Patent ID: 6181886
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
In an electrostatographic machine, an apparatus for replenishing toner and collecting used toner, the apparatus comprising:a replenishment hopper having a supply of fresh toner;a development device for depositing toner onto a recording member having an electrostatic image to be developed;a feeding device for feeding fresh toner to the development device;a driver for driving the feeding device to feed fresh toner to the development device;a collection container for collecting used toner removed from a recording member; anda controller for tracking a first accumulated driver operating on-time and being programmed to compare the first accumulated operating on-time with a first pre-programmed value for determining when the container is to be emptied or to be replaced and providing a signal to indicate that the container is full or to be emptied or to be replaced.