Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction machine including a movable photoconductive member having an image bearing surface; devices for forming a latent image electrostatically on the image bearing surface; a development unit including toner particles for developing the latent image to be transferred onto a sheet; a moving device for moving waste toner particles from the image bearing surface and from the development unit; and a waste developer material cartridge having a housing defining a surface area, a waste developer material chamber, and a waste developer material receiving opening for receiving waste developer material from the moving device, wherein the waste developer material cartridge housing has an accessible sealing device mounted over the receiving opening; and a label assembly reuseable as a sealing device for effectively resealing the accessibly-sealed waste developer material receiving opening during shipping of the cartridge.

Abstract: A developing cartridge for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, wherein the developing cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge includes a cartridge frame; a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a toner accommodating portion for accommodating the toner to be used for use of the development by the electrostatic latent image; a driving force receiving member for receiving driving force for rotating the developing member from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; a shutter movable between a cover position for covering a portion through which the developing member is exposed from the cartridge frame and a retracted position for permitting the developing means to be exposed; a flexible seal projected from a cartridge frame portio

Abstract: A receptacle for particulate matter to be supplied to an apparatus. The receptacle includes a container, adapted to store particulate matter. The container has an opening defined therein. A substantially rigid, relatively nondeformable flange has a portion permanently connected to the container within the defined opening so as to facilitate placement and removal of the receptacle with the apparatus.

Abstract: A toner cartridge assembly is provided including a cartridge rotatably mounted with a cap component. The cap component has an opening and a sweeper assembly rotatably coupled therewith. The cartridge has a sealing area on one end which seals the opening of the cap component. Longitudinal toner guiding ribs are provided on the cartridge for agitating the toner to be guided by the internal surface of the cartridge. A safety ring is provided on an external surface of the cartridge, and has a gap therein. The safety ring prevents removal of the toner cartridge assembly due to engaging components of the hopper. The cartridge assembly can be removed from the hopper when the gap of the ring is aligned with the engaging components, which also simultaneously requires the sealing area of the cartridge to cover the opening of the cap component.

Abstract: A receptacle for particulate matter to be supplied to a reproduction apparatus. The receptacle includes a container, adapted to store particulate matter, has an opening defined therein. A flange is located about the defined opening so as to facilitate placement and removal of the receptacle with the reproduction apparatus. A breathable seal member is provided having a body portion and a readily accessible end portion. The body portion is bonded to the flange for covering the defined opening. The bond is particularly formed in a pattern of repeating minimum and maximum distances from the defined opening to reduce the forces required to break the bond and remove the breathable seal from the flange.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes a toner frame and a developing frame joined together without damaging seal members and so that toner leakage due to damage of the seal members can be prevented. The invention also relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which such a process cartridge can detachably be mounted. Inner corners of opposed portions of ridges and grooves, provided on joint surfaces of the developing frame and the toner frame where a seal member for sealing an opening formed by fitting the ridges and the grooves together, are provided with parallel inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A receptacle for particulate matter to be supplied to a reproduction apparatus. The receptacle includes a container adapted to store particulate matter. The container has an opening defined therein, and a flange located about the defined opening so as to facilitate placement and removal of the receptacle with the reproduction apparatus. A slide cover is supported by the flange for selective movement to a first position covering the defined opening and a second position uncovering the defined opening. The slide cover is releasably secured to the container in an out of the way location when the slide cover is in the second position.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member; process members actable on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; an exposure zone, provided in a cartridge frame, for exposing a part of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to permit, when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, a detector provided in the main assembly to detect a density of a toner image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, to project light emitted from the detector to the electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the toner image is formed, and to direct the light reflected by the electrophotographic photosensitive member to the detector.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction machine including a movable photoconductive member having an image bearing surface; devices for forming a latent image electrostatically on the image bearing surface; a developing assembly including toner particles for developing the latent image to be transferred onto a sheet; a moving device for moving waste toner particles from the image bearing surface and from the developing assembly; a toner particle cartridge having a waste toner receiving opening for receiving waste toner particles from the moving device; and a non-interfering dual-use cartridge sealing device for accessibly presealing the receiving opening for receiving waste toner particles, and for effectively resealing the receiving opening during shipping of the toner cartridge to a recycling location.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for preventing the leakage of powder from between a through-hole and a rotary shaft which is supported between one side wall of a container containing said powder and the other side wall thereof and of which one end protrudes outwardly beyond said through-hole formed in said one side wall. A circular flange is formed on the rotary shaft, and a seal ring member is fitted between the circular flange of the rotary shaft and said one side wall. A to-be-engaged groove is formed in one end of the rotary shaft. An input gear made of a synthetic resin is fitted to the one end of the rotary shaft, and an engaging projection that engages with said to-be-engaged portion is formed in a portion of the input gear that is fitted to the rotary shaft.

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 cartridge (1000) that is attached to a development unit of an image forming apparatus in order to supply toner to the development unit comprises a toner bottle (100) containing toner, a lid member (200) fitted on a toner outlet (114d) of the toner bottle (100), and an armoring member (300) in which the toner bottle (100) is housed and to which the lid member (200) is attached. The lid member (200) is provided with a toner supply mechanism for supplying the toner contained in the toner bottle (100) to the development unit when the toner cartridge (1000) is attached to the development unit of the image forming apparatus. In the toner cartridge (1000), both of or one of the lid member (200) and the armoring member (300) is shaped quadrangularly in external appearance. The armoring member (300) and the toner bottle (100) are individually constructed so that the toner cartridge (1000) has a double construction comprising the armoring member (300) and the toner bottle (100).

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus using a cleaner/toner magazine (CTM) which has a waste toner tank and a fresh toner tank formed integrally with each other, a cleaning device has a cleaning blade which scrapes off toner left on a photoconductive element with an edge thereof. The toner removed by the cleaning blade is magnetically deposited on a rotatable magnet member whose outer periphery is magnetized. A scraper member contacts the magnet member in the waste toner tank and scrapes off the toner from the magnet member which is in rotation. As a result, the toner is collected in a collection space defined in the waste toner tank.

Abstract: A sensing system is disclosed for detecting a full condition within a waste developer system, the sensing system including: a developer waste bottle for receiving and holding waste developer material including toner and carrier deposited therein from the developer system, the developer waste bottle having a translucent, removable viewing window for optical viewing the level of developer material therein, the viewing window comprises a sensing portion in fluid communication with the developer waste bottle, the sensing portion adapted to have developer material flow therein when the magnetic material in the toner waste bottle reaches the predetermined level.

Abstract: An electrophotographic method and apparatus includes a frame having a used toner inlet, a new toner inlet and a combined toner outlet. Opposing sides of the frame are positioned at predetermined angles with respect to a horizontal line extending from a bottom of the frame. The used toner inlet is positioned in an upper portion of the frame next on one of the sides positioned at a predetermined angle, while the new toner inlet is also positioned in the upper portion of the frame, but next to the other side. The predetermined angle of the frame's side that is next to the used toner inlet is at a greater angle than the other side so as to compensate for any degradation in the flow characteristic of the used toner as a result of the recycling process. The frame is configured to interface with a new toner bottle having an opening that cooperates with the new toner inlet. Accordingly, when the new toner supply is exhausted, the new toner bottle may easily be replaced without having to remove any other components.

Abstract: A developing agent replenishing device includes: a developing agent storing container having a spiral protrusion in an interior thereof, including a container main body for storing therein a developing agent and a movable cover for opening or closing a developing agent discharging opening provided on one end of the container main body; a container mounting section to which the storing container is mounted, wherein the developing agent stored in the storing container is discharged by rotating the storing container; a developing agent reserving section for reserving therein the developing agent discharged from the storing container; a cover engagement portion for engaging with the movable cover when the storing container is mounted to the container mounting section; and a holding and moving device for holding a part of the storing container and for moving the storing container when the storing container is mounted to the container mounting section.

Abstract: An image-forming machine having a photosensitive drum disposed in the machine housing, a movable mounting plate disposed in the machine housing so as to be moved toward, and away from, the photosensitive material drum, a developing device detachably mounted on the movable mounting plate from the front side of the machine housing, and a push-operation mechanism for moving the developing device and the movable mounting plate between a push position close to the photosensitive material drum and a push-release position moved away from the push position.

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

Abstract: A residual toner collecting unit for collecting residual toner includes a collection chamber in communication with a residual toner collecting opening through which residual toner is received. Within the collection chamber, a conveyance roller is mounted to receive the residual toner coming through the residual toner collecting opening and is rotated to convey the residual toner in the direction of rotation. In addition to the conveyance roller, a blade is located within the collection chamber and is mounted to a rotary shaft. The blade is elastically deformable in the direction of the rotation of the blade and has a distal end which is in surface contact with the peripheral surface of the conveyance roller.

Abstract: A toner container comprises a toner storage section for providing a developer unit with a supply of toner, and a residual toner collect section integrally formed with the toner storage section and adapted to collect residual toner after an image has been developed. The present invention is intended to facilitate positioning, loading and unloading of the toner container, and also enable the toner to be smoothly supplied without being scattered from the toner container.The toner storage section includes a longitudinally extending rotary shaft and a resiliently deformable blade mounted to the rotary shaft. The toner storage section has a bottom, a first side wall, and the other or second side wall. A portion of the blade at a location corresponding to the first side wall is curved larger than a portion of the blade at a location corresponding to the second side wall.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes an electrostatic latent image carrying body, an electric charger for uniformly electrifying the carrying body, an optical exposure unit to form an electrostatic latent image on the carrying body, a developer for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image on the carrying body, a transfer unit for transferring the toner image from the carrying body onto a printing sheet, a fixing unit for fixing the toner image to the printing sheet, a cleaner for cleaning to remove residual toner from the carrying body and a toner returning mechanism for returning the residual toner removed by the cleaner to the developer. The developer includes a housing in which a toner chamber is defined, a developing roller rotatably mounted in the housing, an agitator rotatably mounted in the housing so as to be positioned in the toner chamber, a partitioning member provided in the housing for defining a carrier chamber adjacent to the developing roller.

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 developing frame usable in a process cartridge which is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, wherein the process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means actable on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, includes a first frame having a toner containing portion for containing toner for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, an opening portion formed in the toner containing portion and a toner supply opening for supplying the toner from the toner containing portion to a developing zone; a second frame having a developing device mounting portion for mounting a developing device for developing the latent image on the photosensitive member using the toner contained in the toner containing portion, and a covering member for covering the opening portion of the toner containing portion; wherein the developing frame is constructed by combining the first frame and second frame.

Abstract: A developing device includes a toner cartridge mounting portion, and a toner cartridge to be detachably mounted on the toner cartridge mounting portion. The toner cartridge mounting portion has a bottom wall having a toner acceptance opening formed therein, and a pair of supporting side walls disposed on the opposite side edges of the bottom wall, and an engaging means is disposed on the inner surface of one of the supporting side walls. The toner cartridge includes a generally cylindrical container having an unsealably sealed toner discharge opening formed in the peripheral wall of the container, and a toner accommodated in the container. An engaged means to be engaged with the engaging means is disposed in the outer surface of one side wall of the container.

Abstract: An electrostatographic process cartridge detachably mountable into a cavity defined by mated modules forming parts of an electrostatographic reproduction machine having a copy-volume capacity limited by a waste toner sump capacity. The process cartridge includes an elongate housing having walls defining a process chamber; and a rotatable endless photoreceptive member mounted within the process chamber and to the housing. The photoreceptive member has an image bearing surface for holding a formed toner image, a conductive layer, and a closed loop path within the process chamber. The process cartridge also includes a high voltage electrostatographic charging device mounted to the elongate frame and along the closed loop path for applying a layer of electrostatic charge to the image bearing surface of the photoreceptive member; mechanisms for forming on, and transferring from, the image bearing surface, a toner image; and mechanisms for transferring the formed toner image onto a substrate.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus imaging material dispensing system has a replaceable and rotatable imaging material dispensing container from which an at least partially magnetically aitractable consumable imaging material is dispensed. There is an optical imaging material level sensing system mounted outside of the container for optically detecting the imaging material inside the container through translucent walls thereof and signaling an insufficient remaining quantity of imaging material. A magnetic brush cleaning system internally cleans imaging material from the inside of a annular translucent wall area of the container to provide and maintain relatively unobstructed such optical sensing. It can be provided by a stationary magnet mounted outside of but adjacent to the container to attract magnetically attractable imaging material to the inside of the container wall to form a magnetic cleaning brush to clean the translucent wall annular area.

Abstract: The triboelectric harmony of reconditioned electrostatographic cartridges may be reestablished by coating a flexible charge blade with a quantity of dry, particulate electrically conductive material, for example, particulate carbon black or graphite. Preferably, the electrically conductive material is carbon black having an average particle diameter of between about 15 to about 95 nm. The surface-coated charge blade will most preferably exhibit a surface resistivity of less than about 1.times.10.sup.7 .OMEGA./cm (i.e., between 0 to about 1.times.10.sup.7 .OMEGA./cm), more preferably between about 1.times.10.sup.5 to about 7.5.times.10.sup.5 .OMEGA./cm.

Abstract: A toner cartridge is disclosed which includes a case having two toner discharge openings through the surface connected to a toner hopper, two sealing films, and a reeling shaft. The sealing films are removably adhered to the portion adjacent to the toner discharge openings, and seal the toner discharge opening. The reeling shaft is rotatably supported by the case, and allows the plurality of sealing films to be removed from the toner discharge openings during toner cartridge installation by reeling the sealing films around the reeling shaft. At least one of the plurality of sealing films is longer than the others, and is attached to the reeling shaft in a direction opposite that of the others. This arrangement allows the timing of removal of the sealing films to be shifted, thereby reducing the amount of torque required for their removal.

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 fillable cartridge for use with the developing device includes a blow-molded resin body, at least one protrusion integrally formed on the blow-molded resin body, and a toner box shielding member rotatable in relation to the blow-molded resin body to selectively seal a toner exhaust port. The toner box shielding member includes at least one lateral bearing surface that slidingly engages with the at least one protrusion integrally formed on the blow-molded resin body. A method of forming a toner fillable cartridge includes blow-molding a resin toner body sealable at each end and having a toner exhaust port section formed between each end; and providing at least one integrally blow-molded protrusion on the toner body structured to slidingly engage and guide a lateral surface of a toner box shielding member rotatable in relation to the blow-molded resin body.

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 developing device includes a toner container for supplying toner; and a container receptacle for receiving the toner container therein. The container receptacle includes a positioning plate for positioning the toner container with respect thereto by making contact with a frontal end of the toner container in an insertion direction, and engaging means provided on the positioning plate. The engaging means has a first engaging member, and a second engaging member partially surrounding the contour of the first engaging member when viewed from a rear end of the toner container in the insertion direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which facilitates replacement of a toner cartridge and collecting tank as a unit. The toner cartridge's exterior surface has an integrally formed collecting tank support portion having two opposing claws angled at an obtuse angle. The collecting tank has a support member for engaging the support portion of the toner cartridge for freely attaching/detaching the collecting tank to the toner cartridge.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes an inner tubular container having a toner discharge opening and accommodating a toner; an outer tubular case having a toner passage opening corresponding to the toner discharge opening, and being fitted around the inner tubular container relatively rotatably; and a seal member having a sealing portion for covering the toner discharge opening, the sealing portion being strippably bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the inner tubular container, and an action portion formed as a continuum of the sealing portion and having a front end part secured to the outer tubular case. The sealing portion of the seal member has a longitudinal bond portion and a peripheral bond portion defined along the surroundings of the toner discharge opening, and a cut groove provided inwardly of the peripheral bond portion at the peel start side end part thereof.

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: The image forming apparatus includes: a developing device to develop an image by using developer; a developer container portion to supply the developer to the developing device; a developer cartridge which is attachable to or detachable from the developer container portion; and a driving means to rotate the developer cartridge. The developer cartridge further includes the following: a) a cartridge main body having a shape which facilitates movement of the developer toward a developer supply port by being rotated around a rotation axis by the driving means; b) a developer supply portion having the developer supply port to supply the developer to the image forming apparatus; and c) an opening/closing covering member to open and close the developer supply port.

Abstract: An image-forming machine has a developing device that includes a developing agent container for containing a developing agent with toner and carrier particles, and a developing agent application device for applying the developing agent onto an image carrier device. The developing device also includes a toner replenishing device for replenishing the developing agent container with toner, a toner concentration detection device for detecting toner concentration of the developing agent, and a toner replenish control device. The toner replenish control device controls the toner replenishing device by comparing a value detected by the toner concentration detection device with a threshold value.

Abstract: This invention relates to developing agent supply container for supplying a developing agent to a developing agent storage container for storing the developing agent used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive body. The container includes a developing agent storage portion, and an inhibition device for inhibiting supply of the developing agent stored in the developing agent storage portion to the developing agent storage container when the developing agent supply container is removed from a predetermined position, and permitting supply of the developing agent stored in the developing agent storage portion to the developing agent storage container when the developing agent supply container is mounted at the predetermined position with respect to the developing agent storage container so as to supply the developing agent to the developing agent storage container.

Abstract: An imaging unit comprising a frame means, an image-carrying means mounted on the frame means, a developing means and a cleaning means. The cleaning means includes a toner conveying pipe member made of a synthetic rubber for defining a passage for conveying the toner removed from the image-carrying means, a toner conveying means for conveying the toner through the toner conveying pipe member, and a toner-recovering container detachably combined to the toner conveying pipe member. When the toner-recovering container is combined to the toner conveying pipe member, the toner discharge opening formed in the side surface of the toner conveying pipe member is communicated with the toner receiving opening formed in the toner-recovering container. A positioning member is disposed to place the toner discharge opening and the toner receiving opening in positions relative to each other.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes a toner cartridge body formed with a toner outlet, and a shatter mechanism provided movably closing the toner outlet, the shatter mechanism including a shatter element having a free shutter edge defining a closed space between the shutter element and an outer surface of the toner cartridge body, wherein the shutter element further carries a member for preventing a spillage of toners accumulated in the space from the free shutter edge.

