US4537495A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multispeed development system
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1983-07-01
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Granted: 1985-08-27
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Expires: 2003-07-01
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus in which a developer roller transports developer material into contact with a photoconductive surface having either a continuous tone or a half-tone latent image recorded thereon. The speed of the developer roller is controlled so that it rotates at a higher speed when developing the continuous tone latent image than when developing the half-tone latent image. In this way, development is optimized for the continuous tone and half-tone latent images so as to produce high quality copies.
Inventors
- 👤 John J. Kopko
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:44
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0806
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
An apparatus which develops continuous tone and half-tone latent images recorded on a flexible belt, including: means, positioned closely adjacent to the flexible belt defining a development zone therebetween, for transporting developer material into contact with the flexible belt in the development zone so as to develop the latent image recorded thereon; means for maintaining the flexible belt at a preselected tension of sufficient magnitude so that the developer material being transported into contact therewith deflects the flexible belt about said transporting means to form a wrapped development zone; and means for controlling the speed of said transporting means so that said transporting means moves at a higher speed when developing continuous tone latent images than when developing half-tone latent images.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
121 words
An apparatus which develops continuous tone and half-tone latent images recorded on a flexible belt, including: means, positioned closely adjacent to the flexible belt defining a development zone therebetween, for transporting developer material into contact with the flexible belt in the development zone so as to develop the latent image recorded thereon; means for maintaining the flexible belt at a preselected tension of sufficient magnitude so that the developer material being transported into contact therewith deflects the flexible belt about said transporting means to form a wrapped development zone; and means for controlling the speed of said transporting means so that said transporting means moves at a higher speed when developing continuous tone latent images than when developing half-tone latent images.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, further including means for attracting the developer material to said transporting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said transporting means includes a tubular member journaled for rotary movement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said controlling means includes a variable speed drive motor coupled to said tubular member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said controlling means includes means for regulating the speed of said drive motor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, further including means for electrically biasing said tubular member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
132 words
An electrophotographic printing machine of the type having continuous tone and half-tone electrostatic latent images recorded on a flexible photoconductive belt, wherein the improvement includes: means, positioned closely adjacent to the photoconductive belt defining a development zone therebetween, for transporting developer material into contact with the photoconductive belt in the development zone so as to develop the latent image recorded thereon; means for maintaining the flexible photoconductive belt at a preselected tension of sufficient magnitude so that the developer material being transported into contact therewith deflects the flexible photoconductive belt about said transporting means to form a wrapped development zone; and means for controlling the speed of said transporting means so that said transporting means moves at a higher speed when developing continuous tone latent images than when developing half-tone latent images.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
132 words
An electrophotographic printing machine of the type having continuous tone and half-tone electrostatic latent images recorded on a flexible photoconductive belt, wherein the improvement includes: means, positioned closely adjacent to the photoconductive belt defining a development zone therebetween, for transporting developer material into contact with the photoconductive belt in the development zone so as to develop the latent image recorded thereon; means for maintaining the flexible photoconductive belt at a preselected tension of sufficient magnitude so that the developer material being transported into contact therewith deflects the flexible photoconductive belt about said transporting means to form a wrapped development zone; and means for controlling the speed of said transporting means so that said transporting means moves at a higher speed when developing continuous tone latent images than when developing half-tone latent images.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A printing machine according to claim 7, further including means for attracting the developer material to said transporting means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A printing machine according to claim 8, wherein said transporting means includes a tubular member journaled for rotary movement.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A printing machine according to claim 9, wherein said controlling means includes a variable speed drive motor coupled to said tubular member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A printing machine according to claim 10, wherein said controlling means includes means for regulating the speed of said drive motor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A printing machine according to claim 11, further including means for electrically biasing said tubular member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-08-26 | 1989-02-25 | 1989-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-26 | 1993-02-25 | 1993-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-26 | 1997-02-25 | 1997-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |