Lexmark International, Inc.

James Caro Lurton

Mark Duane Foster

Donald Thomas Kral

Kenneth Daniel Seevers

Michael John Dixon

Martin Victor DiGirolamo

Tom E Stickler

Robert Francis Soto

Patrick Andrew Buxton

Martin Joseph Zutt, Jr

Kristoffer Alan Hazen

Geoffrey Kyle Canter

Methods and apparatus for increasing the bias force between a developer half and a cleaner half of a process cartridge are disclosed. One or more springs are interposed between the cleaner half and the developer half of the process cartridge. These springs are of sufficient strength to maintain a constant separation between the developer and the photosensitive member of the process cartridge. Sources of force other than springs, such as weights or elastic members may also be employed to provide and increase the bias force urging the developer and photosensitive member together.

Apparatus and methods for increasing bias force on opposing photosensitive member and developing means

A supply cartridge including a photosensitive drum, a charge roller, a developer roller, and a supply of toner, is inserted into a conventional electrophotographic (EP) machine in operative association with the gear train for such machine. One end of a shaft passing through one end cap of the photosensitive drum is inserted into a receptacle in the EP machine. The free end of a drive transmitting member on the opposite end of the drum engages the drive train, and is driven by the gear train. The drive transmitting member is an integral part of a molded end cap inserted into the open end of the photosensitive drum. The drive transmitting member may assume diverse forms. The upper surface of the drive transmitting member may be triangular in shape, while the base may be circular or triangular; tapered sidewalls extend between the upper surface and the base, and the area of the upper surface exceeds the area of the base to maximize contact with the drive train. The drive transmitting member may assume the form of three, or more, spaced fingers, which approximate the apices of a triangle. The upper surface and the base of the drive transmitting member are in straight line alignment to facilitate molding procedures while maintaining tight tolerances.

Driving mechanism for photosensitive image bearing drum in

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Lexington, KY, United States of America

James Caro Lurton