Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for carrying and dispensing an ink into a printing system. A system configured to dispense an ink comprises an ink carrying apparatus having a container, a movable cover, a unit monitor, a film, and a locking tab. The system also comprises a docking station configured to accept the ink carrying apparatus and engage the locking tab when the movable cover is in an open position. The system further comprises a processor configured to communicate with the unit monitor to facilitate a movement of the movable cover from a closed position to the open position. Based on a detection of a type of ink in the container, the movable cover is allowed to be moved from the closed position to the open position so as to facilitate removal of the film and cause the ink to be dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for carrying and dispensing an ink into a printing system. A system configured to dispense an ink comprises an ink carrying apparatus having a container, a movable cover, a unit monitor, a film, and a locking tab. The system also comprises a docking station configured to accept the ink carrying apparatus and engage the locking tab when the movable cover is in an open position. The system further comprises a processor configured to communicate with the unit monitor to facilitate a movement of the movable cover from a closed position to the open position. Based on a detection of a type of ink in the container, the movable cover is allowed to be moved from the closed position to the open position so as to facilitate removal of the film and cause the ink to be dispensed.

Abstract: A low cost, robust and efficient replenisher toner container is provided and includes (a) a one-piece blow-molded container body having a wall defining an exterior surface of the body and an interior cavity within the body; (b) a first end, of the one-piece blow-molded container body, having a handle member; (c) a second end, of the one-piece blow-molded container body opposite the first end, including a single fill/dispense opening for filling the interior cavity with replenisher toner and for dispensing replenisher toner from the interior cavity; and (d) at least a one molded scoop member formed at the second end for efficiently delivering the replenisher toner being dispensed from the interior cavity into receiving components in the xerographic machine.

Abstract: A toner container with an orientation dependent shutter mechanism is provided with an orientation independent shutter lockout feature to ensure that a toner container's shutter will not open unless the toner container is inserted properly into a corresponding toner compartment, thereby ensuring that the proper color toner will be inserted into the toner compartment.

Abstract: A toner powder bottle having a base, a top, and intermediate side walls having at least one facet formed in the side wall to facilitate axial and rotational manipulation of the toner bottle to enable connection of the bottle to a bottle receiving member. Connection means cooperates with corresponding connection means of a bottle receiving member when the toner bottle is in use. A powder discharge opening formed in the base permits the flow of toner when the bottle is properly installed.

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.