Abstract: A seal assembly for use in an imaging cartridge includes a gasket having first and second sides, a removable handle attached to an end of the gasket, a removable seal having a first side adhered to the first side of the gasket by an adhesive, a seal tail attached to an end of the removable seal, a release liner having a first side adhered to the second side of the gasket by an adhesive, and a release liner tail attached to an end of the release liner and adapted to be folded back over the release liner.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor belt formed by either a belt or a thin-walled cylinder. A charging unit that sets bias characteristics of the photoreceptor belt has an arrangement to approach towards the photoreceptor belt. A damper is provided on a side of the photoreceptor belt opposite to the side facing the charging unit. The damper absorbs vibrations in the photoreceptor belt through a supporting plate.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for modifying a printer cartridge intended for installation in one type of printer to be installed in another type of printer or a plurality of printers. In one aspect, a method of modifying a toner cartridge may include modifying one or more end portion of the toner cartridge. In another aspect, a method of modifying a toner cartridge may include adding a patch on the converted cartridge.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for modifying a printer cartridge intended for installation in one type of printer to be installed in another type of printer or a plurality of printers. In one aspect, a method of modifying a toner cartridge may include modifying a gear side end portion of a waste bin assembly of the toner cartridge. The altered toner cartridge is installable then installable in a different printer.

Abstract: Techniques for attaching a replacement chip to an imaging cartridge are described. a method of replacing a component of an imaging cartridge includes: providing the imaging cartridge comprising a chip and a chip holding structure holding the chip, the chip holding structure including a left upper flange, a right upper flange, a rear retaining member, bottom supporting rails, a left forward retaining element extending from the left upper flange, and a right forward retaining element extending from the right upper flange; removing at least a portion of the left forward retaining element and the right forward retaining element to form a modified chip holding structure; removing the chip from the cartridge; installing a replacement chip in the modified chip holding structure; and attaching the replacement chip to the imaging cartridge.

Abstract: A reinforcing clip for use in the toner cartridge remanufacturing industry is disclosed. The reinforcing clip secures a magnetic roller section as it is positioned on a toner hoper reservoir of a toner cartridge. The toner hopper reservoir has a limited amount of space available to mount such a clip. The present invention provides a securing force which is about perpendicular to the fastening force of the reinforcing clip's two securing legs.

Abstract: Techniques for remanufacturing an imaging cartridge include providing the imaging cartridge including a memory element storing cartridge usage data, reading from the memory element the cartridge usage data, analyzing the cartridge usage data to produce results, and determining, based on the results, if a component of the imaging cartridge needs to be replaced. A cartridge memory interface device includes processing circuitry adapted for reading cartridge usage data from the memory element of the imaging cartridge. The processing circuitry is further adapted for analyzing the cartridge usage data to produce results for determining if any components of the imaging cartridge need to be replaced. A user interface displays the results to a user.

Abstract: A method for modifying a process cartridge includes providing the process cartridge comprising a waste bin having physical characteristics. The method further includes altering the physical characteristics of the waste bin to form an altered process cartridge.

Abstract: A method for installing a replacement optical photo conductor cylinder in a recycled toner cartridge having a frame for an electrostatic copier or similar device where the original photo conductor is permanently installed in the frame forming a part of the toner cartridge. The method includes the steps of removing the original cylinder by cutting it into as many segments as is necessary, providing a bushing within the original non-driven socket in the frame, providing the non-driven end of the replacement cylinder with a cap having a bore therein, inserting the replacement cylinder into operative position in the frame, and inserting a headed pin through the bushing and the cap to provide a bearing.

Abstract: A disassembling tool pushes first and second coupling members out of a process cartridge that also has an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and first and second coupling members for rotatably coupling first and second frames of the cartridge together. The disassembling tool includes first and second base bodies, first and second engagement portions provided on the first and second base bodies respectively, and engageable with the cartridge to position the cartridge when the tool is mounted on the cartridge, and first and second pushing-out portions provided for movement relative to the first and second base bodies, respectively, for pushing out the first and second coupling members, respectively. The first and second engagement portions are provided at a location opposed to the first and second pushing-out portions, respectively, in a movement direction in which the first and second pushing-out portions are moved, respectively.

