Device for removing the developer mix from a developing station

Claim 1

In a developer station having a housing divided into a principal chamber, containing a supply of particle developer mix, at least one rotatable developer drum for conducting developer mix into contact with a charge image carrier surface, and a first rotary screw conveying means for moving developer mix passed into said principal chamber into engagement with said at least one developer drum, and a mixing chamber, containing a second rotary screw conveying means for transporting developer mix therealong to a discharge end passage leading from said mixing chamber to said principal chamber, apparatus for removing developer mix from said station comprising: a drain opening formed in the floor of said housing adjacent said discharge end passage, a discharge passage means communicating with said drain opening controllable to block or unblock flow therethrough, and a transfer means comprising a plate member pivotably mounted in said housing adjacent said principal chamber movable between a first upraised position allowing developer mix to spill off said developer drum directly back into said principal chamber and a second lowered position for passing developer mix spilled off said developer drum directly into said mixing chamber for transport by said second screw conveying means to said drain opening, said plate member having a lead edge for facing said developer drum, but which is spaced from the circumference of said developer drum in said second lowered position of said plate member, whereby said discharge passage means is unblocked and said developer drum and second screw conveying means are rotated to remove developer mix from said station.