Abstract: A dispenser for magnetic objects includes a base having a curved rack. A barrel is attached to the base and has an opening with a magnet adjacent to it for retaining paperclips or other magnetic objects in an easy-access position. The barrel is mounted on a pivot arm and has a pinion attached to its side that co-operates with the rack upon pivotal movement of the pivot arm relative to the base so that the barrel rotates to an inverted orientation. The invention is particularly useful when the barrel becomes almost empty of paperclips. Pivotal inversion of the barrel allows remaining clips to fall toward the opening to be retained by the magnet.

Abstract: A device for feeding liquid substances in filling machine for filling bottles and the like includes a first tubular member (4), which is integral with a stationary structure (1) of the machine (M) and a second tubular member (5) made integral with a rotating head (6) of the machine (M). The tubular members (4,5) are coaxial and have head surfaces tightly connected to each other by means of a first, upper ring (8) and a second, lower ring (9). The upper ring (8) and lower ring (9) are made of ceramic material and touch each other with their flat surfaces (8A,9A).

Abstract: Apparatus for instilling a medicament into an eye includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and a chamber disposed in the housing for containing a medicament. A nozzle is provided for instilling a dose of medicament into an eye and an actuator meters doses of medicament from the chamber to the nozzle and forces each metered dose through the nozzle upon axial displacement of the actuator along housing longitudinal axis. A spring causes the axial displacement of the actuator upon release of the spring from a compressed state. A collar disposed for rotation about the housing longitudinal axis is provided by compressing the spring by twisting the collar about the housing longitudinal axis and a trigger disposed in a housing is provided for releasing the compressed spring.

Abstract: A toner cartridge extending in a longitudinal direction thereof has a fresh toner chamber and a water toner chamber. The fresh toner chamber and waste toner chamber extend parallel to each other so that the fresh toner chamber and the waste toner chamber are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The waste toner chamber incorporates a toner-conveying member such as a screw conveyor. The screw conveyor extends between the opposed longitudinal ends, and causes the waste toner to move further into the waste toner chamber. The waste toner chamber has an entrance formed therein through which waste toner is received from a print process cartridge. The entrance opens yieldably when a waste toner exit enters the waste toner chamber through the entrance and closes when the waste toner exit moves out of the enters the waste toner chamber.

Abstract: A toner replenishing container which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of a toner replenishing apparatus, the toner replenishing container includes a container body, having an opening for supplying toner into the main assembly, for containing toner; an opening and closing member, slidable in a first direction, for opening and closing the opening; wherein the opening and closing member is is slidable relative to the main assembly in a second direction which is different from the first direction, and when the opening and closing member is at a closing position for closing the opening, the opening and closing member is prevented from sliding in the first direction before sliding in the second direction.

Abstract: A device for providing water to young birds and fowl. The waterer is attached to a cage for the birds and includes a bottle which can be detached for cleaning or replacement and reattached when full without any spillage. The device also includes a removable piece for the prevention of drowning of certain types of game birds.

Abstract: A dry condiment dispensing system is provided, in which the contents of the dispenser are dispensed through one or more dispensing holes at the bottom of a storage container. A stationary shutter is placed over the dispensing holes to prevent undesired dispensing of the contents of the dispenser. When the storage container is moved in relation to the stationary shutter, the dispensing holes are aligned over a spout in the shutter, such that the stored contents may be dispensed through the dispensing holes and the spout. In a preferred embodiment, the storage container is moved along an axis between a closed position and a dispensing position by a cam. In another preferred embodiment, the storage container is spring loaded, such that the storage container returns to a normally closed position. One or more condiment dispensers can be used to organize such condiments as nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, and cocoa powder at a coffee station, such as at a gourmet coffee shop.

Abstract: A system for dispensing imaging development material into a printer from a re-supplying container dispensing aperture sealed by a sealing plug, which plug is automatically unsealed by the insertion of the container into the printer, and automatically resealed by removal of the container. Simply pushing the container towards its normal position against the imaging material input of the printer (here, a fixed auger tube) first automatically grasps the plug in a gripping system and then pushes the gripped plug into the interior of the container while firmly holding the plug on the end of the auger tube. After the material dispensing, or whenever else the container is removed, simply pulling the container away causes the plug to automatically re-seal the dispensing aperture and then to automatically release the plug gripping system so that the re-sealed container can be cleanly removed.

