Remanufacturing Patents (Class 399/109)
  • Patent number: 8095033
    Abstract: A winding member winds a seal member that seals an opening of a developer storage unit. The winding member includes a first holding portion having a first engaging portion, and a second holding portion having a second engaging portion to be engaged with the first engaging portion, configured to hold the sealing member between the first and second holding portions, wherein an end of the first holding portion and an end of the second holding portion are connected, so that the first holding portion and the second holding portion are relatively movable, and wherein the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion while the sealing member is held between the first holding portion and the second holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Furukawa, Hideki Nagae
  • Patent number: 8090274
    Abstract: A consumable unit and an image forming apparatus for controlling a consumable include a first memory that stores consumable item information regarding the consumable and provides the consumable item information through password authentication, and a second memory that rewrites recycling prevention information, which indicates that recycling is impossible, a limited number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-geun Kim, Hae-seog Jo, Ho-ill Hyun
  • Patent number: 8081898
    Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a charging roller for electrically charging the drum; a drum frame rotatably supporting the longitudinal ends of the charging roller through bearings and rotatably supporting one longitudinal end of the drum; a drum bearing rotatably supporting the other longitudinal end of the drum and connected to the other longitudinal end of the drum frame by an adhesive; a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the drum; a longitudinally movable magnet roller provided inside the developing roller; and first and second side members supporting different longitudinal ends of the magnet roller and connected to different longitudinal ends of a developing device frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Batori, Naoya Asanuma, Nobuyoshi Hara
  • Patent number: 8073359
    Abstract: A system for support, operation, installation, and removal of an endless belt in a scalable modular printing system includes an input module, at least one marking module, and an output module. The endless belt is an intermediate transfer belt, a photoconductive belt, or a sheet transport belt used in the marking system. Rollers support an interior surface of the belt, and are supported by their respective module frame structures, thus defining a vacant interior cavity of the belt. A method of belt installation includes drawing all interior rollers out of their frame structures, placing the pre-scrolled belt at one end module of the system, uncoiling the belt along its process direction within the internal cavity of the system, then reinstalling the interior rollers to capture the belt into its operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R Moore
  • Publication number: 20110293321
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Sagie Shanun, Joda Paulus, Bruce Scott
  • Publication number: 20110293322
    Abstract: A remanufactured laser printer toner cartridge has a used magnetic roller section chassis and a used toner hopper assembly, both obtained by splitting toner cartridges along ultrasonic welds. The used magnetic roller section chassis and the used toner hopper assembly are joined with a resilient adhesive along the remnants of the ultrasonic welds. The remanufactured cartridge may include a new pull seal to close the opening between the toner hopper assembly and magnetic roller section chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Sagie Shanun, Bruce Scott
  • Publication number: 20110286762
    Abstract: A remanufacturing method for a developing device and a process cartridge includes a dismounting step of dismounting a regulating member from a development frame member, a cleaning step of cleaning a blade sealing member, and a mounting step of mounting the regulating member to the development frame member after the cleaning step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuharu Hoshi, Akira Suzuki, Makoto Hayashida
  • Patent number: 8061826
    Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for remanufacturing imaging cartridges. An installation handle for positioning an electronic circuit on the imaging cartridge includes a first end, and an adhesive is releasably attached to the first end. The installation handle is adapted for positioning an electronic circuit on a surface of the imaging cartridge while the electronic circuit is releasably secured to the installation handle by the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Dale Lewis, Donald R. Huck, James R. Williams, Anthony D. Causey, Glenn L. Szabo, Billy W. Miller
  • Patent number: 8059986
    Abstract: In a state where a gear is resting on a side cover, the gear and a shaft of a developing roller are made to engage with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Tanabe, Kazunari Murayama, Hideki Maeshima
  • Publication number: 20110274460
    Abstract: There is provided a device and method for remanufacturing a printer cartridge. The printer cartridge has an organic photoconductor (OPC) drum having a drum axle and a hub assembly attached to the drum axle, and the hub assembly is in a locked position in the printer cartridge. The device has a first portion having an end configured to engage the hub assembly and unlock and lock the hub assembly. The device further has a second portion connected to the first portion, the second portion having an end configured to extract the hub assembly from the printer cartridge when the hub assembly is in an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Silva, Tigran Ohanyan, Denny Holmes
  • Publication number: 20110268470
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a toner cartridge retaining clip. The retaining clip has a first end configured to engage a portion of a contact end cap of a toner cartridge, a second end configured to engage a portion of a toner hopper of the toner cartridge, and a body portion connecting the first end to the second end. The body portion has an abutting surface configured to abut a toner sensor contact on the toner cartridge. When the first end is securely engaged to the portion of the contact end cap, and the second end is securely engaged to the portion of the toner hopper, the first end and the second end exert opposing pressures on the toner cartridge to secure the contact end cap to the toner hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Denny Holmes, Craig S. Rummler
  • Publication number: 20110249983
    Abstract: A remanufactured laser printer toner cartridge with an added primary charge roller cleaner, and methods of remanufacture, are disclosed. The added primary charge roller cleaner may be fastened to the mounting bracket of the toner cartridge's wiper blade, and functions to remove contaminants from the primary charge roller through contact with the primary charge roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Jesus Gonzales Perez, Yoel Wazana
  • Publication number: 20110243600
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jesus Gonzales Perez, Sagie Shanun, Scott Harland
  • Patent number: 8005396
    Abstract: A device for supporting printer cartridge re-manufacturing work, the device comprising at least one printer cartridge mount, the mount comprising an abutting portion configured to abut to a portion of a printer cartridge cylinder positioned on the mount, the device further comprising a drill hole template connected to the printer cartridge mount, the drill hole template defining a drill hole configured to accommodate a cutting device and to create a printer cartridge cutting pattern for the cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Tigran Ohanyan, Denny Holmes
  • Publication number: 20110188883
    Abstract: Disclosed is a roller replacement auxiliary tool of a fixing unit for extracting at least one of a heating roller and a pressure roller from a replacement opening part formed in a frame of the fixing unit in a shaft direction so as to be replaced. The heating roller has a heater lamp provided therein, and the pressure roller is capable of being brought into press-contact with the heating roller. The roller replacement auxiliary tool includes a protection unit that protects the roller when the roller is replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Kohji TOKUYAMA, Yutaka Nagasawa, Genichiro Kawamichi
  • Patent number: 7986519
    Abstract: A system board provided with electrical components is contained in a substrate frame, a reinforcing frame is pivotally fixed to an peripheral part of the substrate frame, and an HDD is mounted on the reinforcing frame in a vibration-damping manner. With this structure, the HDD is mounted on the system board in a floating state, and a space is formed between them as an airflow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sadahiro Masuda
  • Patent number: 7986900
    Abstract: A method of sealing a toner opening port of a printer cartridge is provided for inserting a seal through a toner exit port leading to the toner opening port which is configured to be covered by a toner exit port plug. The seal has a seal frame and a first pull tab attached to the seal frame with a first adhesive, and a second pull tab attached to the seal frame with a second adhesive, the second adhesive being different from the first adhesive. The method further provides for detaching the second pull tab from the seal frame, allowing the first pull tab to cover the toner opening port, and applying pressure with a seal clamp to the seal thereby allowing the seal to attach to the printer cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Denny Holmes, Tigran Ohanyan
  • Patent number: 7974550
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including: a conveyer that conveys a developer image or a transfer medium to which the developer image is transferred; an image carrier that carries the developer image transferred to the conveyer or the transfer medium which the conveyer conveys; a latent image forming unit that forms the latent image on the image carrier; a developing unit that develops the latent image formed on the image carrier and forms the a developer image; a transfer unit that transfers the developer image formed on the image carrier; and a restricting unit that restricts the movement of the image carrier and the latent image forming unit in at least two directions and a rotational direction of the image carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Suzuki, Atsuyuki Kitamura, Masahiro Sato, Shinichiro Fujimori
  • Publication number: 20110158679
    Abstract: Techniques for modifying an imaging cartridge includes providing the imaging cartridge including 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: STATIC CONTROL COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Lynton R. Burchette, William E. Thacker, III
  • Patent number: 7970292
    Abstract: A consumable unit and an image forming apparatus for controlling a consumable includes a first memory that stores consumable item information regarding the consumable and provides the consumable item information through password authentication, and a second memory that rewrites recycling prevention information, which indicates that recycling is impossible, a limited number of times. Therefore, if the consumable is replaced, it is possible to prevent the first memory and second memory from being recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-geun Kim, Hae-seog Jo, Ho-ill Hyun
  • Patent number: 7970311
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device including: a roller that develops an electric latent image formed on an image holding body; a chamber that stores a toner; a case that houses the roller and the chamber; a concave portion that is inwardly concaved from the case and that includes: a sidewall, a bottom, and a filling port formed in the bottom; and a first lid that closes the filling port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nakamura, Yuichiro Suzuki, Katsumi Kumada, Shoji Takeya, Chikara Hiraoka
  • Publication number: 20110142487
    Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes an image-bearing member on which an electrostatic image is to be formed; a first frame; a bearing member, detachably mountable to the first frame, for rotatably supporting the image-bearing member; a first hole provided in the bearing member; a first wall, provided on the first frame, in which a second hole is provided; a second frame for rotatably supporting a developer carrying member on which a developer for developing the electrostatic image is to be carried; a second wall, provided on the second frame, in which a third hole is provided; and a connecting member including a shaft portion penetrating through the first hole, the second hole and the third hole and tightly engaging in the second hole, and including a flange portion, provided at an end portion of the shaft portion, for preventing the bearing member from being detached from the first frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Osamu Anan, Koji Yamaguchi, Kazuhiko Kanno
  • Patent number: 7962069
    Abstract: An insertion passage 104Y for inserting a suction nozzle 73Y fixed to an image forming apparatus is provided on a holder 102Y, and a connecting passage 114Y that connects the insertion passage 104Y and a toner storage section 106Y of the holder 102Y is provided After the toner sent from bottle 101Y to the holder 102Y falls towards the connecting passage 104Y, the toner flows into the suction nozzle 73Y through the connecting passage 114Y and is then discharged out of the holder 102Y An airtightness between the insertion passage 114Y and the suction nozzle 73Y inserted into the insertion passage 114 Y is superior than an airtightness between the bottle 101Y and the holder 102Y engaged with the bottle 101Y.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeroh Kurenuma, Fumio Ogata, Seiji Terazawa, Masayuki Yamane, Kenzo Tatsumi, Kiyonori Tsuda, Emi Kita, Nobuyuki Taguchi, Satoshi Narumi, Kazuhisa Sudo
  • Publication number: 20110123220
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian P. Gilmartin, Liang-Bih Lin, Jeanne M. Koval, Aaron M. Stuckey, Gary A. Batt
  • Publication number: 20110123219
    Abstract: Provide herein is a description of 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 acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian P. Gilmartin, Liang-Bih Lin, Jeanne M. Koval, Aaron M. Stuckey, Gary A. Batt
  • Patent number: 7945200
    Abstract: Systems and methods of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge include providing the imaging cartridge comprising a developer material supplying roller, a developer roller, a developer blade which regulates a layer of thickness of the developer material on the outer surface of the developer roller, the developer blade held in a first position to exert a first pressure on the outer surface of the developer roller, providing a replacement developer material having a set of characteristics, and adjusting the position of the developer blade to a second position to exert a second pressure on the outer surface of the developer roller, the second position of the developer blade selected to function with the replacement developer material having the set of characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ray Norris, Lawrence Dale Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110110681
    Abstract: A method of making an electronic circuit for activating an imaging machine includes providing a first electronic circuit that is not capable of authenticating itself to the imaging machine; providing a second electronic circuit comprising an electronic component that is capable of authenticating itself to the imaging machine; removing the electronic component from the second electronic circuit; and electrically connecting the electronic component to the first electronic circuit, such that the first electronic circuit can use the electronic component to authenticate the first electronic circuit to the imaging machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Steven Miller, Herman Schnell
  • Patent number: 7917056
    Abstract: Techniques for modifying an imaging cartridge includes providing the imaging cartridge including 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynton R. Burchette, William E. Thacker
  • Patent number: 7903996
    Abstract: A remanufactured laser printer toner cartridge having a foam gasket seal with the transverse edge of the inner periphery extending from a longitudinal edge at an acute angle, preferably about 22 degrees, which angled edge prevents post testing excess toner from building up into a roll and jamming at the exit port as the remanufactured cartridge's pull strip is pulled when making the cartridge ready to install into the printer, and minimizes the likelihood that the gasket will be pulled off of the cartridge hopper section and jam the pull seal exit port as the pull seal is removed from the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Wazana Brothers International, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Lenahan
  • Publication number: 20110052252
    Abstract: There is described a bias charging member that includes a conductive core and an outer surface layer on the conductive core. The outer surface layer includes a resin of aminoplast and one of polyol or nylon, a conductive additive and p-toluene sulfonic acid. There is also described a method of refurbishing bias charging members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Liang-Bih Lin, Gary A. Batt, Brian Gilmartin, Jeanne M. Koval, Aaron M. Stuckey
  • Publication number: 20110044720
    Abstract: There is provided a retaining clip apparatus and method for securing a toner feeder gear housing to a toner hopper of a toner printer cartridge. The apparatus comprises a first end configured to engage a protruding edge of the toner hopper. The apparatus further comprises a second end having a first surface configured to engage a portion of the toner feeder gear housing and having a second surface configured to engage a portion of the top cover housing, such that the second end is positioned within a space between the top cover housing and the toner feeder gear housing. The apparatus further comprises an elongated body portion connecting the first end to the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Denny Holmes, Craig S. Rummler
  • Publication number: 20110044721
    Abstract: There is provided a universal magnet roller press apparatus, assembly, and method for removing and installing a magnet and a hub of a magnet roller of a toner printer cartridge. The apparatus has a mounting base, a screw drive assembly, an alignment cradle, a front support assembly, a back support assembly, and a first rod stop and a second rod stop. The assembly has the universal magnet roller press apparatus and a plurality of magnet roller adaptors for attached to the magnet roller during removal and installation of the magnet and the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Denny Holmes, Tigran Ohanyan
  • Publication number: 20110038648
    Abstract: A method of removing the imaging drum (2) of a desktop laser printer and the like wherein pressure is applied to either one or both of the stub bearings (5) of the imaging drum mounted in support bearings (7) attached to the body of the printer cartridge to dislodge the stub bearings and thereafter the application of pressure is continued to force the stub bearings out of their support bearings to allow the drum to be released. This avoids the disadvantages of present known methods one of which involves sawing through the imaging drum and then sliding the two cut halves out of their respective bearings in the printer cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: PBT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Jeremy Peter Thompson
  • Patent number: 7859714
    Abstract: A light emitting device that forms a latent image by irradiating light onto a charged surface of an image carrier. The light emitting device includes an electro-optical substrate that forms an optical image, a focusing lens array that focuses light from the electro-optical substrate to form an erect image of the corresponding optical image on the charged surface, and a frame in which the focusing lens array is fixed. A position determining member, which is formed of resin, is disposed on the frame, comes in contact with a supporting body that supports the image carrier, and determines a distance between the focusing lens array and the image carrier by its own height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7853173
    Abstract: A system and process for emptying excess toner from repaired or remanufactured laser printer toner cartridges, for use in both magnetic toner and non-magnetic toner after the cartridge has been assembled and post-assembly tested. The removal of excess toner from the cartridge prevents the cartridge from “sweating”, i.e., leaking toner out from the developing roller section of the cartridge and into the shipping packaging box during shipping and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wazana Brothers International
    Inventor: Jesus Gonzalez Perez
  • Patent number: 7840158
