Patent Publication Number: US-11656561-B2

Title: Toner container having a common input gear for a toner agitator assembly and an encoded member

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/087,944, filed Nov. 3, 2020, entitled “Toner Container Having a Common Input Gear for a Toner Agitator Assembly and an Encoded Member,” which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/690,203, filed Nov. 21, 2019, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10,859,944, issued Dec. 8, 2020, entitled “Toner Container Having a Common Input Gear for a Toner Agitator Assembly and an Encoded Member,” which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/157,495, filed Oct. 11, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,527,967, issued Jan. 7, 2020, entitled “Toner Container Having a Common Input Gear for a Toner Agitator Assembly and an Encoded Member.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates generally to image forming devices and more particularly to a toner container having a common input gear for a toner agitator assembly and an encoded member. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In electrophotographic image forming devices, one or more replaceable toner containers may be used to supply toner for printing onto sheets of media. Each toner container often includes a toner agitator assembly that agitates and mixes toner stored in a toner reservoir to prevent the toner from clumping and that moves the toner to an outlet of the toner container. It is often desired for each toner container to communicate characteristics of the toner container to the image forming device for proper operation. For example, it may be desired to communicate such information as authentication or validation information, toner fill amount, toner color, toner type, etc. 
     SUMMARY 
     A toner container for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. An input gear is positioned on the housing for mating with a corresponding output gear in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. A toner agitator is movably positioned in the reservoir. The toner agitator is operatively connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in a first rotational direction causes movement of the toner agitator for agitating toner in the reservoir. An encoded member is encoded with authentication information of the toner container and is operatively connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in a second rotational direction causes movement of the encoded member for communicating the authentication information of the toner container to a controller of the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. 
     In some embodiments, the toner container includes a one-way clutch positioned to decouple the toner agitator from the input gear when the input gear rotates in the second rotational direction such that the toner agitator does not move with the input gear when the input gear rotates in the second rotational direction. 
     In some embodiments, the toner agitator includes a shaft rotatably positioned in the reservoir and a plurality of extensions outward from the shaft for agitating toner in the reservoir. In some embodiments, the toner agitator includes a rotatable auger positioned to move toner to an outlet port on the housing for exiting toner from the toner container. 
     Embodiments include those wherein the encoded member is rotatably connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in the second rotational direction causes rotation of the encoded member. In some embodiments, the encoded member is positioned on an axial face of the input gear. In some embodiments, the encoded member is coaxial with the input gear. 
     In some embodiments, the encoded member is directly connected to the input gear. In other embodiments, the encoded member is indirectly connected to the input gear. 
     Embodiments include those wherein the encoded member is encoded with authentication information of the toner container by a random distribution of magnetized particles dispersed on the encoded member. 
     A toner container for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to another example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. An input gear is positioned on the housing for mating with a corresponding output gear in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. A toner agitator is movably positioned in the reservoir. The toner agitator is operatively connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in a first rotational direction causes movement of the toner agitator for agitating toner in the reservoir. An encoded member is encoded with identifying information of the toner container and is operatively connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in a second rotational direction causes movement of the encoded member for communicating the identifying information of the toner container to a sensor of the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. A one-way clutch is positioned to decouple the toner agitator from the input gear when the input gear rotates in the second rotational direction such that the toner agitator does not move with the input gear when the input gear rotates in the second rotational direction. 
     A toner container for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to another example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. An input gear is positioned on the housing for mating with a corresponding output gear in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. A toner agitator is rotatably positioned in the reservoir. The toner agitator is operatively connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in a first rotational direction causes rotation of the toner agitator in an operative rotational direction of the toner agitator for agitating toner in the reservoir. An encoded member is encoded with information pertaining to the toner container and is operatively connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in a second rotational direction causes movement of the encoded member for reading of the information pertaining to the toner container by a sensor when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. A one-way clutch is configured to limit rotation of the toner agitator with the input gear to the operative rotational direction of the toner agitator. 
     A toner container for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to another example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. An input gear is positioned on the housing for mating with a corresponding output gear in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. An outlet port is positioned on the housing and is in fluid communication with the reservoir for exiting toner from the toner container. An auger is positioned within the housing and is operatively connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in a first rotational direction causes rotation of the auger in an operative rotational direction of the auger. The auger is positioned to move toner to the outlet port when the auger rotates in the operative rotational direction of the auger. A toner agitator is positioned in the reservoir that includes a rotatable drive shaft. The toner agitator is operatively connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in the first rotational direction causes rotation of the drive shaft in an operative rotational direction of the toner agitator for agitating toner in the reservoir. An encoded member is encoded with identifying information of the toner container and is operatively connected to the input gear such that rotation of the input gear in a second rotational direction causes movement of the encoded member for communicating the identifying information of the toner container to a sensor of the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. A one-way clutch is positioned to decouple the auger and the toner agitator from the input gear when the input gear rotates in the second rotational direction such that the auger and the drive shaft do not rotate with the input gear when the input gear rotates in the second rotational direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an imaging system according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a toner cartridge and an imaging unit according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of the toner cartridge shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a rear perspective view of the toner cartridge shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of the toner cartridge shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4    showing a toner agitator assembly thereof. 
