Development unit for an electrophotographic printer having a torque-triggered outlet port
US5355199A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 1993 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0833
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A developer unit for an electrophotographic printer includes a housing defining a chamber for retaining developer material. An auger is rotatable within the chamber for the conveying of developer material within the chamber. The auger and a second rotatable member are adapted to receive rotational drive from a single source of rotational motion. A clutch is responsive to a torque above a predetermined level associated with the auger. A selectably openable outlet port is adapted to permit escape of developer material from the chamber. A linkage is operatively disposed between the clutch and the openable outlet port. A torque above a predetermined level associated with the auger causes the clutch to move the linkage, causing the mechanical linkage to open the outlet port.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.