Abstract: Disclosed is a protective cover package for an endless, organic photoreceptor belt of an electrophotographic printer. The protective cover package is a flexible, closed loop sheet member which extends about an outer, photoreceptor coated surface of the endless belt. The photoreceptor coated surface of the endless belt is releasably secured to an inner surface of the sheet member, such that the sheet member supports the belt, and protects the photoreceptor surface from damage that would adversely affect the image reproduction quality of the belt. The sheet member has a belt loading configuration, that substantially duplicates the configuration of the endless belt when the belt is mounted onto support rollers of the electrophotographic printer. By replicating the configuration of the support rollers, loading of the belt onto the rollers is facilitated using the protective cover package. The sheet member also has a compact configuration that requires less volume than the belt loading configuration.

Abstract: An ink replenishment system for supplying a working solution of an ink to an electrographic imaging device. A plurality of removable ink cartridges each have at least a first compartment containing ink concentrate and a second compartment. A fluid handling system couples the first compartment of each ink cartridge to a respective working solution reservoir. A controller controls the flow of ink concentrate from each ink cartridge and liquid carrier from a source of liquid carrier to maintain a working solution concentration of working solution in each of the working solution reservoirs. A return system fluidly couples each of the developer stations to the second compartment of the respective ink cartridges. Alternate embodiments include one compartment and three compartment cartridges, and locating the working solution reservoir in the removable cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge device for packaging an endless, organic photoreceptor belt of an electrophotographic printer. The cartridge device includes a substantially rigid, closed loop support structure and a resilient mechanism. The resilient mechanism engages the endless belt and releasably holds the belt against an inner surface of the support structure. The resilient mechanism holds the endless belt so that the belt substantially conforms to the shape of the support structure. The shape of the support structure essentially duplicates the configuration of the endless belt when the belt is mounted onto support rollers of the electrophotographic printer. By replicating the configuration of the support rollers, loading of a replacement photoreceptor belt onto the rollers is facilitated using the cartridge device. The cartridge device substantially protects the photoreceptor belt from inadvertent damage that would adversely affect the image reproduction quality of the replacement belt.

Abstract: A method and valve assembly for fluidly coupling a removable ink cartridge to an imaging device. The valve assembly includes a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion. The first assembly portion includes a first housing having a first valve portion biased to a closed position. The first valve portion has a first interface surface at a distal end. A second assembly portion includes a second housing having a second valve portion biased to a closed position. The second valve portion has a second interface surface at a distal end adapted to engage with the first interface surface at a valve interface. A forward seal adapted to engage with the first interface surface and the second interface surface is positioned at the valve interface when the first and second valve portions are in the closed position.

Abstract: A cartridge device for packaging an endless, organic photoreceptor belt of an electrophotographic printer. The cartridge device is a closed loop support structure manufactured of a resilient material around which the endless belt extends. The resilient support structure has a belt loading configuration, that substantially duplicates the configuration of the endless belt when the belt is mounted onto support rollers of the electrophotographic printer. By replicating the configuration of the support rollers, loading of the belt onto the rollers is facilitated using the cartridge device. The resilient support structure also has a compact configuration that requires less volume than the belt loading configuration. The compact configuration of the cartridge device minimizes shipping volume and storage space requirements for replacement photoreceptor belts.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for use in an ink replenishment system in an electrographic imaging device. The removable ink cartridge is configured to engage with a cartridge interface assembly and a detector in an ink cartridge bay on an electrographic imaging device. The ink cartridge has an outer shell comprising at least a first compartment containing a liquid ink and a second compartment. A first valve is fluidly coupled to the first compartment. Second and third valves are fluidly coupled to the second compartment. The first, second, and third valves are adapted to engage with corresponding valves at the cartridge interface assembly. A plurality of key slots are provided for receiving one or more key tabs that identify the ink cartridge. The key tabs are positioned to engage with the detector in the ink cartridge bay. A cap for an ink cartridge is also disclosed.