Multiple function encoder wheel for cartridges utilized in an electrophotographic output device

US5634169A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Lexmark International, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Raymond Jay Barry · Lexington, US
• Steven Alan Curry · Nicholasville, US
• Benjamin Keith Newman · Lexington, US
• Gregory Lawrence Ream · Lexington, US
• Earl Dawson Ward, II · Richmond, US
• Phillip Byron Wright · Lexington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 16, 1996
• Grant date: May 27, 1997
• Expiry date: Feb 16, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G03G2221/1838
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Disclosed is a cartridge having an encoder wheel thereon for encoding EP supply cartridge characteristic information for an electrophotographic machine, the cartridge comprising, a sump for carrying an initial amount of toner. A shaft is mounted for rotation in said sump, and an agitator or paddle is mounted thereon in such a manner that when the shaft rotates, the paddle rotates into, through and out of engagement with toner carried by the sump. A single encoder wheel is mounted on the shaft, external of the sump, the encoder wheel positioned for proximate mating coaction with a coded wheel reader when the cartridge is mounted in position in the electrophotographic machine. A drive means, and a variable torque flexible coupling connects the drive means to the shaft to effect rotation thereof. The encoder wheel is configured for indicating, in conjunction with said coded wheel reader, a component of resistance to paddle movement through the portion of said sump having toner therein to give an indication of the amount of toner remaining in said sump. Other portions of the wheel, in a portion thereof which confronts the reader during a substantially constant velocity of rotation ther…