Abstract:
Provided is an improved drive mechanism for an imaging machine. A tapered outboard tooth guide is disposed along the circumference of the drive dog and at least one tapered radius tooth guide is adjacent the tapered outboard tooth guide whereby a tooth of the imaging machine drive mechanism is centered and directed into the drive dog seat. The leading edge of the drive dog seat contacts the base of the imaging machine drive mechanism thus making full contact between the drive dog seat and the imaging machine drive mechanism tooth.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/120,685 entitled: “Toner Hopper Interconnection,” filed May 3, 2005 which is a continuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/907,470 entitled: “Integrated Toner Cartridge with Toner Agitator and Sensing Device,” filed Apr. 1, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,177,567, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/742,323 entitled: “Removable Toner Cartridge Universal Adapter,” filed Dec. 19, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,136,608. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Laser printers use a coherent beam of light, hence the term “laser printer,” to expose discrete portions of an image transfer drum thus attracting the printing toner. Toner is a mixture of pigment (most commonly black) and plastic particles. The toner becomes electro-statically attracted to exposed portions of the image transfer drum. The toner is transferred to paper, or other medium, as it passes over the rotating image transfer drum. Subsequently, the paper is heated so that the plastic is melted thereby permanently affixing the ink to the paper. 
         [0003]    The vast majority of commercially available desktop laser printers include replaceable or removable toner cartridges that incorporate an image transfer drum, a toner tank, and a metering system. A drive mechanism is connected to the drum and metering system. Modern toner cartridges often include a variety of sensors that interact with the laser printer to indicate the status of the cartridge. Indications relating to toner level, print quality and general cartridge function are often included as well. A large number of types and sizes of toner cartridges are currently available. The sensing system typically includes an encoder wheel interconnected with a rotating agitating paddle within a cylindrical toner tank. Movement of the agitating paddle feeds toner into the metering system. The encoder wheel reports the movement of the agitating paddle wheel through the toner reservoir. 
         [0004]    Certain printers in the electro-photography industry have only been able to receive a removable toner cartridge consisting of two assemblies; a hopper, and a waste bin. Previous attempts in the prior art addressed the requirement of this dual assembly by adopting a design that required the respective parts be joined together with dynamic biasing means, such as springs. Such dynamic biasing means disposed between the respective elements are prone to failure, rendering the cartridge apparatus inoperable. Therefore, what is needed is a removable toner cartridge that holds the hopper and the waste bin together without the use of a dynamic biasing means disposed between the respective parts, thereby eliminating the potential of failure inherit in the printers of the prior art. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0005]    The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for a toner cartridge that is adapted to be of an simplified construction, thereby limiting the number of elements required during manufacture, and which also includes improvements that overcome the limitations of prior art toner cartridges is now met by a new, useful, and non-obvious invention. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the present invention includes a toner cartridge adapted to fit within a toner cartridge-receiving cavity of a printer, comprising a waste bin positioned at a leading end of the toner cartridge and a hopper connected to the waste bin at a trailing end of the waste bin. A securing means connects the trailing end of the waste bin and the trailing end of the hopper to one another in a non-pivotal interconnection whereby no member is required between the waste bin and the hopper when the waste bin and the hopper are assembled. 
         [0007]    The present invention further comprises a latching means for interconnecting the waste bin and the hopper to one another in a non-pivotal interconnection. The latching means includes the securing means having an upper retaining surface formed integrally with the trailing end of the hopper. The securing means further includes a lower retaining shelf formed integrally with the trailing end of the hopper and a contoured receiving surface formed integrally with the trailing end of the waste bin. A receiving shelf is formed integrally with the trailing end of the waste bin. The upper retaining surface and the lower retaining shelf are disposed in cooperative relation to one another and are adapted to engage the trailing end of the waste bin. When assembled the waste bin is held above the hopper so that the upper retaining surface and the lower retaining shelf are positioned directly below the contoured receiving surface and the receiving shelf and the waste bin is lowered until the upper retaining surface is engaged by the contoured receiving surface and the lower retaining shelf is engaged by the receiving shelf. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment the toner cartridge of the present invention includes a hopper pin horizontal retainer formed integrally with the waste bin as part of the latching means. The latching means further includes a hopper pin vertical lock formed integrally with the waste bin. The hopper pin retainer and the hopper pin vertical lock are disposed in cooperative relation to one another and are adapted to engage a hopper pin that forms a part of the hopper. To assemble the toner cartridge, the waste bin is held above the hopper so that the hopper pin horizontal retainer and the hopper pin vertical lock are positioned directly above the hopper pin. The waste bin is then lowered until the hopper pin is engaged by the hopper pin horizontal retainer and the hopper pin vertical lock. 
