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:
Jul. 29, 2003
Filed:
Oct. 17, 2002
Steven Lewis Applegate, Lexington, KY (US);
James John Molloy, Lexington, KY (US);
Lexmark International, Inc., Lexington, KY (US);
Abstract
Toner ( ) is measured in a toner cartridge ( ) by compressing the air in the upper part ( ) of the toner hopper ( ). The result of the compression is observed by a diaphragm ( ) or, alternatively, by a pressure transducer ( ). The volume of air is inversely proportional to the resonant frequency of diaphragm ( ) or the pressure at pressure transducer ( ). This is converted by control system ( ) using direct equations or table look-up of empirical data. The diaphragm ( ) carries a magnet ( ), which is driven by coil ( ) from the imaging device and then frequency of current induced by magnet ( ) is then sensed by coil ( ). Uneven toner piling is not a significant factor in the results measured.