The Wiper Blade Edge Analyzer
IPL developed a detection system to analyze the integrity of the wiper blade, a central component of the all-in-one printer toner cartridge.
The part is used to clean residual toner from the organic photo conductor (OPC) drum
after the image has been transferred. The vast majority of remanufacturers discard
this component since there has not been an effective method to inspect it. Several studies have
shown that if the integrity of the cleaning edge can be confirmed, wiper blades can
be used up to 10 or more times.
The Wiper Blade Edge Analyzer, patented by IPL, uses a stylus to detect imperfections on the cleaning edge of a toner cartridge wiper blade. The device enables remanufacturers to determine reusability
quickly and accurately. The remanufactured wiper blade component can be offered at a much lower price than new wiper
blades and will greatly reduce the estimated 2.6 million pounds of sheet metal
from discarded blades that annualy goes to land fills globally.
IPL commercially liscensed the product with a New York State company and the edge analyzer is currently being used be remanufacturers all over the world. In regontion of their efforts the Imaging Products Lab was awared the 2004 New York State Environmental Excellence Award.
The OPC Drum LIfe Cycle Analyzer
Following the success of the Wiper Blade Edge Analyzer the Imaging Products Laboratory investigated additional opportunities to develop computerized test fixtures that could assist the toner cartridge remanufacturing industry. IPL’s latest invention will provide accurate testing on the reusability of the OPC drum, a central component of printer toner cartridges
The OPC Drum Life Cycle Analyzer (United States Patent Application 20050249512 Kind Code A1) can assess the critical to function parameters of the drum, and provide feedback to the operator as to whether or not the drum can be re-used. For many cartridge models, the probability of recovering and reusing an OPC drum is over 50%. The improved testing process will prevent an estimated 221 tons of aluminum from entering land fills annually and will provide an annual cost savings to the industry of $15 million dollars.
The Life Cycle Analyzer uses a high voltage probe to analyze the component, checking the thickness of the charge transport layer or coating and the electrical integrity of the component. The device then uses a customized, state-of-the art software package and comprehensive database to determine whether or not the drum meets standards for reuse. The entire process time averages 11 seconds per drum. The previous testing process averaged seven minutes per drum.
IPL partnered with a New York State company to commercialize the product and the device is now in production and will soon be ready for licensing.
