Upgradeable and easily serviceable imaging systems with a removable module and methods for using the same

A method for upgrading an imaging system, the imaging system including at least one developing station and having a support structure, the method comprising:

• providing a releasably removable image receiving module having at least one exposing unit and an image receiving substrate, the releasably removable image receiving module being configured to be engageable with the support structure such that the image receiving substrate is disposed in an operative relationship with the at least one developing station when the releasably removable image receiving module is engaged with the support structure;
• determining the number of exposing units in the releasably removable image receiving module;
• and
• inserting at least one additional exposing unit in the releasably removable image receiving module.

A method for downgrading an imaging system, the imaging system including at least one developing station and having a support structure, the method comprising:

• providing a releasably removable image receiving module having at least one exposing unit and an image receiving substrate, the releasably removable image receiving module being configured to be engageable with the support structure such that the image receiving substrate is disposed in an operative relationship with the at least one developing station when the releasably removable image receiving module is engaged with the support structure;
• determining the number of exposing units in the releasably removable image receiving module;
• and
• removing at least one additional exposing unit in the releasably removable image receiving module.

A releasably removable image receiving module for an imaging system, the imaging system including a system frame with system support structure and at least one developing station having a charging unit and a developing unit, the releasably removable image receiving module comprising:

• a frame assembly;
• a module support structure, disposed on the frame assembly and configured to be releasably engageable with the system support structure of the imaging system;
• the module support structure having a plurality of exposing unit mounting elements, each of the plurality of exposing unit mounting elements capable of receiving an individually removable exposing unit;
• and
• an image receiving substrate supported by the frame assembly, the image receiving substrate being disposed in an operative relationship with the imaging stations when the module support structure is engaged with the system support structure.

A method for modifying an imaging system, the method comprising:

• providing an imaging system including:
• a plurality of developing stations;
• a first releasably removable image receiving module including an image receiving substrate having a plurality of exposing unit mounting elements, each of the plurality of exposing unit mounting elements capable of receiving an individually removable exposing unit;
• and
• a support structure for receiving the first releasably removable image receiving module;
• the first releasably removable image receiving module being configured to be engageable with the support structure;
• and
• the image receiving substrate being disposed in an operative relationship with the developing stations when the first releasably removable image receiving module is engaged with the support structure;
• providing a second releasably removable image receiving module including an image receiving substrate having a plurality of exposing unit mounting elements, each of the plurality of exposing unit mounting elements capable of receiving an individually removable exposing unit;
• and the second releasably removable image receiving module being configured to be engageable with the support structure;
• and
• removing the first releasably removable image receiving module from the imaging system;
• and
• inserting the second releasably removable image receiving module into the imaging system.