Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a controller executing instructions to form a latent image, and a print engine. The print engine includes a laser source, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device, and a module for mounting the MEMS device. The print engine is communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to form the latent image using the laser source and the MEMS device. The module includes a base having a first support and a second support, the second support having a support guide feature; and a bracket attached to the MEMS device. The bracket has a central axis, a first end, and a second end, the second end having a bracket guide feature, the first end being affixed to the first support to form a cantilever arrangement. The support guide feature engages the bracket guide feature to form a sliding joint having a sliding axis substantially parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: A module for mounting a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a base having a first support and a second support. The second support has a support guide feature. The module also includes a bracket attached to the MEMS device. The bracket has a central axis, a first end, and a second end. The second end has a bracket guide feature. The first end is affixed to the first support of the base to form a cantilever arrangement. The support guide feature engages the bracket guide feature to form a sliding joint having a sliding axis substantially parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: An optical system particularly useful for color laser printers. Four imaging systems are provided, one for each color, black, magenta, cyan and yellow. Each imaging system has separate pre-scan and post-scan optical assemblies. Two scanning polygons are provided, and each scanning polygon is shared by two imaging systems. Both pre-scan optical assemblies shared by each scanning polygon are provided on the same side of the scanning assembly at substantially similar mirror image angles, to reduce scan image registration errors. The pre-scan and post-scan optical assemblies have improved adjustability.

Abstract: A laser beam sensor assembly in an electrophotographic machine includes a sensor device detecting a position of a laser beam in a process direction. The sensor device has a detection range in the process direction. The sensor device has at least one slot or at least one projection. A fixed structure has an other of the at least one slot and the at least one projection. The at least one slot and the at least one projection coact to allow the sensor device to slide in the process direction to a location such that the laser beam is at a desired position within the detection range of the sensor device.

Abstract: A pre-scan optics assembly for a laser scanning device. A housing includes reference surfaces against which a pre-scan lens is directly referenced, to restrain the lens against rotation about the optical axis and the scan axis of the device. A lens carrier is attached to the housing and has an abutment surface to restrain the lens against rotation about the process axis of the device. A spring clip secures position of all components in the desired locations. The optical system aperture is formed directly in a wall of the lens carrier.

Abstract: An optical system particularly useful for color laser printers. Four imaging systems are provided, one for each color, black, magenta, cyan and yellow. Each imaging system has separate pre-scan and post-scan optical assemblies. Two scanning polygons are provided, and each scanning polygon is shared by two imaging systems. Both pre-scan optical assemblies shared by each scanning polygon are provided on the same side of the scanning assembly at substantially similar mirror image angles, to reduce scan image registration errors. The pre-scan and post-scan optical assemblies have improved adjustability.

Abstract: A pre-scan optics assembly for a laser scanning device. A housing includes reference surfaces against which a pre-scan lens is directly referenced, to restrain the lens against rotation about the optical axis and the scan axis of the device. A lens carrier is attached to the housing and has an abutment surface to restrain the lens against rotation about the process axis of the device. A spring clip secures position of all components in the desired locations. The optical system aperture is formed directly in a wall of the lens carrier.

Abstract: An electrophotographic machine includes a mirror having a reflective surface with a fold line configured to reflect a laser beam. At least one fixed mounting device is provided having a support surface. At least one rotational device is attached to the mirror. The at least one rotational device has an arcuate surface defining an imaginary circle and engages the support surface of the at least one fixed mounting device. The imaginary circle has a center substantially coincident with the fold line of the reflective surface. The at least one rotational device is configured to rotate about the center of the imaginary circle to thereby rotate the mirror about the fold line.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a machine frame, a printhead housing containing a printhead for generating a laser beam, and a position sensing device. The position sensing device includes a position sensing device frame and a position sensor for sensing a position of the laser beam. The position sensing device frame is interposed between the machine frame and the printhead housing. Each of the machine frame, the printhead housing and the position sensing device frame include at least one reference feature that in combination accurately reference the position of the printhead housing to the machine frame.