         FIG.  6    is a side elevation view of an encoded member of the toner cartridge according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a side elevation view of a drive train of the toner cartridge according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded view of the drive train of the toner cartridge showing a one-way clutch according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is an exploded view of the one-way clutch showing the engagement between the one-way clutch and a toner agitator of the toner agitator assembly according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a clutch disk of the one-way clutch according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a drive gear that engages with the clutch disk according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the drive gear having the one-way clutch engaged with the toner agitator according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional view showing the one-way clutch engaged to rotate the toner agitator when the drive gear rotates in a first direction according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional view showing the one-way clutch disengaged such that the toner agitator does not rotate when the drive gear rotates in a second direction according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  15    is a side elevation view of a drive train of the toner cartridge according to a second example embodiment. 
         FIG.  16    is an exploded view of the drive train of the toner cartridge shown in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  17    is a side elevation view of a drive train of the toner cartridge according to a third example embodiment. 
         FIG.  18    is a side elevation view of a drive train of the toner cartridge according to a fourth example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where like numerals represent like elements. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, and mechanical changes, etc., may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples merely typify possible variations. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of others. The following description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Referring now to the drawings and particularly to  FIG.  1   , there is shown a block diagram depiction of an imaging system  20  according to one example embodiment. Imaging system  20  includes an image forming device  22  and a computer  24 . Image forming device  22  communicates with computer  24  via a communications link  26 . As used herein, the term “communications link” generally refers to any structure that facilitates electronic communication between multiple components and may operate using wired or wireless technology and may include communications over the Internet. 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , image forming device  22  is a multifunction machine (sometimes referred to as an all-in-one (MO) device) that includes a controller  28 , a print engine  30 , a laser scan unit (LSU)  31 , an imaging unit  200 , a toner cartridge  100 , a user interface  36 , a media feed system  38 , a media input tray  39 , a scanner system  40 , a drive motor  70  and a sensor  72 . Image forming device  22  may communicate with computer  24  via a standard communication protocol, such as, for example, universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or IEEE 802.xx. Image forming device  22  may be, for example, an electrophotographic printer/copier including an integrated scanner system  40  or a standalone electrophotographic printer. 
     Controller  28  includes a processor unit and associated electronic memory  29 . The processor may include one or more integrated circuits in the form of a microprocessor or central processing unit and may be formed as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Memory  29  may be any volatile or non-volatile memory or combination thereof, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). Memory  29  may be in the form of a separate memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM), a hard drive, a CD or MD drive, or any memory device convenient for use with controller  28 . Controller  28  may be, for example, a combined printer and scanner controller. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated, controller  28  communicates with print engine  30  via a communications link  50 . Controller  28  communicates with imaging unit  200  and processing circuitry  44  thereon via a communications link  51 . Controller  28  communicates with toner cartridge  100  and processing circuitry  45  thereon via a communications link  52 . Controller  28  communicates with media feed system  38  via a communications link  53 . Controller  28  communicates with scanner system  40  via a communications link  54 . User interface  36  is communicatively coupled to controller  28  via a communications link  55 . Controller  28  communicates with drive motor  70  via a communications link  56 . Controller  28  communicates with sensor  72  via a communications link  57 . Controller  28  processes print and scan data and operates print engine  30  during printing and scanner system  40  during scanning. Processing circuitry  44 ,  45  may provide authentication functions, safety and operational interlocks, operating parameters and usage information related to imaging unit  200  and toner cartridge  100 , respectively. Each of processing circuitry  44 ,  45  includes a processor unit and associated electronic memory. As discussed above, the processor may include one or more integrated circuits in the form of a microprocessor or central processing unit and may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The memory may be any volatile or non-volatile memory or combination thereof or any memory device convenient for use with processing circuitry  44 ,  45 . 
