US3896279A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Toner level detector assembly including magnetically responsive switch actuated by differential loaded blade type rotor carrying magnetic actuator
Assignee: Xerox Ltd
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Filing: 1974-03-15
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Granted: 1975-07-22
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Expires: 1994-03-15
Abstract
Abstract A detector for providing an operator of an electrostatographic copier with an early warning of impending exhaustion of the supply of toner in the reservoir of a toner dispenser comprises a rotor with a plurality of blades of significantly different surface areas in the reservoir for activating a switch when the supply of toner drops below a predetermined level so that a suitable indicator is then activated to provide the warning.
Inventors
- 👤 Kiyoshi Sugawara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 12:49
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H36/00; G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/226; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0822; G03G15/0848; G03G15/0856; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S222/00; Y10S222/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
In a toner dispenser having a reservoir for storing a supply of toner, a detector for sensing impending exhaustion of the toner supply; said detector comprising the combination of a rotor journalled in opposed ends of said reservoir with a plurality of blades of different surface areas extending therefrom to be differentially loaded by toner when said supply is above a predetermined level, bias means for urging said rotor to rotate against said differential loading, actuating means mounted for rotation with said rotor along a predetermined path, a switch, and means for supporting said switch in a predetermined position relative to said path so that said switch is positioned to be actuated by said actuating means when said toner supply drops below said predetermined level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
In a toner dispenser having a reservoir for storing a supply of toner, a detector for sensing impending exhaustion of the toner supply; said detector comprising the combination of a rotor journalled in opposed ends of said reservoir with a plurality of blades of different surface areas extending therefrom to be differentially loaded by toner when said supply is above a predetermined level, bias means for urging said rotor to rotate against said differential loading, actuating means mounted for rotation with said rotor along a predetermined path, a switch, and means for supporting said switch in a predetermined position relative to said path so that said switch is positioned to be actuated by said actuating means when said toner supply drops below said predetermined level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The toner dispenser and detector of claim 1 further including a pair of baffles supported by said reservoir on opposite sides of said rotor for preventing toner for accumulating in the area of said reservoir immediately below said rotor in quantities sufficient to interfere with the rotation of said rotor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The toner dispenser and detector of claim 1 wherein said bias means comprises a disc mounted for rotation with said rotor, said disc being eccentrically weighted to supply said bias for said rotor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The toner dispenser and detector of claim 1 wherein there are only two blades on said rotor and said blades are diammetrically opposed from one another.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
The toner dispenser and detector of claim 4 wherein said switch is a magnetically responsive switch, said bias means comprises an eccentrically weighted disc of non-magnetic material mounted for rotation with said rotor, and said actuating means comprises a magnet carried by said disc for actuating said switch when the toner supply drops below said predetermined level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-07-21 | 1979-01-20 | 1979-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-21 | 1983-01-20 | 1983-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-21 | 1987-01-20 | 1987-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |