An image from Lexmark’s application EP 2 798 405 A1
The OEM has registered five applications that, together, may be highly relevant for remanufacturers in Europe that remanufacture the 501 cartridge.
The five documents – EP 2 798 405 A1, EP 2 798 407 A1, EP 2 798 408 A2, EP 2 798 409 A2 and EP 2 798 411 A2 – are related to the 501 cartridge, and claim priority dates of 30 December 2011. The five documents can be seen to be attempting to protect the connecting and positioning elements that interact with the printer, and as such, if granted, could be very relevant to the industry.
The first of these documents – EP 2 798 405 A1 – refers to a toner cartridges with a “pressure equalisation system” for equalising pressure between the reservoir and a “toner sump developer unit”, with the flow of toner from the cartridge to the developer covered. The second meanwhile – EP 2 798 405 A1 – concerns the “toner delivery system” for a “shake-free” toner cartridge, and details the scraper and its operation, as well as – again – the flow of toner between the different areas of the cartridge.
The third – EP 2 798 408 A2 – discusses the guides on the cartridge – the “legs” – that connect it to the printer, and covers the different outer constructions that allow this. The fourth document – EP 2 798 409 A2 – again covers the shutter “positioned at the exit port” of the cartridge, and its opening and interlocking with other areas of the cartridge, while the fifth – EP 2 798 411 A2 – concerns the “toner delivery system” and slots and openings that allow for the toner to flow between the cartridge and hopper.