Abstract: A toner container includes a cylindrical container body, a cap having a toner outlet, and a shutter.

Abstract: Provided is an electro-conductive member for electrophotography that stably shows high electro-conductivity even under a low-temperature, low-humidity environment. The electro-conductive member for electrophotography has an electro-conductive mandrel and an electro-conductive layer. The electro-conductive layer contains an ionic electro-conductive resin and an ion carrier. The ionic electro-conductive resin has at least one structure selected from the group consisting of structures represented by the following formulae (1), (2), (3), and (4), and a structure represented by the following formula (5) (in the formula (1) to the formula (5), R1, R2, R3, and R4 each represent a divalent organic group, X1, X2, X3, and X4 each independently represent a sulfonic group or a quaternary ammonium base, and 1 represents an integer of 1 or more and 23 or less).

Abstract: A method for remanufacturing toner cartridges includes the use of a plurality of machine screw inserts. Each of a plurality of screw holes of a toner cartridge shell is tapped to create new threading within the plurality of screw holes. The plurality of machine screw inserts is positioned into the plurality of screw holes in order to reinforce the plurality of screw holes, wherein each of the plurality of machine screw inserts has a threaded outer surface and a threaded inner surface. The plurality of machine screw inserts provides a durable interface with a plurality of screws that reduces the chance of failure of the plurality of screws as the plurality of screws is positioned within the plurality of screw holes. An adhesive is applied to each of the plurality of machine screw inserts in order to secure the plurality of machine screw inserts within the plurality of screw holes.

Abstract: A cartridge plug for a CRUM-enabled ink or toner cartridge includes a CRUM device seated in an annular position, secured in a recess at a center of the cap. The recess is formed in a mounting surface of the cap that extends above a peripheral surface of the cap that the surrounds the mounting surface. The mounting surface is contiguous with the peripheral surface, being interposed by flexible walls that compress under load. The mounting surface is compressible under load by way of the flexible walls, and springs back to a resting position as a load is decreased.

Abstract: A method for restoring an imaging cartridge chip, applicable in the technical field of imaging. In the process of restoring the imaging cartridge chip, a laser beam is used at least to unseal a location where a functional interface is on a storage device comprised in the imaging cartridge chip, or at least to scratch open or to drill open packaging material at the location where the functional interface is, then restore data is written into the storage device via the functional interface and a read/write interface. This results in the repair of the imaging cartridge chip.

Abstract: A method for remanufacturing a printer cartridge component is provided. The method provides a printer cartridge component having an assembled organic photoconductor (OPC) drum with a flange portion and a cylinder portion. The flange portion has a cylinder engagement end attached and inserted in a locked position with a flange lock in a first end of the cylinder portion. The method further unlocks the flange lock so that the flange portion is in an unlocked position in the first end of the cylinder portion. The method further secures the unlocked flange portion. The method further removes the cylinder portion from the secured unlocked flange portion to obtain a removed cylinder portion and a removed flange portion. The method further assembles the removed flange portion with a replacement OPC drum cylinder portion to obtain a remanufactured printer cartridge component.

Abstract: Methods of recoating a developing member such as the doctor blade, developing member bar or a developing sleeve, of an electro-photographic image forming apparatus, such as a laser printer toner cartridge, methods of re-using the original components by re-coating them, to cut the cost of using new aftermarket parts and to reduce waste, which methods include close quality control and “tailoring” of formulations to a specific developing system, thus achieving better print quality in terms of density, page yield, and uniformity for the repaired or remanufactured toner cartridge.

Abstract: A toner cartridge packaging having a non-planar top surface is disclosed.

Abstract: A refurbished toner blade for a toner cartridge and a method for refurbishing a toner blade for a toner cartridge are provided. The refurbished toner blade includes a fixed portion configured for attachment to a portion of a toner cartridge, a depending portion extending away from the fixed portion, and a permanent deflection that is formed during refurbishment of the toner blade and that extends between the fixed portion and the depending portion. The refurbished toner blade is formed from a used toner blade in which the depending portion has obtained a permanent deformation in a first direction after an initial period of use. The permanent deflection deflects the depending portion in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A remanufactured laser printer toner cartridge, and methods, having an added primary charge roller cleaning roller assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning roller assembly engages the bare ends the primary charge roller shafts; installation of the cleaning roller assembly into the cartridge is accomplished by reinstalling the primary charge roller, with the assembly, into the cartridge's primary charge roller shaft saddles. The cleaning roller may be adapted to rotate through contact with the primary charge roller.

Abstract: A developer container includes: a casing having a filling port and a cap for covering the filling port. The filling port is defined by a cylindrical through-hole having an inner peripheral surface, and a protruding portion protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface. The cap is attached to the casing in a first direction. The cap includes: a main body portion in a tubular shape having an outer peripheral surface; and a flange portion protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface in annular fashion. The flange portion is positioned downstream of the main body portion in the first direction and configured to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface. The protruding portion is positioned upstream of the flange portion in the first direction upon attachment of the cap to the casing.

Abstract: There is provided a method for remanufacturing a printer cartridge component. The method includes providing a printer cartridge component having a flanged organic photoconductor (OPC) drum with a flange portion and a cylinder portion. The flange portion has a drum cylinder engagement end attached and inserted in a locked position with a flange lock in a first end of the cylinder portion. The method further includes unlocking the flange lock so that the flange portion is in an unlocked position in the first end of the cylinder portion. The method further includes securing the unlocked flange portion. The method further includes removing the cylinder portion from the secured unlocked flange portion to obtain a removed cylinder portion and a removed flange portion. The method further includes assembling the removed flange portion with a replacement OPC drum cylinder portion to obtain a remanufactured printer cartridge component.

Abstract: There is provided a doctor blade assembly and method for alignment in a toner hopper of a toner printer cartridge. The doctor blade assembly has a holder portion. The holder portion has a first mounting end and a second mounting end. The holder portion further has a pair of recessed openings formed in the first mounting end and the second mounting end, respectively. The holder portion further has a pair of alignment elements each having an alignment through hole and each configured to fit in and correspond to each respective recessed opening. The doctor blade assembly further has a blade portion attached to the holder portion. The doctor blade assembly further has a pair of fastener members each configured for insertion through the alignment through hole and through the recessed opening.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of remanufacturing a toner cartridge for use in a xerographic process, as well as a toner cartridge remanufactured by the disclosed method. According to one exemplary embodiment, the remanufacturing method includes electrically connecting a resistor of a predetermined resistance between a toner supply roll contact and a development roll contact, the resistor modifying the electric field between the toner supply roll and development roll, where the remanufactured toner cartridge includes toner of triboelectric charge properties different from the original toner.

Abstract: Remanufactured laser printer toner cartridges and methods of manufacture by which predetermined structures internal to the toner hopper section are removed preferably by a robotic laser cutter, a volume increasing cap is provided for the modified toner hopper section and the cartridge is re-assembled to yield a remanufactured toner cartridge that has a capacity to store toner that is significantly increased in comparison to the storage capacity of the OEM toner cartridge.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus is configured such that a process cartridge can be detachably attached through an opening, at which an openable cover is provided. A sheet accommodated in a sheet feed tray arranged below the process cartridge is to be upwardly fed along a first sheet feed path, while a second feed path is defined by the bottom face of the process cartridge and a path composing member oppositely arranged below the process cartridge. An opened portion is formed at a position, on the opening side, where the second feed path is connected to the first feed path. A first drying agent is arranged in the second feed path. An end of the first drying agent or a member connected to the first drying agent is exposed to outside of the second feed path through the opened portion so as to be visually recognizable when the cover is opened.

Abstract: A first developer container delivers developer to a second developer container, the first developer container including a first opening to be engaged with the second developer container and to deliver the developer; and a conveyor to convey the developer and to deliver the developer through the first opening.

Abstract: Techniques for modifying an imaging cartridge includes providing the imaging cartridge comprising a body including a circuit holding structure sized to hold an electronic circuit and forming a modified circuit holding structure, with the modified circuit holding structure sized to hold a replacement electronic circuit. At least one dimension of the replacement electronic circuit may be greater than a corresponding dimension of the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A developer discharge auxiliary tool, including a supporting section which supports a developing unit, that is provided with a discharge port to discharge developer contained therein, at a predetermined height with the discharge port down in a state in which the discharge port is located on a lateral or lower side of the developing unit.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of remanufacturing a toner cartridge for use in a xerographic process, as well as a toner cartridge remanufactured by the disclosed method. According to one exemplary embodiment, the remanufacturing method includes electrically connecting a resistor of a predetermined resistance between a toner supply roll contact and a development roll contact, the resistor modifying the electric field between the toner supply roll and development roll, where the remanufactured toner cartridge includes toner of triboelectric charge properties different from the original toner.

Abstract: Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have integral memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes a portion that stores a value indicative of a print yield. Disclosed is a method and system for allowing the memory to have data indicative of an increased print yield.

