An image from Canon’s granted patent
The OEM’s European patent, EP 2 265 998 B1, could affect remanufacturing of the toner cartridges referred to within the document.
The granted patent is significant to remanufacturers, as it concerns a “developing device frame unit for supporting a regulating member regulating the layer thickness of developer on a developer carrying roller”. This includes a “blade sealing member” that seals between the two components in order to prevent developer leakage, and replacing this member during remanufacturing could infringe the patent, and be considered manufacturing under the terms of the patent.
This follows the patent reported on by The Recycler yesterday, which was granted to Brother, and which could affect remanufacturers as it covers steps within the process after the cartridge has been used and determining if it should be recycled or not.