Abstract: A type 2 IP-5000 toner cartridge is converted to a type 1 HP-5000 toner cartridge. The device and method are utilized by placing a repair contact over-plate over a double-spring contact subassembly to make a flat surface for the coil-spring contactor to engage while it rotates so that there will be electrical communication between the double-spring contact subassembly, the repair contact over-plate, the coil-spring contactor, the flange and the developer roller. The repair contact over-plate has at least two attachment-alignment holes used to lock into posts of the gear housing. Various forms of locking, removable locking or non-locking may be implemented into the repair contact over-plate. Installation of the repair contact over-plate may be facilitated by using a tool. The tool may consist of one plate, bar or flat srewdriver with at least one attachment-alignment hole to press the repair contact over-plate over the posts.

Abstract: An improved seal-insert and seal for a toner hopper as used in toner cartridge assemblies for printers, copiers and facsimile machines. In one embodiment, the seal has two slotted, rectangular outer pieces joined together with slot alignment and joined by an inner layer of two-sided tape. The two-sided tape is made with a long u-shape which does not interfere with the slots in the outer pieces. The open end of the u-shaped tape configuration allows a seal to be inserted or removed from between the outer pieces to close or open the slots. The seal-insert is applied over the passage from the toner hopper. The outer pieces are made from an antistatic and/or a conductive material, such as an aluminum laminate or plastic imprefnated with conductive particles. Alternately, the outer pieces may be made from plastic covered with an antistatic and/or conductive spray or coating.

Abstract: A device and method is shown that enables any strip or modular shipping seal-assembly to be ergonomically installed in a user-friendly way by leaving a handle protruding from the strip-assembly or seal-assembly for easy separation of the release liner when installing the strip-assembly or seal-assembly. Also, seal-assemblies may be manufactured and installed where there is a page consisting of the same material that the seal-insert is made of and the seal-inserts are die-cut into the page. Since the seal-insert perimeter is formed with a kiss-cut to the bottom release liner, the seal-assembly can be built-into a page. Then when it is time for the seal-assembly installer to install the seal-assembly, he simply pulls on the seal-assembly and the seal-assembly lifts right off of the page, ready to install, adhesive exposed because lifting it off the page separated the seal-assembly from the bottom release liner layer of the page.

Abstract: A shipping seal assembly uses adhesive masking to reduce the magnitude of the pulling force required to pull the pull-strip component of a tear-seal assembly to tear the seal assembly. The very release liner, an ingredient of some adhesive tapes, already removably adhered to the tape as purchased is used to mask the adhesive at the initial tearing and/or final tearing area, or any other location where the magnitude of the pulling force is to be reduced. Precision adhesive masking is accomplished during the same die-cutting process of forming a seal-insert component of the seal assembly, and thus does not require an extra step, but rather uses a die that does both functions of cutting a seal-insert component and kiss-cut-forming an adhesive mask, all in one die-cut step. These seal assembly improvements are implemented in the overall manufacture of a toner hopper, toner cartridge and/or used in an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, toner cartridge assembly and toner hopper having a seal-insert and tear-style seal-assembly in the toner hopper as used in toner cartridge assemblies for dry toner style printers, copiers and facsimile machines. The seal-assembly may have a short grip portion where the seal installation personnel may pull on both the short grip portion and the pull-strip simultaneously to control and guide the seal-assembly into position in the toner hopper with ease. Methods to install and manufacture are also included.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus or toner cartridge component thereof uses a bias voltage contact device that fits into an electrobushing which transmits the electrical contact has been invented. Thus, now a bushing can also act as an electrical contact and thereby a spring is not a requirement. The cylindrical bias voltage contact fits into a developer roller and has a smaller portion that is also cylindrical and fits into an electrobushing. The electrobushing is contacted electrically to the power supply of the image forming apparatus. The cylindrical bias voltage contact may have a cylindrical portion that fits into the developer roller by press fit with the new feature where the cylindrical portion has more than one diameter for obtaining a better press fit.

Abstract: Strips, gaskets and shipping seals may be installed for various industries. A toner cartridge of a laser printer, copier or facsimile machine has various strips in it for various functions. Among the strips are recovery blades, spreader blades, wiper blades, certain shipping seals, doctor blades and other miscellaneous strips. A device and method is shown that enables any strip or modular shipping seal to be ergonomically installed in a user-friendly way by leaving a handle protruding from the strip-assembly or seal-assembly for easy separation of the release liner when installing the strip-assembly or seal-assembly. Also, seal-assemblies may be manufactured and installed where there is a page consisting of the same material that the seal-insert is made of and the seal-inserts are die-cut into the page. Since the seal-insert perimeter is formed with a kiss-cut to the bottom release liner, the seal-assembly can be built-into a page.

