Developer supply system and image forming apparatus incorporating same

An image forming apparatus comprising a developer supply system to supply developer,

• the system including:
• a container containing a deformable bag formed of flexible material to accommodate developer therein;
• a data carrier attached to a given planar surface of the deformable bag to store information for communication to the image forming apparatus;
• and
• a positioning mechanism to hold the container therein while maintaining the given planar surface in position relative to the image forming apparatus when the deformable bag collapses as it discharges developer.

A process cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising:

• a developer supply system to supply developer,
• the system including:
• a container containing a deformable bag formed of flexible material to accommodate developer therein;
• a data carrier attached to a given planar surface of the deformable bag to store information for communication to the image forming apparatus;
• and
• a positioning mechanism to hold the container therein while maintaining the given planar surface in position relative to the image forming apparatus when the deformable bag collapses as it discharges developer.