Abstract: An article for dispensing toner and the like to an electrophotographic copier. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the article has a generally cylindrical housing with an open end and a closed end, the open end having a flanged collar adjacent thereto. The collar is provided with outwardly extending teeth for enabling the article's rotation upon driving engagement with a dispensing device of the copier. The article open end further comprises a lip and flange portions which loosely secure a ring thereto. Upon mounting the article to the dispensing device, serrated edges about the ring engage a receptacle of the device so as to limit ring movement relative to the receptacle, while allowing rotation of the canister. The ring also has lip portions configured for minimizing spillage of toner, upon removal of the canister from the receptacle.

Abstract: A residual toner collecting system is provided in an electrostatographic reproduction machine. The collecting system includes units within the reproduction machine for generating waste or residual toner; members within the machine defining an elongate loading aperture for a removable cartridge, and a fixed position interference member adjacent the loading aperture. The collecting system also includes an elongate cartridge unit for removably loading into the loading aperture, and a residual toner collecting sump assembly connected to an externally directed end of the cartridge unit for receiving residual toner from the residual toner generating units. The collecting sump assembly includes a frame defining a visible end cavity, and a top wall defining a chamber for holding residual toner. The collecting sump assembly also includes an opening into the chamber, and a shutter assembly pivotably mounted to the top wall over the opening.

Abstract: A toner fillable cartridge for use with a toner developing device includes a toner body having first and second ends, a toner exhaust port between the first and second ends, a toner box shielding member rotatably mounted on the toner body to open and close the toner exhaust port as the toner body is rotated with respect to the development device and the toner box shielding member, and a pair of protrusions formed on each side of the toner box shielding member. Each of the pair of protrusions are structured to engage a developing device shielding member movably positioned over a toner introduction port of the developing device. Rotation of the toner body with respect to the development device causes each of the pair of protrusions to engage and displace the developing device shielding member to open and close the toner introduction port as the toner exhaust port rotates to align with the toner introduction port.

Abstract: A toner container comprises a toner storage section for providing a developer unit with a supply of toner, and a residual toner collect section integrally formed with the toner storage section and adapted to collect residual toner after an image has been developed. The present invention is intended to facilitate positioning, loading and unloading of the toner container, and also enable the toner to be smoothly supplied without being scattered from the toner container.The toner storage section includes a longitudinally extending rotary shaft and a resiliently deformable blade mounted to the rotary shaft. The toner storage section has a bottom, a first side wall, and the other or second side wall. A portion of the blade at a location corresponding to the first side wall is curved larger than a portion of the blade at a location corresponding to the second side wall.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body having a photosensitive drum for carrying an image, a developing unit, provided within the apparatus body, including a developing agent storage unit for storing a developing agent and a developing roller for supplying the developing agent in the developing agent storage unit to the photosensitive drum, a driving gear, provided detachably to the developing roller of the developing unit, for driving the developing roller when the driving gear is connected to the developing roller, and a rigid shield member, attached removably in the developing unit, for separating the developing agent storage unit from the developing roller in the developing unit and separating the developing roller from the driving gear when the shield member is attached, and for making the developing agent storage unit communicate with the developing roller and connecting the developing roller and the driving gear when the shield member is removed.

Abstract: A toner for developing electrostatic images comprises,(i) a binder resin,(ii) a colorant, and(iii) a compound made by a reaction of a monohydroxylic compound having a long-chain alkyl group having an alkylene group with 40 or more carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group with a carboxylic acid having a molecular weight of 1,000 or less, or a compound made by a reaction of a monocarboxylic compound having a long-chain alkyl group having an alkylene group with 40 or more carbon atoms and a carboxyl group with an alcohol having a molecular weight of 1,000 or less.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, includes a frame of the image forming apparatus, and a toner container mounting for removably mounting a toner container for containing toner removed from an image bearing member provided in the frame. The toner container mounting is removably mounted to the frame. An opening/closing member openable with respect to the frame is adapted to be opened and closed to dismount and mount the toner container with respect to the frame, and a regulating devise for regulating the closing of the opening/closing member when the toner container is not mounted to the frame.

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 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