Abstract: Electrical contact devices for supplying a bias voltage to a developer roller and a primary charge roller of a toner cartridge used in an image forming system. The electricity may be communicated through electrical contact devices with or without modular inserts, using spring wires, flat springs, coil springs, unicorn springs, endfelt seals that also act as bias voltage contacts, magnetic seals that also act as bias voltage contacts, insulator spacers that also act as bias voltage contacts, scraper devices that also act as bias voltage contacts, and two legged spring contacts. Also, improved endfelts may be made using a combination of foam that has been flocked or with a surface of fibers that simulates a velvet surface and even a conductive flocking where the endfelt seal may act both as a seal and also an electrical contact.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus or toner cartridge component thereof uses a bias voltage contact device that fits into an electrobushing which transmits the electrical contact has been invented. Thus, now a bushing can also act as an electrical contact and thereby a spring is not a requirement. The cylindrical bias voltage contact fits into a developer roller and has a smaller portion that is also cylindrical and fits into an electrobushing. The electrobushing is contacted electrically to the power supply of the image forming apparatus. The cylindrical bias voltage contact may have a cylindrical portion that fits into the developer roller by press fit with the new feature where the cylindrical portion has more than one diameter for obtaining a better press fit.

Abstract: A toner cartridge of a laser printer, copier or facsimile machine has various strips in it for various functions. Among the strips are recovery blades, spreader blades, wiper blades, certain shipping seals, doctor blades and other miscellaneous strips. A device and method is shown that enables any strip or modular shipping seal to be ergonomically installed in a user friendly way by leaving a strip of protective liner protruding from the strip for easy removal. Also, a device and method for attachment of strips is shown that utilizes a positioning tab stiffener device for user friendly easy insertion of the strip into a toner cartridge, laser printer, copy cartridge or facsimile machine. After the positioning tab is used to install the strip, the positioning tab stiffener device is removed from the strip assembly. By using preferential 2-sided tapes or transfer tapes that are removable on one surface, the positioning device tab may be removed easier.

Abstract: An improved seal-insert and seal for a toner hopper as used in toner cartridge assemblies for printers, copiers and facsimile machines. In one embodiment, the seal has two slotted, rectangular outer pieces joined together with slot alignment and joined by an inner layer of two-sided tape. The two-sided tape is made with a long u-shape which does not interfere with the slots in the outer pieces. The open end of the u-shaped tape configuration allows a seal to be inserted or removed from between the outer pieces to close or open the slots. The seal-insert is applied over the passage from the toner hopper. The outer pieces are made from an antistatic and/or a conductive material, such as an aluminum laminate or plastic impregnated with conductive particles. Alternately, the outer pieces may be made from plastic covered with an antistatic and/or conductive spray or coating.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus or toner cartridge component thereof uses a bias voltage contact device that fits into an electrobushing which transmits the electrical contact has been invented. Thus, now a bushing can also act as an electrical contact and thereby a spring is not a requirement. The cylindrical bias voltage contact fits into a developer roller and has a smaller portion that is also cylindrical and fits into an electrobushing. The electrobushing is contacted electrically to the power supply of the image forming apparatus. The cylindrical bias voltage contact may have a cylindrical portion that fits into the developer roller by press fit with the new feature where the cylindrical portion has more than one diameter for obtaining a better press fit.

Abstract: A toner cartridge of a laser printer, copier or facsimile machine has various strips in it for various functions. Among the strips are recovery blades, spreader blades, wiper blades, certain shipping seals, doctor blades and other miscleaneous strips. A device and method is shown that enables any strip or modular shipping seal to be ergonomically installed in a userfriendly way by leaving a strip of protective liner protruding from the strip for easy removal. Also, a device and method for attachment of strips is shown that utilizes a positioning tab stiffener device for userfriendly easy insertion of the strip into a toner cartridge, laser printer, copy cartridge or facsimile machine. After the positioning tab is used to install the strip, the positioning tab stiffener device is removed from the strip assembly. By using preferential 2-sided tapes or transfer tapes that are removable on one surface, the positioning device tab may be removed easier.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus or toner cartridge component thereof uses a bias voltage contact device that fits into an electrobushing which transmits the electrical contact has been invented. Thus, now a bushing can also act as an electrical contact and thereby a spring is not a requirement. The cylindrical bias voltage contact fits into a developer roller and has a smaller portion that is also cylindrical and fits into an electrobushing. The electrobushing is contacted electrically to the power supply of the image forming apparatus. The cylindrical bias voltage contact may have a cylindrical portion that fits into the developer roller by press fit with the new feature where the cylindrical portion has more than one diameter for obtaining a better press fit.

