Abstract: A device for storing a supply of particles for use a developer unit of an electrophotographic printing machine is provided. The device is cooperable with a mechanism to feed the particles from the device into the developer unit. The device includes a container defining a chamber for storing particles therein and a member. The container defines an aperture therein. The member is removably connectable to the container. The member includes a first member feature. The first member feature is engagable with said mechanism for feeding the particles from the device into to the developer unit.

Abstract: A device is provided for storing a supply of particles for use in a developer unit of an electrophotographic printing machine. The device includes an open ended container defining a chamber in communication with the open end of the container with the particles being stored in the chamber of the container. The container defines an aperture in the container spaced from the open end and an air permeable cover closely conforming to the aperture for containing the particles within the container.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed comprising: (a) a coupling member comprising a cradle portion defining a container receiving space, and including a first side end having a first flange which extends into the receiving space and a second side end having a second flange which extends into the receiving space; and (b) a first container including one or more outer surface protuberances, wherein the first container is partially disposed in the container receiving space and at least a portion of the first flange and at least a portion of the second flange contact the outer surface of the first container to define a first region of the outer surface of the first container below the first flange and the second flange, wherein the one or more protuberances, disposed in the first region, minimize movement of the first region above the first flange and the second flange by engaging the first flange or the second flange when the first container is subjected to movement out of the receiving space, thereby coupling the first cont

Abstract: A supply cartridge for a printer or copier retains a quantity of dry marking material. The cartridge defines a round structure on an exterior thereof, with a collar rotatable about the round structure. The round structure and the collar both define openings, and the cartridge can dispense marking material when the openings are aligned. A pad is attached to an inner surface of the collar to enhance urging of the collar against the opening of the cartridge when the cartridge is closed. The pad itself urges against the round structure at a point on the circumference of the round structure opposite the opening therein. Alternately, a protrusion can be provided in the round structure at a point opposite the opening.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shutter assembly including: (a) a surface defining a surface opening; (b) a housing associated with the surface which defines a passageway in communication with the surface opening, wherein the housing surface defining the passageway includes a housing hole; and (c) a resilient material defining an end surface, which is disposed in the passageway and covers the housing hole, wherein the size of the end surface permits the application of an external force against the end surface to compress the resilient material to uncover the housing hole, and whereby the resilient material spontaneously expands to cover the housing hole when the external force ends.