further use in a printing device are provided. An electronic patch is attached to a circuit on the used print cartridge. The electronic patch includes contact pads that are positioned to electrically contact pads on the circuit of the used print cartridge. The electronic patch also includes a control chip and an embedded memory array that replaces one or more functions of the memory on the used print cartridge, allowing the used print cartridge to be refilled with printing ink and reused in a printer.

Abstract: A drive receiving member for transferring rotational driving force from an image forming apparatus to components of an imaging cartridge is provided. A distal end of the member includes at least one substantially rigid drive lug for receiving rotational driving force from the imaging device. In some constructions the distal end also includes at least one catch member extending beyond the drive lug to facilitate movement of the coupling member from a retracted position to an extended position when the cartridge is installed in the imaging device. In other constructions, an actuator may be provided to initiate movement of the coupling member from the extended position to a retracted position during removal of the cartridge from the imaging device.

Abstract: A method of reducing an image artifact in a remanufactured toner cartridge. The method includes operating the remanufactured toner cartridge to transfer toner to a position between a developer roller and a metering blade of the remanufactured toner cartridge, the toner having a first formulation; and positioning a material having a second formulation different from the first formulation between the developer roller and the metering blade.

Abstract: A manufacturing center configured for use with a plurality of tools and a plurality of nests. The manufacturing center includes a base configured for coupling with one of the plurality of nests. The base includes a base electrical connector. The manufacturing center also includes an arm configured for coupling with one of the plurality of tools. The arm has an end movable with respect to the base, and the end includes an arm electrical connector. A controller is operable to control movement of the arm and is in communication with the base electrical connector and the arm electrical connector. The controller is operable to identify which one of the plurality of tools is coupled with the arm and which one of the plurality of nests is coupled with the base at least in part by way of communication with the arm electrical connector and the base electrical connector.