The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 30, 1999
Filed:
Jun. 24, 1997
Brent A Williams, Penfield, NY (US);
Samuel P Mordenga, Rochester, NY (US);
Bruce C Reynolds, Rochester, NY (US);
Michael J Palencar, Webster, NY (US);
Albert J Wersinger, Williamson, NY (US);
Xerox Corporation, Stamford, CT (US);
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. A sensor assembly is mounted exterior to the developer waste bottle and in optical communication with the viewing window, the sensor being responsive to the level magnetic material in the developer waste bottle when the magnetic material in the toner waste bottle reaches the predetermined level The sensing portion defines a cavity therein, the cavity being partly enclosed by a protective baffle for preventing airborne toner from depositing in the cavity. The reusable waste bottle is black in color while the removable window is translucent, permitting the use of an optical sensor for determining when the waste has reached the level of the window. Because the bottle is black, it can be easily refurbished by simply removing the window and either cleaning the window or installing a new one.