Capacitive toner level sensor and methods of use

Details Capacitive toner level sensor and methods of use Capacitive toner level sensor and methods of use

2006-09-14

2009-06-30

Chen, Sophia S (Department: 2852)

Electrophotography

Diagnostics

Cleaning

C324S662000, C399S027000, C399S360000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07555231

ABSTRACT:
A capacitive sensor to detect toner volume levels in a toner container within an image forming device includes opposed electrodes disposed within the interior of the toner container. The opposed electrodes form a capacitor characterized by an inherent capacitance that varies in response to an amount of toner that exists between the opposed electrodes. A corresponding sensor circuit is electrically coupled to the opposed electrodes and adapted to sense an instantaneous capacitance of the capacitor to determine the amount of toner that exists between the opposed electrodes. The opposed electrodes may have different shapes and configurations, including for example, plates disposed within the toner container or the interior walls of the container itself. The sensor circuit is configured to apply an alternating current signal to the opposed electrodes and sense an output voltage that is indicative of an instantaneous capacitance of the capacitor corresponding to toner volume within the container.

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Machine translation of JP 2003-345119 A dated Apr. 25, 2008.
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