The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 13, 2000
Filed:
Jan. 23, 1998
Rudolf E Cais, Virginia Beach, VA (US);
William F Niederstadt, Chesapeake, VA (US);
Dennis C Working, Norfolk, VA (US);
Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc., Chesapeake, VA (US);
Abstract
A device and method for reducing noise and/or vibration in an image forming apparatus. In a preferred form, an insert is disposed inside of a photosensitive drum, and the insert is a hollow tubular member having at least one slot extending through the tubular member so that the tubular member is resilient in a radial direction. The slot can be, for example, helical, so that the insert is a helical coil, with an outer diameter of the helical coil (in an uncompressed state) larger than an inner diameter of the photosensitive drum. The insert is radially compressed when it is inserted into the drum, so that the tendency of the insert to expand holds the insert in place within the drum. The insert reduces noise and vibration which can occur during operation of the photosensitive drum, and can also provide a supportive effect for the drum since the insert is urged in a radially outward direction against the inner surface of the drum.