Toner level sensing for a replaceable unit of an image forming device
US10289024B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/556
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for estimating an amount of toner remaining in a reservoir of a replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes receiving by processing circuitry pulses from a magnetic sensor. Each pulse is indicative that the magnetic sensor detected a magnet on a moving paddle positioned in the reservoir. The processing circuitry counts the number of the pulses received from the magnetic sensor. Upon receiving a request from a controller of the image forming device, the processing circuitry sends to the controller of the image forming device the count of the pulses received from the magnetic sensor and resets the count of the pulses received from the magnetic sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.