         [0009]    The hopper pin horizontal retainer has an upwardly inclined surface, a concavity, and a hump between the upwardly inclined surface and the concavity. The hopper pin engages the upwardly inclined surface and causes the hopper pin horizontal retainer to momentarily deflect from its position of repose when the waste bin is lowered with respect to the hopper. When the hopper pin rolls over the hump the resiliency of the hopper pin horizontal retainer causes the hopper pin horizontal retainer to return to its position of repose, thereby capturing the hopper pin in the concavity. 
         [0010]    The hopper pin simultaneously causes the hopper pin vertical lock to deflect away from its position of repose. The hopper pin vertical lock has a straight construction and a hook formed at a free leading end thereof. The vertical lock returns to its position of repose, thereby capturing a bottom of the hopper pin when the hopper pin clears the hook. Accordingly, the hopper pin is captured on a trailing side thereof by the concavity and on its bottom side by the hook. 
         [0011]    In an alternate embodiment, the hopper pin vertical locks have a straight configuration and a hook formed in a free end thereof. The hopper pin vertical lock are formed in depending relation to a preselected sidewall of the waste bin. 
         [0012]    An aperture is formed in each sidewall of the waste bin near a trailing end thereof. Each aperture is adapted to receive an extension arm that forms a part of the hopper when the waste bin is lowered onto the hopper to interconnect the waste bin and hopper together, the extension arms enter into their respective apertures. 
         [0013]    The instant invention also includes a developer roller preserver having wedged surfaces at its distal ends. The wedged surfaces removably engage the extension arms thereby displacing the extensions arms in relation to its position of repose within the aperture. The displacement of the extension arms forces the hopper to move rearward with respect to the waste bin. The resulting rearward movement of the hopper in relation to the waste bin forces the developer roller from contact with the photoconductive drum. 
         [0014]    Another embodiment of the present invention includes at least one electrically conductive contact point disposed within the outer wall of the cartridge. A first conductive element is placed in electrical contact between a conductive contact point and the shaft of the toner adder roller. A second conductive element is placed in electrical contact between a conductive contact point and the shaft of the developer roller. Finally, a third conductive element is placed in electrical contact between a conductive contact point and the surface of the doctor bar. The at least one conductive contact point generally is a plate constructed from an electrically conductive material. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, the first and second conductive elements are filaments comprising a receptacle adapted to engage the shaft of the toner adder roller. In a general embodiment, the third conductive element is a blade equipped with a wire. In an alternate embodiment the first and second conductive elements are springs adapted to receive the shaft of the toner adder roller at one end. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment the at least one electrically conductive contact point is disposed within the outer wall of the cartridge and the toner adder roller and developer rollers have electrically conductive shafts which extend to contact the electrically conductive contact point. 
         [0017]    In yet another embodiment the novel toner cartridge is adapted to fit within a toner cartridge-receiving cavity of a printer and comprises a drive dog integral with one end of the developer roller, a sifting agitator having a cam pin at one end, and a cam gear having a high surface and a low surface disposed at a first end of the sifting agitator such that rotation of the gear alternately engages and disengages the cam pin of the sifting agitator. An idler gear meshingly engages with the drive dog and a toner adder roller gear integral with one end of the toner adder roller and meshingly engages with the idler gear and the cam gear. A compound idler gear meshingly engages with the cam gear and a beater drive gear integral with the shaft of the toner beater meshingly engages with the compound idler gear. 
         [0018]    A gear plate is adapted to receive the shaft of the developer roller, the shaft of the toner adder roller, and the cam pin of the sifting agitator therethrough. The gear plate further comprises an axle adapted to receive the idler gear and an axle adapted to receive the cam gear. 
         [0019]    A drive dog for use with a toner cartridge adapted to fit within a toner cartridge-receiving cavity of a printer, comprises at least one drive dog seat disposed along an axis of the drive dog adapted to receive a tooth of the printer drive mechanism. A tapered outboard tooth guide is disposed along the circumference of the drive dog and at least one tapered radius tooth guide is adjacent the tapered outboard tooth guide whereby a tooth of the printer drive mechanism is centered and directed into the drive dog seat. 
         [0020]    Another embodiment of the novel drive dogs includes at least one drive dog seat disposed along the axis of the drive dog adapted to receive a tooth of the printer drive mechanism and at least one external ramp disposed along the outer perimeter of the drive dog whereby a tooth of the printer drive mechanism is centered and directed into the drive dog seat. In this embodiment the drive dog is substantially square. Yet another embodiment of the novel drive dogs comprises at least one drive dog seat elevated above the planar surface of the drive dog and disposed along an axis of the drive dog adapted to receive a tooth of the printer drive mechanism. At least one internal ramp radiates from the center of the drive dog whereby a tooth of the printer drive mechanism is centered and directed into the drive dog seat. The drive dog in this embodiment is substantially circular. 
         [0021]    In yet another embodiment a drive dog for use with a toner cartridge adapted to fit within a toner cartridge-receiving cavity of a printer, comprises at least one drive dog seat disposed along the circumference of the drive dog and a centering cone disposed on the drive dog whereby a tooth of the printer drive mechanism is centered and directed into the drive dog seat. The drive dog in this embodiment is substantially circular frustoconical. 