Abstract: A toner replenishing apparatus includes: a toner reservoir section for reserving a toner therein; and scraper for scraping out the toner in the toner reservoir section and for supplying the toner to a developing device. The scraper is composed of a plurality of scraping members each having a different capability of scrape-out from each other.

Abstract: A rotary union for dispensing of a single central supply of water-based can sealing compound to an orbiting can end lining station includes a rotating reservoir (1) inside a stationary housing (2) with a dip tube (3) carried by the housing extending down below the liquid level of the reservoir. A sensor (4) in the ceiling of the housing determines the liquid level for controlling the admission of the compound through the down tube in response to the level sensed. The seal (7), where the stationary and rotating parts interface, is below the reservoir and simply needs to support gas pressure but does not come into contact with the compound.

Abstract: A beverage filling machine (10) for conserving beverage at the end of a production run of the type comprising at least one filling assembly (20) for filling a beverage container (22) and a supply tank (12) for supplying beverage (32) to the filling assembly (20). The machine (10) is characterized by the supply tank (12) including a an endless wall (42) movable between an open position disposed above a ledge (38) disposed vertically above said bottom (28) for allowing beverage (32) to level completely across the tank (12) and a closed position in sealing engagement with the ledge for dividing said tank (12) into an isolated volume (34) and a useable volume (36) for removing beverage (32) from said isolated volume (34) and allowing beverage (32) to level only in said useable volume (36). An actuator (46) moves the endless wall (42) vertically between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A liquid or lotion container and dispensing device having a liquid bottle with a reservoir, a pump, and a liquid dispensing point. The pump forces liquid from the reservoir out the liquid dispensing point. The liquid bottle also has a supporting assembly. The supporting assembly supports the liquid bottle and allows the liquid bottle to pivot relative to the supporting assembly, and/or allows the liquid bottle to be detached and reattached to the supporting assembly.

Abstract: An ink dispensing apparatus is comprised of a support frame capable of supporting a plurality of ink containers. The apparatus is provided with an agitating mechanism to agitate the containers from time-to-time to maintain the ink and coloring agent therein in admixture and substantially homogeneous, particularly before dispensing ink. Pressure is applied to the ink container to assist in the discharge of ink from a flexible dispensing spout which is connected to the mouth opening of each container. A scale is displaceable under each container and on which a vessel is supported for receiving a desired weight quantity of ink from selected ones of the containers which contain inks of different colors. The ink is dispensed by operating a hand-operable dispensing valve mechanism which closes and opens the flexible tube in a regulated manner.

Abstract: A drinking container includes a flexible, hollow body having a neck. There is closure member removably connected to the neck. There is a spout on the closure member. A filter device is operatively connected to the spout within the body. The filter device includes a filter, a passageway bypassing the filter and a movable valve member in the passageway which opens the passageway when the container is in upright position when the spout is on top. The valve member blocks the passageway when the container is inverted from the upright position or pressurized.

Abstract: A developer mixing and transporting member is provided which has at least two independent spiral-shaped channels extending around the circumference of the member. At least one of the channels is partly blocked by an element which restricts developer transport through the channel so that developer being mixed and transported within each of the channels is transported at different speeds and is thus rapidly mixed.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding poorly flowable dry particulate materials includes a rotary supply hopper having an interior chamber for receiving and containing a quantity of material and an annular sidewall open at a lower edge, a stationary platform having a circular groove formed in a top surface of the platform encircling an upright central axis and an opening extending through the platform adjacent to the circular groove, spaced from the central axis and defined between the circular groove and central axis, a support structure supporting the hopper above the platform to undergo rotation relative to the platform about the upright central axis with the lower edge of the supply hopper being spaced from and extending downward into the circular groove of the platform such that the platform serves as a stationary bottom for the rotary supply hopper, and an annular discharge spout attached at an open upper end to the platform below and encircling the opening through the platform and having a transfer passage extending f

Abstract: An automatic feeding apparatus for an aquarium has a housing, a supply drum rotatably supported in the housing and provided with a food discharge opening, a drive device arranged in the housing for driving the supply drum. The housing has an opening which is spaced from the food discharge opening and through which outer air is supplied.

