Abstract: An apparatus and method for dampening annoying resonance noise in auger systems. The dampening effect is accomplished by an insert placed within an inner bore of an auger. The insert itself may be continuous or in segments and be comprised of material capable of absorbing vibrational energy. One embodiment of an insert is a tube that is purposefully cut longer than the auger itself in order to induce bending of the tube and contact with the sides of the auger bore.

Abstract: In office equipment such as printers and copiers, a single machine “platform” is available as a number of distinct variants (copier, printer, facsimile, MICR printer). Different variants may require different types of marking material cartridges, or other replaceable units. To prevent the installation of an unsuitable cartridge in a machine, each cartridge defines a distinguishing configuration of convex or concave engagement structures, arranged in a circle, but whereby no more than one-half of the circumference of the circle is taken up by the engagement structures. The engagement structures engage with complementary structures inside a suitable machine, and can assist in driving a rotation of the cartridge within the machine.

Abstract: A photoreceptor assembly and a xerographic cassette for a printing or copying machine, the cassette including a photoreceptor drum, a drum cleaner, a waste toner container, for storing waste toner; and a waste toner conveyor for conveying waste toner cleaned off said photoreceptor drum by the cleaner into the waste toner container characterized in that the waste toner container is positioned in the interior of the photoreceptor drum and is reversibly removable therefrom. The conveyor typically includes a flexible helical wire which acts as an auger. Once filled with waste toner, the waste toner container is removed from the drum and is replaced by a fresh container.

Abstract: A process unit which is removably mounted in the main assembly of a reproducing machine such as a xerographic copier, has a housing enclosing an imaging member and, optionally, other processing capability such as a development device, and a cleaner. The unit also has two charging devices, namely a charge scoroton and a transfer corotron which are mounted so as to have a limited degree of vertical movement relative to the unit housing. The charging devices are provided with spacers at their opposite ends which abut a support member in the main assembly when the process unit is inserted therein. In this way the charging devices are automatically accurately located relative to the imaging member when the process unit is inserted in its operative position in the main assembly.

Abstract: A process unit which can be removably mounted in a main assesmbly of a reproducing machine such as a xerographic copier. The unit comprises a housing enclosing an imaging member and, optionally, other processing means such as a development device, a cleaner, and a charge corotron. The unit also comprises an integral transfer corotron which has one end hingedly mounted on the housing enabling the corotron to be pivoted open for jam clearance. Preferably, the end of the corotron remote from the pivoted end is retained in the unit by a latch which is opened automatically to release the corotron when the unit is inserted into the main assembly. A flexure within the main assembly normally urges the corotron to its operative position when the unit is inserted in the main assembly, but the flexure may be withdrawn so that the corotron pivots open about its hinged end to permit jam clearance. When the unit is withdrawn from the main assembly the corotron is automatically latched back into the unit housing.

Abstract: A process unit which can be removably mounted in a main assembly of an electrostatographic copying machine. The unit comprises a housing enclosing an imaging member and, optionally, other processing means such as a development device, a cleaner, and a charge corotron. The transfer corotron, for transferring a toner image from the photoreceptor to a copy sheet is incorporated in the cassette housing, thus avoiding the need to provide a separate movable cover to protect the imaging member from contamination, physical damage, and light exposure when the cassette is removed from the main assembly of the copier.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating residual toner material from the surface of a reusable photoreceptor in a reproducing machine has a cleaner blade assembly comprising a cleaner blade in a holder. The cleaner blade assembly is movable between two positions. In a first position the blade operatively engages the photoreceptor to clean off the residual toner material which is then collected in a generally enclosed chamber below. In the second position the blade assembly is spaced apart from the photoreceptor but covers the entrance to the chamber forming a sealed enclosure for the contents.