Abstract: A reassembled laser printer toner cartridge and method of manufacture including a cartridge seal assembly in which the remains of an OEM laser printer toner cartridge's toner hopper pull seal strip(s) is left in position, or a substitute conductive strip is put in the same position to simulate the OEM pull seal strip(s) if the OEM strips have been damaged or are missing in order to enable a repaired or remanufactured cartridge to cooperate with the printer in detecting measuring and displaying the amount of toner consumed from the cartridge and shut the printer down, once the toner cartridge is empty, and a toner cartridge hopper foam seal strip assembly that covers the remnants of the OEM seal strips and provides a seal to prevent leakage of toner from the re-filled toner cartridge.

Abstract: A method for remanufacturing toner cartridges includes the use of a plurality of machine screw inserts. Each of a plurality of screw holes of a toner cartridge shell is tapped to create new threading within the plurality of screw holes. The plurality of machine screw inserts is positioned into the plurality of screw holes in order to reinforce the plurality of screw holes, wherein each of the plurality of machine screw inserts has a threaded outer surface and a threaded inner surface. The plurality of machine screw inserts provides a durable interface with a plurality of screws that reduces the chance of failure of the plurality of screws as the plurality of screws is positioned within the plurality of screw holes. An adhesive is applied to each of the plurality of machine screw inserts in order to secure the plurality of machine screw inserts within the plurality of screw holes.

Abstract: An attachable/detachable body includes a main body, a positioned portion, a transmitted member a contacting portion. The main body of the attachable/detachable body is supported to be attachable to and detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus. The positioned portion is positioned at a positioning portion provided at the main body of the image forming apparatus. The transmitted member is connected to a transmission member provided at the main body of the image forming apparatus to transmit a drive thereto, the transmitted member transmitting the drive to a driven member provided at the main body of the attachable/detachable body. The contacting portion comes into contact with a contacted portion that is provided at the main body of the image forming apparatus to be connected electrically thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a device and method for aligning a doctor blade in a toner hopper of toner printer cartridge. In one embodiment there is provided a device for aligning a doctor blade in a toner hopper of a toner printer cartridge where the device has a base portion, at least one cartridge portion holding element on the base portion, and an alignment assembly portion setting a doctor blade alignment setting and aligning a doctor blade in a toner hopper retained by the cartridge portion holding element.

Abstract: A method of operating a cartridge chip installed in an imaging device includes: causing, by the cartridge chip, the imaging device to enter an error condition; monitoring the timing or sequence of communication signals received from the imaging device during at least a portion of the error condition; and operating, based on the timing or sequence of the communication signals received from the imaging device during at least a portion of the error condition, in a first mode of operation compatible with a first type of imaging device not having a list of banned serial numbers or in a second mode of operation compatible with a second type of imaging device having a list of banned serial numbers.

Abstract: A sealing system and method for a remanufactured toner cartridge is provided. The remanufactured toner cartridge includes a first fixed portion, a second fixed portion spaced from the first fixed portion, and a seal having a fixed end, a free end, an engaging side, and a non-engaging side. An elongated member is inserted between the first fixed portion and the non-engaging side of the seal, and urges the engaging side of the seal into sealing engagement with the second fixed portion.

Abstract: A method of modifying a printer cartridge is disclosed. The modifications increase the versatility of an existing cartridge by enabling the cartridge to be transformed into a universal cartridge. The OEM print cartridges are restricted to use in a few or only one type of printer due to specialized gear side end plates and contact side end plates. End plates contain features or portions, such as bosses, which restrict the number of models of printer that a cartridge may be fit into. The features or portions may be removed by any combination of cutting, modifying, or replacing the gear side end or the contact side end plates. Removing the portions, removes the restrictions imposed by the end plates and allows the print cartridge to been fit into a greater number of printers. The universal cartridge may be used in the printer for which it is originally designed as well as another printer or printer family, thus increasing the versatility of the cartridge.

Abstract: There is provided a doctor blade assembly and method for alignment in a toner hopper of a toner printer cartridge. The doctor blade assembly has a holder portion. The holder portion has a first mounting end and a second mounting end. The holder portion further has a pair of recessed openings formed in the first mounting end and the second mounting end, respectively. The holder portion further has a pair of alignment elements each having an alignment through hole and each configured to fit in and correspond to each respective recessed opening. The doctor blade assembly further has a blade portion attached to the holder portion. The doctor blade assembly further has a pair of fastener members each configured for insertion through the alignment through hole and through the recessed opening.

