US4097139A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reproducing machine having interchangeable developer housings
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1976-09-30
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Granted: 1978-06-27
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Expires: 1996-09-30
Abstract
Abstract A reproducing machine in which a member has successive latent images recorded thereon. The reproducing machine includes a pair of developer units. One developer unit is located in the operative position in the reproducing machine with the other unit being remote therefrom. Each developer unit contains different colored particles. Color changes are achieved by interchanging developer units to develop one latent image with particles of one color and the other latent image with particles of the other color.
Inventors
- 👤 Oscar G. Hauser
- 👤 Thomas Meagher
- 👤 Frederick R. Ruckdeschel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 05:12
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/01; G03G15/0105; G03G15/0126; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0896
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A reproducing machine, including: a member arranged to have successive latent images recorded thereon, first means for developing at least one of the latent images recorded on said member with particles of a first color; second means for developing the other latent images recorded on said member with particles of a second color; first means for moving said first developing means from an operative position in communication with the latent images to an inoperative position external to the reproducing machine; and second means for moving said second developing means from the inoperative position external to the reproducing machine to the operative position in communication with the latent images after said first moving means moves said first developing means to the inoperative position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A reproducing machine, including: a member arranged to have successive latent images recorded thereon, first means for developing at least one of the latent images recorded on said member with particles of a first color; second means for developing the other latent images recorded on said member with particles of a second color; first means for moving said first developing means from an operative position in communication with the latent images to an inoperative position external to the reproducing machine; and second means for moving said second developing means from the inoperative position external to the reproducing machine to the operative position in communication with the latent images after said first moving means moves said first developing means to the inoperative position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
130 words
A reproducing machine, including: a member arranged to have successive latent images recorded thereon, first means for developing at least one of the latent images recorded on said member with particles of a first color; second means for developing the other latent images recorded on said member with particles of a second color; means for supporting removably said first developing means in an operative position in the reproducing machine; means for receiving said first developing means from said supporting means and moving said first developing means to a position remote from the reproducing machine; and means for holding removably said second developing means and locating said second developing means in the operative position in the reproducing machine after said receiving means moves said first developing means to the remote position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
130 words
A reproducing machine, including: a member arranged to have successive latent images recorded thereon, first means for developing at least one of the latent images recorded on said member with particles of a first color; second means for developing the other latent images recorded on said member with particles of a second color; means for supporting removably said first developing means in an operative position in the reproducing machine; means for receiving said first developing means from said supporting means and moving said first developing means to a position remote from the reproducing machine; and means for holding removably said second developing means and locating said second developing means in the operative position in the reproducing machine after said receiving means moves said first developing means to the remote position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A reproducing machine as recited in claim 2, wherein: said receiving means includes a movable first cart arranged to have said first developing means disposed removably thereon; and said holding means includes a movable second cart arranged to have said second developing means disposed removably thereon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A reproducing machine as recited in claim 3, wherein said supporting means includes a first pair of opposed, spaced, substantially parallel bars mounted fixedly in the reproducing machine with one of said developing means being mounted slideably thereon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
89 words
A reproducing machine as recited in claim 4, wherein said first cart and said second cart are substantially identical to one another and each includes: a movable generally planar member; and a second pair of opposed, spaced, substantially parallel bars mounted fixedly on said planar member with one of said developing means being arranged to be mounted slideably thereon, said second pair of bars mating with said first pair of bars when said planar member positions said second pair of bars in engagement with said first pair of bars.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
129 words
An electrophotographic printing machine, including: a photoconductive member; means for recording successive latent images on said photoconductive member; first means for developing at least one of the latent images recorded on said photoconductive member with particles of a first color; second means for developing one of the latent images recorded on said photoconductive member with particles of a second color; first means for moving said first developing means from an operative position in communication with the latent images to an inoperative position external to the printing machine; and second means for moving said second developing means from the inoperative position external to the printing machine to the operative position in communication with the latent images after said first moving means moves said first developing means to the inoperative position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
129 words
An electrophotographic printing machine, including: a photoconductive member; means for recording successive latent images on said photoconductive member; first means for developing at least one of the latent images recorded on said photoconductive member with particles of a first color; second means for developing one of the latent images recorded on said photoconductive member with particles of a second color; first means for moving said first developing means from an operative position in communication with the latent images to an inoperative position external to the printing machine; and second means for moving said second developing means from the inoperative position external to the printing machine to the operative position in communication with the latent images after said first moving means moves said first developing means to the inoperative position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
136 words
An electrophotographic printing machine, including; a photoconductive member; means for recording successive latent images on said photoconductive member; first means for developing at least one of the latent images recorded on said photoconductive member with particles of a first color; second means for developing one of the latent images recorded on said photoconductive member with particles of a second color; means for supporting removably said first developing means in an operative position in the printing machine; means for receiving said first developing means from said supporting means and moving said developing means to a position remote from the printing machine; and means for holding removably said second developing means and locating said second developing means in the operative position in the printing machine after said receiving means moves said first developing means to the remote position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
136 words
An electrophotographic printing machine, including; a photoconductive member; means for recording successive latent images on said photoconductive member; first means for developing at least one of the latent images recorded on said photoconductive member with particles of a first color; second means for developing one of the latent images recorded on said photoconductive member with particles of a second color; means for supporting removably said first developing means in an operative position in the printing machine; means for receiving said first developing means from said supporting means and moving said developing means to a position remote from the printing machine; and means for holding removably said second developing means and locating said second developing means in the operative position in the printing machine after said receiving means moves said first developing means to the remote position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 7, wherein: said receiving means includes a movable first cart arranged to have said first developing means disposed removably thereon; and said holding means includes a movable second cart arranged to have said second developing means disposed removably thereon.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 8, wherein said supporting means includes a first pair of opposed, spaced substantially parallel bars mounted fixedly in the printing machine.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
89 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 9, wherein said first cart and said second cart are substantially identical to one another and each includes: a movable, generally planar member; and a second pair of opposed, spaced, substantially parallel bars mounted fixedly on said planar member with one of said developing means being arranged to be mounted slideably thereon, said second pair of bars mating with said first pair of bars when said planar member positions said second pair of bars in engagement with said first pair of bars.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 7, further including means for transferring the particles to a copy sheet.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 11, further including means for permanently affixing the particles to the copy sheet.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
60 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 12, wherein said recording means includes: means for charging at least a portion of said photoconductive member to a substantially uniform level; and means for exposing the charged portion of said photoconductive member to a light image of one of the original documents to record a latent image thereof on said photoconductive member.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
168 words
An apparatus for applying particles of a first color and particles of a second color to electrostatic latent images recorded on a photoconductive member, including: a housing defining a chamber in communication with the photoconductive member; a first magnetic brush unit arranged to be disposed in the chamber of said housing to develop the latent images recorded on the photoconductive member with particles of a first color; a second magnetic brush unit arranged to be disposed in the chamber of said housing to develop the latent image recorded on the photoconductive member with particles of a second color; first means for moving said first magnetic brush unit from an operative position in communication with the latent images to an inoperative position external to the apparatus; and second means for moving said second magnetic brush unit from the inoperative position external to the apparatus to the operative position in communication with the latent images after said first moving means moves said first magnetic brush unit to the inoperative position.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
168 words
An apparatus for applying particles of a first color and particles of a second color to electrostatic latent images recorded on a photoconductive member, including: a housing defining a chamber in communication with the photoconductive member; a first magnetic brush unit arranged to be disposed in the chamber of said housing to develop the latent images recorded on the photoconductive member with particles of a first color; a second magnetic brush unit arranged to be disposed in the chamber of said housing to develop the latent image recorded on the photoconductive member with particles of a second color; first means for moving said first magnetic brush unit from an operative position in communication with the latent images to an inoperative position external to the apparatus; and second means for moving said second magnetic brush unit from the inoperative position external to the apparatus to the operative position in communication with the latent images after said first moving means moves said first magnetic brush unit to the inoperative position.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
185 words
An apparatus for applying particles of a first color and particles of a second color to electrostatic latent images recorded on a photoconductive member, including; a housing defining a chamber in communication with the photoconductive member; a first magnetic brush unit arranged to be disposed in the chamber of said housing to develop the latent images recorded on the photoconductive member with particles of a first color; a second magnetic brush unit arranged to be disposed in the chamber of said housing to develop the latent image recorded on the photoconductive member with particles of a second color; means for supporting movably said first magnetic brush unit in an operative position in the reproducing machine; means for receiving said first magnetic brush unit from said supporting means and moving said first magnetic brush unit to a position remote from the chamber in said housing; and means for holding removably said second magnetic brush unit and locating said second magnetic brush unit in the operative position in the chamber of said housing after said receiving means moves said first magnetic brush unit to the remote position.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
185 words
An apparatus for applying particles of a first color and particles of a second color to electrostatic latent images recorded on a photoconductive member, including; a housing defining a chamber in communication with the photoconductive member; a first magnetic brush unit arranged to be disposed in the chamber of said housing to develop the latent images recorded on the photoconductive member with particles of a first color; a second magnetic brush unit arranged to be disposed in the chamber of said housing to develop the latent image recorded on the photoconductive member with particles of a second color; means for supporting movably said first magnetic brush unit in an operative position in the reproducing machine; means for receiving said first magnetic brush unit from said supporting means and moving said first magnetic brush unit to a position remote from the chamber in said housing; and means for holding removably said second magnetic brush unit and locating said second magnetic brush unit in the operative position in the chamber of said housing after said receiving means moves said first magnetic brush unit to the remote position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein: said receiving means includes a movable first cart arranged to have said first magnetic brush unit disposed removably therein; and said holding means includes a movable second cart arranged to have said second magnetic brush unit disposed removably thereon.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein said supporting means includes a first pair of opposed, spaced, substantially parallel bars mounted fixedly in the chamber of said housing with one of said magnetic brush units being mounted slideably thereon.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
89 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said first cart and said second cart are substantially, identical to one another and each includes: a movable, generally planar member; and a second pair of opposed, spaced, substantially parallel bars mounted fixedly on said planar member with one of said magnetic brush units being arranged to be mounted slideably thereon, said second pair of bars mating with said first pair of bars when said planar member positions said second pair of bars in engagement with said first pair of bars.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of reproducing a copy in at least two colors from at least two original documents, including the steps of: recording a plurality of latent images on a member, each latent image corresponding to one of the original documents; activating a first unit to develop the latent images corresponding to one of the original documents with particles of a first color; moving the first unit from an operative position in communication with the latent images, to an inoperative position external to the copying machine; moving a second unit from the inoperative position external to the copying machine to the operative position in communication with the latent images after the first unit moves to the inoperative position; and activating the second unit to develop the latent images corresponding to the other original document with particles of a second color.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of reproducing a copy in at least two colors from at least two original documents, including the steps of: recording a plurality of latent images on a member, each latent image corresponding to one of the original documents; activating a first unit to develop the latent images corresponding to one of the original documents with particles of a first color; moving the first unit from an operative position in communication with the latent images, to an inoperative position external to the copying machine; moving a second unit from the inoperative position external to the copying machine to the operative position in communication with the latent images after the first unit moves to the inoperative position; and activating the second unit to develop the latent images corresponding to the other original document with particles of a second color.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of reproducing a copy in at least two colors from at least two original documents, including the steps of; recording a plurality of latent images on a member, each latent image corresponding to one of the original documents; activating a first unit to develop the latent images corresponding to one of the original documents with particles of a first color; moving a first cart into operative communication with the first unit disposed in the operative location; sliding a first unit from the operative location onto the first cart; removing the first cart with the first unit disposed thereon from the operative location to a position remote therefrom; advancing a second cart with the second unit mounted thereon into the operative location from a position remote therefrom after said step of removing; sliding the second unit from the second cart into the operative location; and activating the second unit to develop the latent images corresponding to the other original document with particles of a second color.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of reproducing a copy in at least two colors from at least two original documents, including the steps of; recording a plurality of latent images on a member, each latent image corresponding to one of the original documents; activating a first unit to develop the latent images corresponding to one of the original documents with particles of a first color; moving a first cart into operative communication with the first unit disposed in the operative location; sliding a first unit from the operative location onto the first cart; removing the first cart with the first unit disposed thereon from the operative location to a position remote therefrom; advancing a second cart with the second unit mounted thereon into the operative location from a position remote therefrom after said step of removing; sliding the second unit from the second cart into the operative location; and activating the second unit to develop the latent images corresponding to the other original document with particles of a second color.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as recited in claim 20, further including the step of transferring the particles of the first color and the particles of the second color to a copy sheet.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as recited in claim 20, further including the step of affixing substantially permanently the particles to the copy sheet forming a color copy.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said step of recording includes the steps of: charging at least a portion of a photoconductive member to a substantially uniform level; and exposing the charged portion of the photoconductive member to a light image of one of the original documents to record a latent image thereof on the photoconductive member.
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) | 1981-06-26 | 1981-12-26 | 1982-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-26 | 1985-12-26 | 1986-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-26 | 1989-12-26 | 1990-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |