Toner end detection apparatus using ultrasonic sensor
US5035198A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/086
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A toner end detection apparatus comprises a toner tank which accommodates a toner, a toner detection sensor which has a surface exposed within the toner tank and outputs a detection signal and made up of an ultrasonic sensor which oscillates at a predetermined frequency when no toner is adhered on the surface, a setting part for variably setting a set value, a measuring part for measuring an oscillation time of the toner detection sensor in response to the output detection signal of the toner detection sensor, and a discriminating part for discriminating a toner end based on a comparison of the set value which is set by the setting means and the oscillation time which is measured by the measuring means. The toner accommodated within the toner tank is less than a predetermined quantity when the toner end is detected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.