         [0022]    The toner cartridge adapted to fit within a toner cartridge-receiving cavity of a printer, comprises, in another embodiment, a rotatable photoconductive drum having a central aperture therethrough wherein a pair of drum studs rotatably connect the drum to the cartridge. The drum studs are unobstructed for locating the cartridge in the printer. To protect the photoconductive drum an opaque door hingedly mounts within the cartridge in overlying relation to the photoconductive drum. Protrusions are disposed on the upper surface of the opaque door for engaging the host printer whereby the engagement forces the door into an open position. A stationary surface fixedly connects to the toner cartridge and a moveable surface hingedly connects to the stationary surface. The moveable surface is hingedly connected to the stationary surface by a hinge constructed from a material having memory characteristics. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a side elevational view of the driven side of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1B  is a side elevational view of the driven side of the waste bin of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0026]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the driven side of the hopper of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the waste bin of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the driven side of the hopper of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4A  is a detailed perspective view of the latching means of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4B  is a detailed perspective view of the securing means of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5A  is a first perspective inside view of the drive side of the waste bin of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5B  is a second perspective inside view of the drive side of the waste bin of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6A  is a first perspective inside view of the driven side of the waste bin of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6B  is a second perspective inside view of the driven side of the waste bin of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the developer roller preserver of the novel toner cartridge; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the developer roller preserver engaging the apertures of the waste bin of the novel toner cartridge. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8A  is a top left perspective view of the novel toner cartridge with cover elements removed showing the relationship between developer roller, doctor bar, and electrical contact plate; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the electrical contact plate; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9A  is perspective view of the first embodiment of the electrical connections of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0040]      FIG. 9B  is an alternative perspective view of the first embodiment of the electrical connections of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0041]      FIG. 10A  is perspective view of the second embodiment of the electrical connections of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0042]      FIG. 10B  is an alternate perspective view of the second embodiment of the electrical connections of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0043]      FIG. 10C  is an alternate perspective view of the second embodiment of the electrical connections of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0044]      FIG. 11A  is perspective view of a third embodiment of the electrical connections of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0045]      FIG. 11B  is an alternate perspective view of a third embodiment of the electrical connections of the novel toner cartridge; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 11C  is an alternate perspective view of a third embodiment of the electrical connections of the novel toner cartridge. 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the novel toner cartridge showing the sifting agitator; 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the sifting agitator; 
           [0049]      FIG. 14A  is an exploded perspective view of the inter-relation of the sifting agitator, conforming seals, toner adder roller, and gear plate; 
           [0050]      FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of the inter-relation of the sifting agitator, conforming seals, toner adder roller, gear plate, developer roller, and gear train; 
           [0051]      FIG. 14C  is an alternate perspective view of the inter-relation of the sifting agitator, conforming seals, toner adder roller, gear plate, developer roller and gear train; 
           [0052]      FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the inter-relation of the sifting agitator, conforming seals, toner adder roller, gear plate, developer roller and gear train; 
           [0053]      FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of the cam gear; 
           [0054]      FIG. 17  is an elevated view of the gear train of one embodiment of the inventive apparatus; 
           [0055]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the inter-relation of the sifting agitator, conforming seals, toner adder roller, gear plate, developer roller, and gear train; 
           [0056]      FIG. 19A  is a perspective view of the gear train of the inventive toner cartridge; 
           [0057]      FIG. 19B  is an alternate perspective view of the gear train of the inventive toner cartridge; 
           [0058]      FIG. 20A  is a side perspective view of the gear plate; 
           [0059]      FIG. 20B  is a side perspective view of the gear plate; 
           [0060]      FIGS. 21A-21C  are perspective views of the drive dog and printer drive means of the prior art; 
           [0061]      FIGS. 22A-22E  are perspective views of the drive dogs of the inventive apparatus; 
           [0062]      FIGS. 23A-23C  are perspective views of the photoconductive drum studs of the novel toner cartridge; 
           [0063]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  are perspective views of the light blocking door of the inventive apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0064]    In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0065]    In a general embodiment the novel toner cartridge has a photoconductive drum on which an electrostatic image is formed. The photoconductive drum rotates in a plane perpendicular to that of the print medium passing through the toner cartridge. A recovery blade is placed in direct contact with the photoconductive drum. During the imaging stage, the photoconductive drum is exposed to light, usually a laser, which imprints a latent image thereon. A developing roller converts the electrostatic-image into a toner-image. Toner is then transferred to the print medium by means of static electricity, an opposite polar charge on the print medium, established by a transfer roller. The recovery blade then scrapes the waste toner from the photoconductive drum and directs it to the waste bin. 
