US3941470A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Toner particle dispenser
Assignee: Xerox Corp
•
Filing: 1974-06-17
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Granted: 1976-03-02
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Expires: 1994-06-17
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus in which a quantity of particles is stored and gradually dispensed to a mix thereof. Bridging and caking of the particles is prevented by forming grooves and inducing vibrations in the developer mix at predetermined intervals of time.
Inventors
- 👤 Naginchand A. Shah
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:43
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0822; G03G15/0887; G03G15/0891; G03G15/0877; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S222/00; Y10S222/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
199 words
An electrostatographic printing machine of the type having an electrostatic latent image of an original document being reproduced recorded on an insulating medium, wherein the improvement includes: a housing member defining a chamber for storing a developer mix comprising carrier granules and toner particles; means for vibrating said housing member at predetermined intervals of time; a dispensing member mounted on said housing member and having a plurality of apertures therein arranged to permit toner particles to pass therethrough; at least one blade member operatively associated with said dispensing member, said blade member having a generally planar surface extending into the supply of toner particles in said housing member; means for reciprocating said blade member in a direction transverse to the planar surface thereof so that said blade member forms a groove in the particles preventing the bridging and caking thereof; and at least one stop member operatively associated with said dispensing member and having a generally planar surface extending into the supply of toner particles in a direction substantially normal to the direction of reciprocation of said blade member, said stop member remaining substantially stationary as said blade member reciprocates to prevent the movement of the toner particles therewith.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
199 words
An electrostatographic printing machine of the type having an electrostatic latent image of an original document being reproduced recorded on an insulating medium, wherein the improvement includes: a housing member defining a chamber for storing a developer mix comprising carrier granules and toner particles; means for vibrating said housing member at predetermined intervals of time; a dispensing member mounted on said housing member and having a plurality of apertures therein arranged to permit toner particles to pass therethrough; at least one blade member operatively associated with said dispensing member, said blade member having a generally planar surface extending into the supply of toner particles in said housing member; means for reciprocating said blade member in a direction transverse to the planar surface thereof so that said blade member forms a groove in the particles preventing the bridging and caking thereof; and at least one stop member operatively associated with said dispensing member and having a generally planar surface extending into the supply of toner particles in a direction substantially normal to the direction of reciprocation of said blade member, said stop member remaining substantially stationary as said blade member reciprocates to prevent the movement of the toner particles therewith.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 1, further including means for depositing toner particles onto the electrostatic latent image forming a powder image corresponding to the original document being reproduced.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 2, wherein said dispensing member is mounted slidably on said housing member for reciprocating movement and further includes means for reciprocating said dispensing member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 3, wherein said housing member includes a hopper having end walls and side walls for retaining toner particles, said hopper having an open bottom with said dispensing member positioned thereat.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 3, wherein said reciprocating means includes: drive means; a plunger rod mounted movably in said storing means and connected to said dispensing member; and means for connecting said drive means with said plunger rod so that drive means moves said plunger rod imparting reciprocating movement to said dispensing member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
75 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 5, wherein said dispensing member includes: support means secured to opposite walls of said hopper; a plurality of rod members connected in spaced parallel relation to each other on said support means; a dispensing platform secured to said support means in spaced parallel relation to said hopper; and a substantially rigid dispensing grid mounted slidably on said rod members for reciprocating movement between opposed walls of said hopper.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2910964A
Cited
US3692403A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-02 | 1979-09-01 | 1980-03-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-02 | 1983-09-01 | 1984-03-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-02 | 1987-09-01 | 1988-03-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |