Abstract: A drive belt tensioning method and assembly using a dual spring tensioner. A pulley from a drive belt/pulley system is mounted onto a pivot arm having a pivot point. A tensioner spring mounts between the machine frame and the pivot arm, such that is causes rotation of the pivot arm about the pivot point in the opposite direction that the belt/pulley system causes rotation about the pivot point. A stop is used to keep the pivot arm in the position of tensioner spring/belt/pulley system equilibrium. This stop is mounted to the machine frame after the pivot arm equilibrium is reached. A retainer spring mounts between the machine frame and the pivot arm such that when in tension it causes a rotational force about the pivot point in the same direction that the tensioner spring causes a rotational force about the pivot point.

Abstract: The invention relates to cleaning deposits from a moving surface within a printer. According to just one aspect of the invention a cleaning device for cleaning a moving surface in a printer is provided. The cleaning device includes a blade defining at least one cleaning edge configured to engage the moving surface in the printer, the blade including a multitude of blade segments spaced along a width thereof.

Abstract: A drive belt tensioning method and assembly using a dual spring tensioner. A pulley from a drive belt/pulley system is mounted onto a pivot arm having a pivot point. A tensioner spring mounts between the machine frame and the pivot arm, such that is causes rotation of the pivot arm about the pivot point in the opposite direction that the belt/pulley system causes rotation about the pivot point. A stop is used to keep the pivot arm in the position of tensioner spring/belt/pulley system equilibrium. This stop is mounted to the machine frame after the pivot arm equilibrium is reached. A retainer spring mounts between the machine frame and the pivot arm such that when in tension it causes a rotational force about the pivot point in the same direction that the tensioner spring causes a rotational force about the pivot point.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding sheets seriatim from a stack of sheets which substantially prevents image ruboff. Such sheet feed apparatus includes a tray for supporting a stack of sheets. A plate associated with the tray supports the lead edge of the sheet stack. A major portion of the sheet stack, measured from the top of the sheet stack at the lead edge of the sheet stack, is supported by a mechanism associated with the plate. A positive flow of air is directed at a minor portion of the sheet stack, measured from the bottom of the sheet stack at the lead edge of the sheet stack, to enable the minor portion of the sheet stack to be levitated for separation of the sheets in the minor portion of the sheet stack.

Abstract: In an apparatus for transporting sheets along a travel path, a registration mechanism for aligning a sheet relative to the travel path. The registration mechanism comprises a support for a sheet moving along the travel path and a pair of frusto-conical rollers. The frusto-conical rollers are mounted for rotation about common axis, with the apex portions of the respective frusto-conical rollers oriented in the same direction relative to the common axis. The common axis is located to lie in a plane parallel to the plane of a sheet in the travel path and extend in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of a sheet along the travel path. The plane containing the axis is spaced from the sheet supporting means a distance such that the frusto-conical rollers are in nip relation with the sheet supporting means so as to urge a sheet in the travel path in the direction of movement along the travel path and in a direction transverse to the direction of movement with a minimum of skew induced in such sheet.

Abstract: A drive mechanism rotates a shaft of a station of a reproduction apparatus about an axis. The drive mechanism is supported by a mechanism plate in the apparatus, and the station is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the axis to engage the shaft with the drive mechanism and to disengage the shaft from the drive mechanism. Power from a source can be applied to the drive mechanism when the station shaft is disengaged from the mechanism, when the shaft is engaged with the mechanism but the station is not being operated, and when the station is being operated. The improved drive mechanism is particularly useful for one or more development stations of a reproduction apparatus such as a copier/duplicator, printer or the like.

Abstract: A drive mechanism rotates a shaft of a station of a reproduction apparatus about an axis. The station is movable in the reproduction apparatus in a direction substantially parallel to the axis to engage the shaft with the drive mechanism and disengage the shaft from the drive mechanism. As the shaft is moved into engagement with the drive mechanism, the mechanism can move with respect to the axis so that the drive mechanism is adjusted to receive the shaft.