     Computer  24 , which is optional, may be, for example, a personal computer, including electronic memory  60 , such as RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM, an input device  62 , such as a keyboard and/or a mouse, and a display monitor  64 . Computer  24  also includes a processor, input-′output (I/O) interfaces, and may include at least one mass data storage device, such as a hard drive, a CD-ROM and/or a DVD unit (not shown). Computer  24  may also be a device capable of communicating with image forming device  22  other than a personal computer such as, for example, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or other electronic device. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated, computer  24  includes in its memory a software program including program instructions that function as an imaging driver  66 , e.g., printer/scanner driver software, for image forming device  22 . Imaging driver  66  is in communication with controller  28  of image forming device  22  via communications link  26 . Imaging driver  66  facilitates communication between image forming device  22  and computer  24 . One aspect of imaging driver  66  may be, for example, to provide formatted print data to image forming device  22 , and more particularly to print engine  30 , to print an image. Another aspect of imaging driver  66  may be, for example, to facilitate collection of scanned data from scanner system  40 . 
     In some circumstances, it may be desirable to operate image forming device  22  in a standalone mode. In the standalone mode, image forming device  22  is capable of functioning without computer  24 . Accordingly, all or a portion of imaging driver  66 , or a similar driver, may be located in controller  28  of image forming device  22  so as to accommodate printing and/or scanning functionality when operating in the standalone mode. 
     Print engine  30  includes a laser scan unit (LSU)  31 , toner cartridge  100 , imaging unit  200  and a fuser  37 , all mounted within image forming device  22 . Imaging unit  200  is removably mounted in image forming device  22  and includes a developer unit  202  that houses a toner sump and a toner development system. In one embodiment, the toner development system utilizes what is commonly referred to as a single component development system. In this embodiment, the toner development system includes a toner adder roll that provides toner from the toner sump to a developer roll. A doctor blade provides a metered uniform layer of toner on the surface of the developer roll. In another embodiment, the toner development system utilizes what is commonly referred to as a dual component development system. In this embodiment, toner in the toner sump of developer unit  202  is mixed with magnetic carrier beads. The magnetic carrier beads may be coated with a polymeric film to provide triboelectric properties to attract toner to the carrier beads as the toner and the magnetic carrier beads are mixed in the toner sump. In this embodiment, developer unit  202  includes a magnetic roll that attracts the magnetic carrier beads having toner thereon to the magnetic roll through the use of magnetic fields. Imaging unit  200  also includes a cleaner unit  204  that houses a photoconductive drum and a waste toner removal system. 
     Toner cartridge  100  is removably mounted in imaging forming device  22  in a mating relationship with developer unit  202  of imaging unit  200 . An outlet port on toner cartridge  100  communicates with an inlet port on developer unit  202  allowing toner to be periodically transferred from toner cartridge  100  to resupply the toner sump in developer unit  202 . 
     The electrophotographic printing process is well known in the art and, therefore, is described briefly herein. During a printing operation, laser scan unit  31  creates a latent image on the photoconductive drum in cleaner unit  204 . Toner is transferred from the toner sump in developer unit  202  to the latent image on the photoconductive drum by the developer roll (in the case of a single component development system) or by the magnetic roll (in the case of a dual component development system) to create a toned image. The toned image is then transferred to a media sheet received by imaging unit  200  from media input tray  39  for printing. Toner may be transferred directly to the media sheet by the photoconductive drum or by an intermediate transfer member that receives the toner from the photoconductive drum. Toner remnants are removed from the photoconductive drum by the waste toner removal system. The toner image is bonded to the media sheet in fuser  37  and then sent to an output location or to one or more finishing options such as a duplexer, a stapler or a hole-punch. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , toner cartridge  100  and imaging unit  200  are shown according to one example embodiment. Imaging unit  200  includes a developer unit  202  and a cleaner unit  204  mounted on a common frame  206 . Developer unit  202  includes a toner inlet port  208  positioned to receive toner from toner cartridge  100 . As discussed above, imaging unit  200  and toner cartridge  100  are each removably installed in image forming device  22 . Imaging unit  200  is first slidably inserted into image forming device  22 . Toner cartridge  100  is then inserted into image forming device  22  and onto frame  206  in a mating relationship with developer unit  202  of imaging unit  200  as indicated by the arrow A shown in  FIG.  2   , which also indicates the direction of insertion of imaging unit  200  and toner cartridge  100  into image forming device  22 . This arrangement allows toner cartridge  100  to be removed and reinserted easily when replacing an empty toner cartridge  100  without having to remove imaging unit  200 . Imaging unit  200  may also be readily removed as desired in order to maintain, repair or replace the components associated with developer unit  202 , cleaner unit  204  or frame  206  or to clear a media jam. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 - 5   , toner cartridge  100  includes a housing  102  having an enclosed reservoir  104  ( FIG.  5   ) for storing toner. Housing  102  includes a top  106 , a bottom  107 , first and second sides  108 ,  109 , a front  110  and a rear  111 . Front  110  of housing  102  leads during insertion of toner cartridge  100  into image forming device  22  and rear  111  trails. In one embodiment, each side  108 ,  109  of housing  102  includes an end cap  112 ,  113  mounted, e.g., by fasteners or a snap-fit engagement, to side walls  114 ,  115  of a main body  116  of housing  102 . An outlet port  118  in fluid communication with reservoir  104  is positioned on front  110  of housing  102  near side  109  for exiting toner from toner cartridge  100 . Housing  102  may include legs  120  on bottom  107  to assist with the insertion of toner cartridge  100  into image forming device  22  and to support housing  102  when toner cartridge  100  is set on a flat surface. A handle  122  may be provided on top  106  or rear  111  of housing  102  to assist with insertion and removal of toner cartridge  100  into and out of image forming device  22 . 
