Abstract: An apparatus and method for the transport and/or storage of developing agent in an image forming apparatus. A cartridge may be employed having a reservoir for developing agent and a component, such as a drum, which may include an interior region capable of storing developing agent. A transport device may be included that is capable of transporting developing agent between the reservoir and a location in the image forming apparatus such as the drum interior.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for determining a media level in an input area within an image forming device. In one embodiment, a support section configured to hold a stack of media sheets is positioned in the image forming device. A pick mechanism is positioned to contact a top-most media sheet of the stack of media sheets in the support section. The pick mechanism may include a pick motor and a pick roller. A sensor roller may be positioned separate from the pick roller and in contact with the top-most media sheet. A controller may determine the media level based on a movement of the sensor roller after the top-most media sheet has moved to a predetermined location.

Abstract: A conveyor mechanism for moving waste toner within an interior of a waste toner reservoir. The conveyor mechanism has a first end positioned in proximity to an inlet into the waste toner reservoir, and a second end positioned vertically above the first end. The conveyor mechanism operates to move the toner from a lower position within the waste toner reservoir to the vertically elevated position. The conveyor device may allow for the capacity of the waste toner reservoir to be more fully utilized. In use, the conveyor device is activated and waste toner is moved into the upper reaches of the waste toner reservoir.

Abstract: A developer reference system for a contact development process having machine frame mounted support rollers for the developer roll. Skew between the PC drum and the developer roll is reduced by referencing each to the same support structure. Rolling resistance of the developer roll support rollers is reduced by using thin diameter metal pins for mounting the support rollers.

Abstract: A developer reference system for a contact development process having machine frame mounted support rollers for the developer roll. Skew between the PC drum and the developer roll is reduced by referencing each to the same support structure. Rolling resistance of the developer roll support rollers is reduced by using thin diameter metal pins for mounting the support rollers.

Abstract: A waste toner removal device for transporting toner from a photoconductive drum within an image-forming apparatus. The invention includes a waste toner reservoir having outer walls forming an interior chamber for housing toner removed from the photoconductive drum. An opening is positioned within the outer walls into the interior chamber forming an upper chamber section extending above the opening and a lower chamber section extending below the opening. An auger extends along the photoconductive drum and unobstructed into the opening of the waste toner reservoir. The auger includes helical blades extending outward for moving the toner from the photoconductive drum into the waste toner reservoir. A pumping cylinder having a generally cylindrical shape extends around the auger adjacent to the waste toner reservoir.

Abstract: A multi-color printer includes a plurality of print cartridges and a frame. Each print cartridge corresponds to a different color to be printed, and includes a keying feature different from the other print cartridges. The frame defines a plurality of docking stations, with each docking station including a mating keying feature only allowing interconnection with a correspondingly keyed print cartridge. Each keying feature is in the form of at least one tab and each mating keying feature is in the form of at least one corresponding recess. Each recess is positioned to receive a corresponding tab of a corresponding print cartridge. Each mating keying feature defines a hard stop with the keying features of the print cartridges other than the correspondingly keyed print cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an image forming body with an opening along at least one side. Guide rails are mounted to the image forming body above the opening, and a pair of support members are positioned within the image forming body below the guide rails. The apparatus further includes a cartridge having support arms extending outward for contacting the guide rails during insertion and removal from the image forming body. The cartridge also includes a photoconductive drum positioned on a lower portion of the cartridge, and when inserted into the image forming body, the cartridge is supported by resting the photoconductive drum on the support members.

Abstract: A device within an image forming apparatus for positioning a doctor blade against a developer roller and preventing toner leakage. The device includes a developer housing for containing the developer roller and the doctor blade. A biasing member is positioned adjacent to the doctor blade for forcing the doctor blade against the developer roller for controlling the mass flow and charge level of the toner. The doctor blade is supported by retention stops on a front edge and a pair of supports on the back edge. Toner is prevented from leaking through the device by a flap seal positioned along the doctor blade back side and a seal positioned between each end of doctor blade end and developer housing. The invention provides for the doctor blade to be freely positioned between the retention stops, developer housing, and seals providing for the doctor blade to contact the developer roller in a consistent manner.