Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring an image from an imaging surface to a sheet. The apparatus includes a transfer assist blade having a contact surface which is moved from a nonoperative position spaced from the sheet, to an operative position, in contact with the sheet for pressing the sheet into contact with the image. The transfer assist apparatus includes a cleaning member for cleaning the contact surface as it moves between the operative and nonoperative positions.

Abstract: A cleaning seal with a soft cleaning seal tip provides a seal between the cleaning housing and the photoconductive member in an electrophotographic machine. The cleaning seal is made of a relatively stiff material so that the cleaning seal can collect and support the toner removed from the photoconductive member. In the absence of the soft cleaning seal tip, the relatively stiff material of the cleaning seal contacting the photoconductive member excessively scratches the photoconductive member. The soft cleaning seal tip solves this problem by providing a relatively soft surface on the photoconductive member, resulting in fewer scratches on the photoconductive member. The composite cleaning seal provides the sufficient force to remove and support the toner removed from the photoconductive member while cushioning the force of the relatively stiff cleaning seal against the photoconductive member.

Abstract: A retaining device for a photoreceptive member in a xerographic CRU. The belt in a CRU is retained by the device and held in a shape so that it will slide easily over a drive module without catching on other machine components. The device is made up of a plurality of fingers that hold the belt in position during shipment and installation. Once the CRU is installed and an interlock handle turned, the belt is released from the fingers and is in an operative, supported position on the drive module. To remove the CRU, the interlock mechanism is reversed and the belt is again captured by the fingers and held in a shape to allow easy removal over the drive module.

Abstract: A slidable subsystem for use in a printing machine is provided. The subsystem includes a body slidably mounted to the printing machine, a handle connected to the body, and a lever. The lever is operably associated with the body. The lever selectively secures the body to the printing machine. The lever is moveable into a first relaxed position and a second secured position. The lever cooperates with said handle to permit the handle to be extended forwardly when the lever is in a relaxed position.

Abstract: A xerographic CRU (Customer Relpaceable Unit) for an electrophotographic printing machine. The xerographic CRU has retaining features and cooperates with a drive module with certain retractable features that allow the insertion and removal of the CRU without causing damage to the photoreceptor and other critical subsystems. The unit further has many locating members for other subsystems so that critical tolerances are maintained. An interface with a single handle assembly retracts/unlocks and extends/locks the drive module and the associated CRU subsystems into an operative position. The CRU also has electrical and drive connections for the cleaning system, the charging system and transfer/detack.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a charge retentive surface of a photoreceptor which includes a rotating brush for cleaning the charge retentive surface of a photoreceptor. A spring or other device is used to maintain constant, uniformly distributed contact between the charge retentive surface and the rotating cleaning member together. The use of one or more pressure rollers to maintain the cleaning brush next to the photoreceptor belt can prevent undesirable friction, heat and/or static charge buildup adjacent to the photoreceptor, and can prevent photoreceptor jamming and other malfunctions. The resulting self regulating cleaning brush contact improves photoreceptor cleaning effectiveness despite brush aging, bristle wear or set, or other factors effecting the radius of the cleaning brush or its relative positioning in the photoreceptor cleaning assembly. The present invention results in the uniform distribution of the contact pressure on the photoreceptor, which may monitored and/or be controlled.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively positioning a plurality of components in a printing machine is provided. The mechanism includes a lever for controlling the mechanism, a first linkage operably connecting the lever to a first component, and a second linkage operably connecting the lever to a second component, so as to simultaneously reposition the first component and the second component by actuating the lever.