     Sides  108 ,  109  may each include an alignment guide  124  that extends outward from the respective side  108 ,  109  to assist, the insertion of toner cartridge  100  into image forming device  22 . Alignment guides  124  travel in corresponding guide slots in image forming device  22  that guide the insertion of toner cartridge  100  into image forming device  22 . In the example embodiment illustrated, an alignment guide  124  is positioned on the outer side of each end cap  112 ,  113 . Alignment guides  124  may run along a front-to-rear dimension of housing  102  as shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   . 
     With reference to  FIG.  5   , in the example embodiment illustrated, a toner agitator assembly  130  is rotatably positioned within toner reservoir  104 . Toner agitator assembly  130  includes an auger  132  having first and second ends  132   a ,  132   b  and a spiral screw flight. Auger  132  is positioned in a channel  128  that runs along the front  110  of housing  102  from side  108  to side  109 . Channel  128  is oriented generally horizontal when toner cartridge  100  is installed in image forming device  22 . Auger  132  includes a rotational axis  133 . In operation, auger  132  rotates in an operative rotational direction  138 . Rotation of auger  132  delivers toner in channel  128  to outlet port  118 , which is positioned at the bottom of channel  128  so that gravity assists in exiting toner through outlet port  118 . Channel  128  includes an open portion  128   a  and may include an enclosed portion  128   b . Open portion  128   a  is open to toner reservoir  104  and extends from side  108  toward second end  132   b  of auger  132 . Enclosed portion  128   b  of channel  128  extends from side  109  and encloses second end  132   b  of auger  132 . In this embodiment, outlet port  118  is positioned at the bottom of enclosed portion  128   h  of channel  128 . 
     Toner agitator assembly  130  also includes a rotatable drive shaft  134  and one or more toner agitators  136  in the form of extensions outward from drive shaft  134 . Drive shaft  134  includes a rotational axis  135 . In the example embodiment illustrated, rotational axis  135  of drive shaft  134  is parallel to rotational axis  133  of auger  132 . In operation, drive shaft  134  rotates in an operative rotational direction  139 . Toner agitators  136  rotate with drive shaft  134  around rotational axis  135  when drive shaft  134  rotates in operative rotational direction  139 . As drive shaft  134  rotates, toner agitators  136  agitate and mix the toner stored in toner reservoir  104  and, in the embodiment illustrated, move toner toward channel  128  where auger  132  moves the toner to outlet port  118 . In the example embodiment illustrated, first and second ends of drive shaft  134  extend through aligned openings in side walls  114 ,  115 , respectively. However, drive shaft  134  may take other positions and orientations as desired. Bushings may be provided on an inner side of each side wall  114 ,  115  where drive shaft  134  passes through side walls  114 ,  115 . 
