Toner level sensing for replaceable unit of an image forming device
US9128443B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0802
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for estimating an amount of toner remaining in a reservoir of a replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes rotating a shaft positioned in the reservoir and measuring an amount of revolution of the shaft. A paddle mounted on the shaft and free to fall ahead of the rotation of the shaft is pushed by the rotation of the shaft. An estimate of the amount of toner remaining in the reservoir is decreased based on the measured amount of revolution of the shaft. The paddle is sensed near a lowest center of gravity of the paddle. The estimate of the amount of toner remaining in the reservoir is adjusted when the number of times the paddle is sensed near the lowest center of gravity of the paddle per revolution of the shaft increases.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.