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:
May. 28, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 25, 2000
Patrick Andrew Buxton, Lexington, KY (US);
Geoffrey Kyle Canter, Richmond, KY (US);
Martin Victor DiGirolamo, Lexington, KY (US);
Michael John Dixon, Lexington, KY (US);
Mark Duane Foster, Lexington, KY (US);
Kristoffer Alan Hazen, Richmond, KY (US);
Donald Thomas Kral, Lexington, KY (US);
James Caro Lurton, Lexington, KY (US);
Kenneth Daniel Seevers, Lexington, KY (US);
Robert Francis Soto, Lexington, KY (US);
Lexmark International, Inc., Lexington, KY (US);
Abstract
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.