Toner cartridge with hopper exit agitator
US5875378A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/183
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A toner cartridge (1) has a cylindrical toner hopper (61) with a rear wall (61a) defining an output opening well above the lower part of the hopper. A paddle (63) is rotated in the hopper. The exit surface (61aaa) declines downward to form a chamber for the toner adder roller (45) and developer roller (43). This configuration discourages toner from returning to the hopper after it has been electrically charged. To improve movement of toner past the opening an agitator bar (65) extends across the cartridge near the exit surface. The bar is pivoted at both ends and has a portion (65a) which extends into the path of the paddle. As the paddle rotates, it moves the agitator upward until the curved paths of the two members reach separation, at which time the bar drops by gravity. The bar jars toner loose and eliminates jams of toner. The flat surface of the bar, when it has been moved up, partially blocks the exit opening, which desirably limits toner flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.