Rotational sensing for a replaceable unit of an image forming device
US9069286B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0802
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A drive element is exposed on an exterior of the housing unobstructed to receive rotational force. The drive element is operatively connected to the shaft to rotate the shaft upon receiving the rotational force. A sensor is positioned to sense a rotational motion of the shaft. A processor is mounted on the housing and in electrical communication with the sensor. An electrical contact in electrical communication with the processor is exposed on the exterior of the housing unobstructed to mate with a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device. The processor is programmed to send information related to the rotational motion sensed by the sensor to a controller in the image forming device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.