       Construction of the Novel Toner Cartridge 
       [0066]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A , it will there be seen that the reference numeral  1  denotes an illustrative embodiment of the novel toner cartridge as a whole. Novel toner cartridge  1  is made by interconnecting waste bin  2  of  FIGS. 1B and 2  to hopper  3  of  FIGS. 1C and 3  to one another. More particularly, as suggested by the alignment of parts in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , trailing end  2   a  of waste bin  2  is positioned over hopper  3  and said waste bin is then lowered until said two parts are interconnected. The details of how the interconnection is accomplished are disclosed more fully hereinafter. 
         [0067]    Hopper pin  64  ( FIG. 3 ) is integral with the side walls of the leading end of hopper  3  and mate with hopper pin horizontal retainer  70  and hopper pin vertical lock  72  (discussed more fully below). Hopper pin  64  includes rounded surface  64   a , formed at a trailing end thereof, upper locating surface  64   b , and lower locating surface  64   c . The unique shape of hopper pin  64  helps to lock hopper  3  in place in waste bin  2 . Upper locating surfaces  64   b  and lower locating surfaces  64   c  aid in locating hopper  3  vertically in novel waste bin  2  whereas curved surface  64   a  serve to locate hopper  3  horizontally. 
         [0068]    Torque tab  43  extends outward from curved surface  64   a  of hopper pin  64  on the driven side of hopper  3 . Torque tab  43  contacts the inner sidewall of the driven side of waste bin  2 , thereby securing hopper  3  from moving laterally when force is applied from the printer drive mechanism. 
         [0069]    A first embodiment of the novel latching means for interconnecting waste bin  2  and hopper  3  to one another without the use of a dynamic biasing element is best illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-B  and  6 A-B. 
         [0070]    Hopper pin horizontal retainer  70  and hopper pin vertical lock  72  are formed integrally with waste bin  2  and cooperate with one another to engage hopper pin  64   FIG. 3  as best understood in connection with  FIGS. 1B and 1C . 
         [0071]    When hopper pin  64  is engaged in horizontal retainer  70  and hopper pin vertical lock  72 , its captured position dictates the elevation of the rear of planar wing  53  as depicted in  FIG. 1B . Horizontal retainer  70  exerts an upward force on curved surface  64   a  of hopper pin  64 , causing upper locating surface  64   b  to make snug contact at a point on the bottom side of level planar wing  53  ( FIG. 4A ). Such snug contact ensures proper alignment and orientation of cartridge components when the cartridge is installed into and removed from the printer. The leveling of the planar wing provides for a smoother glide over printer guides during installation of the cartridge into and removal of the cartridge from the printer. 
         [0072]    The trailing end of hopper  3  is held against pivotal movement relative to waste bin  2  by lower retaining shelves  59  ( FIG. 3 ) disposed near the upper end of hopper  3 . Upper retaining surface  58  extends outward from the upper surface of hopper  3  at a point above lower locating shelf  59 . When engaged with mating surfaces on waste bin  2 , lower retaining shelves  59  secure hopper  3  from upward movement, relative to waste bin  2 , whereas upper retaining surfaces  58  secure hopper  3  from downward movement, relative to waste bin  2 . In this manner hopper  3  and waste bin  2  are held against pivotal movement relative to one another. 
         [0073]    Receiving shelves  57  ( FIG. 2 ) are disposed at the trailing end of waste bin  2  and mate on their lower surfaces with lower retaining shelves  59  to secure hopper  3  from upward movement, relative to waste bin  2  as shown in  FIG. 4B . Contoured receiving surfaces  56 , located along the trailing wall of waste bin  2  at some point above receiving shelves  59 , engage upper retaining surfaces  58  on the upward face of the contoured receiving surfaces. When the lower surface of upper retaining surface  58  engages the upward facing surface of contoured surface  56  of waste bin  2 , hopper  3  is held in place against downward movement, relative to waste bin  2 . These mating surfaces prevent the movement that would otherwise exist as a result of the pivot-point created by hopper pin  64 . 
         [0074]    To assemble novel toner cartridge  1 , waste bin  2  is held above hopper  3  as mentioned earlier in connection with  FIGS. 1A-C  so that hopper pin horizontal retainer  70  and hopper pin vertical lock  72  are positioned directly above hopper pin  64 . As waste bin  2  is lowered, upper locating surface  64   b  ( FIG. 3 ) of hopper pin  64  engages upwardly inclined surface  70   a  ( FIGS. 5A-B ) of horizontal retainer  70  and causes horizontal retainer  70  to deflect from its  FIGS. 5A-B  position of repose. Curved surface  64   a  of hopper pin  64  slides over hump  70   b  and the resiliency of horizontal retainer  70  causes it to move back toward its position of repose, thereby capturing curved surface  64   a  of hopper pin  64  in concavity  70   c.    
