US3778146A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminating apparatus
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1972-10-02
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Granted: 1973-12-11
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Expires: 1992-10-02
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus in which light rays are generated for illuminating a transparent electrode adapted to electrostatically attract toner particles thereto. The intensity of light rays passing through the electrode indicates the density of toner particles adhering thereon. In this manner, the concentration of toner particles within a development system of an electrophotographic printing machine is determined.
Inventors
- 👤 L Knapp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:34
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0822; G03G15/0848; G03G15/0849; G03G15/0855; G03G15/50; G03G15/5033; G03G15/5041
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A development regulating apparatus for an electrophotographic printing machine of the type having a photoconductivE member and a development system depositing toner particles on the photoconductive member in image configuration, including: transparent electrode means mounted on the exterior surface of the photoconductive member spaced from the image region thereon, said electrode means being biased electrically to attract thereto toner particles being deposited thereon by the development system; means for illuminating said electrode means substantially continuously, said illuminating means being mounted on the photoconductive member such that the light rays therefrom pass through said electrode means; and means for sensing the intensity of the light rays passing through said electrode means to produce an electrical output signal indicative of the density of toner particles deposited thereon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A development regulating apparatus for an electrophotographic printing machine of the type having a photoconductivE member and a development system depositing toner particles on the photoconductive member in image configuration, including: transparent electrode means mounted on the exterior surface of the photoconductive member spaced from the image region thereon, said electrode means being biased electrically to attract thereto toner particles being deposited thereon by the development system; means for illuminating said electrode means substantially continuously, said illuminating means being mounted on the photoconductive member such that the light rays therefrom pass through said electrode means; and means for sensing the intensity of the light rays passing through said electrode means to produce an electrical output signal indicative of the density of toner particles deposited thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said illuminating means includes: a generally tubular support member having one end portion thereof secured to the photoconductive member; and a light source mounted in the bore of said support member, said support member being located on the photoconductive member such that the light rays from said light source pass through said electrode means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, for an electrophotographic printing machine having a moving photo-conductive member, wherein said illuminating means further includes: a voltage source mounted substantially fixedly exterior to the moving photoconductive member; and means for applying electrical current being generated by said voltage source to said light source mounted on the moving photoconductive member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said sensing means includes: means for directing light rays passing through said electrode means; and a photocell positioned in light receiving relation with said directing means to receive the light rays passing through said electrode means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
96 words
An illuminating apparatus for a development regulating mechanism having an electrically biased transparent electrode mounted on a photoconductive drum used in an electrophotographic printing machine, and a sensing member to detect the intensity of light rays passing through the transparent electrode, including: a generally tubular support member mounted on the interior circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum extending radially inwardly therefrom; and a light source mounted in the bore of said support member, said support member being located on the photoconductive drum such that the light rays from said light source pass through the transparent electrode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
96 words
An illuminating apparatus for a development regulating mechanism having an electrically biased transparent electrode mounted on a photoconductive drum used in an electrophotographic printing machine, and a sensing member to detect the intensity of light rays passing through the transparent electrode, including: a generally tubular support member mounted on the interior circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum extending radially inwardly therefrom; and a light source mounted in the bore of said support member, said support member being located on the photoconductive drum such that the light rays from said light source pass through the transparent electrode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 5, for a rotatable photoconductive drum further including: a voltage source mounted substantially fixedly exterior to the rotatable photoconductive drum; and means for applying the electrical current being generated by said voltage source to said light source mounted on the rotatable photoconductive drum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 5, further including means for directing light rays passing through the transparent electrode to the sensing member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said directing means includes a fiber optic light pipe having one end portion thereof mounted exterior to the photoconductive drum and closely spaced to the transparent electrode secured thereto, said fiber optic light pipe having the other end portion thereof positioned such that the sensing member is in a light receiving relation therewith for guiding light rays passing through the transparent electrode to the sensing member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3348522A
Cited
GB1223741A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-10 | 1977-06-11 | 1977-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-10 | 1981-06-11 | 1981-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-10 | 1985-06-11 | 1985-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |