Systems for detecting an axially moveable member within a toner cartridge
US9632477B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0894
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electrophotographic imaging system according to one example embodiment includes a toner cartridge including a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A shaft is rotatably positioned within the reservoir and includes a threaded portion. A partition mounted on the threaded portion of the shaft moves axially along the threaded portion when the shaft rotates. The partition divides the reservoir into a first toner compartment and a second toner compartment. A sensing arrangement monitors an axial position of the partition along the shaft. The sensing arrangement includes a plurality of sensors arranged at predetermined axial locations relative to the shaft and a sensed member connected to the partition. The plurality of sensors are positioned to detect an axial position of the sensed member relative to the shaft for determining the axial position of the partition along the shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.