         [0075]    When hopper pin  64  is causing horizontal retainer  70  to deflect away from its position of repose as aforesaid, said hopper pin simultaneously causes hopper pin vertical lock  72  to deflect away from its  FIGS. 5A-B  position of repose as well. When hopper pin  64  clears hook  72   a  at the free end of vertical lock  72 , said vertical lock moves back toward its position of repose, thereby capturing the lower locating surface  64   c  of hopper pin  64 . In this way, hopper pin  64  is captured on curved surface  64   a  by concavity  70   c , on upper locating surface  64   b  by the bottom side of level planar wing  53 , and on lower locating surface  64   c  by flat wall  72   b  of hook  72   a.    
         [0076]    The deflection of hopper pin  64  toward the front of the novel toner cartridge is limited by contact of the developer roller (not shown) in the hopper and the photoconductor drum, not shown, in the waste bin of the novel toner cartridge. 
         [0077]      FIG. 5B  illustrates hopper pin horizontal retainer  70  and hopper pin vertical lock  72  from a forward perspective relative to the rear perspective of  FIG. 5A . It should be understood that both  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are taken from inside waste bin  2 .  FIG. 5B  shows more clearly that said parts  70  and  72  are separate parts. 
         [0078]    It is also best understood from  FIG. 5B  that neither part  70  or  72  is laterally supported by a wall; note opening  71  formed in sidewall  73  of waste bin  2 . It is this lack of lateral support that requires the engagement of hopper torque tab  43  ( FIG. 1C ) and the inner side wall of waste bin  2 . 
         [0079]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict hopper pin horizontal retainer  70  and hopper pin vertical lock  72  that are positioned on the driven side of waste bin  2 . They perform the same function as their drive side counterparts and engage and capture the hopper pin associated with the non-drive side of waste bin  2 . 
         [0080]    Once hopper pin  64  is secured in horizontal retainer  70  and vertical lock  72  the trailing side walls of waste bin  2  are biased outward and the trailing end hopper  3  is raised until lower retaining shelves  59  engage receiving shelves  57 . The trailing side walls of hopper  3  are then released whereby upper retaining surface  58  engages the upward facing surface of contoured surface  56  ( FIG. 4B ). 
         [0081]    During assembly, extension arm apertures  60  on the trailing end of waste bin  2  receive extension arms  62  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) mounted to hopper  3 . Developer roller preserver  80  ( FIG. 7A ) has wedged surfaces  81  at it is ends. Wedged surfaces  81  are inserted between the leading ends of extension arms  62  and extension arm apertures  60 . Wedged surfaces  81  serve to push hopper  3  slightly rearward relative to waste bin  2 . Once inserted, spacer surfaces  83  displace extension arms  62  and extension arm apertures  60 . Once in place, as shown in  FIG. 7B , a minute space forms between the developer roller and the photoconductive drum (not shown). The space between the developer roller and the photoconductive drum prevents the surface of the developer roller from developing a flat-spot where it abuts the photoconductive drum when the toner cartridge is being shipped or stored. 
       Electrical Contacts 
       [0082]      FIG. 8A  is a top left view of the novel toner cartridge with cover elements removed to partially illustrate the internal configuration of novel toner cartridge  1 . Solid steel doctor bar  110  extends parallel with and in pressure contact with developer roller  115 . Doctor bar  110  contacts developer roller  115 , at about 20 degrees from vertical away from adder roller for example (not shown in  FIG. 8A ). Electrical contact plate  130  is disposed on the outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2 . Electrical contact points  130   a ,  130   b , and  130   c  are disposed on the exposed face of contact plate  130  and provide an interface for electrical communication between the host printer and the doctor bar, toner adder roller and developer roller. Conductive bars  131   a ,  131   b , and  131   c  can be added to electrical contacts  130   a - c ,  FIG. 8B , to enhance conductivity with the printer contacts. 
         [0083]    A first embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , contact bar  121   a , in the form of a filament having a receptacle adapted to receive and make electrical contact with adder roller shaft  123 . Contact bar  121   a  then extends across the gap between outer side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and contact point  130   b  on outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2  as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . In this manner, good conductivity is made between contact bar  121   a  and adder roller shaft  123 . Contact bar  121   a  then bridges the gap between side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2 . 
         [0084]    Contact bar  116   a  in the form a filament having a receptacle is adapted to receive and make electrical contact with developer roller shaft  118 . In this manner, good conductivity is made between contact bar  116   a  and developer roller shaft  118 . Contact bar  116   a  then bridges the gap between side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2 . 
         [0085]    Although not shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ,  FIGS. 10B and 11B  show how contact blade  111  makes electrical contact with doctor bar  110  and is held in place by receiving slot  113  integral to hopper  3  Contact blade  111  is attached to connecting wire  111   a  that bridges the gap between side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2 . Rearmost electrical contact point  130   a  ( FIG. 9B ) has protrusion  111   f  to connect to connecting wire  111   a  that grounds doctor blade. 
         [0086]    Once doctor bar  110 , developer roller  115 , and adder roller  120  have made electrical contact with contact points  130   a ,  130   b , and  130   c , attached to outer side wall  2   b , novel toner cartridge  1  mates with contacts inside the printer. 