     A drive train  140  on housing  102  is operatively connected to auger  132  and drive shaft  134  and may be positioned within a space formed between end cap  112  and side wall  114 . Drive train  140  includes an input gear  142  that engages with a corresponding output gear in image forming device  22  that provides rotational motion from drive motor  70  in image forming device  22  to input gear  142 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , in one embodiment, a front portion of input gear  142  is exposed at the front  110  of housing  102  near the top  106  of housing  102  where input gear  142  engages the output gear in image forming device  22 , With reference back to  FIG.  5   , in the embodiment illustrated, drive train  140  also includes a drive gear  144  on one end of drive shaft  134  that is connected to input gear  142  either directly or via one or more intermediate gears to rotate drive shaft  134 . In the embodiment illustrated, drive train  140  also includes a drive gear  146  on first end  132   a  of auger  132  that is connected to input gear  142  either directly or via one or more intermediate gears to rotate auger  132 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , toner cartridge  100  includes an encoded member  160  that is movably connected to drive train  140 , either directly or indirectly to input gear  142 . In the example embodiment illustrated, encoded member  160  includes a rotatable disk  162  operatively connected to drive train  140 , such as, for example, positioned on an outboard face  143  of input gear  142 , coaxially with input gear  142  as illustrated. Disk  162  may be formed integrally with input gear  142  or separately attached to input gear  142 . In other embodiments, encoded member  160  is, for example, translatable, such as by way of a rack and pinion arrangement or a cam and follower arrangement. Information pertaining to toner cartridge  100  is encoded on encoded member  160 . Encoded member  160  is detectable by sensor  72  in image forming device  22  when toner cartridge  100  is installed in image forming device  22  permitting sensor  72  to communicate the encoded information of toner cartridge  100  to controller  28  of image forming device  22  via communications link  57 . The encoded information may include, for example, authentication information such as a signature, serial number, or other identifier for authenticating or validating toner cartridge  100  upon installation of toner cartridge  100  in image forming device  22 . The encoded information may include, for example, characteristics of toner cartridge  100  such as toner color, initial toner fill amount, toner type, geographic region, manufacture location, manufacture date, etc. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated, authentication information is encoded on encoded member  160  by randomly distributed magnetized particles  164  dispersed on disk  162 , e.g., on the surface of disk  162  and/or within disk  162 . Particles  164  are distributed randomly such that it is difficult to reproduce the exact distribution and alignment of particles  164  thereby making the distribution difficult to copy. In this embodiment, sensor  72  is positioned in close proximity to encoded member  62  when toner cartridge  100  is installed in image forming device  22 , such as, adjacent to and facing the outboard side of disk  162  as schematically illustrated in  FIG.  6   . At predetermined times, such as upon the installation of a new toner cartridge in image forming device  22 , sensor  72  measures the magnetic field of disk  162  in one, two or three dimensions as disk  162  rotates due to rotation of input gear  142  by motor  70 . The magnetic field values measured by sensor  72  are communicated to controller  28  via communications link  57 . Controller  28  may then compare the magnetic field values received from sensor  72  to values stored during manufacture in non-volatile memory of processing circuitry  45  of toner cartridge  100 . Controller  28  may confirm the authenticity of toner cartridge  100  to controller  28  if the magnetic field values received from sensor  72  match the values stored in non-volatile memory of processing circuitry  45 . 
     While the example embodiment illustrated includes information encoded by a random distribution of magnetized particles and detection by measuring the magnetic field of the particles, it will be appreciated that information may be encoded by a random distribution of non-magnetized particles and detection may occur according to other means, such as, for example, by measuring an optical property of the particles. Further, in lieu of a random pattern, information may be encoded according to a predetermined pattern using any suitable indicia and detection method. However, as discussed above, it is preferred for authentication information to be encoded according to a random pattern so that the encoded information is more difficult for a counterfeiter to reproduce. 
     With reference back to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , in the example embodiment illustrated, at least a portion of encoded member  160  is exposed on the exterior of toner cartridge  100  above a rotational axis  141  of input gear  142  for reading by sensor  72 . For example, in the embodiment illustrated, encoded member  160  is exposed through a cutout  166  in end cap  112  that is positioned above rotational axis  141  of input gear  142 . 
       FIG.  7    shows drive train  140  in greater detail according to one example embodiment. In the example embodiment illustrated, input gear  142  is a compound gear that includes a first portion  142   a  that mates with the corresponding output gear in image forming device  22  when toner cartridge  100  is installed in image forming device  22  and a second portion  142   b  that meshes with drive gear  144  in order to provide rotational motion to drive shaft  134 . First portion  142   a  of input gear  142  also meshes with an idler gear  148  that, in turn, meshes with a compound idler gear  150 . Compound idler gear  150  includes a first portion  150   a  that meshes with idler gear  148  and a second portion  150   b  that meshes with drive gear  146  in order to provide rotational motion to auger  132 . It will be appreciated that the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  7    is merely an example and that drive train  140  may take many suitable configurations for transferring rotational motion from input gear  142  to toner agitator assembly  130  and to encoded member  160 . 
     In operation, controller  28  drives motor  70  in a first rotational direction to drive toner agitator assembly  130  and in a second rotational direction to perform a reading of encoded member  160  by sensor  72 . In particular, when controller  28  drives motor  70  in the first rotational direction, input gear  142  rotates in a first rotational direction  152   a  and, in turn, rotates auger  132  and drive shaft  134  in operative rotational directions  138 ,  139  to feed toner from toner cartridge  100  to developer unit  202 . When controller  28  drives motor  70  in the second rotational direction, input gear  142  rotates in a second rotational direction  152   b . Sensor  72  is configured to read encoded member  160  as input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   b . In this manner, sensor  72  is able to perform a reading of encoded member  160  separately from a toner feed operation so that the authenticity or validity of toner cartridge  100  may be checked prior to the first use of toner cartridge  100  or at other times when toner cartridge  100  is not in use. 
     With reference to  FIG.  8   , toner agitator assembly  130  includes a one-way clutch  170  that limits the rotational motion of at least one component of toner agitator assembly  130  to its operative rotational direction. For example, the one-way clutch may limit auger  132  and/or drive shaft  134  to its operative rotational direction  138 ,  139 . In the example embodiment illustrated, one-way clutch  170  is operatively connected to drive gear  144  such that when input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   a , drive shaft  134  rotates in operative rotational direction  139  and when input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   b , drive shaft  134  is decoupled and does not rotate with input gear  142 . In this manner, drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  do not rotate while sensor  72  performs a reading of encoded member  160 . As a result, torque on drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  from toner stored in reservoir  104  does not affect the movement of encoded member  160  thereby permitting better control of encoded member  160  while sensor  72  performs a reading of encoded member  160  and improving the accuracy of the reading performed by sensor  72 . Further, in some embodiments, toner agitators  136  may include flexible wipers that could displace or become damaged upon rotating counter to operative rotational direction  139 . Decoupling drive shaft  134  from input gear  142  when input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   b  prevents this from occurring. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated, one-way clutch  170  includes a clutch disk  172  positioned against an outboard face  145  of drive gear  144 . Clutch disk  172  is biased against outboard face  145  of drive gear  144  by a bias spring  174 . A bracket  176  positioned between end cap  112  and side wall  114  locates spring  174  relative to clutch disk  172  and drive gear  144 . In the example embodiment illustrated, bracket  176  also locates input gear  142  relative to end cap  112  and to the rest of drive train  140 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  9   , in the example embodiment illustrated, drive shaft  134  includes a male spline  178  positioned near an axial end of drive shaft  134 . Male spline  178  passes through aligned central openings  180 ,  182  in drive gear  144  and clutch disk  172 , respectively. A diameter of central opening  180  of drive gear  144  is larger than male spline  178  of drive shaft  134  permitting drive gear  144  to rotate independent of drive shaft  134 . Central opening  182  of clutch disk  172  includes a female spline  184  that matably receives male spline  178  of drive shaft  134  such that drive shaft  134  is rotatably coupled to clutch disk  172 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  10   , clutch disk  172  includes one or more engagement members  186  that protrude axially from an inboard face  173  of clutch disk  172  toward outboard face  145  of drive gear  144 . Each engagement member  186  includes a contact face  188  positioned to transfer rotational motion from clutch disk  172  to drive gear  144 . In the embodiment illustrated, contact faces  188  are positioned perpendicular to inboard face  173  of clutch disk  172 ; however, contact faces  188  may take other suitable orientations as desired. Each engagement member  186  also includes a ramp  190  on inboard face  173  of clutch disk  172  that tapers axially inward (toward inboard face  173  of clutch disk  172 ) away from a corresponding contact face  188  of the engagement member  186  along a circumferential dimension of clutch disk  172 . 
     Engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  are positioned to engage corresponding dwells or openings  192  on drive gear  144  shown in  FIG.  11    to transfer rotational motion from drive gear  144  to clutch disk  172  when input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   a . Specifically, with reference to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , when input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   a , drive gear  144  rotates in a first rotational direction  194   a  as a result of the gear mesh between input gear  142  and drive gear  144 . As drive gear  144  rotates in rotational direction  194   a , drive gear  144  rotates independent of clutch disk  172  with engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  sliding across outboard face  145  of drive gear  144  until engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  reach openings  192  of drive gear  144 . When engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  reach openings  192  of drive gear  144 , clutch disk  172  translates axially toward drive gear  144  and engagement members  186  extend into openings  192  as a result of the bias applied to clutch disk  172  by spring  174 , As drive gear  144  continues to rotate in rotational direction  194   a , the surfaces of drive gear  144  that form openings  192  come into contact with contact faces  188  of engagement members  186  as shown in  FIG.  13   . The contact between contact faces  188  of engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  and the surfaces forming openings  192  of drive gear  144  transfer rotational motion from drive gear  144  to clutch disk  172  causing clutch disk  172  to rotate with drive gear  144  as drive gear  144  continues to rotate in rotational direction  194   a . The engagement between male spline  178  of drive shaft  134  and female spline  184  of clutch disk  172 , in turn, causes drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  to rotate with clutch disk  172 . In this manner, when drive motor  70  rotates in its first rotational direction and input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   a , drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  rotate in operative rotational direction  139  in order to mix the toner in reservoir  104  and to move toner toward auger  132 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  12  and  14   , when input gear  142  rotates in the opposite rotational direction  152   b , drive gear  144  rotates in a second rotational direction  194   b  as a result of the gear mesh between input gear  142  and drive gear  144 . As drive gear  144  rotates in rotational direction  194   b , drive gear  144  continuously rotates independent of clutch disk  172  such that drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  do not rotate with drive gear  144 . Specifically, as drive gear  144  rotates in rotational direction  194   b , engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  slide across outboard face  145  of drive gear  144  until engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  reach openings  192  of drive gear  144 . When engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  reach openings  192  of drive gear  144 , clutch disk  172  translates axially toward drive gear  144  and engagement members  186  extend into openings  192  as a result of the bias applied to clutch disk  172  by spring  174  as discussed above. However, as drive gear  144  continues to rotate in rotational direction  194   b , contact between the surfaces of drive gear  144  that form openings  192  and ramps  190  of engagement members  186  cause clutch disk  172  to translate axially away from drive gear  144  against the bias applied to clutch disk  172  by spring  174  thereby causing engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  to resume sliding across outboard face  145  of drive gear  144  as shown in  FIG.  14   . In this manner, when drive motor  70  rotates in its second rotational direction and input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   b , encoded member  160  rotates with input gear  142  for sensing by sensor  72 , but drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  do not rotate with input gear  142  so that torque on drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  from toner stored in reservoir  104  does not interfere with the movement of encoded member  160 . 
