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:
Jan. 30, 2001
Filed:
Feb. 23, 2000
Chris Anthony Burdette, Lexington, KY (US);
Jerry Wayne Calia, Lexington, KY (US);
Alan Stirling Campbell, Lexington, KY (US);
Todd Lucas Janes, Lexington, KY (US);
Benjamin Keith Newman, Lexington, KY (US);
Lexmark International, Inc., Lexington, KY (US);
Abstract
A toner cartridge has a comminuator that prevents the buildup of toner behind the doctor blade that meters the toner delivered to the developer roller for later image development and printing. The comminuator is mounted to, and for movement with, an agitator adjacent to an exit port of the toner hopper. A paddle that rotates within the toner hopper contacts the agitator and generates joint movement of the agitator and comminuator. The comminuator comprises a plurality of spaced blades held by a coupler mounted to the agitator. Alternatively, the comminuator comprises a wire mounted in opposing connectors mounted to the agitator.