Abstract: A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A shutter is positioned at the exit port that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shutter is biased toward the closed position. A linkage is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature in the image forming device. An interlock is operatively engaged with the linkage and biased toward a locked position preventing the linkage from opening the shutter. The interlock is movable to an unlocked position that is disengaged with the linkage when the interlock is actuated by a second engagement feature in the image forming device permitting the linkage to open the shutter.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner and an exit port in fluid communication therewith. A movable shutter is positioned at the exit port. A linkage is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature in the image forming device. The linkage includes a first linkage member positioned to receive the first engagement feature and a second linkage member connected to the shutter. An interlock is operatively engaged with the linkage and biased toward a locked position preventing the second linkage member from opening the shutter but permitting the first linkage member to move relative to the second linkage member. The interlock is movable to an unlocked position upon being actuated by a second engagement feature in the image forming device that permits the second linkage member to open the shutter.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner and an exit port in fluid communication therewith. A movable shutter is positioned at the exit port. A linkage is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature in the image forming device. The linkage includes a first linkage member positioned to receive the first engagement feature and a second linkage member connected to the shutter. An interlock is operatively engaged with the linkage and biased toward a locked position preventing the second linkage member from opening the shutter but permitting the first linkage member to move relative to the second linkage member. The interlock is movable to an unlocked position upon being actuated by a second engagement feature in the image forming device that permits the second linkage member to open the shutter.

Abstract: In an image forming device an apparatus is provided that supplies a continuous flow of an electrical charge between a photoconductive drum and a power supply. In one embodiment, an electrically conductive member receives a shaft of the photoconductive drum. An electrically conductive cap disposed on a first side of the electrically conductive member, aligned with an aperture of the electrically conductive member, and capable of being electrically coupled with the shaft via the electrically conductive member. There is also an electrically conductive resilient member having a leading end and a trailing end electrically couple with the electrically conductive member and the shaft in a manner that the leading end is disposed on the first side of the electrically conductive member and the trailing end is disposed on the second side of the electrically conductive member with at least a portion of the trailing end extending across the aperture of the electrically conductive member.

Abstract: The invention provides a wiping assembly in an image forming device, to clean at least one sensor lens in the image forming device. The wiping assembly includes a bracket to move between a first position and a second position across the sensor lens. Further, the wiping assembly includes a wiper to clean the sensor lens. The wiper is located between the bracket and a sensor housing, which supports the sensor lens. The wiping assembly includes a spring to actuate the movement of the bracket between the first position and the second position. The movement of the bracket is actuated by the movement of a print media tray and/or the movement of a toner cartridge.

Abstract: A composite torque transfer body and spline assembly includes a torque transfer component made of a first material and having a central body portion and a peripheral torque transfer portion integrally attached to and extending about the central body portion, a spline component made of a second material different from and having stiffness greater than that of the first material of the torque transfer component and also having an elongated tubular spline portion and a collar portion integrally attached to and extending about and radially outward from an end of the spline portion, and a plurality of elements on the central body portion of the torque transfer component and the collar portion of the spline component providing separate press-fitting and securing of the components to one another such that the components are mated and rotatable together about a central axis.

Abstract: A reinforced doctor blade assembly seal for use in a printer cartridge includes a base strip of a flexible plastic film having a thickness, a surface of predetermined area bounded by multiple edges, and a foldable region extending length-wise between one pair of the multiple edges and spaced from and located intermediately between another pair of the multiple edges. The seal includes a supplemental strip of a flexible plastic film having a thickness and a surface of predetermined area bounded by multiple edges. The supplemental strip is laminated on the base strip offset from and along one side of the foldable region on the base strip such that the base strip has adjacent laminated and non-laminated portions along opposite sides of the foldable region with the laminated portion having a greater thickness than the non-laminated portion. The seal has an adhesive coating on the non-laminated portion of the base strip.

Abstract: In an image forming device an apparatus is provided that supplies a continuous flow of an electrical charge between a photoconductive drum and a power supply. In one embodiment, an electrically conductive member receives a shaft of the photoconductive drum. An electrically conductive cap disposed on a first side of the electrically conductive member, aligned with an aperture of the electrically conductive member, and capable of being electrically coupled with the shaft via the electrically conductive member. There is also an electrically conductive resilient member having a leading end and a trailing end electrically couple with the electrically conductive member and the shaft in a manner that the leading end is disposed on the first side of the electrically conductive member and the trailing end is disposed on the second side of the electrically conductive member with at least a portion of the trailing end extending across the aperture of the electrically conductive member.

Abstract: A reinforced doctor blade assembly seal includes a base strip of a flexible plastic film having a thickness, a surface of predetermined area bounded by multiple edges, and a foldable region extending length-wise between one pair of the multiple edges and spaced from and located intermediately between another pair of the multiple edges. The seal also includes a supplemental strip of a flexible plastic film having a thickness and a surface of predetermined area bounded by multiple edges. The supplemental strip is laminated on the base strip offset from and along one side of the foldable region on the base strip such that the base strip has adjacent laminated and non-laminated portions along opposite sides of the foldable region with the laminated portion having a greater thickness than the non-laminated portion. The seal has an attaching mechanism in the form of an adhesive coating on the non-laminated portion of the base strip. The seal is employed in a printer cartridge.

Abstract: A composite torque transfer body and spline assembly includes a torque transfer component made of a first material and having a central body portion and a peripheral torque transfer portion integrally attached to and extending about the central body portion, a spline component made of a second material different from and having stiffness greater than that of the first material of the torque transfer component and also having an elongated tubular spline portion and a collar portion integrally attached to and extending about and radially outward from an end of the spline portion, and a plurality of elements on the central body portion of the torque transfer component and the collar portion of the spline component providing separate press-fitting and securing of the components to one another such that the components are mated and rotatable together about a central axis.

Abstract: The invention provides a wiping assembly in an image forming device, to clean at least one sensor lens in the image forming device. The wiping assembly includes a bracket to move between a first position and a second position across the sensor lens. Further, the wiping assembly includes a wiper to clean the sensor lens. The wiper is located between the bracket and a sensor housing, which supports the sensor lens. The wiping assembly includes a spring to actuate the movement of the bracket between the first position and the second position. The movement of the bracket is actuated by the movement of a print media tray and/or the movement of a toner cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to seals which may be used in an image forming apparatus. The seals may prevent the leakage of image forming materials, e.g. as between a blade or a roll and an image forming apparatus housing.

Abstract: A sealing member for an image forming device as well as an apparatus and method of locating components within a printing device. The image forming device may include laser printers, ink-jet printers, copiers, faxes, all-in-one devices or multifunctional devices.

Abstract: In a two piece toner cartridge assembly, as typically used in a computer and/or facsimile printing device, comprising separable photoconductor and developer units a unique coupling device is provided whereby the cartridge assembly may be removed from the printing device without the photoconductor unit separating from the developer unit for paper jam clearance or unit replacement. However, if desired the developer unit may be separately removed from the printing device for servicing or replacement without removal of the photoconductor unit.

Abstract: Gear (52) and resin body (2) supported on shaft (1) and between frame members (14a) and (14b) are protected from contacting a frame member. Frame (14a) has a partial hole (22) with an opening (24) and a cavity (26), which is open at the hole (22) and on the side toward the opening (24). A bearing (18) has a inner body (30) which internally is partially circular with diameter substantially the same as opening (22). The outer portion of body (30) forms an outwardly extending nub (34). Wall (36) extends across body (30). The part (38) of bearing 18 opposite body 30 has an extended part (38a) to serve as an electrical contact. A shaft end (5a) past a circular ledge (3a) is supported by bearing (18). The nub (34) fits in the cavity (26) and the wall (36) defines the proper position of rotation of the bearing. This protects gear (52) from being dislodged from its position on shaft (1).

Abstract: Gear (52) and resin body (2) supported on shaft (1) and between frame members (14a) and (14b) are protected from contacting a frame member. Frame (14a) has a partial hole (22) with an opening (24) and a cavity (26), which is open at the hole (22) and on the side toward the opening (24). A bearing (18) has a inner body (30) which internally is partially circular with diameter substantially the same as opening (22). The outer portion of body (30) forms an outwardly extending nub (34). Wall (36) extends across body (30). The part (38) of bearing 18 opposite body 30 has an extended part (38a) to serve as an electrical contact. A shaft end (Sa) past a circular ledge (3a) is supported by bearing (18). The nub (34) fits in the cavity (26) and the wall (36) defines the proper position of rotation of the bearing. This protects gear (52) from being dislodged from its position on shaft (1).

Abstract: In a two piece toner cartridge assembly, as typically used in a computer and/or facsimile printing device, comprising separable photoconductor and developer units a unique coupling device is provided whereby the cartridge assembly may be removed from the printing device without the photoconductor unit separating from the developer unit for paper jam clearance or unit replacement. However, if desired the developer unit may be separately removed from the printing device for servicing or replacement without removal of the photoconductor unit.