Coupling mechanism for a two piece printer cartridge

US6871031B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Lexmark International, Inc. · US

Inventors

• David Clay Blaine · Lexington, US
• John Andrew Buchanan · Lexington, US
• Philip Scot Carter · Palo Alto, US
• Matthew Thomas Kerley · Fort Mill, US
• Benjamin Keith Newman · Lexington, US
• Matthew Lee Rogers · Los Gatos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 20, 2003
• Grant date: Mar 22, 2005
• Expiry date: Apr 29, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G03G2221/1853
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In a two piece toner cartridge assembly, as typically used in a computer and/or facsimile printing device, comprising separable photoconductor and developer units a unique coupling device is provided whereby the cartridge assembly may be removed from the printing device without the photoconductor unit separating from the developer unit for paper jam clearance or unit replacement. However, if desired the developer unit may be separately removed from the printing device for servicing or replacement without removal of the photoconductor unit.