Abstract: Electrical contact devices for supplying a bias voltage to a developer roller and a primary charge roller of a toner cartridge used in an image forming system. The electricity may be communicated through electrical contact devices with or without modular inserts, using spring wires, flat springs, coil springs, unicorn springs, endfelt seals that also act as bias voltage contacts, magnetic seals that also act as bias voltage contacts, insulator spacers that also act as bias voltage contacts, scraper devices that also act as bias voltage contacts, and two legged spring contacts. Also, improved endfelts may be made using a combination of foam that has been flocked or with a surface of fibers that simulates a velvet surface and even a conductive flocking where the endfelt seal may act both as a seal and also an electrical contact.

Abstract: Fixtures and subfixtures may be used to hold the component being pressed for greater precision. Quick connect fixtures and subfixtures may be used in the press to save time and labor of the changeover process by using couplings and nipples attached to the fixtures and subfixtures not unlike the couplings and nipples used for quick connection and release of air compressor hoses and hydraulic line hoses.

Abstract: An easily removable and reusable improved holding pin device and method for securing together the sections of a toner cartridge assembly for use in imaging machines. The holding pin comprises a shank with a tapered head structured to allow easy gripping of the holding pin by pulling tools by using the taper which forms a recess in the head so the head will abut for easy grabbing with a conventional pulling tool for easy removal. The gripping parts of a tool may extend through this recess space to grip or otherwise contact the head of the holding pin, allowing the holding pin to be pulled from the assembly without damage to the holding pin or cartridge assembly. In another embodiment of the holding pin there is a first portion of the head that is tapered and a second portion of the head that is not tapered so that the tapered portion forms a recess so the second portion is easy to grab and is also set in precise position so as not to stick out too far.

Abstract: A toner cartridge of a laser printer, copier or facsimile machine has various strips in it for various functions. Among the strips are recovery blades, spreader blades, wiper blades, certain shipping seals, doctor blades and other miscleaneous strips. A device and method is shown that enables any strip or modular shipping seal to be ergonomically installed in a userfriendly way by leaving a strip of protective liner protruding from the strip for easy removal. Also, a device and method for attachment of strips is shown that utilizes a positioning tab stiffener device for userfriendly easy insertion of said strip into a toner cartridge, laser printer, copy cartridge or facsimile machine. After the positioning tab is used to install the strip, the positioning tab stiffener device is removed from the strip assembly. By using preferential 2-sided tapes or transfer tapes that are removable on one surface, the positioning device tab may be removed easier.

Abstract: An toner cartridge and bias contact which pertains to the recharging of the cartridge by the development of a new way of making this electrical connection between the developer roller and the printer contact, in a most unique and simple way. In the best embodiment, an annular contact rides in the bore of the developer roller, pushed up against a stop where the bore diameter decreases, and the annular contact is tightly placed to attain accuracy, solidity, maximum contact and position. Also, a spring type contact may be used to set the gap of the doctor blade, controlling the distance between the developer roller and doctor blade. Alternately, a similar contact is attached to the end-felt roller seals of the developer roller. Electrical resistance has been provided to vary this bias voltage when desired and may even be added to the contact in the form of a resistant coating.

Abstract: An improved gasket device for a bushing which drives a stir-rod has been developed for use in a toner hopper. In one embodiment, the improved gasket uses a crush-resistant material, such as velvet or felt, laminated on a resilient material such as foam tape. The crush-resistant material prevents permanent reduction in the thickness of the gasket by absorbing compressive forces. In a second embodiment, an incompressible shim, for example a steel or plastic shim spaces the felt gasket from the part of the bushing extending from the toner hopper. This tightens the attachment of the bushing to the toner hopper and keeps the felt gasket firmly against the wall of the toner hopper.