Abstract: A toner cartridge having a microcontroller configured to store data necessary to create a message authentication code required by the printer. The microcontroller contains data values capable of generating acceptable MACs for a plurality of printers. The microcontroller recognizes a variety of unique parameters displayed by the printer's processor to identify the printer being used. Once the printer is identified, the microcontroller loads the data values associated with the printer and generates an acceptable MAC to enable printer operation.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor including a cylindrical substrate including a photosensitive layer on an outer circumferential surface thereof and a flange adhesively fixed to at least one end of the cylindrical substrate. The flange has a joint to which a separation jig is applied to apply a tensility in a direction of separating the flange from the cylindrical substrate. A method of recycling the electrophotographic photoreceptor fills an elastic body with a fluid to inflate and contact the elastic body at the outer circumferential surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor upon application of pressure to grasp the electrophotographic photoreceptor in the jig, and the jig is applied to the joint to pull the flange in a direction of separating the flange from the cylindrical substrate.

Abstract: Provided is an outer cover attachment structure which achieves the reduction of burden for collecting and recycling used products from the market, the reduction of replacement parts, and cost reduction of reproduced products. A housing portion housing the removed fixation members or connection members is provided to at least one of the paper feed trays. In the paper feed tray, a housing space is set behind the end face in the paper feed direction of the transfer paper. This position shall be a position that will not have an adverse effect on the paper feeding operation or paper replenishment of the paper feed tray. Two screw holes are provided inside the housing space, and a screw for fixing the fixation members to be housed are inserted into the screw hole so as to fix the fixation member or housing container.

Abstract: A process cartridge remanufacturing method including: detaching first and second covers, at one and the other longitudinal ends of a process cartridge, from drum and developing frames; detaching a drum supporting member from the drum frame; separating the developing and drum frames; detaching a developing roller from the developing frame; filling a developer containing portion with the developer from a developer supply port provided on the developing frame; mounting a developing roller to a developing frame; mounting a photosensitive drum to a drum frame; securing the drum frame and the developing frame by a first cover; securing the drum and developing frames by a second cover; temporarily mounting a drum supporting member to support the photosensitive; and mounting the drum supporting member and the second cover to the drum frame by mounting a fixation member to a mounting hole provided in the second cover by using the screw.

Abstract: A fusing roller regenerating apparatus of a fusing device in an image forming apparatus includes a coating unit coating a fusing roller using a dip coating method to form a regenerated coating layer to a predetermined thickness, and a heating unit including a heating body spaced apart from a surface of the fusing roller by a predetermined distance to harden the regenerated coating layer formed on the fusing roller by the coating unit. A method of regenerating the fusing roller includes injecting a coating liquid into the coating liquid tub through a coating liquid injection portion to form the regenerated coating layer to the predetermined thickness by rotating the fusing roller after the injection of the coating liquid, hardening the regenerated coating layer using the heating body, and discharging a remaining portion of the coating liquid through the coating liquid discharging portion after the hardening of the regenerated coating layer.

Abstract: The body member of a powder container of the present invention includes a bag-like powder storing body storing powder and formed with an opening at one end, and a base member affixed to the opening of the powder storing body. The base member allows an outlet member, which is formed with a passage configured to deliver the powder from the powder storing body to an outlet and has a shutter function for selectively blocking or unblocking the passage, to be connected to or disconnected from the base member.

Abstract: A developer containing device is provided with a housing that includes a first housing section and a second housing section and that is configured to contain a developer. A protrusion provided on the first housing section and a recess provided in the second housing section are welded together through vibration welding in a state where the protrusion is fitted into the recess. An outer wall of the recess is thicker than an inner wall of the recess.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for sealing a cartridge during a recharging or a refilling of a toner hopper of the cartridge with a toner. The cartridge is filled with the toner through a toner port of the toner hopper. The toner hopper and a shutter drum assembly are separated at a first end of the cartridge. An ultrasonic welder welds a first side at the first end of the cartridge and then welds a second side at the first end of the cartridge. The ultrasonic welder seals the first end of the cartridge by bonding the shutter drum assembly to the toner hopper at the first end of the cartridge. A welding jig maintains alignment of the shutter drum assembly and the toner hopper during reassembly and/or aligns the first side and/or the second side of the cartridge prior to welding by the ultrasonic welder.

