Toner container and toner delivery apparatus
US6678492B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S222/01
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In an image forming apparatus, a toner container removably set on the apparatus and a developing section included in the apparatus are communicated to each other by a delivery passage. Toner can be delivered from the toner container to the developing section via the delivery passage by a stream of air even when the container and developing section are located at remote positions. An elongated member located on the image forming apparatus extends into the toner container outlet and a mating portion forms a sealing enclosure between the toner container outlet and the elongated member. A tight contact enhancing member may be provided to enhance the contact of the sealing enclosure. The toner container may be a sack formed of flexible material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.