         [0087]    A second embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 10A through 10C , contact spring  121   b  accepts step-down  123   a  on adder roller shaft  123 . In this manner, good conductivity is made between contact spring  121   b  and adder roller shaft  123 . Contact spring  121   b  then bridges the gap between side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and contact plate  130  on outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2  ( FIGS. 10B and 10C ). 
         [0088]    Contact spring  116   b  accepts step-down  118   a  on developer roller shaft  118 . In this manner, good conductivity is made between contact spring  116   b  and developer roller shaft  118 . Contact spring  116   b  then bridges the gap between side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and contact plate  130  on outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2  ( FIGS. 10B and 10C ). 
         [0089]    In all embodiments, illustrated in  FIGS. 10B and 11B , contact blade  111  makes electrical contact with doctor bar  110  and is held in place by receiving slot  113  integral to hopper  3 . Contact blade  111  is attached to connecting wire  111   a  that bridges the gap between side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and contact plate  130  on outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2 . Connecting wire  111   a  passes through aperture  111   d  disposed within outer side wall  2   b  in order to reach the back of contact plate  130  thus completing the connection. Slot  111   e  in outer side wall  2   b  allows for the installation of the assembly of connecting wire  111   a.    
         [0090]    Once doctor bar  110 , developer roller  115 , and adder roller  120  have made electrical contact with cartridge/printer contact plate  130 , attached to outer side wall  2   b  novel toner cartridge  1  mates with contacts inside the printer. 
         [0091]    Turning now to  FIGS. 1A through 11C , a third embodiment is shown wherein adder roller  120  has elongated shaft  121   c  that bridges the gap between side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and contact plate  130  on outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2  by passing through hole  121   d . Rounded tip  117   a  engages with conductive spring  119   a , generally a folded conductive element but any conductive biasing means is contemplated. Folded spring  119   a  communicates with contact plate  130 . 
         [0092]    Developer roller  115  is adapted with elongated shaft  116   c  that bridges the gap between side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and contact plate  130  on outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2  by passing through hole  118   d . Rounded tip  117  engages with conductive spring  119 , generally a folded conductive element but any conductive biasing means is contemplated. Folded spring  119  communicates with contact plate  130 . 
         [0093]    As with the previous embodiments, illustrated in  FIGS. 10B and 11B , contact blade  111  makes electrical contact with doctor bar  110  and is held in place by receiving slot  113  integral to waste bin  2 . Contact blade  111  is attached to connecting wire  111   a  that bridges the gap between side wall  3   b  of hopper  3  and contact plate  130  on outer side wall  2   b  of waste bin  2 . Connecting wire  111   a  passes through aperture hid disposed within outer side wall  2   b  in order to reach the back of contact plate  130  thus completing the connection. Slot  111   e  in outer side wall  2   b  allows for the installation of the assembly of connecting wire  111   a.    
         [0094]    Once doctor bar  110 , developer roller  115 , and adder roller  120  have made electrical contact with cartridge/printer contact plate  130 , attached to outer side wall  2   b , novel toner cartridge  1  mates with contacts inside the printer. 
         [0095]    Sifting Agitator 
         [0096]    Sifting agitator  200  extends across flat surface  3   c  of hopper  3  (shown in cut away of  FIG. 12 ). Turning now to  FIG. 13 , sifting agitator  200  comprises shaft  205 , upper fins  210 , lower chamber contouring fins  215 , cam pin  220 , axle  225 , biasing spring  230 , and pin  235 . In a general embodiment, sifting agitator  200  oscillates across flat surface  3   c  during printer operations. Toner spreads evenly across the exit surface of the toner cartridge as lower chamber contouring fins  215  sift the exiting toner.  FIGS. 14A through 14C  show how lower chamber contouring fins  215  curve to fit toner adder roller  120  to ensure the closeness of sifting agitator  200  to toner adder roller  120 . In so doing, toner disperses evenly across the exit surface immediately prior to contact with toner adder roller  120 . The sifting agitator doesn&#39;t contact the adder roller but closely contours the lower surface of the toner chamber and the adder roller, thus assuring the toner stays sufficiently fluid and level near the adder roller. 
         [0097]    Conforming seals  227  and  229  are disposed at the end of sifting agitator  200  to engage gear plate  160  and prevent the escape of toner from the sides of the cartridge. Similarly, conforming seals  243 ,  245  are placed on either end of toner adder roller  120 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 12  shows how toner sifter  200  oscillates across flat surface  3   c . In  FIG. 14C , drive dog gear  314  engages the drive apparatus of the printer (not shown). Rotation of drive dog gear  314  provides the rotational force for all gears in the gear train shown in  FIG. 14C . Rotation of cam gear  393  applies lateral force on sifting agitator  200  by means of a beveled inner surface which engages and disengages pin  220  ( FIG. 15 ). 