Abstract: A device for storing a supply of particles for use in a developer unit of an electrophotographic printing machine is provided. The device includes an open ended container defining a chamber in communication with the open end thereof. The particles are stored in the chamber of the container. The device also includes a member cooperating with the container to urge the container in the direction of the open end. The member defines a longitudinal axis thereof. The member is collapsible in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The member includes a body defining a cavity therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toner bottle having a body with a convexly-shaped spiral rib continuously formed on the inside surface thereof and a tip with an opening for toner to flow therefrom. A section for joining the body and the tip includes a first circular face having a slope convex portion that slopes toward the inside, and a second circular face having a toner pump-up portion, the diameter of which is approximately same as that of the body. There is a shutter rotatably disposed on the tip to normally close the opening. The shutter has an opening that fits over the tip opening when the toner bottle is rotated inside the shutter. The shutter may be made of elastic material, and has arcs of different thicknesses. A thicker one of the arcs is used to keep the tip opening closed except when being used in a toner supplying apparatus. The toner bottle allows the toner to flow in a continuous manner, and prevents users from dirtying their hands when replacing toner bottles.

Abstract: A toner bottle has a bottle body (1) containing toner and a cap (5) closing an opening portion (3) formed in the bottle body (1), and toner is supplied through the opening portion (3). A plateshaped toner scraping member (20) extending into the opening portion (3) and having elasticity is provided on the back surface of the cap (5) in the diameter direction of the cap (5). Also, the outer end of the toner scraping member (20) is positioned inside of the bottle body (1) beyond the opening portion (3) even when the cap (5) is in its cap-opened position. If the toner bottle is constructed in this way, the toner on the opening portion (3) will be scraped by the toner scraping member (20) and toner condensation can be reliably prevented at the opening portion (3) when toner is supplied from the bottle body (1) by rotation of the toner bottle.

Abstract: A cosmetics container is provided having a housing (1) which is coverable by a cap (2). The housing protectively contains a cosmetic or medicinal preparation such as a lipstick or ointment which can be extruded for application to the skin. In solid lipsticks, problems often arise as a result their temperature-dependent characteristics. To avoid such problems, the container of the invention is for use with a pumpable fluid preparation in the form of a paste or viscous liquid. The container acts as a dispenser, having a push-button actuator (10, 20') operable to pump the preparation in a skin contact element (31) with an applicator surface (32) and a dispensing valve (33). In a particularly useful embodiment, the skin applicator surface (31) is arranged in a plane which is inclined in relation to a longitudinal axis (x--x) of the housing (1).

Abstract: An enhanced container for supplying toner to an image forming machine and a consequentially enhanced, toner dispensing method characterized by the utilization of a slip-clutched shutter plate, journaled in the free end of a container body, and operable to be manipulated, without positional constraints, through simple rotation of the container body itself.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading powder from a drum shaped container permits the container to be loaded vertically onto an unlaoding assembly but then supported in a tilted unloading position while the container is being rolled about its axis. A cover assembly is secured to the top end of the container. The cover has channels on its interior surface disposed about a central opening. The cover rolls with the drum. The cover assembly has a central outlet tube from the central opening and a bearing assembly mounted to the outlet tube. The bearing assembly includes a tongue which is supported in a fixed position as the drum is rolled to receive powder deposited on the tongue from the channels. A bleed tube blows powder from the tongue into the inlet of a pump mounted to the bearing assembly to pump powder from the drum.

Abstract: A toner cartridge mountable to a cartridge mount of a main assembly of an image forming apparatus comprising an electrostatic latent image bearing member, and a toner container for containing toner for developing an electrostatic latent image on the image bearing member, wherein the cartridge is disposable in a mounting position, where the toner cartridge can be mounted on or dismounted from the cartridge mount, and a toner supply position, where toner can be supplied into the container from the toner cartridge. When toner is to be supplied into the container, the toner cartridge is rotated in a predetermined direction from the mounting position to the supply position, and when the toner cartridge is to be dismounted from the cartridge mount, the toner cartridge is rotated in the opposite direction. The toner cartridge includes a container body for containing the toner, and a toner discharge opening is provided in the container body for discharging toner from the container body.

Abstract: A sample dispenser for dispensing a sample of a product. The dispenser includes a dispensing apparatus for dispensing the sample where the dispensing apparatus is displaceable between a stand-by position and a dispensing position in which the dispensing apparatus dispenses the sample. The dispenser also includes motorized driving apparatus for selectively driving the dispensing apparatus between its stand-by position and its dispensing position and user controlled activation apparatus for actuating the driving apparatus.

Abstract: An elongated toner box extending in a horizontal direction has a cylindrical portion where a toner discharge port is formed. A wrapping member serving as a shutter is rotatably disposed over the cylindrical portion for selectively shutting off the toner discharge port. The wrapping member has a circular shape concentrical with the cylindrical portion. A developing case is provided to which the toner box is detachably installable. The developing case has a wall confronting the toner box, and a toner inlet port is formed at the wall. A toner inlet shutter is slidably movably supported to the partition wall. When the wrapping member opens and closes the toner discharge port, the wrapping member is positioned close to the outer surface of the toner box and does not largely protrude from the toner box. Further, the discharge port shutter and the inlet port shutter are movable in interlocking relation with each other.

Abstract: A cylindrical base slidably receives a sleeve which has spiral trackways formed therein. Pins projecting from the base, into the trackways, cause the sleeve to rise through the base, and to project outwardly from the base, when an apertured cap, which is coupled to the base, and the base are rotated therebetween. The sleeve receives a vial of fluid (viz.: perfume) which has an atomizing cap. Consequently, with elevation of the sleeve, through the base, the atomizing cap of the vial is exposed for operation. A reverse rotation causes the vial and sleeve to retract into the base, and the atomizing cap sealingly closes off the aperture of the carrier.

Abstract: A device is provided for storing a supply of particles for use in a developer unit of an electrophotographic printing machine. The device comprises an open ended container defining a chamber in communication with the open end thereof. The particles are stored in the chamber of the container. The device further comprises a puncturable seal attached to the open end of the container for sealing the chamber. The container is installable into the developer unit without removal of the seal.

Abstract: A developer replenishing device for replenishing a developing device with a developer, and a developer container for use therewith. The developer container, or toner bottle, has a mouth portion at one end thereof which is smaller in diameter than a hollow cylindrical main body. At the end of the bottle provided with the mouth, a shoulder has the inner periphery thereof partly raised to the edge of the mouth portion to form a raised portion for scooping up a toner. In addition, a part of the inner periphery of the circumferential wall of the bottle which is contiguous with the raised portion is also raised toward the axis of the bottle about which the bottle is rotatable, thereby forming another raised portion. When the bottle is mounted to a bottle holder, which is included in the replenishing device, substantially horizontally with the mouth portion oriented sideways, the bottle is rotated to raise the toner from the bottom of the main body to the mouth portion.

Abstract: A toner container is rotatably mounted to a toner replenishing device for discharging toner thereto upon rotation of the toner container. The toner container includes a cylindrical member for containing toner to be discharged. A cap member covers the mouth portion of the cylindrical container and is rotationally mounted thereon. A shutter selectively closes an opening of the cap member. When the toner container is mounted to the toner replenishing device and rotationally driven thereby, the cap member is prevented from rotation and the shutter is opened to permit discharge of toner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering-out device for taking successive timed doses of liquid from a tank, the device comprising a body for mounting in fixed manner relative to the tank and including a liquid-taking plunger with motion transmission means for driving the plunger with reciprocating motion in the liquid so that in one direction the liquid is metered out and in the opposite direction it is pumped. The invention also provides a metering-out valve including such a metering-out device, and metering-out apparatus including such a metering-out valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading a liquid over a surface, such as sealant over a pavement, is provided. The apparatus is mounted on a trailer and is comprised of a storage bin for containing the liquid to be spread, a drainage trough, and spreading brushes. Liquid is mixed in the storage bin and then transferred to the drainage trough where it is then dispersed onto the surface for spreading as the apparatus is towed along. The width of the path of dispersed liquid laid down by the drainage trough can be adjusted if necessary for sidewalks or other narrower surfaces. The brushes spread the liquid evenly over the surface. The drainage trough and brushes are hingedly connected to the storage bin and are pivotable between positions of operation and transport.