Abstract: An electrophotographic machine mirror assembly includes a mirror having two opposite ends and a reflective surface. A laser device scans a laser beam along the reflective surface to define a fold line thereon. The fold line extends substantially between the two opposite ends of the mirror. At least one fixed mounting device has a support surface. At least one rotational device is attached to the mirror. The at least one rotational device has an arcuate surface defining an imaginary circle and engaging the support surface of the at least one fixed mounting device. The imaginary circle has a center substantially coincident with the fold line of the reflective surface. The at least one rotational device rotates about the center of the imaginary circle to thereby rotate the mirror about the fold line.

Abstract: An electrophotographic machine mirror assembly includes a mirror having two opposite ends and a reflective surface. A laser device scans a laser beam along the reflective surface to define a fold line thereon. The fold line extends substantially between the two opposite ends of the mirror. At least one fixed mounting device has a support surface. At least one rotational device is attached to the mirror. The at least one rotational device has an arcuate surface defining an imaginary circle and engaging the support surface of the at least one fixed mounting device. The imaginary circle has a center substantially coincident with the fold line of the reflective surface. The at least one rotational device rotates about the center of the imaginary circle to thereby rotate the mirror about the fold line.

Abstract: A laser beam sensor assembly in an electrophotographic machine includes a sensor device detecting a position of a laser beam in a process direction. The sensor device has a detection range in the process direction. The sensor device has at least one slot or at least one projection. A fixed structure has an other of the at least one slot and the at least one projection. The at least one slot and the at least one projection coact to allow the sensor device to slide in the process direction to a location such that the laser beam is at a desired position within the detection range of the sensor device.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a machine frame unit having a plurality of mounting locations and a pivot location, a printhead base having a first end and a second end, and a first resilient elongate member having a first proximal end and a first distal end. A mounting tab is coupled to the first distal end of the first resilient elongate member, and is coupled to a first mounting location of the plurality of mounting locations of the machine frame unit. A pivot post, having an axis of rotation, pivotally couples a mounting plate to the pivot location of the machine frame unit. An adjustment device is coupled to the machine frame unit, the adjustment device having an engagement member for engaging at least one of the printhead base and the first resilient elongate member to effect a deflection of the first resilient elongate member and a corresponding movement of the printhead base.

Abstract: An electrophotographic machine mirror assembly includes a mirror having two opposite ends and a reflective surface. A laser device scans a laser beam along the reflective surface to define a fold line thereon. The fold line extends substantially between the two opposite ends of the mirror. At least one fixed mounting device has a support surface. At least one rotational device is attached to the mirror. The at least one rotational device has an arcuate surface defining an imaginary circle and engaging the support surface of the at least one fixed mounting device. The imaginary circle has a center substantially coincident with the fold line of the reflective surface. The at least one rotational device rotates about the center of the imaginary circle to thereby rotate the mirror about the fold line.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting printhead skew in an electrophotographic machine. The electrophotographic machine includes a machine frame having a plurality of mounting locations, at least one printhead, and a plurality of resilient elongate beam members. Each of the plurality of resilient elongate beam members have a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each proximal end is attached to the printhead and each distal end is attached to a respective one of the mounting locations of the machine frame, thereby mounting the printhead to the machine frame. The printhead further includes a printhead base having a pivot axis defined, at least in part, by a location of attachment of said plurality of resilient elongate beam members. The apparatus further includes a skew adjustment mechanism for effecting a pivot of the printhead about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging apparatus includes a plurality of photoconductive drums and a plurality of printhead assemblies. Each drum has an axis of rotation and a photoconductive peripheral surface. A plurality of the axes of rotation of the drums lie in a generally common plane. The peripheral surface of each drum rotates in a common direction defining an advance direction of the print medium. Adjacent drums are disposed at a first distance away from each other between the axes of rotation. Each printhead assembly is associated with a respective drum and is configured for generating a laser beam which impinges upon the respective drum along a line of incidence. The printhead assemblies are disposed at a second distance from one to another which is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A method of reversing a laser beam in a machine includes orienting a pair of reflective surfaces at an angle of approximately 90° relative to each other. The laser beam is directed in a first direction such that the laser beam sequentially impinges upon a first of the reflective surfaces reflects off of the first reflective surface, impinges upon a second of the reflective surfaces, and reflects off of the second reflective surface in a second direction substantially parallel to and opposite the first direction. A pivot axis is substantially parallel to each of the reflective surfaces. Each of the reflective surfaces is pivoted about the pivot axis by a substantially equal angle to thereby change a position of the laser beam after reflecting off of the second reflective surface.