Abstract: A developer reference system for a contact development process having machine frame mounted support rollers for the developer roll. Skew between the PC drum and the developer roll is reduced by referencing each to the same support structure. Rolling resistance of the developer roll support rollers is reduced by using thin diameter metal pins for mounting the support rollers.

Abstract: A waste toner removal device for transporting toner from a photoconductive drum within an image-forming apparatus. The invention includes a waste toner reservoir having outer walls forming an interior chamber for housing toner removed from the photoconductive drum. An opening is positioned within the outer walls into the interior chamber forming an upper chamber section extending above the opening and a lower chamber section extending below the opening. An auger extends along the photoconductive drum and unobstructed into the opening of the waste toner reservoir. The auger includes helical blades extending outward for moving the toner from the photoconductive drum into the waste toner reservoir. A pumping cylinder having a generally cylindrical shape extends around the auger adjacent to the waste toner reservoir.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a machine frame unit having a plurality of mounting locations and a pivot location, a printhead base having a first end and a second end, and a first resilient elongate member having a first proximal end and a first distal end. A mounting tab is coupled to the first distal end of the first resilient elongate member, and is coupled to a first mounting location of the plurality of mounting locations of the machine frame unit. A pivot post, having an axis of rotation, pivotally couples a mounting plate to the pivot location of the machine frame unit. An adjustment device is coupled to the machine frame unit, the adjustment device having an engagement member for engaging at least one of the printhead base and the first resilient elongate member to effect a deflection of the first resilient elongate member and a corresponding movement of the printhead base.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an image forming body with an opening along at least one side. Guide rails are mounted to the image forming body above the opening, and a pair of support members are positioned within the image forming body below the guide rails. The apparatus further includes a cartridge having support arms extending outward for contacting the guide rails during insertion and removal from the image forming body. The cartridge also includes a photoconductive drum positioned on a lower portion of the cartridge, and when inserted into the image forming body, the cartridge is supported by resting the photoconductive drum on the support members.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting printhead skew in an electrophotographic machine. The electrophotographic machine includes a machine frame having a plurality of mounting locations, at least one printhead, and a plurality of resilient elongate beam members. Each of the plurality of resilient elongate beam members have a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each proximal end is attached to the printhead and each distal end is attached to a respective one of the mounting locations of the machine frame, thereby mounting the printhead to the machine frame. The printhead further includes a printhead base having a pivot axis defined, at least in part, by a location of attachment of said plurality of resilient elongate beam members. The apparatus further includes a skew adjustment mechanism for effecting a pivot of the printhead about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging apparatus includes a plurality of photoconductive drums and a plurality of printhead assemblies. Each drum has an axis of rotation and a photoconductive peripheral surface. A plurality of the axes of rotation of the drums lie in a generally common plane. The peripheral surface of each drum rotates in a common direction defining an advance direction of the print medium. Adjacent drums are disposed at a first distance away from each other between the axes of rotation. Each printhead assembly is associated with a respective drum and is configured for generating a laser beam which impinges upon the respective drum along a line of incidence. The printhead assemblies are disposed at a second distance from one to another which is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A multi-functional fuser backup roll release mechanism and operating process are defined. In the event of a paper jam, the primary gear train from a prime mover to driven rolls of the imaging apparatus is interrupted, and a secondary drive train is engaged. The drive train operates a drive shaft, rotating a worm gear to control a cam and lever apparatus connected to springs and bellcranks at opposite ends of the backup roll. Upon the detection of a paper jam, or prolonged inactivity of the fuser, the nip between the fuser hot roll and backup roll is opened. During normal operation, the mechanism can be used to control the nip force between the fuser roll and the backup roll, to provide the optimal nip load for the media being processed, and the print glossiness desired.

Abstract: A toner cartridge (1) contains a photoconductive drum (49) having a central shaft (47). Gear (145) turns with the drum and has a stud (602). A coil spring (604) is mounted on the stud to form a spring clutch which is unwound by the rotation of the drum during imaging. Alternatively, a flat frictional surface is pressed against the side wall (600b) of the gear. Both contact areas have a light grease. The drag forces provide accurate, smooth operation during imaging.