Abstract: An approach is provided for filling a toner container useful in printing. The approach involves causing, at least in part, a toner container to be coupled to a base member, the base member being configured to contact a lift mechanism. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, the toner container to be moved to a filling position by the lift mechanism. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, a predetermined amount of a toner to be input into the toner container by a filling process when the toner container is in the filling position. The approach additionally involves causing, at least in part, at least the toner inside the toner container to be agitated by way of the base member during the filling process, at least until the toner container is filled with the predetermined amount of toner.

Abstract: A universal OPC drum that allows a remanufacturer to stock a minimum number of OPC drum sleeves of various sizes and then add the appropriate gear for the desired cartridge at the time of cartridge remanufacture. A universal OPC drum may also include a universal hub and an electrical contact on each end to maintain universality without regard to whether the OEM contact is mounted on the drive or non-drive side of the OPC drum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photosensitive drum that is provided with a structure that can decrease noise-causing vibrations without being accompanied by the addition of new parts. The photosensitive drum (2) is provided with a tube-shaped conductive base (11) on the surface of which a photosensitive layer (12) is formed, and flanges (13) attached to both ends of the conductive base (11) by being inserted into said both ends. The end sections (13a) of the flanges (13) in the tube-length direction (Z) of the conductive base (11) contact the inner surface (11a) of the conductive base (11) within an electrically-charged region (Le) of the photosensitive layer (12).

Abstract: A developing cartridge having a collar member provided over an axially end portion of a developing roller shaft and movable in an axial direction thereof. The collar member includes a cap portion covering the axial end portion of the rotation shaft and electrically contacted with the rotation shaft, and a power-feed receiving portion electrically connected to the cap portion and electrically contactable with an external electrode. The power-feed receiving portion is provided integrally with the cap portion.

Abstract: A remanufacturing method of a developing device that includes a developer accommodating portion partitioned by a partitioning portion, a first opening provided in the partitioning portion and a seal member welded on the partitioning portion, surrounding the first opening, wherein the first opening is opened by removing the seal member to supply a developer to the outside. The method includes hermetically sealing, before or after re-filling the developer in the developer accommodating portion for reuse, the first opening by bonding, on the partitioning portion, a plate-like member, which is provided with a second opening corresponding to the first opening, and on which a reseal member for sealing the second opening is detachably bonded, at a region outside of a welding trace, a region inside of the trace, or a region ranging from an inside to an outside of the trace, so as to cover the welding trace.

Abstract: A developing cartridge having a memory unit and an image forming apparatus in which the developing cartridge is separably installed. Once the developing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the memory unit of the developing cartridge is arranged to face a recording medium delivery path. The memory unit is connectable to a connection unit of a board placed in a lower region of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques for modifying an imaging cartridge includes providing the imaging cartridge comprising a body including a circuit holding structure sized to hold an electronic circuit and forming a modified circuit holding structure, with the modified circuit holding structure sized to hold a replacement electronic circuit. At least one dimension of the replacement electronic circuit may be greater than a corresponding dimension of the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A sealing system and method for a remanufactured toner cartridge is provided. The remanufactured toner cartridge includes a first fixed portion, a second fixed portion spaced from the first fixed portion, and a seal having a fixed end, a free end, an engaging side, and a non-engaging side. An elongated member is inserted between the first fixed portion and the non-engaging side of the seal, and urges the engaging side of the seal into sealing engagement with the second fixed portion.

Abstract: A refurbished toner blade for a toner cartridge and a method for refurbishing a toner blade for a toner cartridge are provided. The refurbished toner blade includes a fixed portion configured for attachment to a portion of a toner cartridge, a depending portion extending away from the fixed portion, and a permanent deflection that is formed during refurbishment of the toner blade and that extends between the fixed portion and the depending portion. The refurbished toner blade is formed from a used toner blade in which the depending portion has obtained a permanent deformation in a first direction after an initial period of use. The permanent deflection deflects the depending portion in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing cartridge, comprising a developing unit and a photosensitive unit, of which the latter consists of a photosensitive member and a developer chamber and has a developer outlet connecting the chamber and a sealing cap matching the developer outlet and used to seal the said outlet. Based on the said technical proposal, the photosensitive unit is designed with a developer outlet connecting the chamber and with a sealing cap matching the developer outlet and used to seal the said outlet, so, when the photosensitive unit becomes full with developer, the sealing cap can be opened to remove the developer in the photosensitive unit, which facilitates the cleaning without affecting the normal operation of the processing cartridge.