     While the example embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  8 - 14    includes a one-way clutch  170  that includes a clutch disk  172  and bias spring  174 , one or more one-way clutches of any suitable construction may be used to limit the rotational motion of at least one component of toner agitator assembly  130  to its operative rotational direction. For example, the one-way clutch may include one or more of a one-way bearing sprag clutch, a trapped roller clutch, a backstop cam clutch, a pawl and ratchet clutch, and a wrap spring clutch. 
     As discussed above, drive train  140  may take many suitable configurations for transferring rotational motion from input gear  142  to toner agitator assembly  130  and to encoded member  160 . Further, while the exampled embodiment illustrated includes a one-way clutch  170  positioned on drive gear  144  connected to drive shaft  134 , one or more one-way clutches may be positioned at any suitable point(s) along drive train  140  to limit the rotational motion of at least one component of toner agitator assembly  130  to its operative rotational direction. For example, a first one-way clutch may be positioned to limit the motion of auger  132  to operative rotational direction  138  and a second one-way clutch may be positioned to limit the motion of drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  to operative rotational direction  139 . Alternatively, a single one-way clutch may be positioned to limit the motion of auger  132  as well as drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  to their operative rotational directions  138 ,  139 . 
     For example,  FIGS.  15  and  16    illustrate a drive train  1140  that includes an input gear  1142  that engages with a corresponding output gear in image forming device  22 . Drive train  1140  also includes a drive gear  1144  connected to an end of drive shaft  134  and a drive gear  1146  connected to an end of auger  132 . Encoded member  160  is positioned on input gear  1142  as discussed above. In this embodiment, a one-way clutch  1170  is operatively connected to input gear  1142  in order to limit rotation of drive gears  1144  and  1146  to a single direction to limit rotation of auger  132  and drive shaft  134  to their operative rotational directions  138 ,  139 . In this embodiment, one-way clutch  1170  includes a drive gear  1172  biased against an inboard face  1143  of input gear  1142  by a bias spring  1174 . A bracket  1176  positioned between end cap  112  and side wall  114  locates spring  1174  relative to drive gear  1172 , In this embodiment, drive gear  1172  includes a series of circumferentially spaced, radially extending lugs  1180 . In this embodiment, input gear  1142  includes one or more engagement members  1186  that protrude axially from inboard face  1143  of input gear  1142  toward an outboard face  1173  of drive gear  1172 . Each engagement member  1186  includes a contact face  1188  positioned to transfer rotational motion from input gear  1142  to drive gear  1172 . Each engagement member  1186  also includes a ramp  1190  on inboard face  1143  of input gear  1142  that tapers axially inward (toward inboard face  1143  of input gear  1142 ) away from a corresponding contact face  1188  of the engagement member  1186  along a circumferential dimension of input gear  1142 . 
     When input gear  1142  rotates in a rotational direction  1152   a , contact between contact faces  1188  of engagement members  1186  of input gear  1142  and lugs  1180  of drive gear  1172  causes drive gear  1172  to rotate with input gear  1142  as discussed above with respect to engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  and openings  192  of drive gear  144 , Drive gear  1144  connected to drive shaft  134  is meshed with drive gear  1172  such that rotation of drive gear  1172  causes drive gear  1144 , drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  to rotate with input gear  1142  when input gear  1142  rotates in rotational direction  1152   a . Drive gear  1146  is connected to drive gear  1144  by way of an idler gear  1148  and a compound idler gear  1150  such that rotation of drive gear  1172  causes drive gear  1146  and auger  132  to rotate with input gear  1142  when input gear  1142  rotates in rotational direction  1152   a.    
     When input gear  1142  rotates in an opposite rotational direction  1152   b , contact between lugs  1180  of drive gear  1172  and ramps  1190  of engagement members  1186  of input gear  1142  cause drive gear  1172  to translate axially away from input gear  1142  against the bias applied to drive gear  1172  by spring  1174  as discussed above with respect to engagement members  186  of clutch disk  172  and openings  192  of drive gear  144 . As a result, drive gear  1142  continuously rotates independent of drive gear  1172  such that auger  132 , drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  do not rotate with input gear  1142  when input gear  1142  rotates in rotational direction  1152   b.    
     While the example embodiments illustrated include a one-way clutch to limit the rotational motion of at least one component of toner agitator assembly  130  to its operative rotational direction, toner cartridge  100  may also include a one-way clutch positioned to limit rotation of encoded member  160  to a single direction as desired for reading by sensor  72 . For example,  FIG.  17    illustrates encoded member  160  positioned on an outboard face  2155  of a drive gear  2154  that is coupled to input gear  142  by an idler gear  2156  and a drive gear  2158 . Drive gear  2154 , idler gear  2156  and drive gear  2158  constitute part of a drive train  2140 , Drive train  2140  also includes input gear  142  coupled to drive gears  144 ,  146  by way of idler gears  148 ,  150  and one-way clutch  170  as discussed above with respect to  FIG.  7   . Drive train  2140  also includes a one-way clutch  2170  coupled to idler gear  2156  in order to limit rotation of drive gear  2158  to a single direction in the same manner as drive gear  1172  discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  15  and  16   , In this manner, rotation of drive gear  2154  and encoded member  160  are limited to an operative rotational direction  161  for reading by sensor  72 . Specifically, in this embodiment, when drive motor  70  rotates in its first rotational direction and input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   a , drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  rotate in operative rotational direction  139  but encoded member  160  does not rotate with input gear  142 . When drive motor  70  rotates in its second rotational direction and input gear  142  rotates in rotational direction  152   b , encoded member  160  rotates in operative rotational direction  161  but drive shaft  134  and toner agitators  136  do not rotate with input gear  142 . 
     As discussed above, while the example embodiments illustrated include an encoded member  160  that includes information encoded by a random distribution of magnetized particles, information may be encoded on an encoded member that is movably connected to an input gear of toner cartridge  100  according to many other suitable methods. For example,  FIG.  18    illustrates an encoded member  3160  in the form of rotatable disk  3162  that is connected to input gear  142  by a drive gear  3154 . Disk  3162  includes a series of cutouts  3164  therethrough that are spaced along a circumferential dimension of disk  3162  according to a predetermined pattern to encode information pertaining to toner cartridge  100 . In this embodiment, sensor  72  includes an optical emitter and an optical detector positioned to detect the pattern of cutouts  3164  through disk  3162  as disk  3162  rotates. 
     While the example embodiments discussed above include a toner agitator assembly  130  that includes a rotatable auger  132  and a rotatable drive shaft  134  having toner agitators  136  extending outward therefrom, it will be appreciated that toner agitator assembly  130  may include any suitable combination of rotating, shifting, reciprocating or otherwise movable toner agitators, which may take many shapes, forms, sizes and orientations. For example, the toner agitator(s) may include any suitable combination of one or more paddles, augers, rakes, combs, scoops, plows, arms, extensions, prongs, flaps, mixers, conveyors, screws, etc. 
     While the example embodiment shown in  FIG.  2    includes a pair of replaceable units in the form of toner cartridge  100  and imaging unit  200 , it will be appreciated that the replaceable unit(s) of image forming device  22  may employ any suitable configuration as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the main toner supply for image forming device  22 , developer unit  202  and cleaner unit  204  are housed in one replaceable unit. In another embodiment, the main toner supply for image forming device  22  and developer unit  202  are provided in a first replaceable unit and cleaner unit  204  is provided in a second replaceable unit. Further, while the example image forming device  22  discussed above includes one toner cartridge  100  and corresponding imaging unit  200 , in the case of an image forming device configured to print in color, separate replaceable units may be used for each toner color needed. For example, in one embodiment, the image forming device includes four toner cartridges and four corresponding imaging units, each toner cartridge containing a particular toner color (e.g., black, cyan, yellow or magenta) and each imaging unit corresponding with one of the toner cartridges to permit color printing. Further, while the example embodiments illustrated pertain to a toner agitator assembly  130  and an encoded member  160  of a toner cartridge  100 , it will be appreciated that they may apply to a toner agitator assembly and an encoded member of any, toner container including, for example, a developer unit, an imaging unit or a waste toner container. 
     The foregoing description illustrates various aspects of the present disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, it is chosen to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the present disclosure, including its various modifications that naturally follow. All modifications and variations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims. Relatively apparent modifications include combining one or more features of various embodiments with features of other embodiments.