Abstract An apparatus for developing a latent electrostatic image wherein the developer material is circulated in a fluidized state past the image. The developer is fluidized by an orbiting member which further acts as a biased development electrode to better develop the electrostatic image. The fluidized developer flow moves in the direction of movement of the surface bearing the electrostatic image to be developed whereby the combined motion of the orbiting electrode and the movement of the image bearing surface results in the developer being propelled at an average velocity equal to the velocity of movement of the image for effective development of the leading edge thereof. Further, means are included to optimumly tonerize the carrier particles in the developer while being circulated for development.
An apparatus for adding toner particles to a carrier medium to maintain a predetermined number of toner particles therein comprising: toner supply means for containing toner particles therein, a developer chamber for containing developer comprising toner particles and carrier particles therein, a toner collection chamber located below said toner supply means and said developer chamber for collecting excess toner particles from said developer chamber, screen means separating said toner supply means from an upper portion of said developer chamber, screen means separating a lower portion of said developer chamber from said toner collection chamber, each said screen means being flexible and having openings of such a size to allow toner particles to pass therethrough, electrical field means for applying an electrical field on the developer to remove excess toner particles from the developer material into said toner collection chamber, and conveyor means for conveying excess toner particles in said toner collection chamber back to said toner supply means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for adding toner particles to a carrier medium to maintain a predetermined number of toner particles therein comprising: toner supply means for containing toner particles therein, a developer chamber for containing developer comprising toner particles and carrier particles therein, a toner collection chamber located below said toner supply means and said developer chamber for collecting excess toner particles from said developer chamber, screen means separating said toner supply means from an upper portion of said developer chamber, screen means separating a lower portion of said developer chamber from said toner collection chamber, each said screen means being flexible and having openings of such a size to allow toner particles to pass therethrough, electrical field means for applying an electrical field on the developer to remove excess toner particles from the developer material into said toner collection chamber, and conveyor means for conveying excess toner particles in said toner collection chamber back to said toner supply means.