    Abstract: A device for detaching a drum from a cartridge, the device having a fixture for supporting the printer cartridge; a clamp for preventing printer cartridge movement while the drum is being detached from the printer cartridge; and a cutting device having at least one adjustable cutting edge, wherein the adjustable cutting edge may be adjusted from an unexposed position to an exposed position and vice versa. A method of removing a drum from a printer cartridge, the drum being attached to the printer cartridge by at least one drum gear assembly, the drum gear assembly having a cylinder with a hollow interior, the method having the steps of supporting the printer cartridge on a fixture; substantially securing the printer cartridge; and cutting the drum gear assembly from the hollow interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Tigran Ohanyan
  • Patent number: 7835664
    Abstract: A method of sealing a toner opening port of a printer cartridge, the method comprising inserting a seal through a toner exit port, the toner exit port leading to the toner opening port, the toner exit port being configured to be covered by a toner exit port plug, the seal comprising a seal frame and a first pull tab attached to the seal frame with a first adhesive, the seal further comprising a second pull tab attached to the seal frame with a second adhesive, the second adhesive being a different type of adhesive from the first adhesive; allowing the first pull tab to cover the toner opening port; detaching the second pull tab from the seal frame; and applying pressure to the seal frame thereby allowing the second adhesive to attach the seal frame to the printer cartridge, wherein the first pull tab is configured to be detached from the seal frame without substantially adhering to the toner exit port plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Tigran Ohanyan, Denny Holmes
  • Patent number: 7831171
    Abstract: A printer cartridge fastener comprising a curved portion adapted to grasp a printer cartridge overhang; a main body connected to the curved portion, the main body comprising a first side connected to the curved section; and a second side positioned opposite the first side; and an elongate portion connected to the second side of the main body, the elongate portion configured to abut to a printer cartridge portion positioned substantially perpendicular to the overhang.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Denny Holmes, Craig Rummler
  • Patent number: 7831172
    Abstract: The present invention also includes a method of remanufacturing a printer cartridge, the printer cartridge comprising printer cartridge components fastened together by a pin, the method comprising the steps of providing a device, the device comprising a shaft configured to apply pressure to the pin; a drive means for driving the shaft against the pin; and applying pressure to the pin using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Silva, Valeriy Kiselev, Gerardo Martinez, Tigran Ohanyan, Denny Holmes
  • Publication number: 20100278554
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for reducing and/or eliminating chances of new or used cleaning blades, installed in a laser printer toner cartridge, failing in operation due to high friction forces applied by the photo-sensitive member, achieved by trimming the corners of the polymeric section of the blade so that the corners are not at 90-degree angles, and thus reducing the forces and pressure applied on the corners, or by fabricating new cleaning blades with angled or rounded corners that do not have 90-degree angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Jesus Gonzalez Perez, Stott Lenahan
  • Patent number: 7805086
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which the consumption article can be attached to and detached from a main body has a controller, which reads first new/old information that is stored in a repetitively rewritable area of a memory provided on the consumption article and represents whether or not the consumption article is unused after manufacturing or after recycling and second new/old information that is stored in a once rewritable area of the memory and represents the number of times of recycling of the consumption article and controls the operation of the image forming apparatus on the basis of the first new/old information and the second new/old information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kawai, Tatsutoshi Yamada, Yoshihiko Yoshizaki, Kazuo Okunishi, Hideo Mae, Yoshiaki Takano
  • Publication number: 20100221035
    Abstract: A method of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge includes providing a consumed imaging cartridge having an outer housing that fits in a first imaging cartridge receiving cavity of a first imaging machine; removing the outer housing from the imaging cartridge; and replacing the outer housing with a second outer housing that fits in a second imaging cartridge receiving cavity of a second imaging machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Miller
  • Patent number: 7764902
    Abstract: A method of converting a first printer cartridge to a second printer cartridge, the second printer cartridge comprising a waste hopper, the second printer cartridge comprising a plurality of positioning pins on both sides of the waste hopper, the method comprising: determining the positions of the positioning pins of the second printer cartridge; providing positioning pins for the first printer cartridge; and attaching the positioning pins to the first printer cartridge at the previously determined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Silva
  • Patent number: 7761031
