Lexmark International, Inc.

Chris Anthony Burdette

Keith Bryan Hardin

Benjamin Keith Newman

Mark Stephen Underwood

Terry Lee Wells

Matthew Lee Rogers

Alan Stirling Campbell

John Andrew Buchanan

John William Kietzman

Philip Scot Carter

Todd Lucas Janes

Jerry Wayne Calia

The presence of a radio frequency signature () on a cut sheet of print media () is detected by a radio frequency interrogating device () to determine it's relative left/right position on the print media (). Either the leading edge () or trailing edge () of the print media () is detected by one or more print media sensors (). A print controller () can note the time (t) when print media is detected and cause the radio frequency interrogating device () to detect the radio frequency signature () at a time (t) when the print media has reached a predetermined point along the print media pathway (). The position of the radio frequency signature () on the print media () can be calculated using the time differential (t-t) and the known angular displacement of the radio frequency interrogating device ().

Apparatus and methods of detecting relative position of RF signature on print media

A radio frequency signature () on a cut sheet of print media () is detected by a radio frequency interrogating device () to determine whether the print media () is properly oriented. The leading edge () or trailing edge () of the print media () is detected by one or more print media sensors (). A print controller () can note the time (t) and cause the radio frequency interrogating device () to detect the radio frequency signature () at a time (t) when the print media has reached a predetermined point along the print media pathway (). The position of the radio frequency signature () on the print media () can be calculated using the time differential (t&#x2212;t), the velocity profile of the print media and the known separation between the print media () and the radio frequency signature (). By comparing the computer position with the expected position, the orientation of the print media () can be determined.

Apparatus and methods of detecting print media orientation

A toner cartridge for use in a laser printer has a toner reservoir or hopper in which a first paddle rotates about a fixed first axis to sweep most of the toner volume of the cartridge to agitate and push the toner out of the toner reservoir or hopper through an exit port. A second paddle is pivotally mounted on the first paddle to sweep a volume of the toner reservoir or hopper in which a portion of the longitudinal wall of the toner reservoir or hopper of the toner cartridge is non-circular so as to produce a reduced cross section in the toner reservoir or hopper. The second paddle also initially engages the curved portion of the inner surface of the longitudinal wall of the toner reservoir or hopper and preferably has a tear drop cross section.

Toner cartridge

A toner cartridge has a comminuator that prevents the buildup of toner behind the doctor blade that meters the toner delivered to the developer roller for later image development and printing. The comminuator is mounted to, and for movement with, an agitator adjacent to an exit port of the toner hopper. A paddle that rotates within the toner hopper contacts the agitator and generates joint movement of the agitator and comminuator. The comminuator comprises a plurality of spaced blades held by a coupler mounted to the agitator. Alternatively, the comminuator comprises a wire mounted in opposing connectors mounted to the agitator.

Toner cartridge with pre-doctoring comminuator

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Richmond, KY, United States of America

Chris Anthony Burdette