Abstract: Toner cartridge (1) has a unitary assembly forming the handle (3a, 3b), the cover (25), side walls (33, 245) and the cleaner chamber (27) and hold the photoconductor drum (43). Each of the side walls has a U-shaped housing (35, 247) which loosely receives a pin (37a, 37b) from the side of the hopper (61). The hopper is part of a unitary assembly holding the toner adder roller (45) and the developer roller (43). Second pins (131a, 131b) from the sides of the hopper carry springs which pull the two assemblies together to press the developer roller against the photoconductor. The hopper also has flat ledges (161a, 133a) on each side for movement on roller in the printer. This further permits the cartridge to have central locating elements (29a, 29b), wing-like guides (9a, 9b) for insertion, links (13a, 13b) to open a lower shutter (7), and unobstructed ends of photoconductor shaft (47) for positively locating on that shaft.

Abstract: A toner cartridge (1) has a single molded element, molded of polystyrene, which is heat sensitive. The molded element forms front handles (3a, 3b) and a cleaner chamber (27) mounts a photoconductor drum (49). A toner hopper (61) is located generally under the handles. A developer roller (43) receives toner from the hopper and applies it to the photoconductor drum. A lower shutter (7) of polycarbonate, which is heat resistant, is mounted on actuating links (13a, 13b). When the cartridge is installed in the printer the actuating links are moved to rotate the shutter to a position covering the lower surface of the cleaner chamber, where it serves as an effective heat shield protecting the cleaner from fixing heat of the printer.

Abstract: The temperature of a heated roller (1) is monitored by a heat sensor (19) which rests on metal rectangle (25) on polyimide strip (5). The top end of the strip is attached directly to the frame (3). the bottom end of the strip has a hole (7), which receives an arm (9a) of pivoted member (9). A coil spring (13) pivots member 9 to cause arm 9a to pull the strip into contact with the heated roller. Because of the wide contact and low force between the strip and the roller, wear is reduced and smooth operation is realized.

Abstract: A toner cartridge (1) has wing-like guides (9a, 9b) on opposite sides, the guides being curved to follow a curved guide track in a printer in which the cartridge is installed. The cartridge may be readily grasped by handles (3a, 3b) and inserted in the guide tracks of the printer near the top and front and then readily directed down and into the rear area of the printer.The guides are thin at their initial location of entry into the printer for easy insertion and increase to larger thickness regions (9aa, 9bb) to better guide the cartridge. The guides are a part of a unitarily molded cover assembly which includes the side walls (33, 241, 245).

Abstract: A toner cartridge (1) contains a photoconductive drum (43) having a central shaft (47). The shaft extends outward from the sides of the cartridge so that it can be lowered on a V-shaped locator (301) in the printer. An assembly of a hopper (61), toner adder roller (45) and developer roller (43) is attached to an assembly carrying the photoconductive drum through springs (132a, 132b). The hopper assembly has center locating surfaces (29a, 29b) to receive a downward pressing member from the printer and flat ledges (161a, 133a) to contact rollers in the printer, which permits adjustment of the contact between the drum and the developer roller while positively locating the drum. The cover assembly also has flat locating surfaces (449, 451) near the hopper to rest on the printer frame.

Abstract: The door (3) of a laser printer (1) is pivoted to the frame (1c) of the printer by a pin (21) of hinge (19). When the door is shut, link (33) is rotatably connected to the hinge at a location above the pin. Link 33 has an elongated slot (33a) at its end opposite the hinge in which a pin (51) does not encounter the edge of the slot when the door is closed. Spring (31) therefore rotates U shaped link 11 around its pivot point (15) to the frame to bring charge roller (9) into contact with photoconductor drum (5). When the door is manually opened, spring 31 provides an upward force, link 33 is moved forward where the slot engages pin 51, which pivots both link 13 and door 3 upward. Force of the charge roller against the drum is by the spring as the only active element, thereby providing a controlled force.