Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
208 words
Apparatus for depositing electrostatically and magnetically responsive particulate matter comprising: a. A conductive surface bearing a latent electrostatic image; b. Storage means for storing electrostatically and magnetically responsive particulate matter; c. Channeling means that is disposed adjacent to said conductive surface and that is capable of channeling a quantity of said particulate matter from said storage means to said conductive surface; and, d. Magnetic field producing means disposed adjacent to said conductive surface that is capable of producing a distorted and asymmetrical magnetic field having a region of concentrated magnetic flux permeating said conductive surface, and a region of dilute magnetic flux that is inclined and adjacent to said conductive surface; said distorted and asymmetrical field being oriented with respect to said conductive surface and said channeling means so that said quantity of said particulate matter is caused to move from said storage means through said channeling means by gravitational and magnetic forces of said region of dilute magnetic flux and caused to be moved from said channeling means to said conductive surface by magnetic forces of said region of concentrated magnetic flux, and further caused to be deposited on said conductive surface by the electrostatic forces thereon overcoming the said magnetic forces of said concentrated magnetic flux.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
208 words
Apparatus for depositing electrostatically and magnetically responsive particulate matter comprising: a. A conductive surface bearing a latent electrostatic image; b. Storage means for storing electrostatically and magnetically responsive particulate matter; c. Channeling means that is disposed adjacent to said conductive surface and that is capable of channeling a quantity of said particulate matter from said storage means to said conductive surface; and, d. Magnetic field producing means disposed adjacent to said conductive surface that is capable of producing a distorted and asymmetrical magnetic field having a region of concentrated magnetic flux permeating said conductive surface, and a region of dilute magnetic flux that is inclined and adjacent to said conductive surface; said distorted and asymmetrical field being oriented with respect to said conductive surface and said channeling means so that said quantity of said particulate matter is caused to move from said storage means through said channeling means by gravitational and magnetic forces of said region of dilute magnetic flux and caused to be moved from said channeling means to said conductive surface by magnetic forces of said region of concentrated magnetic flux, and further caused to be deposited on said conductive surface by the electrostatic forces thereon overcoming the said magnetic forces of said concentrated magnetic flux.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including an electric field producing means disposed adjacent to said magnetic field producing means and said surface that is capable or producing an electric field at said region of concentrated magnetic flux.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said region of concentrated magnetic flux is generally perpendicular to said surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said magnetic field producing means is a permanent magnet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said magnetic field producing means is an electromagnet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
74 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said magnetic field producing means comprises an elongate permanent magnet having an arcuate face, a first planar face extending from one end of said arcuate face to provide a point, and a second planar face extending from the other end of said arcuate face to said first planar face thereby providing a quarter spherical cross-sectional configuration; said magnet being oriented so that said point faces said conductive surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electric field producing means comprises a first conductive strip adjacent to and on one side of said conductive surface and a second conductive strip on the other side of said conductive surface; one of said strips being connected to a source of electrical potential and the other strip being connected to a ground or electrical potential whereby a potential exists between said strips when a biasing voltage is applied to one or both strips.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said storage means comprises a hopper.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said channelling means comprises a trough; said trough being generally inclined to said conductive surface at an angle and being connected to said hopper and having two opposite converging walls that start from said hopper and converge to a slit and terminate at said region of concentrated magnetic flux adjacent to said conductive surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the converging walls of said trough is inclined with respect to said conductive surface at an angle not les than 26°.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including the means to move said conductive surface through said region of concentrated magnetic flux.