Abstract: A toner cartridge splitter provides for the opening of the two major portions of a powdered toner cartridge, as used in various xerographic photocopy machines and printers. The device serves to separate the toner reservoir and mounting portions of a toner cartridge, thereby allowing the cartridge to be replenished with toner and resealed for further use, rather than merely being discarded after a single use. A toner cartridge is placed within the cartridge receptacle portion of the splitter, with the cartridge being immovably secured therein during the operation. A splitter blade is disposed coplanar with the seam of the cartridge between the two major components, and is driven between the two cartridge components to split them apart. A clearance notch may be provided in the blade to clear any protrusions in the cartridge rim which might otherwise block the penetration of the blade into the seam.

Abstract: A toner cartridge recharging tool has a base that includes a workholder to receive and prevent significant axial movement of a toner cartridge. There is also a guide slot mount and a swivel arm mount attached to the base. The toner cartridge is inserted between a pair of receiving members and the adhesive strip seal is wrapped over the insertion tongue. The tongue guide shoe and the tongue itself are fit into the two guide slots and the swivel arms are engaged with a protrusion on the tongue guide shoe. Movement of the arm thus forces the insertion tongue into the thin slit in the side of the toner cartridge and, when the movement of the arm or arms is reversed, the adhesive strip seal is left in place.