Xerox Corporation

Donald C Koch

David Bradley Montfort

John R Falvo

Eliud Robles Flores

Paul F Sawicki

Paul N Richards

Thomas C Hollar

Karl B Ayash

Richard A Vandongen

Randall E Kaufman

Robert H Alexander, Jr

Karen D Reid

Alex Talevski

An imaging forming device and a constrained transfer assist blade (CTAB) that provides for faster printing speeds, with an improved image-to-edge border specification is disclosed. An upper blade layer constrains pressure blades towards a lifter assembly in order to prevent the lower lying pressure blades from delaminating and a wear layer is formed around outer edges of the blade. Faster response times and improved trail edge flip defects as well as printing closer to the sheet edges is enabled.

Constrained transfer assist blade (CTAB) for improved print to edge performance

As set forth herein, a reusable transfer assist blade (TAB) assembly includes a replaceable blade assembly that is locked into position between a clamp assembly and an extruded portion of the TAB assembly. When the blade assembly requires replacement, spring tables on the clam assembly are biased upward to release the clamp assembly from the extruded portion, and the clamp assembly is rotated about a clamp tab-clamp pocket interface at the top of the TAB assembly. The blade assembly is removed and replaced, the clamp assembly is rotated back into position against the extruded portion, and the spring tabs re-engage interlocking features on the extruded portion to lock the replacement blade in position. The expensive extruded portion and clamp assembly are thus reused and the inexpensive blade assembly is discarded or recycled.

Reusable transfer assist blade assembly for electro-photographic marking devices

A dual mode media registration transport and media pre-transfer baffle arrangement within a printer enables printing onto normal and heavy weight media materials. In a first mode, the arrangement allows normal media to enter pre-transfer baffles with the normal 'S' shape, which allows all performance specifications to be maintained. To accommodate heavy weight media, the registration transport and pre-transfer baffles are moved into a second mode position which straightens the media path and enables heavy weight media to enter the pre-transfer area. Thus, enabling the printing of these materials which could not be processed through the 'S' shape baffle arrangement.

Dual position pre-transfer assembly

An improved flag-actuator (actuator) is provided for use in an electrophotographic marking system. This actuator is reversible providing sidesand, thereby about doubling the useful life of the actuator. Each sideandis mounted at different positions on a shaft and permits a much wider range of actuator adjustment than prior art units. Depending upon a tolerance stack-up within the marking system, the user can determine whether to use either sideor side. The use of this reversible asymmetrical and eccentric actuator allows for the setting of start actuation for nearly double the tolerance stack-up.

Reversible eccentric actuator widens optical sensor setting latitude

When a TAB assembly is used in the transfer station of an electrostatic marking system, the blade used in the TABs becomes deformed or improperly aligned due to lateral movement of the clamp, held by rivets, which is used to maintain proper blade alignment. Provided herein is a simple, yet effective, way to secure this clamp with embedded burrs so that the useful life of the TAB is more than doubled over prior art TABs.

Interlocking fastener design prevents part movement

An exterior or interior structural member in the form of a panel for an image forming or similar device is disclosed which has an integral plenum passage for fluid/air. The panel may be thermoformed and/or have mechanically connected parts, and may include other elements, such as toner bottle covers.

Growing community of inventors

Webster, NY, United States of America

Donald C Koch