Abstract: A server including instructions to perform a method for managing replacement of a consumable in an imaging device, which includes, determining a remaining life of a consumable installed in the imaging device; determining an average number of pages printed in the imaging device during a predetermined period; identifying a number of days of use remaining based upon a rated life of the consumable, the remaining life of the consumable, and the average number of pages printed; and determining whether the number of days of use remaining is within a predefined floor range. Upon at least one of a determination that the number of days of use remaining is within a predetermined threshold and that the remaining life of the consumable is within a predefined floor range, an order for a replacement consumable for the imaging device is created and placed in an order fulfillment system.

Abstract: A printing device (10) such as a laser printer includes a fuser assembly (200) with a fuser wiper (210) that can be removed and replaced by a user during normal maintenance to extend the useful life of the fuser assembly (200). Indicators (b0, b1) stored in a memory device (144) can be read by a print engine (36) of a printer (10) either when a print cartridge (100) is first inserted into the printer (10) or at specified times thereafter. Depending on the contents of the memory device (144), the print engine (36) may send a notification message to the printer's raster image processor (150) to cause a message to be displayed on the printer's operational/display panel (254) that informs a user the fuser wiper (210) should be replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the transport and/or storage of developing agent in an image forming apparatus. A cartridge may be employed having a reservoir for developing agent and a component, such as a drum, which may include an interior region capable of storing developing agent. A transport device may be included that is capable of transporting developing agent between the reservoir and a location in the image forming apparatus such as the drum interior.

Abstract: A conveyor mechanism for moving waste toner within an interior of a waste toner reservoir. The conveyor mechanism has a first end positioned in proximity to an inlet into the waste toner reservoir, and a second end positioned vertically above the first end. The conveyor mechanism operates to move the toner from a lower position within the waste toner reservoir to the vertically elevated position. The conveyor device may allow for the capacity of the waste toner reservoir to be more fully utilized. In use, the conveyor device is activated and waste toner is moved into the upper reaches of the waste toner reservoir.

Abstract: A doctor blade assembly (121) for an image forming device such as a laser printer (100) includes a bracket (622) to which foam (640) is attached providing improved tolerances in the nip formed between the assembly (121) and the doctoring media. The assembly (121) includes a lip (625) which extends under the foam (640) to help secure the foam (640) and reduce the amount of adhesive required to keep the foam (640) attached. The bracket (622) is stamped from a single piece of metal providing a doctor blade assembly (121) with high stiffness that is cost effective to manufacture.

Abstract: A vent integral with the top surface of toner hopper (5) having three labyrinth channels (3a-3c) oriented in one direction and three labyrinth channels (3d-3f) oriented in an orthogonal direction. Each labyrinth communicates with the inside of the hopper by a hole (13a-13f) and the end of each labyrinth communicates with filter pad (7) held in a basin (11) formed in the top surface of hopper (5). Cover (9) closes the vent except for hole (15) over the center of pad (7).

Abstract: A toner cartridge for use in a laser printer has a toner reservoir or hopper in which an agitator is pivoted by a rotating paddle away from its home position proximate an exit opening and then returned to its home position by a spring exerting a predetermined desired force on the agitator after the agitator ceases to be moved by the paddle. The spring may be a cantilever spring, a torsion spring, or a stamped and formed leaf spring.

Abstract: A toner cartridge for use in a laser printer has a toner reservoir or hopper in which an agitator is pivoted by a rotating paddle away from its home position proximate an exit opening and then returned to its home position by a spring exerting a predetermined desired force on the agitator after the agitator ceases to be moved by the paddle. The spring may be a cantilever spring, a torsion spring, or a stamped and formed leaf spring.