Remanufacturing Patents (Class 399/109)
  • Publication number: 20100135690
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Scott Lenahan, Oswaldo Cota, Jesus Gonzalez Perez
  • Patent number: 7720410
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing a printer cartridge, the printer cartridge having a doctor blade and a developer roller, the doctor blade being configured to regulate the amount of toner delivered to the developer roller, the device comprising: (a) first surface, the first surface lying on a first plane; and (b) a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, the second surface lying on a second plane, the first and the second plane being parallel to each other, the second surface comprising a flat portion, the flat portion being configured to contact a portion of the doctor blade, wherein when the flat portion contacts the doctor blade portion, the device applies pressure to the doctor blade portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Tigran Ohanyan, Raymond Hunt
  • Patent number: 7711288
    Abstract: A developer storing container includes: a first storing member including a first storing portion for storing a supplied developer; a second storing member including a second storing portion for storing a collected developer; and a partition member that connects the first storing portion and the second storing member so as to sandwich the partition member therebetween, and that separates the first and second storing portions from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuna Saiki, Kazuhiro Saito
  • Patent number: 7706717
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for modifying an image processing cartridge. In one aspect, a method of modifying one such imaging process cartridge is disclosed. The method provides the imaging process cartridge, the imaging process cartridge has a waste bin assembly, and the waste bin assembly further has an organic photo conductor (OPC) drum which is coupled with a first wiper blade. The first wiper blade exerts a first abutment pressure when the first wiper blade is coupled to the OPC drum. The method removes the first wiper blade and installs a second wiper blade, wherein the second wiper blade exerts a second abutment pressure when coupled to the OPC drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Jones
  • Patent number: 7706718
    Abstract: A method of remanufacturing a replaceable consumable unit includes providing the replaceable consumable unit including a first electronic circuit, with the first electronic circuit being at least partially inoperable; providing a second electronic circuit; communicatively connecting the second electronic circuit to the first electronic circuit; and intercepting, by the second electronic circuit, signals sent by an imaging system to the first electronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonios L. Karagiannis, Mark D. Reeves, Lynton R. Burchette
  • Publication number: 20100098455
    Abstract: A customer replaceable unit installable in a printing apparatus comprises a component requiring high voltage electric power for operation, a low voltage power input, and that cooperates with the low voltage power input in order to transform low voltage electric power from the low voltage power input into high voltage electric power for use by the component. The customer replaceable unit may also include a low voltage signal input, and the high voltage power supply unit controls output of the high voltage electric power in response to signals received at the low voltage signal input. The signals received at the low voltage signal input are independent of a type of the component in the customer replaceable unit, and the high voltage power supply unit provides an appropriate high voltage for the type of the component, thereby allowing modification of the type of component without having to provide a different low voltage signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Jerome E. May
  • Publication number: 20100092207
    Abstract: A method is provided for recycling a toner container including a casing configured to house a toner, a sleeve protruding from the casing, and one cap with a brim to be bonded with a distal edge of the sleeve to be closed comprising: removing an area including an interface between the brim and the distal edge to form a new distal edge on the sleeve; removing a part of the one cap remaining in the sleeve; filling a toner in the casing; fitting another cap into the sleeve so that the brim of the another cap comes in contact with the new distal edge; and bonding the new distal edge and the brim of the another cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: KYOCERA MITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Ito, Katsuaki Ohnishi, Hideaki Takeuchi, Shinji Otani
  • Patent number: 7693448
    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: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Wazana Brothers International, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Lenahan
  • Patent number: 7689144
    Abstract: Techniques for attaching a replacement chip to an imaging cartridge are described. a method of replacing a component of an imaging cartridge includes: providing the imaging cartridge including a chip and a chip holding structure holding the chip, the chip holding structure including a left upper flange, a right upper flange, a rear retaining member, bottom supporting rails, a left forward retaining element extending from the left upper flange, and a right forward retaining element extending from the right upper flange; removing at least a portion of the left forward retaining element and the right forward retaining element to form a modified chip holding structure; removing the chip from the cartridge; installing a replacement chip in the modified chip holding structure; and attaching the replacement chip to the imaging cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Martin, James H. Jones, Andrew D. Scott, Lawrence Dale Lewis, Donald R. Huck
  • Patent number: 7689143