Abstract: A method for restoring an imaging cartridge chip, applicable in the technical field of imaging. In the process of restoring the imaging cartridge chip, a laser beam is used at least to unseal a location where a functional interface is on a storage device comprised in the imaging cartridge chip, or at least to scratch open or to drill open packaging material at the location where the functional interface is, then restore data is written into the storage device via the functional interface and a read/write interface. This results in the repair of the imaging cartridge chip.

Abstract: Provide herein is a bias charging member that includes a conductive core, and an outer surface layer disposed on the conductive core. The outer surface layer includes carbon black and polycarbonate.

Abstract: A plurality of control boards can be connected to each other via a high-speed bus. An image forming unit performs an image forming process, which is housed in a casing. A slot is arranged on any one of a plurality of side surfaces perpendicular to a bottom surface of the casing, which is elongated in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface and guides the control boards to inside of the casing. The control boards are connected in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A low cost batch or continuous toner agglomeration process for laser printer toner cartridges that virtually eliminates generation of airborne toner and that provides associated health and safety benefits. The residual powdered toner in cartridges is solidified in a clean, low cost thermal agglomeration process.

Abstract: A remanufactured toner cartridge includes a wall defining a fill hole that is used to refill the cartridge with toner. A patch covers the fill hole, and a heat activated adhesive non-removably attaches the patch to the wall. The fill hole can be formed with a heat knife such that when the heat knife is withdrawn it forms a raised ridge of material extending around the perimeter of the fill hole. The patch is attached to the wall by applying heat and pressure to the patch, which also softens and at least partially flattens the ridge of material surrounding the fill hole such that the patch is substantially flush with the wall upon completion of the operation.

Abstract: A method for remanufacturing a printer cartridge component is provided. The method provides a printer cartridge component having an assembled organic photoconductor (OPC) drum with a flange portion and a cylinder portion. The flange portion has a cylinder engagement end attached and inserted in a locked position with a flange lock in a first end of the cylinder portion. The method further unlocks the flange lock so that the flange portion is in an unlocked position in the first end of the cylinder portion. The method further secures the unlocked flange portion. The method further removes the cylinder portion from the secured unlocked flange portion to obtain a removed cylinder portion and a removed flange portion. The method further assembles the removed flange portion with a replacement OPC drum cylinder portion to obtain a remanufactured printer cartridge component.

Abstract: A mounting structure includes a supporting member and an engagement member. The supporting member includes a first engaging section at one edge portion and a second engaging section at the other edge portion, and supports or positions an object to support. The engagement member includes a first engagement section capable of engaging with the first engaging section and a second engagement section capable of engaging with the second engaging section, and is a member for holding the supporting member with the supporting member being mounted onto the engagement member. Also, the supporting member supports or positions the object to support with the first engaging section and the second engaging section respectively engaging with the first engagement section and the second engagement section. The first engaging section has a higher rigidity than the first engagement section. The second engaging section has a higher rigidity than the second engagement section.

Abstract: There is provided a method for remanufacturing a printer cartridge component. The method includes providing a printer cartridge component having a flanged organic photoconductor (OPC) drum with a flange portion and a cylinder portion. The flange portion has a drum cylinder engagement end attached and inserted in a locked position with a flange lock in a first end of the cylinder portion. The method further includes unlocking the flange lock so that the flange portion is in an unlocked position in the first end of the cylinder portion. The method further includes securing the unlocked flange portion. The method further includes removing the cylinder portion from the secured unlocked flange portion to obtain a removed cylinder portion and a removed flange portion. The method further includes assembling the removed flange portion with a replacement OPC drum cylinder portion to obtain a remanufactured printer cartridge component.

Abstract: Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have integral memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes a portion that stores a value indicative of a print yield. Disclosed is a method and system for allowing the memory to have data indicative of an increased print yield.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and methods for remanufacturing print cartridges and tracking the quality thereof. The system and methods may provide a workstation that allows an operator to test, evacuate, clean, refill, and verify the success of a remanufactured print cartridge. The system and methods further provide for quality management of a remanufacturing process in which vendors and remanufacturers have access to data, including statistics on remanufacturing, product supplies, accounting, etc., creating a transparent market for buying and selling remanufactured print cartridges.

Abstract: Imaging devices, such as laser printers, often use a toner cartridge to print images on a recording medium. For both environmental and economical reasons, it is often desirable to reuse an exhausted toner cartridge. Some imaging devices use toner cartridges comprised of two sections that are fixed together with some limited movement. This limited movement is necessary to compensate for any misalignment in the toner cartridge and to reduce printer defects. Disclosed is a method and device for remanufacturing this type of toner cartridge.