Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for adding toner to an electrostatographic development station from a flat-flanged container containing toner minimizes spillage of toner by automatically uncovering and recovering the container. The flat-flanged container has a mouth surrounded by a peripheral flange which is covered by a flexible cover folded upon itself and adhered to the flange. A slide cover is slidably mounted on the flange with the flexible cover attached at one end to the slide cover. The container is emptied by inserting the container into a sump lid positioned over a hopper within the electrostatographic development station and moving the container so that the mouth of the container is in alignment with an opening through the sump lid. As the container is moved into alignment with opening, the slide cover is automatically removed from the container simultaneously peeling the flexible cover from the flange and opening the container to empty the toner.

Abstract: Liquid toner imaging apparatus for producing an image on a substrate and having carrier liquid and toner particle carryout on the average in a first ratio, the apparatus including an image bearing surface, apparatus for developing an image on the image bearing surface using a liquid toner including carrier liquid and toner particles and apparatus for transferring a developed image from the image bearing surface to the substrate. The apparatus for developing includes a liquid toner reservoir, supply apparatus including a replaceable enclosure initially containing toner concentrate including carrier liquid and toner particles therein and having an opening communicating with the reservoir and replenishment apparatus for causing transfer of toner concentrate from the replaceable enclosure to the reservoir to replenish the toner and for causing transfer of contents of the reservoir to the replaceable enclosure to remove excess liquid toner from the reservoir.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably coupled to a device is provided, for supplying a substance adapted to be accommodated in the cartridge to the device through an opening formed on the device. The cartridge includes a flange portion located on a surrounding portion of the opening of the device, and a supply port to be received in the opening. The supply port is covered by a sheet member, which is folded to be double-layered and to have both end portions of the first and second layers positioned at the same side. The first layer is adhered to the peripheral surface of the supply port, and a sealing member is secured to the flange portion and positioned between the flange portion and the surrounding portion of the opening, when the cartridge is coupled to the device, for tightly closing the opening.

Abstract: In a laser printer, in which a latent image is generated on a circulating imaging member in accordance with digital image signals and subsequently developed with toner, the number of pixels to be toned is used as an indication of the rate at which toner is being depleted from the developer mixture. The device for dispensing fresh toner to the developer mixture is operated in dependence on the number of pixels to be toned so that there is a pre-established relationship between the pixel count and the length of time for which the dispensing device is in operation. If the efficiency of the dispensing device falls, the pre-established relationship is adjusted so that the toner density in the developed images remains constant. If a predetermined level of adjustment is reached, it is taken as an indication that the supply of toner in the printer is low, and should be replenished.

Abstract: A box-shaped container (10) has an opening (12) and the opening is sealed tightly and doubly by a sealing material (13). The sealing material is hot-glued to a peripheral portion of the opening of the cartridge body to such an extent that the sealing material can be peeled from the peripheral part. The end portion (13a) of the sealing material is bonded at an adequate length from the free end to the face 11a of a side of the peripheral portion, and the free end portion is turned down for 180 degree angle to the outer side of the opening. Furthermore, the sealing material is bonded to the face (11b) of a opposite side of the peripheral portion side at which the free end portion (13a) is adhered and turned down to cover the opening in double covering. The sealing material also covers the turned-down end portion. The other end portion (13b) of the sealing material is attached to a roller (16), and as the user turns a handle (18) of the roller, the sealing material can be peeled off easily.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying powder includes a container having sloping inner walls for containing powder, a transportation member rotatably disposed in the bottom portion of the container for transporting the powder in the predetermined direction, and a swing plate swung by the rotation of the transportation member. The upper end of the swing plate is fixed to one of the inner walls, and the bottom end is positioned in the locus of the transporation member. Another apparatus for supplying powder includes a container containing the powder and having a supply opening at the bottom to allow the powder to drop, a transportation member for transporting the powder in the container to the supply opening, and a rotation member closing the supply opening and by rotation allowing the powder to drop through the supply opening.