         [0099]    Lateral movement of sifting agitator  200  away from the gear train causes biasing spring  230  to compress. When cam gear  393  disengages pin  220 , biasing spring  230  expands returning sifting agitator to its home position. Spring biasing means  230  is integral to the sifting agitator and engages the interior of the toner chamber by means of pin  235 . Thereby, after sifting agitator  200  is moved from its home position by cam gear  393 , the potential energy stored in biasing spring  230  is exerted against sifting agitator  200  to return it to its home position. In addition to the biasing spring shown in  FIGS. 14A through 14C , any resilient means for exerting the necessary force on sifting agitator  200  to return it to its home position are contemplated. 
         [0100]      FIG. 15  shows an exploded view of the connection between sifting agitator  200  and cam gear  393  through gear plate  160 . As it can be seen, shaft  205  of the sifting apparatus terminates in axle  225  which includes cam pin  220 . Conforming seal  227  rests on the outer circumferential edge of axle  225  and mates with conforming seal  229 . Conforming seal  229  correspondingly rests on a ridge of gear plate  160 . When fully assembled, cam pin  220  extends through gear plate  160 . The inner surface of cam gear  393  is beveled and has a high surface  393   b  and low surface  393   a . Cam gear  393  rotates on cam axle  143  of gear plate  160 . As cam gear  393  rotates, cam pin  220  is alternatively engaged by high surface  393   b  and disengaged by low surface  393   a . When high surface  393   b  engages cam pin  220  sifting agitator  200  is urged laterally away from gear plate  160 . When low surface  393   a  rotates to a position adjacent to cam pin  220  the potential energy stored in biasing spring  230  urges sifting agitator  200  to return to its home position. The continued rotation of cam gear  393 , and the coincident revolution of high surface  393   b , coupled with the resiliency of biasing spring  230  thereby create the oscillating movement of sifting agitator  200 . Cam gear  393  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0101]    Cluster Gear Assembly 
         [0102]    Turning now to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , drive train  300 , which is deigned to operate the sifting agitator discussed supra and forms a part of novel toner cartridge  1 , includes drive dog  314 , which is integral to developer roller  115 , idler gear  307 , adder roller gear  301 , which is integral to toner adder roller  120 , compound cam gear  393 , compound idler gear  310 , and beater drive gear  340 . 
         [0103]    Drive dog  314  integral with the end of the developer roller receives rotational force from a drive means in the printer when novel toner cartridge  1  is installed in the printer. Drive dog  314  is integral with developer roller  115  and drives idler gear  307 , which drives toner adder roller  120  by being meshed with gear  301  which is integral with toner adder roller  120 . 
         [0104]    Gear plate  160  ( FIGS. 20A and 20B ) is attached to novel toner cartridge  1  which receives raised areas  254 ,  253 , and  255   a - d . Screw holes  249   a/b  align with holes on novel toner cartridge  1  and receive screws to affix gear plate  160  thereto. 
         [0105]    Developer roller shaft  115  bears on developer roller bearing surface  231  and extends through gear plate  160 . Drive dog  314  is then attached to extended portion of the developer roller shaft  115  becoming integral therewith. Similarly, the shaft of toner adder roller  120  bears on support bearing hole  250  and extends through gear plate  160 . Adder roller gear  301  attaches to the extended portion of the shaft of toner adder roller  120 , becoming integral therewith. Spacer  398  can be added to adder roller gear  301  to contact drive dog  314  which prevents adder roller gear  301  from becoming displaced ( FIG. 15 ). 
         [0106]    Cam pin  220  of sifting agitator  200  penetrates, and extends through hole  251  of gear plate  160 , the rounded tip thereof contacting the cam surface of compound cam gear  393  to displace sifting agitator  200  as discussed supra. 
         [0107]    As discussed, compound cam gear  393  turns on compound cam gear shaft  143 . Compound cam gear shaft  143  receives a screw in screw hole  96  to retain the compound cam gear in place. The screw is important since cam pin  220  exerts force against compound cam gear  393 . Compound cam gear  393  has a thickened shaft to withstand the stress applied by the sifting agitator contacting the back of the cam gear. 
         [0108]    Idler gear  307  turns on shaft  144  ( FIG. 20B ) and is retained by the teeth of adder roller gear  301  and the non-toothed area of drive dog  314  ( FIG. 19B ). Compound idler gear  310  turns on a shaft integral with the hopper. 
         [0109]    Beater drive gear  340  engages and becomes integral with the shaft of the toner beating and sensing apparatus and has protrusion  88  ( FIG. 18 ) that contacts the inside wall of waste bin  2  which keeps beater drive gear  340  in place. In one embodiment, beater drive gear  340  has a diameter larger than that of the prior art to facilitate the toner beating apparatus therein. 
