Abstract: A system and method for removing toner and particles from a developer cavity of an electrostatic process unit of a toner-based printer includes a filter displaced over at least a portion of the developer cavity, and a fan configured to draw a volume of air through the filter from the portion of the developer cavity adjacent to the filter. The fan is coupled to the photoconductive drum of the electrostatic process unit and rotates when the photoconductive drum rotates. The rotation of the fan generates a negative pressure on the filter which draws the volume of air through the filter. The filter removes airborne toner and particles from the volume of air. The toner and particles are removed from the electrostatic process unit by an associated auger.

Abstract: A method of accumulating products traveling in a conveyor system according to system conditions including: receiving products from an infeed conveyor onto a first conveyor in an accumulator; transferring by a carriage products from the first conveyor to a second conveyor in the accumulator; moving products from the second conveyor to an outfeed conveyor; detecting a density of products moving on the second conveyor; and moving the carriage with along the first and second conveyors if the detected density is above a certain density value.

Abstract: A method of accumulating products traveling in a conveyor system according to system conditions including: receiving products from an infeed conveyor onto a first conveyor in an accumulator; transferring by a carriage products from the first conveyor to a second conveyor in the accumulator; moving products from the second conveyor to an outfeed conveyor; detecting a density of products moving on the second conveyor; and moving the carriage with along the first and second conveyors if the detected density is above a certain density value.

Abstract: The present invention includes a damping device for a media feed mechanism for a peripheral device having a media feedpath having a feed shaft and a downstream exit shaft. In one form a damping hub is mounted on said exit shaft, a resilient biasing member extending between the damping hub and the feed shaft to create a damping force on the damping hub. In another embodiment damping is provided by a brake structure engaging said damping hub. In yet another embodiment, a brake structure is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: The present invention includes a damping device for a media feed mechanism for a peripheral device having a media feedpath having a feed shaft and a downstream exit shaft. In one form a damping hub is mounted on said exit shaft, a resilient biasing member extending between the damping hub and the feed shaft to create a damping force on the damping hub. In another embodiment damping is provided by a brake structure engaging said damping hub. In yet another embodiment, a brake structure is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: A damping device for a media feed mechanism for a peripheral device includes a media feedpath having a feed shaft and a downstream exit shaft. In one form a damping hub is mounted on said exit shaft, a resilient biasing member extending between the damping hub and the feed shaft to create a damping force on the damping hub. In another embodiment damping is provided by a brake structure engaging said damping hub. In yet another embodiment, a brake structure is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: A media edge guide assembly for use in an imaging apparatus having a media supply source includes a first edge guide portion and a second edge guide portion. The first edge guide portion and the second edge guide portion are arranged to have an axis of rotation passing through the first edge guide portion and the second edge guide portion. The first edge guide portion and the second edge guide portion are laterally interconnected to facilitate movement as a unit in a lateral direction along the axis of rotation, and the first edge guide portion and the second edge guide portion are configured to be rotationally disconnected with respect to the axis of rotation to permit the first edge guide portion to rotate around the axis of rotation independent of the second edge guide portion.

Abstract: The present invention includes a damping device for a media feed mechanism for a peripheral device having a media feedpath having a feed shaft and a downstream exit shaft. In one form a damping hub is mounted on said exit shaft, a resilient biasing member extending between the damping hub and the feed shaft to create a damping force on the damping hub. In another embodiment damping is provided by a brake structure engaging said damping hub. In yet another embodiment, a brake structure is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: The present invention includes a damping device for a media feed mechanism for a peripheral device having a media feedpath having a feed shaft and a downstream exit shaft. In one form a damping hub is mounted on said exit shaft, a resilient biasing member extending between the damping hub and the feed shaft to create a damping force on the damping hub. In another embodiment damping is provided by a brake structure engaging said damping hub. In yet another embodiment, a brake structure is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a sheet picking mechanism drive unit that includes a sheet pick gear train for driving a sheet picking mechanism to transport a sheet from a stack of print media along the sheet feed path. A print media dam is pivotably coupled at an axis to the imaging apparatus. The print media dam has at least one dam member and a first gear. Each dam member has a media engaging surface. A drive mechanism is drivably coupled between the sheet picking drive mechanism and the first gear to move the dam member between an extended position and a retracted position. When the dam member is in the extended position, the media engaging surface is positioned to interrupt the sheet feed path. When the dam member is in the retracted position, the media engaging surface is positioned to not interrupt the sheet feed path.

Abstract: A printhead carrier includes a body defining a receptacle for receiving a supply cartridge. The body includes a front portion, and a rear portion spaced from the front portion. The rear portion has a latch opening. A cover is provided having a first end configured for pivotal attachment to the front portion of the body. A latch arm has a proximal end attached to the cover. A distal end of the latch arm includes a latch lip. The latch lip engages the latch opening in the rear portion of the body when the cover is in a closed position. A release mechanism is coupled to the rear portion of the body. The release mechanism includes a cam for engaging the latch lip of the latch arm to force the latch lip out of the latch opening when the release mechanism is moved from a latch position to a latch release position.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for hinged devices having an upper member and a lower member. The closure mechanism includes a track disposed on the upper member and at least one support arm pivotally attached to the lower member. A biasing element is adapted to urge the support arm to engage the upper member and urge it to pivot to an open configuration. The arm includes a contact element that engages the track such that an upper end of the arm moves along the track as the upper member pivots to an open position. The arm includes a hook that engages a positive stop to prevent over-rotation of the arm. In other embodiments of the closure mechanism, the arm is pivotally attached to the upper member and moves against the lower member, and the biasing element extends between the arm and either the upper member or the lower member.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a motor including a motor shaft to which a pinion gear is attached, and a feed roller including a shaft. The feed roller is positioned upstream from the print zone in relation to the sheet feed direction. A primary gear train includes a first gear in mesh with the pinion gear and a second gear rigidly mounted to the shaft of the feed roller. A spring coupling has a first end connected to the second gear of the primary gear train. A secondary gear train includes a third gear in mesh with the pinion gear and a fourth gear rotatably mounted to the shaft of the feed roller for free rotation with respect to the shaft, the second end of the spring coupling being connected to the fourth gear of the secondary gear train.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a motor including a motor shaft to which a pinion gear is attached, and a feed roller including a shaft. The feed roller is positioned upstream from the print zone in relation to the sheet feed direction. A primary gear train includes a first gear in mesh with the pinion gear and a second gear rigidly mounted to the shaft of the feed roller. A spring coupling has a first end connected to the second gear of the primary gear train. A secondary gear train includes a third gear in mesh with the pinion gear and a fourth gear rotatably mounted to the shaft of the feed roller for free rotation with respect to the shaft, the second end of the spring coupling being connected to the fourth gear of the secondary gear train.