Abstract: A toner seal comprises a j-shaped seal having an upper seat portion and a leg portion, the leg having a front face extending between first and second edges of said leg portion, a lip seal extending along at least one of the first and second edges of the leg, and, the lip seal having a length extending from the upper seat portion along the leg.

Abstract: A charge roller wiper for photoconductor unit for forming a toner image in an image forming device. The photoconductor unit comprises a photoconductor drum, a charge roller and a first charge roller wiper. The photoconductor drum receives toner particles for forming the toner image that is transferred onto a media sheet. The charge roller charges the photoconductor drum. A first charge roller wiper is disposed substantially parallel to path along which the charge roller moves between a working position and a storage position. The first charge roller wiper is configured to peripherally contact and clean the charge roller when the charge roller assumes a working position. A second charge roller wiper may be provided adjacent the storage position and disposed substantially perpendicular to the first charge roller wiper and directly in the path along which the charge roller moves.

Abstract: A photoconductor unit for forming a toner image in an image forming device is disclosed. The photoconductor unit comprises a photoconductor drum, a charge roller and a first charge roller wiper. The photoconductor drum receives toner particles for forming the toner image that is transferred onto a media sheet. The charge roller charges the photoconductor drum. A first charge roller wiper is disposed substantially parallel to path along which the charge roller moves between a working position and a storage position. The first charge roller wiper is configured to peripherally contact and clean the charge roller when the charge roller assumes a working position. A second charge roller wiper may be provided adjacent the storage position and disposed substantially perpendicular to the path along which the charge roller moves.

Abstract: A toner seal comprises a j-shaped seal having an upper seat portion and a leg portion, the leg having a front face extending between first and second edges of said leg portion, a lip seal extending along at least one of the first and second edges of the leg, and, the lip seal having a length extending from the upper seat portion along the leg.

Abstract: A toner feeding device and method to supply toner from a toner reservoir to a selected location in the printer such as a toner supply roll. The toner feeding device may contact with a portion of an inner wall of a toner reservoir and may flex and may subsequently recover to convey toner particles.

Abstract: A biasing mechanism in an image forming apparatus exerts a variable force on a removable cartridge unit to generate a nip force between a roller in the cartridge unit and another roller. A pivot member is fixed to the apparatus housing. An arm is pivotally mounted in the housing about the pivot member, with the arm in contact with a protrusion on the cartridge unit. A force generating member is mounted in the housing and contacts the arm so as to urge the arm to pivot about the pivot member and press against the cartridge unit. The resulting force exerted on the cartridge unit by the arm varies according to the point of contact between the cartridge unit and the arm. In some embodiments, the arm and the cartridge unit protrusion are electrically conductive, and an electrical contact is established as the arm is pressed against the protrusion.

Abstract: A biasing mechanism in an image forming apparatus exerts a variable force on a removable cartridge unit to generate a nip force between a roller in the cartridge unit and another roller. A pivot member is fixed to the apparatus housing. An arm is pivotally mounted in the housing about the pivot member, with the arm in contact with a protrusion on the cartridge unit. A force generating member is mounted in the housing and contacts the arm so as to urge the arm to pivot about the pivot member and press against the cartridge unit. The resulting force exerted on the cartridge unit by the arm varies according to the point of contact between the cartridge unit and the arm. In some embodiments, the arm and the cartridge unit protrusion are electrically conductive, and an electrical contact is established as the arm is pressed against the protrusion.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device to move waste toner within an image forming device. In one embodiment, waste toner is formed during the image formation process. The waste toner is captured and moved through a first conduit. The conduit includes an outlet for passing the waste toner to a second conduit. The door is positionable between an open orientation to allow the waste toner to discharge into the second conduit, and a closed orientation. The second conduit includes an inlet for receiving the waste toner. The interface between the first and second conduits allows for the door to move between the open and closed orientations. The interface also greatly reduces or prevents the waste toner from leaking as it passes from the first conduit into the second conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article, system and method for determining and/or selecting the location of a toner engaging member in a developing agent device such as a toner cartridge. The article, system and method may be applied to a printing device such as a laser printer.

