Abstract: Assemblies and methods to move media sheets from a media stack within an image forming apparatus. These may include a pivoting arm with an attached roller that contacts the media stack and rotates to move a top-most sheet from the media stack. A clutch may be operatively connected to the arm for the arm to pivot in a first direction to maintain the roller positioned on a top of the media stack as the media stack is depleted and a height of the media stack is reduced. The clutch may also reduce movement of the arm in a second direction beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Embodiments for toner supply members, particularly toner supply member properties and architectures for controlling toner layer thickness supply to the developer member in image forming devices. In one embodiment the toner supply members have a foamed elastic body.

Abstract: The present application is directed to cartridges for use with an image forming device. The cartridge includes a body with an interior reservoir sized to contain toner, and an outlet to move the toner to the image forming device. A shutter is rotatably connected to the body and movable between a closed orientation to prevent toner from passing from the cartridge and into the image forming device, and an open orientation to allow toner to pass. A biasing mechanism is operatively connected to the shutter and the body of the cartridge. The biasing mechanism urges the shutter towards one of the open and closed orientations.

Abstract: A biasing mechanism in an image forming apparatus exerts a variable force on a removable cartridge unit to generate a nip force between a roller in the cartridge unit and another roller. A pivot member is fixed to the apparatus housing. An arm is pivotally mounted in the housing about the pivot member, with the arm in contact with a protrusion on the cartridge unit. A force generating member is mounted in the housing and contacts the arm so as to urge the arm to pivot about the pivot member and press against the cartridge unit. The resulting force exerted on the cartridge unit by the arm varies according to the point of contact between the cartridge unit and the arm. In some embodiments, the arm and the cartridge unit protrusion are electrically conductive, and an electrical contact is established as the arm is pressed against the protrusion.

Abstract: A biasing mechanism in an image forming apparatus exerts a variable force on a removable cartridge unit to generate a nip force between a roller in the cartridge unit and another roller. A pivot member is fixed to the apparatus housing. An arm is pivotally mounted in the housing about the pivot member, with the arm in contact with a protrusion on the cartridge unit. A force generating member is mounted in the housing and contacts the arm so as to urge the arm to pivot about the pivot member and press against the cartridge unit. The resulting force exerted on the cartridge unit by the arm varies according to the point of contact between the cartridge unit and the arm. In some embodiments, the arm and the cartridge unit protrusion are electrically conductive, and an electrical contact is established as the arm is pressed against the protrusion.

Abstract: A bracket to mount a charge roller and a blade against a photoconductive drum within an image forming apparatus. Bracket may include a pair of guides that extend outward to receive the ends of the charge roller. A biasing device may be positioned to bias the charge roller against the photoconductive drum. The guides may include an opening sized to allow the charge roller to move and maintain contact with the photoconductive drum. A mounting surface may be positioned on the bracket for receiving adhesive to mount the blade. In one embodiment, the bracket is constructed of a molded thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A device and method for storing toner within an image forming apparatus having an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir. A sensor paddle is positioned within the lower reservoir for determining a toner level within the lower reservoir. The sensor paddle rotates within an angular displacement from a fall point to a toner rest point. The device and method further includes a drive gear for rotating the sensor paddle, and a cam mechanism positioned adjacent to the drive gear. The cam mechanism is connected to the sensor paddle and has a cam angular displacement relative to the drive gear about equal to the sensor paddle angular displacement. A pawl having at least one opening is mounted on at least one post extending axially outward from the drive gear and includes a boss positioned within the cam track.

Abstract: A waste toner removal device for transporting toner from a photoconductive drum within an image-forming apparatus. The invention includes a waste toner reservoir having outer walls forming an interior chamber for housing toner removed from the photoconductive drum. An opening is positioned within the outer walls into the interior chamber forming an upper chamber section extending above the opening and a lower chamber section extending below the opening. An auger extends along the photoconductive drum and unobstructed into the opening of the waste toner reservoir. The auger includes helical blades extending outward for moving the toner from the photoconductive drum into the waste toner reservoir. A pumping cylinder having a generally cylindrical shape extends around the auger adjacent to the waste toner reservoir.

Abstract: A coupler for transferring rotary motion from a drive gear to a photoconductive drum or ITM belt within an image forming apparatus. In one embodiment, the coupler includes a substantially cylindrical body having first and second ends having extensions extending outward for mating respectively with the drive gear and photoconductive drum. One surface of each of the extension may include a rounded drive surface. One end of the coupler may further include a wall that mounts against a dome extending outward from one of the drive gear or photoconductive drum. One of the drive gear or photoconductive drum may further include axially aligned ridges that are straddled by the coupler to allow for the coupler to axially slide and maintain contact with the photoconductive drum and drive gear even during misalignment.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an image forming body with an opening along at least one side. Guide rails are mounted to the image forming body above the opening, and a pair of support members are positioned within the image forming body below the guide rails. The apparatus further includes a cartridge having support arms extending outward for contacting the guide rails during insertion and removal from the image forming body. The cartridge also includes a photoconductive drum positioned on a lower portion of the cartridge, and when inserted into the image forming body, the cartridge is supported by resting the photoconductive drum on the support members.