US3678896A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Conveyor system
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1971-01-28
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Granted: 1972-07-25
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Expires: 1991-01-28
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for use in an automatic xerographic reproducing apparatus for cleaning residual toner material from the photoconductive surface after the image has been transferred to a final support material for returning the residual toner to a xerographic developing station via a chain conveyor of improved construction for reuse in the xerographic process.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E Hewitt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:43
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G21/00; G03G21/10; G03G21/105
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
193 words
In apparatus for returning the residual particulate toner remaining on a photoconductive surface after image transfer to a remote developer housing for reuse in the xerographic developing process wherein residual particulate toner is removed from the photoconductive surface and collected and then returned by a tubular conduit connecting said collecting means and the developer housing, an endless chain means being arranged to be driven sequentially through said collected toner and then a tubular conduit in communication with the developer housing, the improvement comprising said endless chain means comprising spherically shaped hollow members formed with two small oppositely faced apertures in the surface thereof and elongated members each received through a one of said apertures on adjacent hollow members and formed with belled end portions, drive means to drive the chain means including a drive sprocket to positively engage the hollow members, said hollow members being formed with at least one relatively large opening at substantially right angles to said apertures whereby upon bending movement of said chain means around said sprocket residual toner material filling said hollow members may be discharged to enable relative movement between said elongated members and said hollow members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
193 words
In apparatus for returning the residual particulate toner remaining on a photoconductive surface after image transfer to a remote developer housing for reuse in the xerographic developing process wherein residual particulate toner is removed from the photoconductive surface and collected and then returned by a tubular conduit connecting said collecting means and the developer housing, an endless chain means being arranged to be driven sequentially through said collected toner and then a tubular conduit in communication with the developer housing, the improvement comprising said endless chain means comprising spherically shaped hollow members formed with two small oppositely faced apertures in the surface thereof and elongated members each received through a one of said apertures on adjacent hollow members and formed with belled end portions, drive means to drive the chain means including a drive sprocket to positively engage the hollow members, said hollow members being formed with at least one relatively large opening at substantially right angles to said apertures whereby upon bending movement of said chain means around said sprocket residual toner material filling said hollow members may be discharged to enable relative movement between said elongated members and said hollow members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of the area of said relatively large openings to the surface area of said hollow members ranges from about 1 to 20 to about 1 to 5.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-25 | 1976-01-24 | 1976-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-25 | 1980-01-24 | 1980-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-25 | 1984-01-24 | 1984-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |