Patent ID: 6198887
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A toner reservoir that receives toner to be dispensed therefrom, comprising:a toner sensor having a sensitive surface exposed to toner in the toner reservoir and detecting whether the sensitive surface is in contact with toner in the toner reservoir;a wiper mechanism that wipes said sensitive surface of said toner sensor, said wiper mechanism comprising (i) a swing member supported for swinging motion and (ii) a wiper element mounted on said swing member such that, when said swing member produces swinging motion, said wiper element moves across said sensitive surface while rubbing said sensitive surface, said swing member being disposed in said toner reservoir so that said swing member produces swinging motion in accordance with change of an amount of toner in said toner reservoir without being driven by a power source external of the toner reservoir.