Abstract: A removable media input tray assembly comprising a housing for receiving a removable media input tray. One or more housing assemblies stackable beneath an image forming device. The assembly having a substantially continuous media reference surface extending the height of a media feed path formed by two vertically aligned plates, one plate mounted on the removable media input tray and the other mounted on the housing and extending into the removable media input tray when installed in the housing, the arrangement of plates minimizing any gaps in the media reference surface within the assembly and adjacent assemblies and the image forming device.

Abstract: A media sheet guide device for maintaining proper sheet alignment in an image forming machine includes a body extending between spaced apart reference edges of respective upstream and downstream media alignment mechanisms and a face on the body defining a path along which a sheet moves lengthwise from the upstream reference edge to the downstream reference edge. The face has a section extending widthwise and defining a portion of the path about which the sheet bends widthwise as the sheet moves lengthwise along the path portion. The face section has first and second segments differing in curvature for applying a differential drag widthwise across the sheet causing a rotation of the sheet sufficiently to displace a leading end of the sheet away from the downstream reference edge to thereby ensure that a leading corner of the sheet can enter into the downstream reference edge without jamming against an entry end thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments for a toner auger for use in an image forming device. The image forming device includes a channel through which toner is moved. The auger is positioned within the channel and has an axis of rotation and at least one offset section extending radially outward from the axis of rotation. The offset section forms a sweep envelope that extends outward from the axis of rotation. The auger may be positioned within the channel for the offset to contact the channel. Contact may cause a vibratory force that prevents the toner from clogging and bridging within the channel.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a waste toner system that collects waste toner in a waste toner container. An amount of waste toner collected in the container is increased by using a driven toner distributing member that distributes accumulated toner within the container. The waste toner system may detect the accumulation of waste toner by monitoring a drive control circuit while the toner distributing member is being driven. For example, the system may detect excess accumulation by comparing the monitored values of a frequency control signal with one or more reference values corresponding to nominal accumulation conditions. An extension may be employed whereby movement of the toner distributing member creates interference between the toner distributing member and the container when the toner distributing member reaches a predetermined position. The interference may be detectable from the drive control circuit as an indication of a full condition.

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: A device and method for aligning a media sheet moving along a media path. An amount of skew that will occur as the media sheet moves along the media path is determined based on one or more physical characteristics. Previous testing of the device indicates that media sheets having particular physical characteristics will have a known amount of skew by the time they reach a predetermined location along the media path. The media sheet is moved the known amount so the media sheet is aligned. Test data is used to determine the amount of expected misalignment of the media sheet and the amount necessary to move the media sheet back into alignment.

Abstract: Mirror (1) of a laser printhead has an octagonal outer configuration. During normal use the mirror rotates at high speed, causing noise. To reduce the a wall (13a) surrounds the mirror and has lower flange extensions (13c′, 13c″13c′″13c″″) which firmly contact the lower plate (3) by attaching screws ( 17′, 17″). A cover (13) is over all of the circle defined by the wall and the underside of the cover is partially lined with a sound absorbing layer (19).