Removable toner cartridge universal adapter
US7136608B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/1823
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A universal adapter for a toner cartridge enables a single toner cartridge to be used with printers made by different manufacturers and differing printer models made by a common manufacturer. The toner cartridge includes a waste bin having a leading end that is sculpted to mate with the cartridge-receiving cavities of a large number of printers. Additional improvements include an improved planar having a common thickness along its extent, the elimination of a pivotal motion between the waste bin and the hopper, an enhanced interconnection between the waste bin and the hopper, improved ergonomics along a trailing edge of the waste bin to facilitate its handling, a structure that prevents mounting of a circuit board over a host circuit board, reduced friction media guide ribs, an improved circuit board mounting pad, and a microswitch actuating tab that functions even in a printer with worn hinges and latches.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.