    Abstract: A method of modifying a printer cartridge, the printer cartridge being configured to be used with a first printer, the cartridge comprising a first toner hopper, a waste hopper connected to the first toner hopper, an end cap connected to the toner hopper, and a guide key connected to the end cap, the cartridge further comprising a bushing configured to surround a drum axle, the method comprising: modifying the guide key; modifying the bushing; providing a second printer; and using the printer cartridge with the second printer. A method of modifying a printer cartridge, the printer cartridge being configured to be used with a first printer, the cartridge comprising a first toner hopper and a waste hopper connected to the toner hopper, the method comprising: providing a second toner hopper, the second toner hopper being distinct from the first toner hopper; replacing the first toner hopper with the second toner hopper; providing a second printer; and using the cartridge with the second printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Gerardo Martinez
  • Patent number: 7747189
    Abstract: In the field of laser printer toner cartridges, systems and methods for removing a drive gear from an original, spent photosensitive drum or member, preparing and re-installing the drive gear on a new drum surface roughening, cleaning, contact straightening and priming of the original gear; cleaning and laser etching the new drum; gear positioning and adhering the gear to the drum with an epoxy/amine adhesive, electrical continuity testing and curing of the gear-drum assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Wazana Brothers International
    Inventors: Sagie Shanun, Joda Paulus
  • Patent number: 7742719
    Abstract: Systems and methods of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge including the replacement a rotatable member, such as an organic photo conductor (OPC) drum or toner adder roller, for example, in the imaging cartridge without detaching the rotatable member retaining elements, such as end caps, for example, and installing a replacement rotatable element without disturbing the rotatable member retaining elements end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Williams, Donald R. Huck, James H. Jones, Anthony D. Causey, Thomas J. Martin
  • Patent number: 7736827
    Abstract: In a method for recycling a double component developer that contains a carrier and a toner used for an image forming device such as office automation equipment, an economic value of recycling is increased, thereby allowing a company to carry out an active and sustainable environmental activity. Material components of a carrier are completely utilized, so that a process of removing and disposing part of components of the carrier, which is present in the conventional technology of a carrier recycling, is omitted from a recycling system, and in consequence, a cost of recycling is minimized. Furthermore, as well as a subject of the recycling, i.e. a carrier itself, a more valuable material, i.e. a platinum group metal, is utilized for the recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: Ricoh Company, Limited, Shinko-Frex Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Morii, Hiroyuki Matsuura, Takeshi Sugimoto, Kazuma Torii
  • Publication number: 20100142991
    Abstract: Methods and devices for remanufacturing printer cartridges are provided where the printer cartridges comprise a photoconductive drum, the photoconductive drum comprises a drum gear end, and the drum gear end of the photoconductive drum is configured to be attached to a laser printer via a rotational force transmitting assembly. In an embodiment, the method comprises removing the rotational force transmitting assembly from the photoconductive drum, providing a replacement photoconductive drum, and attaching the rotational force transmitting assembly to the replacement photoconductive drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Denny Holmes, Tigran Ohanyan
  • Patent number: 7734232
    Abstract: In a toner cartridge, a cover member is attached to an outer surface of a case main body so as to cover a filling hole through which a toner is filled in a toner chamber. The cover member is detachably attached to the case main body by a lock mechanism disposed between the case main body and the cover member. The lock mechanism includes two or more lock structures which lock the cover member to the case main body and a release tool which carries out a release operation of the lock structures. Each of the lock structures includes an elastic engagement claw and an engagement recess which are provided on opposite surfaces of the case main body and the cover member, respectively. The release tool is configured to allow all of the elastic engagement claws to be simultaneously displaced in a lock release direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Murata Machinery Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Kawai
  • Patent number: 7734215
    Abstract: A tool for rotating a drum from a first cartridge drum axle end, the first cartridge drum axle end having a predetermined shape, the tool comprising a tool body configured to provide structure to the tool; a first end defined by the tool body; a second end defined by the tool body, the second end positioned on an end on the tool body opposite to the first end; and a first impression made on the first end of the tool body, the first impression substantially matching the predetermined shape of the first cartridge drum axle end, wherein when the first cartridge drum axle end is inserted within the first impression, the tool allows the drum to be rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Tigran Ohanyan