    Abstract: A device for driving a pin that fastens a printer cartridge drum to a printer cartridge at least on one end of the printer cartridge drum, the device comprising a device body defining a device body recess and a shaft configured to be inserted in the device body recess and to be moved within the device body recess, wherein the movement of the shaft within the device body recess is configured to drive the pin and alter the attachment of the printer cartridge to the printer cartridge at the at least one end of the printer cartridge drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Silva, Valeriy Kiselev, Gerardo Martinez
  • Patent number: 7689141
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Wazana Brothers International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lenahan, Oswaldo Cota, Jesus Gonzalez Perez
  • Patent number: 7682542
    Abstract: A method of making a fuser roller comprising: providing a fuser roller an outer layer comprising a fluorothermoplastic polymer; and annealing the outer surface of the outer layer through contact the outer layer by means of heat and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Joseph A. Pavlisko, Shyh-Hua E. Jao, Muhammed Aslam
  • Publication number: 20100067943
    Abstract: Method of replacing an organic photo conductor (OPC) drum of an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus having a support carriage arranged to axially support the OPC drum at a first end and a second end. The method includes removing the OPC drum from the support carriage and procuring a replacement OPC drum having a first axial flange/endpin and a second axial flange/endpin. The first axial flange is inserted into the first end of the support carriage and the second end of the support carriage is elastically deformed. Then, the second axial flange is inserted into the second end of the support carriage, and a force is exerted against the second axial flange until the second end of the support carriage returns to an un-deformed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI KAGAKU IMAGING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jon ZOGG, Will Niederstadt
  • Patent number: 7676173
    Abstract: A cutting device for use in detaching a drum from a printer cartridge, the drum defining a hollow interior, the hollow interior being surrounded by an interior wall of the drum, the cutting device including a shaft and a pointed edge protruding from the shaft, the pointed edge being configured to rotate with the shaft when the drum is being detached from the printer cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Tigran Ohanyan
  • Patent number: 7672610
    Abstract: Techniques for attaching a replacement chip to an imaging cartridge are described. An exemplary method of modifying a toner hopper assembly for use in a toner cartridge consists of providing the toner hopper assembly having a generally cylindrical shape and an at least partially non-functioning electronic chip with electrical contacts disposed in an endplate section of the generally cylindrical shape. The method further modifies the toner hopper assembly by affixing a replacement chip to the toner hopper assembly to form a modified toner hopper assembly. The replacement chip includes replacement electrical contacts which allow the replacement chip to communicate with a printer when the modified toner cartridge is installed in the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Causey, Lawrence Dale Lewis, Matthew J. Morton, Lynton R. Burchette, William E. Thacker, III
  • Patent number: 7664426
    Abstract: A method of reusing a developing device that can be detachably mounted in a body of an image-forming device includes: preparing a used developing device that includes a developer-carrying member that carries a developer thereon, and a gear mechanism having a plurality of gears that transfer a driving force inputted from the image-forming device to the developer-carrying member; and replacing at least one gear in the gear mechanism with at least one replacement gear that has stronger gear teeth, gear teeth that have a larger module, or gear teeth that have a greater working depth than the at least one original gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Soichiro Nishimura, Shougo Sato, Fumikazu Sato
  • Publication number: 20100028042
    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 electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a drum frame rotatably supporting one and the other longitudinal end of the charging roller through bearings and rotatably supporting one longitudinal end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a drum bearing member rotatably supporting the other longitudinal end of the electrophotographic photosensitive 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 electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a magnet roller provided inside the developing roller, wherein the magnet roller is movable in the longitudinal direction; a first side member supporting one longitudinal end of the magnet roller and connected to one longitudinal end of a developing dev
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Batori, Naoya Asanuma, Nobuyoshi Hara
  • Publication number: 20100026767
    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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: 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: 7647002
    Abstract: A device for detaching a drum from a printer cartridge, the drum including a drum flange that attaches the drum to the printer cartridge, the device including a pressure transmitting device; and a rod operatively connected to the pressure transmitting device, wherein the pressure transmitting device and the rod are configured to apply pressure to the drum flange and cause the drum to be detached from the printer cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Tigran Ohanyan
  • Patent number: 7643779
    Abstract: A developer transporting amount controlling member that is used in a developing apparatus is disclosed. The developing apparatus includes a recording unit having a surface that sustains an electrostatic latent image and attracts a developer, a developer transporting unit that transports the developer, and a developing unit that guides the developer to the recording unit. The recording unit, the developer transporting unit, and the developing unit have rotational center axes that are parallel to each other. The developer transporting amount controlling member includes a magnetic part and a nonmagnetic part that is harder than the magnetic part and is fixed to the developing apparatus such that a portion of the nonmagnetic part is disposed closest to the developing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Mabuchi, Takao Umeda
  • Publication number: 20090297208
    Abstract: An assembling method for a process cartridge the assembling method includes a step of preparing a drum unit supporting a electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a step of preparing a developing unit supporting a developing roller for developing a electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum a developer supplying roller for supplying a developer to the developing roller and a developer accommodating portion having a developer supply opening; a unit coupling process of coupling the drum unit and the developing unit with each other; a first-end developing-device spacing member mounting step after the unit coupling process of engaging with a opening provided at a first end portion of the drum unit a first-end developing-device spacing member provided rotatably about a shaft at a first end portion of the developing unit to regulate rotation of the developing unit relative to the drum unit; and a second-end developing-device spacing member mounting step of engaging, with a proje
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Kazuo Chadani
  • Patent number: 7618507
    Abstract: A reassembled laser toner cartridge and method of manufacture in which the hopper section and roller section of a previously depleted toner cartridge are rewelded together by ultrasonic welding along the length sections after an ancillary energy director strip has been positioned between the sections where the roller section interfaces with the hopper section to provide a laser toner cartridge that has the same or nearly the same specifications as the original equipment manufactured cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Wazana Brothers International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoel Wazana, Jesus Gonzalez Perez
  • Patent number: 7609995
    Abstract: Device for helping toner cartridge recharging for printers is presented. The device includes a supporting cable, perpendicularly engaged to a supporting structure having in one of its ends a vibration head, having inside and being stuck by a clamp a motor in which axis there is a nylon circular part that has an eccentric pin. The structure includes on the other end a part having a universal nozzle, the supporting cable internally running the energy wire that connects to a converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Luciano Piquet da Cruz
  • Publication number: 20090257775
    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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Silva, Valeriy Kiselev, Gerardo Martinez, Tigran Ohanyan, Denny Holmes
  • Publication number: 20090257774
    Abstract: A method of making an aftermarket printer cartridge, the aftermarket printer cartridge substantially resembling an original market printer cartridge, the original market printer cartridge comprising a key set attached to a toner hopper, the key set comprising an arched structure and at least one elongated structure attached to the arched structure, the method comprising providing an aftermarket toner hopper resembling the toner hopper of the original market printer cartridge, the aftermarket toner hopper missing at least one elongated structure of the key set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Rummler, Gary Silva
  • Patent number: 7603055
    Abstract: A cover for use in an apparatus includes a plate and at least one rib. The plate has an inner surface, and at the least one rib is formed on the inner surface of the plate to define one or more compartments. Each compartment is configured to receive a corresponding part removed from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Sotohiro Tsujihara
  • Publication number: 20090245857
    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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato Tanabe, Kazunari Murayama, Hideki Maeshima
  • Publication number: 20090245856
    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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Future Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Denny Holmes, Craig Rummler
  • Patent number: 7590369
    Abstract: Systems and methods for precision separation of the toner hopper section from the roller section of a spent plastic toner cartridge along the seam joining the two sections and without loss of significant amount of the plastic material that forms the cartridge, resulting in separated components that facilitate re-assembly to OEM specifications, by precisely positioning a cartridge in a jig, then splitting the cartridge by forcing pneumatically operated blades along the seam, the blades being configured to precisely split a specific cartridge design without significant loss of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Wazana Brothers International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoel Wazana, Joda Paulus, Jack Dutton
  • Patent number: 7583912
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a pair of opposing covers; a recording part that forms an image on a sheet; a feed roller that feeds the sheet to the recording part; and a discharge roller that discharges the sheet on which the image is formed by the recording part. The recording part and at least one roller of the feed roller and the discharge roller are supported with the pair of the opposing covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Saito, Akira Ishiguchi
  • Publication number: 20090208244
    Abstract: A cutting device for use in detaching a drum from a printer cartridge, the drum defining a hollow interior, the hollow interior being surrounded by an interior wall of the drum, the cutting device comprising a shaft and a pointed edge protruding from the shaft, the pointed edge being configured to rotate with the shaft when the drum is being detached from the printer cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Tigran Ohanyan
  • Publication number: 20090201349
    Abstract: Systems, methods and structures for remanufacturing inkjet printer cartridges and inkjet printer print heads by removing the print head and adhesive holding the print head to a used inkjet printer cartridge, preparing the cartridge housing for a new print head by routing out the used print head and used adhesive to create a new mounting surface for new adhesive and a new print head, placing the adhesive and new print head on the new mounting surface, curing the adhesive and assembling a re-manufactured cartridge from the cartridge housing having a new print head positioned thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Yoel Wazana, Sagie Shanun, Joda Paulus
  • Patent number: 7567768
    Abstract: Techniques for remanufacturing a toner cartridge include providing the toner cartridge comprising an end plate secured to an end of the toner cartridge, removing the end plate from the toner cartridge, attaching an anchoring fixture to the end of the toner cartridge, and securing the end plate to the anchoring fixture of the toner cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin L. Moore, Erick T. Colbert, James H. Jones
  • Publication number: 20090185820
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing a printer cartridge, the printer cartridge having a doctor blade and a developer roller, the doctor blade being configured to regulate the amount of toner delivered to the developer roller, the device comprising: (a) first surface, the first surface lying on a first plane; and (b) a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, the second surface lying on a second plane, the first and the second plane being parallel to each other, the second surface comprising a flat portion, the flat portion being configured to contact a portion of the doctor blade, wherein when the flat portion contacts the doctor blade portion, the device applies pressure to the doctor blade portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Tigran Ohanyan, Raymond Hunt
  • Patent number: 7565091
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for refurbishing a fusing member. The apparatus includes a fusing member that contacts the toner image on a receiver medium and fuses the toner image to the receiver medium. The fusing member has an outer contact surface of a fluorothermoplastic resin The apparatus includes a tooling member positionable adjacent to the outer contact surface of the fusing member such that a pressure nip is formed between the outer contact surface of the fusing member and the tooling member. A heat source is provided for transferring heat to the fusing member and the tooling member, wherein the surface of the fuser member is engagable with the tooling member to rotate at a speed of at least 1 rpm at a pressure of at least 5 psi and at a temperature of at least 10° C. below the thermoplastic melting temperature of the outer contact surface for a time sufficient to resurface of the outer surface of the fuser member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Shyh-Hua E. Jao, Jiann-Hsing Chen, James D. Shifley, Muhammed Aslam, Joseph A. Pavlisko
  • Patent number: 7565090
    Abstract: In a method of refilling a developer cartridge, a container that contains an original developer manufactured by a polymerization method is prepared. A new developer manufactured by the polymerization method is refilled in the container without cleaning an inside of the container. The new developer includes the same color as the original developer or a color darker than the color of the original developer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoya Kamimura
  • Patent number: 7561824
    Abstract: Systems and methods of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge including the replacement an organic photo conductor (OPC) drum in the imaging cartridge having end caps which are fixedly secured to the waste bin or other portion of the toner cartridge. In one aspect, the method involves removing the existing OPC drum without detaching the end caps and installing a replacement OPC drum without disturbing the end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Williams, Donald R. Huck, James H. Jones, Anthony D. Causey, Thomas J. Martin
  • Publication number: 20090162093
    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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Sagie Shanun, Joda Paulus
  • Patent number: 7551859
    Abstract: A toner cartridge having a microcontroller configured to store data necessary to create a message authentication code required by the printer. The microcontroller contains data values capable of generating acceptable MACs for a plurality of printers used in a plurality of geographic regions. The microcontroller recognizes a variety of unique parameters displayed by the printer's processor to identify the geographic region of the printer being used. Once the printer and geographic region are identified, the microcontroller loads the data values associated with the printer and generates an acceptable MAC to enable printer operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Miller, Herman Schnell
  • Publication number: 20090154953
    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: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: STATIC CONTROL COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: James R. Williams, Donald R. Huck, James H. Jones, Anthony D. Causey, Thomas J. Martin
  • Patent number: 7548712
    Abstract: A latent image carrier includes a thin-walled cylinder with a chargeable photosensitive layer. The latent image carrier is configured to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an optically written image. A cylindrical damper including an elastic body disposed inside the latent image carrier. A first end of the cylindrical damper includes a wall extending inward toward an axis of the damper. A second end of the damper, opposite the first end along the axis of the damper, includes an opening, which is open in an axial direction. The wall includes a through-hole connecting an internal cavity and an outside of the damper. An outer diameter of an outermost part of the first end of the damper along the axis of the damper is smaller than an outer diameter of an outermost part of the second end of the damper along the axis of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takatsugu Fujishiro, Takeo Suda, Hideki Zemba, Hisao Murayama
  • Patent number: 7546062
    Abstract: A method of removing a drum from a printer toner cartridge, the drum having a cylindrical body, the drum further having a pair of drum gears attached to each end of the drum, each drum gear being configured to attach the drum to the printer, at least one drum gear having a cylindrical body, the cylindrical body defining a hollow drum gear interior, at least one drum gear further having a drum gear wall that is positioned perpendicular to the cylindrical body and configured to cover the hollow drum gear interior, the method including the steps of creating a hole through the drum gear wall and inserting a cutting device through the hollow drum gear interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Future Graphics Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Tigran Ohanyan
  • Patent number: 7542698
    Abstract: Systems and methods of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge include providing the imaging cartridge adapted to receive a signal from an imaging device and apply the signal to a component of the imaging cartridge, and attaching a signal modification element to the imaging cartridge to form a modified imaging cartridge, the signal modification element adapted to receive the signal from the imaging device, modify the signal to form a modified signal, and apply the modified signal to the component of the modified imaging cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynton R. Burchette, Stephen R. Lund
  • Publication number: 20090116868
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for modifying an image processing cartridge. In one aspect, a method of modifying one such imaging process cartridge is disclosed. The method provides the imaging process cartridge, the imaging process cartridge has a waste bin assembly, and the waste bin assembly further has an organic photo conductor (OPC) drum which is coupled with a first wiper blade. The first wiper blade exerts a first abutment pressure when the first wiper blade is coupled to the OPC drum. The method removes the first wiper blade and installs a second wiper blade, wherein the second wiper blade exerts a second abutment pressure when coupled to the OPC drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Jones
  • Publication number: 20090110431
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Scott Lenahan, Oswaldo Cota, Jesus Gonzalez Perez
  • Publication number: 20090110434
    Abstract: A remanufacturing method includes dismounting, from one end of a drum frame, a supporting member while rotatably supporting one end of a drum and a developing device frame; separating the two frames; dismounting the drum; mounting one end of a fresh drum to the other end of the drum frame; a refilling developer into a developer accommodating portion of the separated developing device frame; and swingably connecting the developing device frame and the drum frame by mounting the supporting member to one end of the drum frame, while rotatably supporting, by the supporting member, the one end of the drum of the drum frame to which the fresh drum has been mounted and swingably supporting the one end of the developing device frame to the developer accommodating portion of which the developer has been refilled, by the drum frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryoji Kusudo, Naoki Matsumaru
  • Publication number: 20090110433
    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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jesus Gonzalez Perez
  • Publication number: 20090103942
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to mechanically destroy printer toner cartridges and reclaim their constituent materials under a water shielded environment provides a safer and more environmentally friendly recycling system. The present invention is an economical system that provides greater protection from possible fire or explosion and releases less irritating or possibly harmful airborne contamination than the currently available systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Lacee Lee Lamphere, Brian Matthew Ibarra, Donald Francis Laffler, James Theodore Hardin
  • Patent number: 7522857
    Abstract: The object is to provide a toner which can be smoothly replenished by a toner replenishing device using a powder pump even when the toner contains a releasing agent, and an image forming apparatus using the toner. There is provided a toner, which comprises a binder resin, a colorant and a releasing agent, has a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.15 to 0.35, and is replenished by the toner replenishing device having a powder pump configured to automatically supply the toner and a toner container arranged in conjunction with the powder pump so as to develop a latent electrostatic image on a image bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kumi Hasegawa, Mitsuo Aoki, Hyo Shu, Minoru Masuda, Tomoko Utsumi
  • Publication number: 20090087217
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ray Norris, Lawrence Dale Lewis