Abstract: A precision release agent management system for an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus fuser device. The precision release agent management system includes a reservoir adapted to contain a release agent. A wick absorbs release agent from the reservoir. A metering member receives release agent from the wick, which is supported for resiliently urging into operative contact with the metering member. A blade member is associated with the metering member to establish a desired thickness of release agent on the metering member, and a donor member is adapted to receive release agent from the metering member, and operatively contact the fuser device to apply the release agent thereto. A plurality of features is associated with the reservoir for precise alignment of the donor member, the metering member, and the metering blade.

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing particulate material from a moving web in an electrostatic printer/copier includes a customer-replaceable web-cleaning cartridge and a support bracket/backup shoe assembly. The latter serves to support the cleaning cartridge for movement between an operative position in which web-cleaning components of the cartridge exert a substantially uniform pressure on the web, and a service position in which the cartridge is sufficiently spaced from the web to facilitate replacement and/or service. Preferably, a bracket that supports the cleaning cartridge is pivotally connected to a backup shoe that is fixed with respect to the web path and exerts a uniform pressure on the rear surface of the web, opposite that contacted by the cleaning cartridge. A quick disconnect feature enables the cartridge-supporting bracket to be de-coupled from the back-up shoe and removed from the instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a predetermined load to a roller in a printer and/or copier apparatus comprises supporting a first member relative to a frame, the first member including a driver element; advancing the driver element under a first force to establish a spring force in a spring; the driver element being stopped by a stop member to isolate any variability in the first force from affecting the spring force; providing a force receiving surface secured to said roller; engaging the force receiving surface with a second member, the second member being connected to the spring so as to provide a loading force to the roller.

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing particulate material from a moving web in an electrostatic printer/copier includes a customer-replaceable web-cleaning cartridge and a support bracket/backup shoe assembly. The latter serves to support the cleaning cartridge for movement between an operative position in which web-cleaning components of the cartridge exert a substantially uniform pressure on the web, and a service position in which the cartridge is sufficiently spaced from the web to facilitate replacement and/or service. Preferably, a bracket that supports the cleaning cartridge is pivotally connected to a backup shoe that is fixed with respect to the web path and exerts a uniform pressure on the rear surface of the web, opposite that contacted by the cleaning cartridge. A quick disconnect feature enables the cartridge-supporting bracket to be de-coupled from the back-up shoe and removed from the instrument.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus a method and apparatus for applying a loading force to a first roller assembly to move a first roller of the first roller assembly into nip engagement with a second roller of a second roller assembly, the first roller assembly having a first fiducial element for locating the first roller and the second roller assembly having a second fiducial element complementary to the first fiducial element for locating the second roller, the first roller assembly being supported by a hook and pin connection engagement that supports a carriage, which carriage supports the first roller assembly for rotation about an axis external to the first roller.

Abstract: A support and tensioning device for an elongated corona generating electrode includes a corona charger shield member that includes a first set of wall members for serving as a shield for a corona generating electrode. The shield member includes a second set of wall members shaped to define a recess formed at one end of the shield member for receiving therein a plunger member and a spring. The recess includes an inner positioned land for engaging a head end of the spring. The second set of wall members define the recess and include walls located to define a key slot opening which extends in a longitudinal direction of the shield member. A spring resides in the recess and engages the land to restrict movement of the spring within the recess. A hollow plunger member has a generally cylindrical sidewall for supporting the plunger for rotational movement in the recess and a land on or near a head end portion of the plunger member engages a tail end of the spring.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus a method and apparatus for applying a loading force to a first roller assembly to move a first roller of the first roller assembly into nip engagement with a second roller of a second roller assembly, the first roller assembly having a first fiducial element for locating the first roller and the second roller assembly having a second fiducial element complementary to the first fiducial element for locating the second roller, the first roller assembly being supported by a hook and pin connection engagement that supports a carriage, which carriage supports the first roller assembly for rotation about an axis external to the first roller.

Abstract: A roller assembly used for printing is loaded into a printing apparatus by supporting the roller assembly in a loading tool having a first carriage with top and bottom rows of rollers, the rollers engaging rails on the roller assembly and the first carriage being oriented with a second carriage within the apparatus. The second carriage also has top and bottom rows of rollers oriented similarly with the rollers of the first carriage. The roller assembly is moved into the carriage so that rails of the roller assembly are engaged by the rollers of the carriage in the printer apparatus.

Abstract: A corona charger and integral latch member device includes a corona charger having a longitudinally ending wall and a corona generating electrode extending generally parallel with the longitudinally extending wall and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. A latch member has a portion integrally molded with the wall proximate one end of the charger to define part of a bearing surface for engaging a first axially directed member of a roller. The bearing surface is spaced from the wall so as to determine a location of the corona-generating electrode relative to the axially directed member.

Abstract: A web cleaning device for cleaning contaminants from a moving surface in a printer apparatus. The cleaning device includes a nesting structure having a longitudinally extending internal surface for supporting a coil of a web fabric extending in a longitudinal direction and an external surface located opposite to the internal surface. A lip member forms a part of the nesting structure and is located adjacent a pay out end of the coil. The pay out end of the coil is wrapped about the lip member and further wrapped about the external surface of the nesting structure. The web fabric is also wound about a take-up spindle that is spaced from the coil. A portion of the web fabric from the pay out end of the coil to the external surface of the nesting structure provides a hairpin type curvature to the path of the web fabric to reduce tendency of the web fabric to bind during pay out of the web fabric from the pay out end of the coil.