A bearing for use in a reproduction machine includes an elongated body having an elongated first portion and an elongated second portion. The first portion extends radially outward from the second portion. The second portion includes a lumen for receiving and supporting a shaft. Resilient elongated members originate from the second portion and extend radially outward toward the first portion and are spaced from the second portion over a portion thereof. The resilient members are movable between a first position and a second position for removable securement to a wall in a reproduction machine.
Gear (52) and resin body (2) supported on shaft (1) and between frame members (14a) and (14b) are protected from contacting a frame member. Frame (14a) has a partial hole (22) with an opening (24) and a cavity (26), which is open at the hole (22) and on the side toward the opening (24). A bearing (18) has a inner body (30) which internally is partially circular with diameter substantially the same as opening (22). The outer portion of body (30) forms an outwardly extending nub (34). Wall (36) extends across body (30). The part (38) of bearing 18 opposite body 30 has an extended part (38a) to serve as an electrical contact. A shaft end (Sa) past a circular ledge (3a) is supported by bearing (18). The nub (34) fits in the cavity (26) and the wall (36) defines the proper position of rotation of the bearing. This protects gear (52) from being dislodged from its position on shaft (1). Where the resin body (2) is for electrophotographic developing, toner carried by the body (2) is not subject to effects from the body contacting a frame element or the like.
7591592 - Journal - Owned by Menza Limited (Castlepollard, County Westmeath,IE)
A journal for coupling a wheel to an axle includes a main body portion and a separate locking element mounted to the main body portion. The locking element includes a locking arm and an integral resilient leaf spring. The locking element is pivotable about a pivot axis A-A extending through a pair of pivot extensions between a release position and a secured position. In the release position, the axle is movable into and out of a reception space within the main body portion. In this release position, the leaf spring bears against the main body portion to bias the locking arm towards the secured position. In the secured position, the locking arm engages with a groove in the axle to secure the axle in position in the reception space.
A photoconductive drum may be located and supported in an image forming apparatus via bushings at each end of a drum axle. The bushings may be produced from a single die cavity and may include orientation features which may be employed to key the bushings with a housing, such as a toner cartridge cleaner housing.