         [0110]    Drive Dogs 
         [0111]    When the spoked drive dogs of the prior art  443  ( FIGS. 21A-C ) engage with the printer drive mechanism of the printer, leading edge of seat  445  of the prior art drive dog  443  does not contact flat surface  442  ( FIG. 21C ) of the printer drive mechanism, that is it does not fully engage, causing gap  487 . This condition causes excessive wear and catastrophic cartridge failure. The drive dogs of the present invention fully engage the drive teeth of the printer drive mechanism as shown hereafter. 
         [0112]    Drive dog  414 ,  FIG. 22A , has a tapered outboard tooth guide  402 , tapered radius tooth guide  403 , and tapered inboard tooth guide  404  which center and direct tooth  441  of the printer drive mechanism  439  into drive dog seat  401 . Leading edge surface  409  contacts surface  442  of the printer drive mechanism  439  allowing full contact between drive dog seat  401  and drive tooth contact surface  440 . 
         [0113]    Drive dog  461 ,  FIG. 22B , has an external ramp  459  to direct tooth  441  of the printer drive mechanism  439  into drive seat  458 . Leading edge  457  of drive seat  458  contacts flat surface  442  of printer drive mechanism  439  thus making full contact with the entire drive tooth/drive contact surface  440 . 
         [0114]    Drive dog  434 ,  FIG. 22C , has internal ramp  438  to direct tooth  441  of the printer drive mechanism into drive seat  437 . The leading edge  435  of drive seat  437  contacts flat surface  442  of the printer drive mechanism thus making full contact with the entire drive tooth/drive contact surface  440 . 
         [0115]    Drive dog  453 ,  FIG. 22D  has centering cone  450  which locates in hole  448  of the printer drive mechanism to capture tooth  441  of drive mechanism  439  against drive seat  451 . Leading edge  452  of drive seat  451  contacts flat surface  442  of printer drive mechanism  439  thus making full contact with the entire drive tooth/drive contact surface  440 . 
         [0116]    Drive dog  456 ,  FIG. 22E , seats tooth  441  of printer drive mechanism  439  into drive seat  455 . Leading edge  478  of drive seat  455  contacts flat surface  442  of printer drive mechanism  439  thus making full contact with the entire drive tooth/drive contact surface  440 . Leading edge of tapered tooth guide  479 , which is outboard of drive seat  455 , funnels in and centers tooth  441  of printer drive mechanism  439 . 
         [0117]    Photoconductive Drum Shaft 
         [0118]    The photoconductive drum of the prior art is installed into the cartridge by placing the drum and corresponding gears in position with a thin washer on one side, then inserting a metal shaft through the cartridge and drum assembly. Standard E-clips are installed on each end of the shaft to hold the drum and shaft from lateral movement. Such assembly is complicated and requires that all components be aligned perfectly in order for the shaft to be successfully threaded throughout the assembly. 
         [0119]    One embodiment of the novel photoconductive drum shaft assembly uses an electrically conductive plastic photoconductive drum shaft inserted through support holes until the integrated raised washer of drum shaft contacts the outer side wall of waste bin  2 . Once in place, a retaining push nut is slid over the end of drum shaft to lock it in place. The protruding tip of shaft serves to locate the cartridge in the printer and communicates electricity between the photoconductive drum and the printer via a contact in the printer. 
         [0120]    In an alternate embodiment,  FIGS. 23A-C , the photoconductive drum shaft is replaced by a pair of drum studs  422 . Drum studs  422  screw into shaft support hole  419 . Depth limiting washers  425  contact the outer side walls of waste bin  2  to properly locate studs  422 . Once inserted into the printer, stud surfaces  426  act to locate the cartridge in the printer and electrically communicate with the photoconductive drum via a contact in the printer. Threads  424  are right-handed for one side of waste bin  2  and left-handed for the opposite side. This counter-threading ensures that as the photoconductive drum spins, studs  422  are continuously rotated in a direction that tightens them against waste bin  2 . In an alternate embodiment, studs  422  are over-sized in diameter which creates a snug fit in the photoconductive drum bushing. In such a manner, the need for a harmonic dampening device is obviated. 
         [0121]    Photoconductive Drum Door 
         [0122]    To protect photoconductive drum  428  from exposure to light when novel toner cartridge  1  is not in use, protecting door  567 ,  FIGS. 24A  and B, is disposed within waste bin  2 . Attaching posts  566  of door  567  mate with holes  580  disposed within waste bin  2 . Upper tab  571  and lower flanges  558  secure above and below a shelf on waste bin  2 . In this manner stationary member  567   a  of door  567  is locked in position. 
         [0123]    Structural support ribs  573  provide strength to door  567 . This embodiment obviates the need for a torsion spring, or other biasing means, to return the door to its position of repose, the closed position, as is required by the toner cartridges of the prior art. 
         [0124]    In operation, a mechanism within the printer lowers to contact depression  564  disposed on door protrusions  563 . The mechanism within the printer slides against the radius  565  of protrusions  563  causing door  567  to open as it bends on flexible member  556 , i.e. a pliable hinge having memory characteristics. 
         [0125]    It will be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
         [0126]    It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. Now that the invention has been described,