Abstract: A process for renewing an outer surface of a used fuser roller by removing debris particles from the surface including contacting the outer surface with a first finishing paper while simultaneously rotating the used fuser roller so that the first finishing paper completes a first superfinishing of the outer layer; b) optionally contacting the outer surface with a second finishing paper while simultaneously rotating the used fuser roller so that the second finishing paper completes a second superfinishing of the outer layer; c) optionally contacting the outer surface with a third finishing paper while simultaneously rotating the used fuser roller so that the third finishing paper completes a third superfinishing of the outer layer; and d) repeating a) until obtaining a first measured gloss value of from about 10 to about 50 GGU, optionally repeating b) until obtaining a second measured gloss value of from about 30 to about 70 GGU, and optionally repeating c) until obtaining a third measured gloss value of from

Abstract: A modified printer cartridge is disclosed. In one aspect, the modified printer cartridge includes a waste bin including a first location where at least a portion of a shutter fin has been removed; and a new shutter fin attached to the waste bin at a second location, the second location differing from the first location, wherein, before the shutter fin was removed, the shutter fin was positioned to engage a shutter of a first type of printer, and wherein the new shutter fin is positioned to engage a laser shutter of a second type of printer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a consumable goods management tag, comprising: a rewritable memory for storing remaining quantity data representing a remaining quantity of consumable goods, and a rewrite controlling unit for controlling a rewrite of the remaining quantity data stored in the memory on the basis of a remaining quantity data writing request inputted from outside, carrying out the rewrite of the remaining quantity data responding to increase of the remaining quantity only when a predetermined rewrite condition is fulfilled, and carrying out the rewrite of the remaining quantity data responding to decrease of the remaining quantity even when the rewrite condition is not fulfilled.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus including a rotatable member, a heater for heating the rotatable member, and control means which controls heat generation of the heater, wherein a toner image on a recording material is heated by the rotatable member, the apparatus has a surface condition changing mode for changing a surface condition of the rotatable member, and, when the surface condition changing mode is selected, the control means controls the heat generation of the heater in such a manner that a surface temperature of the rotatable member becomes equal to or higher than a melting temperature of a surface layer of the rotatable member.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a case that accommodates a consumable therein, a land area that protrudes from a surface of the case, and a recess that is formed on a reverse side of the surface at a position corresponding to the land area, a reverse side of a deepest portion of the recess being the land area, wherein the deepest portion of the recess is toward the land area with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A remanufactured toner cartridge comprising a toner hopper, a developer roller housing, end caps holding the waste bin and developer roller in a fixed position with respect to each other, and a seal assembly.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in an imaging cartridge includes a removable rigid insertion element having first and second sides. The seal assembly also includes a removable seal having a first side adhered to the first side of the removable rigid insertion element by a low tack adhesive, a second side coated with an adhesive layer, and a seal tail folded over a first end of the rigid insertion element and extending over at least a portion of the second side of the removable rigid insertion element. A release liner covers the adhesive layer and has a release liner tail.

Abstract: By providing a secure EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) device or other non-volatile memory (NVM) with a wireless interface as a system operation key (SOK) to control the configurable machine option attributes, various problems associated with machine option configuration and updates may be accommodated. At initial SOK install the identity of the machine is written to the NVM, i.e. the machine serial number. This is performed during the initial machine power up or reboot sequence. As part of the power on or reboot routine the machine will check via the wireless interface to ensure no tampering has taken place and that the machine identity and the NVM serial number location data match. A new swapped in SOK can be installed so long as the NVM serial number location has not been previously written to with a conflicting identification number. The machine will then write the serial number to the new SOK thereby protecting it.

Abstract: In replacing a sleeve on a printing machine drum, the diameter of the drum is reduced by moving the drum parts toward one another to facilitate removing the sleeve, and/or mounting another sleeve onto the drum, and increasing the drum diameter by moving the drum parts away from one another.

Abstract: A process cartridge remanufacturing method including the steps of: separating photosensitive drum and developing units; dismounting a first side cover member; a dismounting a first gear group from a first bearing member; dismounting a supporting member from the first bearing member; dismounting a second gear group from the first bearing member; dismounting the first bearing member; dismounting a developing roller; dismounting a developing blade; filling a developer into a developer accommodating portion; mounting the developing blade; mounting the developing roller; mounting the second gear group, mounting the supporting member; mounting the first gear group; mounting the first side cover member; and rotatably connecting the photosensitive drum and developing units.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for repairing or remanufacturing a toner cartridge which includes a drum shutter and a toner cartridge body. The drum shutter includes a flexible covering portion attached to both an arm element and the toner cartridge body. The flexible covering portion is removed from the arm element and the toner cartridge. A replacement flexible covering portion is secured to the arm element. The replacement flexible covering portion is attached to the toner cartridge body.

Abstract: An improved circuit board mounting system for use with a toner cartridge. The first circuit board mounting pad holds a circuit board with large electrical contacts that mate with printer-mounted contacts in numerous positions. A second circuit board mounting pad is positioned on a vertical wall of the waste bin and holds a circuit board with electrical contacts that mates with printers that mate with electrical contact pads positioned near the front left edge of the waste bin. The second circuit board mounting pad also accommodates a larger circuit board that supports larger components or a greater number of components.

