发明名称 |
Toner supply with level sensor and meter and method of using the same |
摘要 |
A device and method for storing toner within an image forming apparatus having an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir. A sensor paddle is positioned within the lower reservoir for determining a toner level within the lower reservoir. The sensor paddle rotates within an angular displacement from a fall point to a toner rest point. The device and method further includes a drive gear for rotating the sensor paddle, and a cam mechanism positioned adjacent to the drive gear. The cam mechanism is connected to the sensor paddle and has a cam angular displacement relative to the drive gear about equal to the sensor paddle angular displacement. A pawl having at least one opening is mounted on at least one post extending axially outward from the drive gear and includes a boss positioned within the cam track. Upon a predetermined angular displacement of the sensor paddle, the boss moves along the cam track resulting in the pawl radially extending outward from the drive gear and contacting a toner supply mechanism for transferring toner from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir.
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申请公布号 |
US6510291(B2) |
申请公布日期 |
2003.01.21 |
申请号 |
US20010838353 |
申请日期 |
2001.04.19 |
申请人 |
LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC |
发明人 |
CAMPBELL ALAN STIRLING;GAYNE JARRETT CLARK;SMITH WILLIAM DALE |
分类号 |
G03G15/08;(IPC1-7):G03G15/08 |
主分类号 |
G03G15/08 |
代理机构 |
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代理人 |
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主权项 |
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地址 |
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