Volumetric toner cartridge having driven detachable toner platform
US8918031B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0802
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A toner cartridge for an imaging apparatus having a housing including two opposed end walls and an elongated body therebetween and an exit port. An inner surface of the body defines a toner reservoir that is in communication with the exit port. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted within the housing. A translatable toner platform is provided in slidable contact with the inner surface of the body and is nonrotatable relative to the housing. A toner platform stop is also provided. A detachable drive shaft coupling couples the toner platform to the drive shaft and upon the toner platform hitting the stop, the coupling detaches from the platform. The detachable coupling may be provided in a frangible portion of the toner platform or be frictionally engaged with a recess therein. Rotation of the drive shaft translates the toner platform toward the exit port and rotates an exit paddle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.