Abstract: A universal adapter for a toner cartridge enables a single toner cartridge to be used with printers made by different manufacturers and differing printer models made by a common manufacturer. The toner cartridge includes a waste bin having a leading end that is sculpted to mate with the cartridge-receiving cavities of a large number of printers. Additional improvements include an improved planar having a common thickness along its extent, the elimination of a pivotal motion between the waste bin and the hopper, an enhanced interconnection between the waste bin and the hopper, improved ergonomics along a trailing edge of the waste bin to facilitate its handling, a structure that prevents mounting of a circuit board over a host circuit board, reduced friction media guide ribs, an improved circuit board mounting pad, and a microswitch actuating tab that functions even in a printer with worn hinges and latches.

Abstract: A recycling system for managing reusable units to be used in an image-forming apparatus (e.g., MFP device including units, the system comprising inputting kind information of the units), storing use information corresponding to the image-forming apparatus, and determining a reuse level of a reusable unit to be provided based on the kind information and the use information.

Abstract: A toner cartridge prevents piggybacking of an unauthorized circuit board over an authorized circuit board. The body of the cartridge includes a flat mounting surface adapted to receive a first circuit board formed in a vertical wall of the waste bin. An upper blocking member extends from a point just above the flat mounting surface to a lower surface of the planar wing. An optional lower blocking member extends from a point just below the flat mounting surface to a preselected point at a still further lower elevation. The upper and lower blocking members obstruct the placing of an unauthorized circuit board over an authorized circuit board.

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: A developer cartridge container including a container body having a cylindrical body formed with an opening at one end and a bottom wall member provided on the other end opposite from the one end, an resilient thin wall container to be accommodated in the container body, and a closing lid having a developer discharge port capable of being attached to and detached from the container body and a mounting portion of a coupler for closing the opening of the container body and an opening of the resilient thin wall container in a state of being mounted to the container body.

Abstract: A toner cartridge having a more robust planar wing design having a uniform thickness along its extent so that the leading end thereof is no thinner than the trailing end thereof. Each planar wing is adapted to slidingly engage an associated guide groove formed in opposite sides of the printer. The uniform thickness along each wing's extent provides structural integrity and prevents the planar wing from flexing when the waste bin is being installed into the printer. The reduction in rearward sloping angle of the planar wing allows for easier installation and removal of the cartridge from the printer.

Abstract: A method for modifying a process cartridge includes providing the process cartridge comprising a waste bin having physical characteristics. The method further includes altering the physical characteristics of the waste bin to form an altered process cartridge.

Abstract: A method of remanufacturing a replaceable consumable unit includes providing the replaceable consumable unit including a first electronic circuit, with the first electronic circuit being at least partially inoperable; providing a second electronic circuit; communicatively connecting the second electronic circuit to the first electronic circuit; and intercepting, by the second electronic circuit, signals sent by an imaging system to the first electronic circuit.

Abstract: A recycling method of a part for an image forming apparatus, the part being used in the image forming apparatus and provided with a thermoplastic resin member at least in a part thereof is provided which includes: recovering the part for the image forming apparatus; disassembling the recovered part for the image forming apparatus; retrieving the thermoplastic resin member from the disassembled part for the image forming apparatus; and performing heat processing to the retrieved thermoplastic resin member to recycle the member.

Abstract: A recycling method of an apparatus having a part includes a collecting step of collecting a part from the apparatus; a processing step of processing the collected part to adapt it to an apparatus having different specifications; and a mounting step of mounting the part processed in the processing step on the apparatus.

Abstract: A developing device is provided with a developer containing section for containing developer; a developing roller for bearing the developer; a restriction blade for restricting the developer bore by the developing roller; an end seal for preventing the developer from spilling through a gap between an end of the restriction blade and the developer containing section and for preventing the developer from spilling through a gap between an end of the developing roller and the developer containing section; and a seal-assisting member for pressing the end seal against the end surface of the restriction blade.

Abstract: The disassembling tool for a process cartridge has a base body, an engagement portion provided on the base body and adapted to be engaged with the process cartridge to thereby position the process cartridge, a pushing-out portion provided for movement relative to the base body for pushing out a coupling member, and a grip portion adapted to be gripped when the pushing-out portion is to be moved, and connected to the pushing-out portion, and the engagement portion is provided at a location opposed to the pushing-out portion in a movement direction in which the pushing-out portion is moved. Thereby, a process cartridge having a frame can be simply disassembled.

Abstract: Techniques for modifying a toner cartridge intended to operate with a first type of imaging device to operate in a second type of imaging device. The toner cartridge includes a drum shutter connected to a waste bin, with the drum shutter including first and second shutter arms. A method of modifying the toner cartridge intended for operation in the first type of imaging device to operate in a second type of imaging device includes removing a portion of the first shutter arm. In another aspect, the method includes removing a portion of the waste bin adjacent to the first shutter arm. In another aspect, the method includes removing a second portion of the waste bin to form a hole in the waste bin and attaching a chip mounting patch to the waste bin to fill the hole. A computer chip may be attached to the chip mounting patch.

Abstract: A method of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge comprising toner hopper not including a toner hopper access port comprises forming an access hole in a surface of the toner hopper, inserting toner into the toner hopper through the access hole, and adhering a hopper cap over the access hole to seal the access hole, the hopper cap comprising apparatus for facilitating removal of the hopper cap.

Abstract: A process cartridge having an insertion construction for a connecting pin swingably supporting a developing unit where there are achieved an improvement in assembly property, a minimization of container deformation, and prevention of coming-off of the connecting pin due to a small press-fitting region. The connecting pin swingably supporting the developing unit is formed of a styrene-based resin composite, and, by injecting a terpene solvent from a cutout of a photosensitive drum unit frame to the outer periphery of the connecting pin, integral connection is effected between the photosensitive drum unit frame and the connecting pin, and further, between the photosensitive drum unit frame and a drum bearing member. Due to a press-fit portion between the connecting pin and the photosensitive drum unit frame, no terpene solvent flows to the developing unit side.

Abstract: A remanufacturing method of remanufacting a process cartridge includes (a) a step of preparing a used process cartridge which comprises a toner developing container, a cleaning container and pins for coupling the toner developing container and the cleaning container at opposite longitudinal ends of the process cartridge; the toner developing container including a toner accommodating portion, a toner supply opening, a developing roller and a developing blade; the cleaning container including an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; (b) a container separating step of separating the process cartridge into the toner developing container and the developing container by disengaging the pins from the process cartridge; (c) a developing roller dismounting step of dismounting the developing roller from the toner developing container separated by the container separating step; (d) a developing blade dismounting step of dismounting the developing blade from the toner developing container separated by the container se

Abstract: Techniques are provided for modifying a printer cartridge intended to operate in one type of printer to operate in another type of printer. In one aspect, a method of modifying a toner cartridge intended for operation in a first type of printer to operate in a second type of printer includes removing at least a portion of an old laser shutter fin attached to the toner cartridge at a first location, and attaching a new laser shutter fin to the toner cartridge at a second location, with second location differing from the first location. The old laser shutter fin was positioned to engage a laser shutter of the first type of printer, and the new laser shutter is positioned to engage a laser shutter of the second type of printer. In another aspect, the method may include attaching a chip mounting patch to the toner cartridge, and attaching a computer chip to the chip mounting patch, with the computer chip being compatible with the second type of printer.

Abstract: A simple method for remanufacturing a process cartridge which includes removing a first cover, removing a second cover, separating frames, removing a fixing pin, removing a developing roller, refilling developer, positioning provisionally a supporting frame to a developing frame, attaching the developing roller, attaching the supporting frame, connecting a first frame and connecting a second frame.

Abstract: A cartridge is set in a printer main unit, and has a remaining toner measurer which measures toner in a toner chamber upon setting of the cartridge. A cartridge memory stores information of a remaining toner amount measured previously. CPU compares the remaining toner amount measured newly with the remaining toner amount measured previously and read from the cartridge memory. If there is an increase in the toner, the cartridge is determined as improper cartridge reloaded with the toner. An alarm signal is generated. Also, printing is inhibited. In another preferred embodiment, shortage information is assigned to the cartridge upon using up the toner. The cartridge, if it has the shortage information, is determined as improper. If a characteristic of the toner is not within a reference range, the cartridge is determined improper. In another preferred embodiment, an upper limit of the number of times of toner reloading is predetermined.

Abstract: A toner cartridge 40 has a storage element 50 that stores recycling information. A cartridge recycling information apparatus of the invention outputs a recycling request form based on the recycling information stored in the storage element 50 at a specified output timing of the recycling information. This arrangement desirably saves the user's labor and time of searching for the recycling request form and enables the user to be readily notified of the recycling information.