Toner metering apparatus with pressure equalization.

摘要

Metering roller (3) in the electrophotographic developer cartridge (1) is unsymmetrical along its length. As the metering roller rotates it distributes toner (11) both ways between one chamber (13) and another (19) to maintain an equilibrium level (31) between the chambers. The unsymmetrical roller simultaneously reduces and increases the area of one chamber (13), and possibly also provides a significant open path to the other chamber (19) across its flat surfaces (35), to inherently eliminate significant pressure build-up in that chamber (13). The need for a vent between the chambers is eliminated.