US3678897A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Developer mixing apparatus
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 Improved cascade apparatus for developing electrostatic images wherein a latent electrostatic image supported on a moving member is developed by cascading a flow of developer material including a magnetic carrier component and an electroscopic toner component through a development zone. A toner dispenser dispenses toner material to supplement that portion consumed during development. The dispensed toner material is received onto a chute which directs the toner material into a predetermined location in the sump of the developer housing. A bucket conveyor moves developer material upwardly in the housing and spillage from the buckets is directed along the chute to combine with the dispensed toner material and also to prevent the dispensed toner material from clinging on the chute. A magnetic field producing member is positioned on the chute adjacent the path of the bucket conveyor to control the direction of flow of the spillage and to pull excess developer material from the buckets.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E Hewitt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:16
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0801
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
211 words
An apparatus dispensing toner to a cascade development station wherein a latent electrostatic image is developed by cascade flow of developer material including a magnetic component and an electroscopic toner component moving through a development zone, the improvement comprising a housing including a sump portion containing developer material including a magnetic component and an electroscopic component, conveyor means including buckets disposed in the housing for moving developer material from the sump portion to an upper portion of the housing for downward cascade flow onto a latent electrostatic image moving in a development zone, toner dispenser means positioned in said housing for dispensing toner material at predetermined intervals, chute means disposed below said toner dispenser means for directing the flow of the toner material towards a predetermined location of said sump portion, said chute means extending towards said bucket path to receive back spillage of developer material being dropped from said upwardly moving buckets and having a magnetic field producing means associated therewith to pull excess developer material from said buckets and direct the excess developer material and spilled developer material along a predetermined path intersecting with the path of dispensed toner material whereby toner material being dispensed is continuously supplied into said sump portion for uniform mixing with developer material therein.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
211 words
An apparatus dispensing toner to a cascade development station wherein a latent electrostatic image is developed by cascade flow of developer material including a magnetic component and an electroscopic toner component moving through a development zone, the improvement comprising a housing including a sump portion containing developer material including a magnetic component and an electroscopic component, conveyor means including buckets disposed in the housing for moving developer material from the sump portion to an upper portion of the housing for downward cascade flow onto a latent electrostatic image moving in a development zone, toner dispenser means positioned in said housing for dispensing toner material at predetermined intervals, chute means disposed below said toner dispenser means for directing the flow of the toner material towards a predetermined location of said sump portion, said chute means extending towards said bucket path to receive back spillage of developer material being dropped from said upwardly moving buckets and having a magnetic field producing means associated therewith to pull excess developer material from said buckets and direct the excess developer material and spilled developer material along a predetermined path intersecting with the path of dispensed toner material whereby toner material being dispensed is continuously supplied into said sump portion for uniform mixing with developer material therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said chute means comprises a magnetic member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the magnetic field producing means is a magnet member positioned with its poll faces extending at right angles to the magnetic member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
ApParatus according to claim 3 wherein said magnet member is positioned adjacent to and below said magnetic member.
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 |