Abstract: A system and method reduces wear on an image-forming device. The image-forming device includes one or more toner cartridges, each having an associated PC drum and transport member to transport toner images or media. Each of the PC drums maintain contact with a surface of the transport member regardless of whether they are being used to form a toner image. A controller controls the rotation of the PC drums to rotate or not rotate while in contact with the surface of the transport member.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices for maintaining an electrical connection to a rotating shaft of an image forming device. One embodiment of a device to provide an electrical connection to the shaft of a developer roller may include a high voltage power supply electrically connected to the shaft. The electrical connection may be made through an annular electrical connector. The annular electrical connector may be positioned on and rotates with the shaft.

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 and an image forming apparatus housing.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a removable cartridge holding toner, supplying toner to a developer. The cartridge and developer each include a shutter to retain toner when the cartridge is removed. Upon insertion, the developer abuts the cartridge shutter, and the cartridge abuts the developer shutter, such that movement of the shutter into the image forming device opens both the shutters. Additionally upon insertion, the cartridge shutter releasably engages with the developer, and the cartridge releasably engages with the developer shutter. Upon removing the cartridge, the developer pulls the cartridge shutter closed prior to releasing engagement, and the cartridge pulls the developer shutter closed prior to releasing engagement. The opening and closing of both shutters requires only a single movement by the user: inserting or removing the cartridge from the image forming device.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices for moving toner within an image forming device. In one embodiment, the device includes a reservoir with an inlet that leads into the reservoir through a first sidewall. New toner may be introduced through the inlet and into the reservoir. A paddle may be positioned within the reservoir to move the toner from the inlet and through the reservoir. The paddle may prevent the toner from accumulating at the inlet which may act as a block to prevent further toner from being moved into the reservoir. The paddle may include a shaft with a weighted first arm extending from the shaft in a first direction and a second arm extending from the shaft in a second direction. The arms are weighted such that the first arm is heavier than the second arm. The paddle is positioned within the reservoir such that rotation of the paddle moves the toner from the inlet throughout the reservoir.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a removable cartridge holding toner, supplying toner to a developer. The cartridge and developer each include a shutter to retain toner when the cartridge is removed. Upon insertion, the developer abuts the cartridge shutter, and the cartridge abuts the developer shutter, such that movement of the shutter into the image forming device opens both the shutters. Additionally upon insertion, the cartridge shutter releasably engages with the developer, and the cartridge releasably engages with the developer shutter. Upon removing the cartridge, the developer pulls the cartridge shutter closed prior to releasing engagement, and the cartridge pulls the developer shutter closed prior to releasing engagement. The opening and closing of both shutters requires only a single movement by the user: inserting or removing the cartridge from the image forming device.

Abstract: A toner layer regulating system for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a toner carrier; a toner regulating member (e.g., doctor blade) disposed proximate the toner carrier, with the toner regulating member having a first surface disposed toward the toner carrier and forming a nip with the toner carrier. The toner regulating member comprise a flexible metallic substrate and a metallic coating on the first surface in an area thereof forming the nip. The coating on the toner regulating member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten carbide, and alloys thereof. The coating may be substantially homogeneous and/or have a thickness of not more than 30 um. The coating may have a relatively smooth surface roughness of ?2.0 um Ra.

Abstract: A toner layer regulating system for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a toner carrier; a toner regulating member supported in cantilevered fashion against the toner carrier so as to form a toner nip therebetween comprising a flexible metallic substrate having a coating covering at least an area forming the nip; wherein the coating comprises at least a matrix of a base polymer and a plurality of fine particles having a particle size of 0.1 microns to thirty microns; wherein the coating has a thickness of approximately one hundred fifty microns or less; wherein the coating has a surface roughness in the range of 0.15 to 1.5 microns Ra and in the range of 1 to 15 microns Rz. A carrier stratum may be disposed between the coating and the substrate, and the coating may be single layer or have a plurality of layers.

Abstract: A device and method of supporting a doctor blade within an image forming apparatus. The device has a housing for positioning a doctor blade such that a bottom edge contacts a developer roller. One or more extensions are positioned to support a first side of the doctor blade. The one or more extensions may include dampeners which are constructed of a resilient material. Supports are positioned on a second side of the doctor blade. The doctor blade is sized to fit between the one or more extensions and the supports. A method of supporting the doctor blade includes positioning the doctor blade to dampen vibrations and velocity fluctuations caused by sticking and slipping of the bottom edge of the doctor blade against the developer roller.