Abstract: A dispensing device is described which is a pump for dispensing accurately metered amount of fluids in the form of a spray. The device has a piston sliding in a cylinder. A fluid inlet to the cylinder is normally closed off by a ball valve and, when open, communicates with an outlet passage leading to a swirl chamber and outlet nozzle. Cooperating first and second cam surfaces are provided on parts fixed to the cylinder and piston respectively so that relative rotational movement of the cam surfaces causes the piston to slide in the cylinder, the stroke being fixed by the profiles of the cam surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing pigmented marking particles into the development mechanism of a reproduction apparatus. The storing and dispensing apparatus comprises a cartridge including a housing for storing pigmented marking particles, and an elongated opening in the housing through which such marking particles may be dispensed. A cover is removably secured to the cartridge housing to seal the housing opening to prevent contamination of the environment by escape of such marking particles through the opening. The cover, in the preferred embodiment being a flexible sheet member, is selectively removed from sealing relation with the cartridge housing opening and held adjacent to the cartridge away from exposure to the environment when the cartridge is located relative to the development mechanism, whereby marking particles may readily be dispensed into the development mechanism through the housing opening and contamination of the environment is substantially prevented.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus to dispense an amount of liquid from a closed container such as a stoppered blood collection tube is described. The apparatus comprises a stopper piercing element to access the interior of a closed blood collection tube; a gas passage to allow a metered amount of gas to be forced into the blood collection tube; and, a liquid passage to allow fluid to be dispensed from the tube in proportion to the amount of gas forced into the tube. Also described is a machine which uses a disposable apparatus to dispense liquid from a sequence of closed blood collection tubes in a automated manner. Liquid contained within a blood collection tube is dispensed from the tube by a control system according to signals indicative of the amount of liquid that is desired to be dispensed. A manually operated machine that uses the disposable apparatus to dispense a sample of liquid from a closed blood collection tube is also described.

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 dispenser for dispensing foodstuffs or other consumer products and the like comprises a base, a drive assembly having a drive handle, a container defining a chamber at least partially filled with foodstuffs or other products and a feed cone having an auger blade disposed therein and extending into the container when the feed cone and the container are operably linked. A measuring chamber and a dispenser chute are moveably mounted to the feed cone. The dispensing chute is retained in a normally closed position by a spring secured to the dispenser chute. When the drive handle is manually turned a measured quantity of food stuff or other consumer product is conveyed into the measuring chamber.

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 is modified by the addition of a low toner sensing mechanism internal to the cartridge. An arm is pivotably mounted within the cartridge; the suspended end of the arm having a magnet secured thereto. When the cartridge is filled to a relatively high level with toner and rotated, the suspended arm is at least partially submerged in the toner bed and is subjected to a viscous drag force which moves the arm from the vertical position and prevents the arm from returning to the vertical or plumb orientation until a sufficiently low toner level occurs. At this point the arm is sufficiently free from the viscous drag effects of the rotating toner bed and attains a plumb position which brings it into alignment with a switching circuit which is closed by action of the proximate magnet. The switching circuitry generates signals which are used to produce a visible or audible signal to the operator, and/or which cause machine shut down to occur.

Abstract: A container that is arranged on rollers and can be rotated by either rotary drive system or manually about its longitudinal axis within a stacking frame is configured as a body of rotation and provided inside with a mechanical delivery and fluidizing system. One of the container bottoms serves as a voiding bottom and is combined with a voiding system that comprises a passage for the bulk material that passes through a central opening in the voiding bottom. The opposite container bottom serves as a pressure-equalizing bottom and is combined with a pressure-equalizing system.

Abstract: A toner replenishing device for replenishing toner to a toner storage area, from where the toner is supplied to a developing section, includes a holder for releasably holding a cartridge containing therein a quantity of toner, which may be located at a cartridge mounting and dismounting position and at a replenishing position, in which the cartridge is held substantially horizontally and driven to rotate thereby discharging the toner to a toner transporting path leading to the toner storage area. The cartridge is provided with a first mating member and the holder is provided with a second mating member corresponding in position and receiving the first mating member.

Abstract: A powder constant-volume feeder includes a canister having on the inner surface thereof a fin for transferring powder upwards and is inclined to form a return portion for the powder which has been transferred by the fin. A bucket wheel has a plurality of buckets for continuously transferring the powder from the interior of the return portion to a powder hopper. The powder hopper receives the powder from the interior of the buckets of the bucket wheel. A constant volume of powder can thus be fed continously at a constant bulk density.

