US3838472A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Toner cleaning apparatus
Assignee: Xerox Corp
•
Filing: 1973-05-23
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Granted: 1974-10-01
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Expires: 1993-05-23
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for separating residual toner particles from a moving photoconductive surface and for automatically storing the separated particles within a storage area. A blade element is arranged to move between the photoconductive surface and the residual toner material to separate the toner from the surface and direct the toner into contact with a transport roll. The transport roll moves the toner away from the cleaning zone and into a collecting zone. A paddle is rotatably supported to pump the toner into a substantially horizontally aligned storage area. Further means are provided to clean the paddle as it passes through the storage area and to seal the storage area to prevent the separated residual toner from migrating back into the cleaning zone.
Inventors
- 👤 G Oriel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:47
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G21/00; G03G21/10; G03G21/0005; G03G21/0011; G03G21/0029
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
An apparatus for separating residual toner material from the surface of a reusable image retaining member preparatory to recycling said member, comprising: a cleaning element arranged to operatively communicate with said immage retaining member to separate residual toner images from the surface thereof; and sealing means positioned below said cleaning element for intercepting the falling toner particles and transporting said particles away from said reusable image retaining member, said sealing means including a moving surface which is arranged to ride in contact with said reusable image retaining member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
88 words
An apparatus for separating residual toner material from the surface of a reusable image retaining member preparatory to recycling said member, comprising: a cleaning element arranged to operatively communicate with said immage retaining member to separate residual toner images from the surface thereof; and sealing means positioned below said cleaning element for intercepting the falling toner particles and transporting said particles away from said reusable image retaining member, said sealing means including a moving surface which is arranged to ride in contact with said reusable image retaining member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises a roll mounted for rotation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as in claim 2 wherein, said roll has an outer blanket thereon constructed of a resilient material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein, said resilient material comprises neoprene.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein, said resilient material has a hardness of between about 50 and 60 durometers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 further including a scraper bar adapted to ride in contact with the outer surface of said sealing roll and arranged to separate said toner particles from said surface of said roll.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein, said reusable image retaining member comprises a xerographic drum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein, the contacting surface of said drum and said roll move at the same relative speeds.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
An apparatus as in claim 8 further including a cleaning housing having a cleaning region therein and containing an opening therein through which the surface of said drum is capable of being passed, said cleaning housing having sidewalls which rotatably supporT said roll and a storage region remote from said cleaning region.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said cleaning element comprises an elastomeric blade biased into pressure contact with the surface of said drum.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as in claim 10 wherein, said blade element has a cutting edge thereon whereby the cutting edge of the blade moves between the residual toner material and the drum surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus as in claim 11 wherein, the length of said roll is at least equal to that of said drum whereby the roll serves to seal a portion of the cleaning region so as to prevent the separated toner particles from escaping from the cleaning housing.
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) | 1977-09-30 | 1978-04-01 | 1978-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-30 | 1982-04-01 | 1982-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-30 | 1986-04-01 | 1986-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |