Abstract: A fuser assembly including a heat transfer member and a backup member disposed relative each other for forming a fusing nip, the heat transfer member comprising: a heater member, a housing to which the heater member is attached; a frame connected to the housing; and a rotatable endless belt disposed around the heater member, housing, and frame, wherein a the frame includes a plurality of cutout geometries disposed along a length thereof for tuning a stiffness thereof, and wherein the stiffness of the frame is about 350 N/mm to about 750 N/mm.

Abstract: A fuser assembly for an electrophotographic imaging device includes a heater including a substrate, a resistive trace disposed and running along a length of the substrate for generating heat for fusing toner to a sheet of media when a current is passed therethrough, and at least three conductors for passing current through the resistive trace. The at least three conductors include a first conductor connected to a first end portion of the resistive trace, a second conductor connected to a second end portion of the resistive trace, and a third conductor connected to the resistive trace at a location between the first end portion and the second end portion thereof. A temperature sensor senses a temperature of an edge segment of the substrate. Based upon the temperature sensed, circuitry selects between the first conductor and the third conductor for passing current through the resistive trace.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus in a waste toner removal system of an image forming device includes a waste toner moving device that is movably mounted in a waste toner housing. The housing has an inlet where waste toner enters the housing. The toner moving device is movable between a first position and a second position to displace accumulated toner within the housing. The toner moving device is spring-biased toward the first position. A rotating actuator displaces the toner moving device from the first position to the second position to move the toner in the housing away from the inlet. The toner moving device is also self-cleaning via vibration and impact movements.

Abstract: An end seal for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus uses an array of ridges (or grooves) to urge toner inwardly so as to help prevent toner escape. The end seal works in conjunction with a cleaning blade. The end seal includes a blade pocket for mating with the end portions of the cleaning blade and a middle portion having an array of ridges thereon. The ridges are angled inward to urge any toner trapped therebetween inward away from the end seals, where the toner can be directed to a waste reservoir in a normal fashion. This “snowplowing” action of the ridges helps prevent outward migration of toner, thereby minimizing toner escape. The end seal may be composed of two or more layers of differing materials. There may be an end seal at each end of the cleaner blade.

Abstract: An end seal for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus uses an array of ridges (or grooves) to urge toner inwardly so as to help prevent toner escape. The end seal works in conjunction with a cleaning blade. The end seal includes a blade pocket for mating with the end portions of the cleaning blade and a middle portion having an array of ridges thereon. The ridges are angled inward to urge any toner trapped therebetween inward away from the end seals, where the toner can be directed to a waste reservoir in a normal fashion. This “snowplowing” action of the ridges helps prevent outward migration of toner, thereby minimizing toner escape. The end seal may be composed of two or more layers of differing materials. There may be an end seal at each end of the cleaner blade.

Abstract: A toner cleaning apparatus for a printing device includes a toner separator operating against a component of the printing device, to dislodge toner particles therefrom. A toner receptacle is provided for collecting the dislodged toner particles, and an auger positively conveys the dislodged toner particles into the toner receptacle. A vibration plate is provided for receiving the toner particles dislodged by the toner separator, and for directing the dislodged toner particles to the auger. The vibration plate includes lengths thereof extending into the auger and deflected by the auger to induce vibrations along the plate and distribute-and convey toner particles disposed thereon.

Abstract: A multi-functional fuser backup roll release mechanism and operating process are defined. In the event of a paper jam, the primary gear train from a prime mover to driven rolls of the imaging apparatus is interrupted, and a secondary drive train is engaged. The drive train operates a drive shaft, rotating a worm gear to control a cam and lever apparatus connected to springs and bellcranks at opposite ends of the backup roll. Upon the detection of a paper jam, or prolonged inactivity of the fuser, the nip between the fuser hot roll and backup roll is opened. During normal operation, the mechanism can be used to control the nip force between the fuser roll and the backup roll, to provide the optimal nip load for the media being processed, and the print glossiness desired.

Abstract: An ink jet printer is provided comprising a housing, an ink jet printing apparatus and a coating apparatus. The ink jet printing apparatus is located within the housing and includes an ink jet printing device capable of ejecting ink droplets onto a first side of a printing substrate which moves through the housing along a printing substrate feed path. The coating apparatus is positioned along the printing substrate feed path and spaced from the printing device. The coating apparatus applies a substantially uniform layer of coating material onto at least a portion of the first side of the printing substrate.