Toner supply with level sensor and meter and method of using the same

• Main Authors: Campbell, Alan Stirling, Gayne, Jarrett Clark, Smith, William Dale
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 21.01.2003

1. Field of the Invention A device and method for storing toner within an image forming apparatus having an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir. A sensor paddle is positioned within the lower reservoir for determining a toner level within the lower reservoir. The sensor paddle rotates within an angular displacement from a fall point to a toner rest point. The device and method further includes a drive gear for rotating the sensor paddle, and a cam mechanism positioned adjacent to the drive gear. The cam mechanism is connected to the sensor paddle and has a cam angular displacement relative to the drive gear about equal to the sensor paddle angular displacement. A pawl having at least one opening is mounted on at least one post extending axially outward from the drive gear and includes a boss positioned within the cam track. Upon a predetermined angular displacement of the sensor paddle, the boss moves along the cam track resulting in the pawl radially extending outward from the drive gear and contacting a toner supply mechanism for transferring toner from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir.