Developer cartridge including RIM configured to open and to close a shutter or an image forming apparatus
AssigneeMitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.
InventorWilliam D. Himes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A developer cartridge for an image forming apparatus includes a body member configured to store a developer, the body member defining first and second open ends. A first flange member is disposed in the first open end. A second flange member is disposed in the second open end. A rim is configured to open and to close a shutter of the image forming apparatus.
Claims31
A developer cartridge, comprising:
- a body member configured to store a developer, the body member defining first and second open ends;
- a first flange member disposed in the first open end;
- a second flange member disposed in the second open end;
- and
- a rim comprising an extension of a periphery, the rim comprising a first face configured to open a shutter of an image forming apparatus and a second face configured to close the shutter of the image forming apparatus.
A developer cartridge, comprising:
- a body member configured to store a developer, the body member defining first and second open ends;
- a first flange member disposed in the first open end;
- a second flange member disposed in the second open end;
- and
- a rim comprising an extension of a periphery, the rim configured to open and to close a shutter of an image forming apparatus,
- wherein the rim comprises first and second faces disposed on opposite ends of an extended portion, the first and second faces configured to open and to close the shutter, and
- wherein the first face is configured to open the shutter, and the second face is configured to close the shutter.
A developer cartridge, comprising:
- a body member configured to store a developer, the body member defining first and second open ends;
- a first flange member disposed in the first open end;
- a second flange member disposed in the second open end;
- and
- a rim comprising an extension of a periphery, the rim configured to open and to close a shutter of an image forming apparatus,
- wherein the rim comprises first and second faces disposed on opposite ends of an extended portion, the first and second faces configured to open and to close the shutter,
- wherein the rim is disposed on one of the first and second flange members,
- wherein the rim comprises an extension of an outer circumference of the one of the first and second flange members, and
- wherein the rim encompasses an arc of at least about 180 degrees.
A developer cartridge, comprising:
- a body member configured to store a developer, the body member defining first and second open ends;
- a first flange member disposed in the first open end;
- a second flange member disposed in the second open end;
- a rim comprising an extension of a periphery, the rim configured to open and to close a shutter of an image forming apparatus;
- and
- a handle member disposed in one of the first and second flange members, the handle member configured to be extended and retracted along an axis of the body member.
A method of replenishing a developer supply in an image forming apparatus with a developer cartridge having a rim including an extension of a periphery, the rim including a first face adapted to open a shutter of the image forming apparatus and a second face adapted to close the shutter of the image forming apparatus, the method comprising:
- inserting the developer cartridge into the image forming apparatus;
- rotating the developer cartridge such that the first face of the rim contacts a first portion of the shutter to open the shutter;
- and
- rotating the developer cartridge such that the second face of the rim contacts a second portion of the shutter to close the shutter.
A method of replenishing a developer supply in an image forming apparatus with a developer cartridge including a rim including an extension of a periphery, the rim adapted to open and close a shutter of the image forming apparatus, the method comprising:
- inserting the developer cartridge into the image forming apparatus;
- and
- rotating the developer cartridge in a first direction such that the rim contacts a first portion of the shutter to open the shutter;
- and
- rotating the developer cartridge in a second direction such that rim contacts a second portion of the shutter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.