Abstract: A copier, facsimile transceiver, printer or similar electrophotographic image forming apparatus uses a toner cartridge whose volume decreases when released a toner. A cartridge collecting section for collecting toner cartridges is lower in height than the cartridge when the cartridge is filled with a toner. The cartridge has top plate, a bottom plate and sides which are implemented by an elastic member or a film-like member. The cartridge collecting section, a waste toner tank and a photoconductive element storing section are constructed into a unit which is removable from the apparatus body.

Abstract: A toner hopper seal-insert and slide-seal to provide for the shipping and transporting of a re-filled toner cartridge used in printers and copying machines. The seal-insert is comprised of three slotted rectangular strips or pieces of material. A middle piece is sandwiched between two outer pieces. The slot in the middle piece is wider and open at one end, providing a channel for the slide-seal. The seal-insert is attached to the toner hopper of the toner cartridge, and the slide-seal is slid into or out of position in the seal-insert to seal or unseal the opening of the toner hopper, creating a reusable leakproof seal system. When the constriction in the end of the toner hopper is narrower than the width of the area being sealed, the slide-seal may be made narrow enough and the dimensions of the seal-insert slots may be made such that the slide-seal can be slid through the contriction and still seal the toner hopper opening to prevent the passage of toner.

Abstract: The invention provides a developing apparatus in which toner is mixed with magnetic carrier particles by agitator in an agitating part so as to form two component type developer. The device for feeding toner has a rotatable feeding roller disposed above the agitating part of said developing apparatus for feeding toner thereto, the feeding roller including plural magnets therein so that magnetic carrier particles are attracted to form magnetic brush around the circumference of the feeding roller and toner is conveyed by the magnetic brush with the rotation of the feeding roller. Between the agitating part and the feeding roller, there is provided a partition having an opening positioned beneath the feeding roller so that the magnetic brush passes across the opening and the conveyed toner drops into the agitating part through the opening.

Abstract: An opening of a developer container is sealed by a sealing member which is easy to tear in a predetermined direction. The sealing member is composed of a main portion having a tear strip portion, and a leader portion protruding from the main portion as an extension from the tear strip portion. The main portion seals the opening. The tear strip portion is torn off from the main portion by pulling the leader portion in the predetermined direction. The main portion is adhered to an adhesion area surrounding the opening. The adhesion area has a box-like area recessed in the predetermined direction, at a location facing a part of the main portion adjacent to the base portion of the tear strip portion.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes a first locking means for locking a first supplying lid disposed at a first supplying opening in a closing position, a second locking element for locking a second supplying lid of a second supplying opening in a closing position, and a lock release element for releasing only the second locking element when a detachable developer cartridge is used. The second locking element includes a concave portion formed on a peripheral wall of the second supplying opening and a lock piece disposed in the concave portion, and a hole formed at an edge of the second supplying lid. The lock piece engages the hole when the second supplying lid is closed, thereby the lid is locked. The lock release element includes a lid having a opening disposed at an upper surface of the developing apparatus and a hole disposed at the lock piece, and the detachable developer cartridge comprises a pair of lock release pieces.

Abstract: A device for supplying a liquid developer from a toner container to a tank and from the tank to a developing unit of which is operable with the liquid developer. The nozzle hole of the toner container is open into a circulation path along which the liquid developer is circulated. Hence, the nozzle hole is constantly dipped in the liquid developer without regard to the liquid level in the tank and, therefore, is free from the deposition of dried toner particles.

Abstract: A fluid level detector comprises a tank including a sleeve portion extending vertically from a bottom section of the tank to a top section of the tank, and sensor device mounted to a circuit board connected at one end to monitoring device, with the circuit board being inserted into the sleeve. There is a circular float assembly with a center aperture. The circular float assembly includes a pair of magnets mounted in push-pull orientation at opposite sides of the aperture within the float assembly. The float assembly is slidably positioned over the sleeve whereby the float assembly moves up and down the sleeve as the water level changes in the tank, wherein the sensor device generate a signal representing detection of fluid level by the sensor device when the fluid level in the tank is substantially at the level of the sensor device.

Abstract: A liquid electrophotographic development system has a plurality of removable cartridges mounted on a rotatable support for selective engagement with an electrophotographic member to be developed. Each cartridge has a liquid developer reservoir and a flexible toner concentrate container from which concentrate is supplied to the developer in the reservoir as needed. A fluted roll pumps developer in a uniform manner from the reservoir to the electrophotographic member. After depletion of the toner concentrate and developer, any developer remaining in the cartridge can be pumped into the flexible container to prevent spillage on disposal of the cartridge. The cartridge housing has only one opening and minimum-size passages between the reservoir and the opening to inhibit evaporation of developer liquid.

Abstract: A process unit includes a unit frame having a pair of walls arranged in a width direction to maintain a distance and a developing device mounted between the pair of side walls of the unit frame. The developing device has a toner container that includes a container body having an opening formed in the bottom surface thereof and a sealing member that is peelably stuck to the bottom surface of the container body to close the opening. The sealing member has one end to which is coupled a grip member that can be pulled to remove the sealing member from the bottom surface of the container body to open the container opening. An anchor means is disposed on a wall on one side of the container body, so that the grip member is detachably anchored thereto without outwardly protruding in the width direction. The grip member extends along the wall of the container body. An opening and a mounting device are disposed at a wall on one side of the unit frame and are juxtaposed with respect to each other.

Abstract: A dual augar development apparatus for use in an electrostatographic reproduction machine such as copier or printer, includes a pair of identical single piece auger devices mounted therein and each having a shaft and a plurality of integrally formed blade members so as to require no blade-member-to-shaft-assembly. A last blade member includes a cross-transfer member connected thereto and integrally formed therewith. The blade members are semi-elliptical and form a single straight row of such members on the shaft. The row is aligned circumferentially so as to result in intermittent augering of developer material in the development apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing marking particles is described which includes a container defining a chamber for storing the marking particles therein and having an opening defined therein for the discharge of the marking particles therefrom. The apparatus further includes a seal member secured to the container, the seal member having an opening defined therein which is at least partially coextensive with the opening of the container for the passage of marking particles therethrough. Moreover, the apparatus includes a cover positionable over the opening defined in the seal member, the cover being removably secured to the seal member with an adhesive material.

Abstract: A developer dispenser is disclosed that has a substantially enclosed rigid housing with a side wall and a pair of end walls, an opening in the side wall, and a flexible developer mover disposed within the housing. The developer mover has one edge pivotably secured to the side wall, a second edge in sliding contact with the side wall, one surface facing the side wall and the other surface facing the opening and engaging the developer in the housing. The developer mover bends flexibly about an axis parallel to the side wall to move the surface facing the side wall toward the wall and away from the opening. When developer is contained in the housing between the developer mover and opening, the weight of the developer deflects the developer mover away from the opening. In turn, the developer mover resiliently urges the developer toward the opening.

Abstract: An electrostatic latent image-developing device is equipped with a toner cartridge-holding means and a toner cartridge fitted thereto. The toner cartridge includes a container with a toner discharge openings, a toner contained in the container, and a sealing means for sealing the toner discharge opening. The sealing means is constituted by a tape member that is provided to move across the toner discharge opening, and a toner passage opening is formed in the tape member. The toner discharge opening is opened when the tape member is so moved that the toner passage opening is positioned at the toner discharge opening. The toner cartridge-holding means includes a hoist frame that moves up and down, and the toner cartridge is held in this hoist frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for metered filling of toner from a reservoir into the developing station of an electrophotographic printer device comprises a metering drum in the exit region of the reservoir. A hollow conveyor helix is situated in a conveyor tube above the metering drum. The conveyor helix extends parallel along the metering drum into the toner reservoir. The conveyor helix and the metering drum are coupled in terms of drive corresponding to the metering power.

Abstract: A rotatable stirring member for stirring a developer for conveying the developer is provided within a receptacle housing the developer. The stirring member can be subjected to elastically twisted deformation so that a shaft portion at the side of one end for receiving a rotation driving force can rotate in a phase which is advanced from that of a shaft portion at the side of another end.

Abstract: A guiding opening is provided at the upper part of the side wall of a vertical conveying duct when the duct side wall extends horizontally. The upper end of the conveying auger 40 located in the vertical duct is bent sideward so as to be introduced into the guiding opening, and this introduced end portion is pivoted on the pivot portion. In such a manner, the end portion is rotatably pivoted and the other end is set free. Thus, developer introduced into the vertical conveying duct is carried thereinto in the axial direction of the conveying auger, and conveyed by rotation of the auger. Then, developer is exhausted in the axial direction.

Abstract: A xerographic image recording apparatus includes a photosensitive body moved along a circuitous path, an electric discharging unit for eliminating electric charges from the photosensitive body, a precharging unit for charging the photosensitive body electrically, an image writing unit for writing an image on the photosensitive body, an image developing unit for coating the photosensitive body by the toner to form a toner image on the photosensitive body, a recording sheet feeding unit for feeding a recording sheet along a sheet path, an image transfer unit for transferring the toner image onto a recording sheet, a cleaning unit for removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive body after the transfer of image on the recording sheet is completed, a toner supply tank for supplying the toner to the image developing unit, and a toner recovery tank for collecting the toner removed by the cleaning unit from the photosensitive body, wherein the toner supply tank and the toner recovery tank are assembled into a

Abstract: A structure of a toner cartridge removably mounted on a developing unit of an image forming apparatus. Once a toner end mode is set due to the exhaustion of toner which is accommodated in the toner cartridge, it is prevented from being reset unless the empty cartridge is replaced with a full toner cartridge. The toner cartridge has a member capable of resetting a toner and mode only when the cartridge is loaded in a cartridge container for the first time. This member is sensed by a sensor when the toner cartridge is inserted in the cartridge container. After the toner cartridge is inserted in the cartridge container the member along with a seal are removed from the toner. This member is sensed by a sensor when the toner cartridge is inserted in the cartridge container. After the toner cartridge is inserted in the cartridge container the member along with a seal are removed from the toner cartridge.

Abstract: A toner cartridge has an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder contained in the outer cylinder in such a relation that it is adjacent to the outer cylinder and rotatably slidable relative thereto. Outer cylinder toner discharge openings are formed in the outer cylinder and spaced in the longitudinal direction thereof. Inner cylinder toner discharge openings are formed in the inner cylinder and spaced in the longitudinal direction thereof, the inner cylinder toner discharge openings being alignable with the outer cylinder toner discharge openings. Opposite ends of the outer cylinder are provided with notches. The outer cylinder toner discharge openings are spaced by at least one outer cylinder rib. The inner cylinder toner discharge openings are spaced by at least one inner cylinder rib which is not axially aligned with the outer cylinder rib.

Abstract: A waste toner conveyer of an image forming apparatus has a screw for conveying powdery toner along a toner conveying passage defined in the conveyer. The screw includes a plurality of strip-like spring members which are reciprocally moved along a longitudinal direction of the waste toner conveyer. The screw is secured to a rotary shaft. A pin fixed to the shaft rotates and slides along an irregular surface of a cam so as to reciprocate the screw horizontally during the rotation of the shaft. Accordingly, waste toner is shaken from the screw by an extension and retraction of the screw along the longitudinal axis so that such waste toner can fall through a waste toner outlet.

Abstract: A powder developer container in which an opening through which a powder developer can be discharged is formed by a relative movement between a pair of shutter members in which a sealing member is interposed thereinbetween. The sealing member is fixed to one of the pair of shutter members and slidable relative to the other one of the pair of shutter members. The sealing member has a hardness of 20 to 70, a compressive set lower than 4%. A coefficient of friction .mu. between itself and the mating member on which the sealing member is slidable is not greater than 0.8. The sealing member is compressed between the pair of shutter members at a compression rate higher than 20%.

Abstract: A developing apparatus has a developer cartridge having a first developer storage room for storing an unused new developer, a second developer storage room for storing a used old developer, and shutter members for opening and closing openings of the first and second developer storage rooms; and a device for detachably attaching the developer cartridge to a section for exchanging the old developer for the new developer on a body side of the developing apparatus. The developer cartridge may be attached and detached from the developer exchanging section after deterioration of the developer in use is displayed, and the used developer is collected within the second developer storage room and the new developer is supplied into the developer cartridge after the collection of the used developer.

Abstract: 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 chamber 13 and chamber 19 to maintain an equilibrium level (31) between the chambers. The unsymmetrical roller simultaneously reduces and increases the area of chamber 11, and possibly also provides a significant open path to chamber 19 across its flat surfaces (35), to inherently eliminate significant pressure build-up in chamber 13. The need for a vent between the chambers is eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplementing a toner into a toner hopper of a developing device using the toner including a toner supplementing container having a toner bottle having an opening, a shutter member movable between a close position in which the opening of the toner bottle is closed by the shutter member and an open position in which the opening of the toner bottle is not closed by the shutter member, and a shutter locking member for locking the shutter member into the close position; and a container fixing and locking mechanism arranged on the toner hopper and having a fixing member for fixing the toner supplementing container onto the toner hopper and a locking member which is movable into a locked position in which the shutter locking member is released to allow the movement of the shutter member into the open position and the toner supplementing container could not be removed from the toner hopper and an unlocked position in which the toner supplementing container can be removed from the toner hopper and th

Abstract: A toner container detachably mounted to a developing unit of a copying apparatus which contains fresh toner to be supplied to the developing unit and also stores used toner thereinto. A partition plate, slidably provided inside the toner container, partitions the container into a first section for containing the fresh toner and a second section for containing the used toner. The toner container is also provided with an outlet for the fresh toner to exit from the first section and an inlet for the used toner to enter into the second section. A transmission mechanism converts the rotation of a developer roller of the developing device into a slide motion of the partition plate, thereby the volume of the first section decreases and the volume of the second section increases in accordance with the operation of the developing roller.

Abstract: Liquid toner imaging apparatus for producing an image on a substrate and having carrier liquid and toner particle carryout on the average in a first ratio, the apparatus including an image bearing surface, apparatus for developing an image on the image bearing surface using a liquid toner inlcuding carrier liquid and toner particles and apparatus for transferring a developed image from the image bearing surface to the substrate. The apparatus for developing includes a liquid toner reservoir, supply apparatus including a replaceable enclosure initially containing toner concentrate including carrier liquid and toner particles therein and having an opening communicating with the reservoir and replenishment apparatus for causing transfer of toner concentrate from the replaceable enclosure to the reservoir to replenish the toner for causing transfer of contents of the reservoir to the replaceable enclosure to remove excess liquid toner from the reservoir.

Abstract: A seal is adapted for temporarily but securely sealing a toner bin, and particularly, a toner bin having a container with a container opening, a sealing surface formed around the container opening, and a container cover structure connected to the container over the container opening so as to form a narrow slot exposed along one side of the toner bin at a slot opening. The seal includes a sealing sheet adapted to be inserted through the slot opening in an inserted position in which the sealing sheet completely covers the container opening and a portion of the container sealing surface around the entire perimeter of the container opening. The sealing sheet includes an adhesive coating positioned on a sealing side thereof, and has an insertion edge at one end and a trailing edge at its opposite end.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting and removing a toner cartridge in a development device for use in an electrophotographic recording apparatus or a photocopier includes a rotating member for mounting a cartridge filled with toner for replenishing onto a main body at a set position and opening a toner opening. A cross-shaped projection on the main body and a cross-shaped groove on the cartridge are provided for preventing lifting of the cartridge when the rotating member is rotated in one direction. The rotating member is rotated from the set position in another opposite direction, and is subsequently returned to the set position to have the projection and the groove engaged or disengaged.

Abstract: A toner supply device incorporated in electrophotographic equipment which develops a latent image electrostatically formed on an image carrier by using toner. The device has a toner tank for supplying toner to a developing section which forms a part of the equipment, a toner sensor responsive to the amount of toner remaining in the toner tank, and a toner server adjoining the toner tank for feeding toner to the tank. The toner server has a plurality of toner cartridges thereinside and automatically replaces the toner cartridge a plurality of times.

Abstract: A toner container includes a containing portion and a cover. The cover is generally to be positioned adjacent a toner sump and the containing portion slid off the cover onto the sump. To prevent accidental removal of the cover when the container is not in a receiving apparatus, a releasable latch is provided for holding the cover on the container. The latch is releasable by the same motion used to position the containing portion over the sump.

Abstract: In a toner transfer system of a printer or copier, a suction nozzle inside a toner-tight protective sheath is arranged in verticallly displaceable fashion in a guide in the printer or copier, this suction nozzle being in communication via a pipe line with a developer station of the printer or copier. At it slower end, the guide has an adaptor for connection to a toner container. When the toner container is to be changed, the toner container is swivelled via a holding mechanism and a new container is connected to the adaptor. A cutter on the adaptor then punctures a sealing foil over the filling and emptying opening of the toner container. For emptying, the suction nozzle moves vertically into the toner container whose floor is fashioned funnel-shaped to form a toner collecting region.

Abstract: A developer supplying device includes: a substantially cylindrical developer container having on its peripheral surface a spiral groove, and being rotatable to transport a developer therein by the groove; a supplying element in a form of an opening provided at the peripheral surface of the container to supply the developer therethrough; and a regulating device provided in the container, regulating an amount of the developer supplied from the supplying element, and being so formed to reduce a sectional area between the regulating device and an inner surface of the container in the vicinity of the supplying element. The supplying device can have a container-supporting device having a guide device for guiding the developer supplied by the supplying element; and a supplying element-covering device provided at the peripheral surface of the container, and being opened to uncover the supplying element when the latter confronts the guide device for supplying the developer.

Abstract: A toner density control device for an electrophotographic copier, facsimile apparatus, laser printer or similar image forming apparatus of the type forming an image by depositing a toner on an electrostatic latent image. The device has two sensing circuits, i.e., a toner density sensing circuit and an image density sensing circuit. When one of the two sensing circuits fails, a toner is supplemented in response to an output of the other or normal sensing circuit. When the failed sensing circuit is restored to normal, the toner supply responsive solely to the other sensing circuit is cancelled so that both of the two sensors join in the toner supply control. When both the toner density sensors and the image density sensing means fail, the image forming apparatus is automatically disabled with the failure being displayed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an toner cartridge to dispense toner to a developing system in a photocopying device. The cartridge has a primary baffle thereby forming a main chamber and a dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is divided into a primary dispensing chamber and a secondary dispensing chamber by a secondary baffle. Apertures are formed in the container adjacent to the secondary dispensing baffle. The cartridge is designed to be rotated in one direction to fill the secondary dispensing chamber with toner, and then rotated in an opposite direction to dispense the toner from the secondary dispensing chamber through the apertures.

Abstract: A reproducing machine has a rotatable toner supply cartridge which dispenses toner into a developer sump, the cartridge being inclined at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis so as to dispense toner assisted by gravity, in controlled amounts only from a dispense port at the end of the cartridge extending below the horizontal. The supply cartridge is modified by the addition of an end cap assembly which incorporates a scoop member which picks up and stores a quantity of toner during rotation. A cog wheel is mounted on the outside of the end cap assembly and is attached to a shaft extending through the end cap assembly. The cog wheel interacts with stepping pins to enable a dispense operation from the scoop member.

Abstract: A toner cartridge for use with a facsimile transceiver, printer or similar electrophotographic image forming apparatus for supplying a toner, or developer, to a developing unit of the apparatus. A first locking pawl fixes the casing and lid to each other in a condition wherein the toner has not been supplied to the developing unit, while a second locking pawl is caused into a position capable of fixing the casing and lid after the lid has been slid once relative to the casing. To supply the toner from the cartridge to the developing unit, the first pawl is pressed down to unlock the lid from the casing, and then the lid is slid along the casing. As the lid is so slid, the second pawl is brought to the condition for fixing the casing and lid. When the lid is returned along the casing after the supply of the toner, it is fixed to the casing by both of the first and second pawls.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying machine developer vessel includes a vessel proper having a closed top, a barrel and a tapered inclined portion continuous to the barrel. The developer vessel also includes a receiving plate removably attachable to the vessel proper, the receiving plate having a substantially flat supporting surface, substantially straight two side edges for attachment to the developing device and an opening communicating with the vessel proper. An opening tab composed of a film which covers the opening of the receiving plate is peelably bonded to the flat supporting surface thereof. A shutter is provided which includes a plate having, on both the sides thereof, engagement portions to be engaged with both the side edges of the receiving plate. The shutter may engage the receiving plate of the developer vessel such that when the developer vessel is removed from a copying machine, the presence of the shutter thereunder prevents scattering of developer in the environment.

Abstract: A copying machine of the present invention is constructed such that, when a toner in a toner containing portion provided in a developing unit is emptied, a toner supply container whose opening for supplying toner is sealed is mounted in the toner containing portion. An opening member for unsealing the opening for supplying the toner of the toner supply container is included in the toner containing portion, so that the toner can be replenished without staining the surroundings, and since the toner can be replenished only at frequencies restricted in advance, deterioration of copying quality can be avoided.

Abstract: A toner supply and dispensing cartridge for use with a xerographic copying machine. The cartridge includes a cylinder which contains a supply of particulate toner material, the cylinder having a plurality of toner dispensing ports formed along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The cylinder is supported for rotation at both ends and includes a freely riding multi-cup scoop extending the length of the cylinder and disposed inside for dispensing the toner material, said scoop preferably having an approximately cross-shaped cross-section. Preferably, at least part of the cartridge is formed of a transparent or translucent material so that the level of toner material remaining inside may be easily determined.

Abstract: A seal structure including a seal member for sealing a developer chamber with unused developer accommodated in the chamber. The seal member partly extends outward from the chamber to provide a pull portion and is removable from the chamber by pulling the pull portion. In one embodiment, the seal member is folded over at an intermediate portion thereof to form a folded portion over the pull portion, the folded portion being secured to the body of the developing device and formed in an edge thereof with a tear portion for separating the seal member into an end portion positioned inside the device and the other portion when the seal member is pulled. In another embodiment, the developer chamber is externally provided with a seal holder permitting insertion of the seal member. In another embodiment, the pull portion has an inwardly recessed contour extending from the outer end thereof to at least one side edge of the seal member.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus having a toner reservoir. The toner reservoir is removably mounted on the process cartridge or a developing device in the image recording apparatus. The toner reservoir is composed of a supply toner reserving unit having a supply opening and a recovery toner container having a waste toner recovery opening. The supply toner reserving unit and said recovery toner reserving unit are connected with each other through a connecting member, the supply toner reserving unit being arranged rotatably while the recovery toner reserving unit being fixed with the recovery opening thereof facing upward.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes a hopper having two inclined lower surfaces. A toner outlet port is formed in one of the lower surfaces. A toner-supplying auger is located within the toner cartridge near the lower surfaces to guide toner. A toner-receiving plate is loosely mounted on the inclined lower surfaces of the hopper to be vibrated. This plate has an opening through which the toner may fall from the hopper onto the auger. Two pins protrude from the periphery of the auger. As the auger is rotated, the pins strike the toner-receiving plate, thus vibrating the plate. As the plate is vibrated, the resultant stirring guides the toner to the opening. The toner guiding means are arranged to substantially superpose the lower surfaces of the cartridge.

Abstract: A developer apparatus (29) for use in an electrostatic reproduction apparatus includes a large reservoir of toner (34, 44). The toner is located in a supply chamber (39) and is metered to a developer roller chamber (35) from which it is carried by a developer roller (31) past a doctor blade (36) to a photoconductor drum (19) for image development. A toner metering roller (41) rotates with the developer roller (31) to provide a continuous supply of toner from the supply chamber (39) to the developer chamber (35). Once an equilibrium level (65) is reached, the toner metering roller (41) acts to remove toner (34) from the developer chamber (35) to the supply chamber (39) to insure proper operation of the developer roller (31).

Abstract: A dust containment cap for use in a printing device to be supplied with finely pulverized toner which is susceptible of becoming airborne and contaminating surrounding areas employs two brushes arranged in the toner supply opening such that they completely fill the opening but permit the insertion of the neck of a toner bottle to be inserted through them for depositing new toner. Toner that becomes airborne below the brushes is impeded by the brushes from escaping from the opening. The brushes may be installed at downward angles so that together they form a "V"; toner inadvertently spilled on the tops of the brushes gravitates to the bottom of the "V" whence it may be dropped through by agitating the bristles.