US3873197A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for regulating the toner concentration in a electrophotographic device
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1973-11-15
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Granted: 1975-03-25
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Expires: 1993-11-15
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus in which the concentration of particles in a mix is controlled. The apparatus includes an electrode contacting the mix and electrically biased to attract particles thereto. After the particles are deposited on the electrode, it is illuminated with light rays. The intensity of the light rays transmitted from the electrode with the particles adhering thereto is indicative of the concentration of particles in the mix. This light ray intensity is detected. Thereafter, the electrode is discharged. A display shows when the electrical charge remaining thereon reached a preselected level.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles A Whited
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 04:12
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
121 words
An apparatus for controlling the concentration of particles in a mix thereof, including: electrode means; means for periodically electrically biasing said electrode means to a first preselected level as said electrode means contacts the mix to attract particles thereto; means for illuminating said electrode means having the particles adhering thereto with light rays; means for sensing the intensity of light rays transmitted from said electrode means to produce an electrical output signal corresponding to the density of particles deposited thereon; means for discharging said electrode means to a second preselected level after said sensing means detects the light rays transmitted therefrom; and means, associated with said discharging means, for indicating that said electrode means is discharged to the second preselected level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
121 words
An apparatus for controlling the concentration of particles in a mix thereof, including: electrode means; means for periodically electrically biasing said electrode means to a first preselected level as said electrode means contacts the mix to attract particles thereto; means for illuminating said electrode means having the particles adhering thereto with light rays; means for sensing the intensity of light rays transmitted from said electrode means to produce an electrical output signal corresponding to the density of particles deposited thereon; means for discharging said electrode means to a second preselected level after said sensing means detects the light rays transmitted therefrom; and means, associated with said discharging means, for indicating that said electrode means is discharged to the second preselected level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said discharging means includes a resistor electrically connecting said electrode means to ground.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said indicating means includes a lamp electrically connected in series with said resistor, said lamp being energized when said electrode means is electrically biased.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein: said illuminating means includes a light source; and said sensing means includes a photosensor positioned in a light receiving relationship with the light rays transmitted from said electrode means having the particles deposited thereon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
158 words
An electrostatographic printing machine of the type having a latent image recorded on an image bearing member and a development system employing a developer mix of carrier granules and toner particles to develop the latent image, wherein the improvement includes: electrode means mounted on the image bearing member; means for periodically electrically biasing said electrode means to a first preselected level as said electrode means contacts the developer mix to attract toner particles thereto; means for illuminating said electrode means having the toner particles adhering thereto with light rays; means for sensing the intensity of light rays transmitted from said electrode means to produce an electrical output signal corresponding to the density of toner particles deposited thereon; means for discharging said electrode means to a second preselected level after said sensing means detects the light rays transmitted therefrom; and means, associated with said discharge means, for indicating that said electrode means is discharged to the second preselected level.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
158 words
An electrostatographic printing machine of the type having a latent image recorded on an image bearing member and a development system employing a developer mix of carrier granules and toner particles to develop the latent image, wherein the improvement includes: electrode means mounted on the image bearing member; means for periodically electrically biasing said electrode means to a first preselected level as said electrode means contacts the developer mix to attract toner particles thereto; means for illuminating said electrode means having the toner particles adhering thereto with light rays; means for sensing the intensity of light rays transmitted from said electrode means to produce an electrical output signal corresponding to the density of toner particles deposited thereon; means for discharging said electrode means to a second preselected level after said sensing means detects the light rays transmitted therefrom; and means, associated with said discharge means, for indicating that said electrode means is discharged to the second preselected level.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 5, wherein said discharging means includes a resistor electrically connecting said electrode means to ground.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 6, wherein said indicating means includes a lamp electrically connected in series with said resistor, said lamp being energized when said electrOde means is electrically biased.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 7, wherein: said illuminating means includes a light source; and said sensing means includes a photosensor positioned in a light receiving relationship with the light rays transmitted from said electrode means having the toner particles deposited thereon.
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) | 1978-03-24 | 1978-09-23 | 1979-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-24 | 1982-09-23 | 1983-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-24 | 1986-09-23 | 1987-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |