Abstract: An imaging device with a two door interlock system for detecting a positional state of orthogonally mounted first and second access doors of the imaging device. The two door interlock system includes a mounting assembly rotatably mounted to a frame of the imaging device and movable by the first access door between a first position and a second position, and an actuator projecting from an inner surface of the second access door, and a sensor positioned on the mounting assembly and providing an output signal that changes between a first state and a second state. The output signal being in the first state when both of the first and second access doors are in their respective closed positions and in the second state when at least one of the first and second access doors are in their respective open positions.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging device, including at least one photoconductive member, a printhead unit, at least one shutter-wiper member, and at least one shutter actuator. The at least one shutter-wiper member is moveable in a first direction between a first position in which the shutter-wiper covers the at least one exit lens of the printhead unit and a second position in which the at least one shutter-wiper does not cover the at least one exit lens so as to allow the at least one light beam generated by the printhead unit to pass therethrough. The at least one actuator is coupled to the at least one shutter-wiper member such that movement of the at least one shutter actuator in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction causes the corresponding shutter-wiper member to move in the first direction.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging device, including at least one photoconductive member, a printhead unit, at least one shutter-wiper member, and at least one shutter actuator. The at least one shutter-wiper member is moveable in a first direction between a first position in which the shutter-wiper covers the at least one exit lens of the printhead unit and a second position in which the at least one shutter-wiper does not cover the at least one exit lens so as to allow the at least one light beam generated by the printhead unit to pass therethrough. The at least one actuator is coupled to the at least one shutter-wiper member such that movement of the at least one shutter actuator in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction causes the corresponding shutter-wiper member to move in the first direction.

Abstract: An imaging device with a two door interlock system for detecting a positional state of orthogonally mounted first and second access doors of the imaging device. The two door interlock system includes a mounting assembly rotatably mounted to a frame of the imaging device and movable by the first access door between a first position and a second position, and an actuator projecting from an inner surface of the second access door, and a sensor positioned on the mounting assembly and providing an output signal that changes between a first state and a second state. The output signal being in the first state when both of the first and second access doors are in their respective closed positions and in the second state when at least one of the first and second access doors are in their respective open positions.

Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.

Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.

Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.

Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.

Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.

Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.

Abstract: A fuser module of an image forming device including a pivot able end cap and a movable entry guide attached therein. The movable entry guide moves according to the pivoting end cap to ensure reduced positional variability within the fuser module. The pivoting end cap also has a wheel to axle ratio of about 18:1 to ensure reduced force variability within the fuser module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waste particulate toner collection container system for an image forming apparatus that includes a waste particulate toner spreading device movably disposed within the container in a reciprocating manner generally along its length, the device including a spine member having on a first end a first plurality of spaced apart raking tine members and on a second end a second plurality of spaced apart raking tine members disposed substantially transversely of the length of the spine member, and a crank arm attached at the first end of the spine member. A post disposed on an inner wall of the container supports the device at a point along the length of the spine member between the first and second pluralities of raking tine members, and a drive mechanism is operatively connected to the crank arm for imparting reciprocating movement to the device.

Abstract: An input tray of an imaging apparatus having an adjustable reference guide for aligning media sheets in the input tray, the reference guide having a first and second reference point defining an axis, the axis being adjustable by one of pivoting of a reference guide wall or moving a slidable plate mounted over a portion of the reference guide allowing for alignment media sheets with one of an image received by the imaging apparatus or a datum axis on the input tray. The adjustments are made during manufacturing or during a servicing operation of the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: The present application is directed to image forming devices with option trays to introduce media into a media path. One embodiment include the image forming device having a body with a front, back, top, and bottom sides. The sides may form an interior space to contain an imaging unit. The imaging unit may include elements for producing toner images. A media path may extend in a substantially vertical orientation within the interior space. An integrated tray may be positioned at the bottom side of the body and include a first input tray and a manual feed inlet on the front side of the body. Each of first input tray and manual feed inlet form sections of the media path. An option tray may be operatively connected to the bottom side of the body, and may include a second input tray and a multi-purpose feeder. The option tray further lengthens the media path and provides additional avenues to introduce media sheets into the media path.

Abstract: A fuser module of an image forming device including a pivotable end cap and a movable entry guide attached therein. The movable entry guide moves according to the pivoting end cap to ensure reduced positional variability within the fuser module. The pivoting end cap also has a wheel to axle ratio of about 18:1 to ensure reduced force variability within the fuser module.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a body having a top, a bottom, a front and a back. In one embodiment, a plurality of horizontally-aligned imaging units, each comprising a photoconductive member, transfer toner images to an intermediate transfer mechanism located below the plurality of imaging units. A pick mechanism may pick media sheets from a media input tray and feeds the media towards the front of the body. For duplex printing, the media sheets may travel along a duplex path that extends along the front of the body. In one embodiment, an access door at the front of the body pivots between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, a user may gain access to both media paths.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling toner transfer during the formation of a toner image within an image forming device is described herein. One exemplary image forming device includes a toner reservoir that stores toner of a first color, a developer member that receives toner from the toner reservoir, a photoconductive member proximate the developer member that receives toner from the developer member, and a driver. While rotating the photoconductive member, the driver selectively rotates the developer member based on a color content of the image. For example, the driver does not rotate the developer member while rotating the photoconductive member when the toner image being formed lacks the first color. Alternatively, the driver lows the rotational speed of the developer member while rotating the photoconductive member when the toner image being formed lacks the first color.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an imaging unit for an image forming device. In one embodiment, the imaging unit includes a frame that includes brace members that are connected together to form a central opening. The imaging unit may also include separate mounting locations positioned on the frame in a side-by-side orientation. Each of the mounting locations may be adapted to receive a imaging unit and position a PC member of the imaging unit. The frame may also include locating features to align the frame within the image forming device. Electrical contacts may be operatively connected to the frame. The electrical contacts may operatively connect with the image forming device to provide electrical communication to each of the plurality of imaging units.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods to position a developer member relative to a photoconductive member in an image forming device. One embodiment includes an elongated lift plate positioned in proximity to a photoconductive member. An elongated opening may be positioned within the lift plate. The opening may include a first section and a second section. The first section may be positioned farther from the photoconductive member than the second section. A positioning member may be positioned within the opening, and be operatively connected to the developer member. A hold down may bias the positioning member towards an edge of the opening. The lift plate may be longitudinally movable between a first position with the positioning member in the first section of the opening that positions the developer member away from the photoconductive member, and a second position with the positioning member in the second section that positions the developer member against the photoconductive member.

Abstract: A system and method reduces wear on an image-forming device. The image-forming device includes one or more toner cartridges, each having an associated PC drum and transport member to transport toner images or media. Each of the PC drums maintain contact with a surface of the transport member regardless of whether they are being used to form a toner image. A controller controls the rotation of the PC drums to rotate or not rotate while in contact with the surface of the transport member.