Abstract: A toner layer regulating system for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprises a toner carrier; a metallic toner regulating member having a stress-strain curve prior to assembly with an elastic region, an inelastic region, and an initial yield stress value; and the toner regulating member supported in cantilevered fashion against the toner carrier so as to form a toner nip therebetween with an applied stress on the toner regulating member greater than the initial yield stress value. The metallic toner regulating member may comprise a metallic substrate and a coating thereon; the coating helping to form the toner nip. By deflecting the toner regulating member, when installed, by an amount that induces strains falling outside the elastic region of the corresponding stress-strain curve, the toner regulating system is less sensitive to geometrical variances.

Abstract: A waste toner removal system for an image forming device. The invention includes a mechanism for removing the waste toner from the cartridge and transporting it through a toner chute to a waste toner tank. One or more actuators within the device allow for the connection between the various elements to seal the waste toner path and prevent toner leakage. Methods of moving waste toner are also disclosed that include moving the waste toner through the cartridge and into a waste toner chute. The waste toner is moved through the chute and into a waste toner tank where it may be removed from the device.

Abstract: A toner fill plug for a toner cartridge within an image forming device. The cartridge includes a toner reservoir having a port through which toner is input. The plug is sized to fit within the port and prevent toner leakage. The plug includes a reflector which aligns with an adjacently-positioned toner level sensor for determining the amount of toner remaining within the reservoir. The plug is removable to allow the user to refill the reservoir with new toner.

Abstract: An image forming device having a main body and a movable subunit. The subunit is movable between a first orientation and a second orientation. A developer member is positioned within the main body, and a photoconductive member is positioned on the subunit. In the first orientation, the developer member and photoconductive member are spaced apart. In the second orientation, the photoconductive member is positioned either in contact with or closely located to the developer member. Image formation occurs when the subunit is in the second orientation as toner is transferred from the developer member to the photoconductive member. Methods of using the image forming device include positioning the developer member in the main body and the photoconductive member on the subunit, and moving the subunit from a first orientation to a second orientation such that image formation can occur.

Abstract: A biasing mechanism in an image forming apparatus exerts a variable force on a removable cartridge unit to generate a nip force between a roller in the cartridge unit and another roller. A pivot member is fixed to the apparatus housing. An arm is pivotally mounted in the housing about the pivot member, with the arm in contact with a protrusion on the cartridge unit. A force generating member is mounted in the housing and contacts the arm so as to urge the arm to pivot about the pivot member and press against the cartridge unit. The resulting force exerted on the cartridge unit by the arm varies according to the point of contact between the cartridge unit and the arm. In some embodiments, the arm and the cartridge unit protrusion are electrically conductive, and an electrical contact is established as the arm is pressed against the protrusion.

Abstract: A toner cartridge included with an image forming device when initially sent to a user. The cartridge has a limited toner capacity. The user is able to print with the small capacity cartridge upon initially receiving the image forming device. Once the toner is exhausted, a second large capacity cartridge having a greater toner capacity can replace the small capacity cartridge. The small capacity cartridge and the large capacity cartridge are constructed in a similar shape to be mounted in the same manner within the image forming device.

Abstract: A gear unit comprising a shaft and a gear each having a first axial section and a second axial section. The first axial section features the gear having external teeth with an internal surface that corresponds to an external surface of the shaft. The second axial section includes features in the shaft and gear that engage together. Methods of using the gear unit including positioned the gear on the shaft, and rotating the gear relative to the shaft to engage the gear with the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for accurately indexing print receiving media of various types. A media indexing system is provided that includes a roller capable of indexing a print receiving medium in response to an indexing operation. A relationship exists between a commanded indexing operation of the roller and resultant indexing of a first type of print receiving medium. A type of print receiving medium is supplied to the media indexing system. The type of the print receiving medium is generally identified. A desired amount by which the print receiving medium should be indexed is identified. A commanded indexing operation of the roller to index by the desired amount is modified based on the type of the print receiving medium and the relationship. The print receiving can be indexed by substantially the desired amount.

Abstract: The invention described in the specification relates to an improved ink jet printer cartridge structure which includes a substrate carrier or nose piece upon which semiconductor devices for ink jet printheads are mounted. The substrate carrier has a top surface containing one or more substrate locator wells each well having well walls, a well base and at least one ink feed slot in each well base and side walls attached to the top surface along the perimeter thereof. One or more of the side walls contain fins for heat removal from the substrate carrier and at least two alignment devices attached adjacent at least one of the side walls for precisely aligning the substrate carrier in a printer carriage.