Abstract: A doctor blade (10) having a steel rod (11) attached to a stamped bracket (20) provides a radiused surface for contacting a developer roll (12). The doctor blade (10 ) includes a bracket member (20) having a mounting end (42), a doctoring end (44) and a bent portion (14) connecting the mounting end (42) to the doctoring end (44). The rod (11) is coupled to the bracket member (20) near the bent portion (14) and arranged to contact a developer roll (12) for precise toner metering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packaging materials that may be used for components in an image forming apparatus. The packaging material may include polymeric fiber which may be in the form of a non-woven, woven or knit fabric. The fiber may contain less than 5.0% of compounds having molecular weights of equal to or less than about 2500. The packaging material may also absorb developing agent.

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: 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: The present invention relates generally to image forming equipment, e.g. a laser printer of the type which includes a photoconductive (PC) drum and an associated charge roller. The invention is disclosed in exemplary embodiment as a laser printer incorporating a cleaner element with an electrical potential to sufficiently charge contamination particles on the PC drum to electrically repel from a charged surface, such as the charge roller.

Abstract: A vent integral with the top surface of toner hopper (5) having three labyrinth channels (3a-3c) oriented in one direction and three labyrinth channels (3d-3f) oriented in an orthogonal direction. Each labyrinth communicates with the inside of the hopper by a hole (13a-13f) and the end of each labyrinth communicates with filter pad (7) held in a basin (11) formed in the top surface of hopper (5). Cover (9) closes the vent except for hole (15) over the center of pad (7).

Abstract: A subsea buoy for use in maneuvering a submerged object, the buoy comprising a buoyant body, a first frangible link for securing said buoy to the object, means for rupturing said first frangible link, a drogue secured to said buoyant body by a second frangible link and by means allowing said drogue to move on rupture of said second frangible link from a first configuration to a second configuration, where said drogue is spaced apart from said buoyant body, and a third frangible link extending between the object and said drogue.

Abstract: A subsea buoy for use in manoeuvring a submerged object, the buoy comprising