Abstract: A liquid delivery system, particularly for liquids sensitive to water or in which no bubbles should be included, which permits dispensing the liquid directly from the container in which it was shipped and stored. The delivery system attaches directly to the container and has a breather tube communicating with air head space above the liquid. The breather tube can be opened and closed manually. The breather tube allows air or gas to enter the head space as liquid is dispensed from the container. In operation, the liquid delivery system is attached to the liquid container and the container and system are placed on an inversion device. The container is inverted in use.

Abstract: A toner replenishing device for replenishing toner to a toner storage area, from where the toner is supplied to a developing section, includes a holder for releasably holding a cartridge containing therein a quantity of toner, which may be located at a cartridge mounting and dismounting position and at a replenishing position, in which the cartridge is held substantially horizontally and driven to rotate thereby discharging the toner to a toner transporting path leading to the toner storage area. The cartridge is provided with a first mating member and the holder is provided with a second mating member corresponding in position to the first mating member. Thus, only the cartridge having the first mating member may be properly held by the holder for carrying out a toner replenishing operation.

Abstract: A modular self-dispensing ice cream maker includes an open-ended chilling container which encloses a mixing chamber in which a dasher is mounted for bidirectional rotation. The container includes a cylindrical chamber which is at least partially filled with freezable solution for cooling ice cream ingredients. The open end of the mixing chamber receives a cover having a dispensing outlet. The ice cream maker is adapted for orientation in mixing and dispensing modes in which the container is respectively supported in generally vertical and horizontal orientations. The dasher includes blades configured to scrape an inner container wall during rotation in a first direction for mixing ice cream. Reverse rotation of the dasher advances ice cream toward the cover for dispensing.

Abstract: A toner container for use with a developing unit of an electrostatographic copier or the like which is rotated to discharge a toner thereoutof is disclosed. A toner agitating member is accommodated in the container in a freely movable manner and shaped and dimensioned to be prevented from slipping out of the container through a slot, or toner outlet, of the container.

Abstract: In a manual sowing apparatus a cell wheel 132 is provided which is drivable by a wheel disk 116 directly or via a reduction gear and which conveys the grain seeds from a receiving chamber via pockets disposed in the wheel to a discharge station. A plurality of cell wheels are associated with each apparatus and can be fixed via a bayonet coupling on a support drum 72. Cell wheels which are not in use can be accommodated in a receiver 104. A resilient scraper is disposed at the discharge end of the receiving chamber and prevents jamming of the cell wheel by scraping off grains when they are too large or when there are too many in a pocket, while grains projecting a slight extent can pass beneath the scraper.

Abstract: Explosive powder is fed to a receptacle within a barricade by means of a tube which is open at only one end. A first motor is provided for pivoting the tube between an upright refill position and a dispensing position wherein the longitudinal axis of the tube is slightly below horizontal. A second motor is coupled to the tube for movement therewith and for rotating or oscillating the tube about its longitudinal axis to cause powder to be dispensed from the tube.

Abstract: A powdered developer supplying device in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus comprises a developer hopper and a developer receptacle. A cover for opening and closing a developer inlet opening of the developer receptacle is urged by a spring in the close direction. When the receptacle is installed on the hopper, the cover is opened by an operating member which is operated by the developer receptacle. A limiting member is provided for limiting movement of the cover from open/close positions. A bayonet type coupling member is provided for coupling the receptacle to the hopper by rotation after the receptacle is installed on the hopper. A developer receptacle wall which forms the bottom of the receptacle when the latter is up-ended at the time developer is being supplied is formed on a slope to facilitate flow of the powdered developer from the receptacle, through the opening into the hopper.

Abstract: A toner replenishing device for replenishing toner to a toner storage area, from where the toner is supplied to a developing section, includes a holder for releasably holding a cartridge containing therein a quantity of toner, which may be located at a cartridge mounting and dismounting position and at a replenishing position, in which the cartridge is held substantially horizontally and driven to rotate thereby discharging the toner to a toner transporting path leading to the toner storage area. The cartridge is provided with a first mating member and the holder is provided with a second mating member corresponding in position to the first mating member. Thus, only the cartridge having the first mating member may be properly held by the holder for carrying out a toner replenishing operation.