Electrophotography – Image formation – Development
Patent
1996-02-13
1998-03-31
Brase, Sandra L.
Electrophotography
Image formation
Development
399119, G03G 1508
Patent
active
057349533
ABSTRACT:
An image forming apparatus having independently detachable toner supply units and image processing units. The toner supply unit includes a toner supply port, a first shutter controlling a toner flow path of the toner supply port, and a first guide rib formed on the toner supply unit. The image processing unit includes a toner acceptance port, a second shutter controlling the toner flow path of the toner acceptance port, and a second guide rib formed on the image processing unit. The first and second guide ribs engage the second and first shutters when the toner supply unit and the image processing unit are both attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. If either the toner supply unit or the image processing unit is removed from the main body, the guide ribs disengage the corresponding shutters, causing the shutters to close the toner flow paths. Reassembling the toner supply unit with the image processing unit engages the shutters to reopen the toner flow paths.
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patent: 5419468 (1995-05-01), Taki
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Brase Sandra L.
Ricoh & Company, Ltd.
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