US4582415A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for detecting the reasonable condition of developer in a copying machine
Assignee: Kyocera Mita Industrial Co Ltd
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Filing: 1984-04-23
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Granted: 1986-04-15
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Expires: 2004-04-23
Abstract
Abstract The gap between a magnetic sensor and a fitting member supporting the magnetic sensor and the surface of the magnetic sensor are coated with thin nonmagnetic coating materials having small surface friction to prevent the developer from being introduced into the gap and adhered therein. Smooth flow of the developer is maintained, and the stable and accurate detection of the condition or ratio of the developer is ensured.
Inventors
- 👤 Keiichiro Hyodo
- 👤 Hiroshi Ishida
- 👤 Jun Ueda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 18:02
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0822; G03G15/0848; G03G15/0849; G03G15/0853
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
In a developing apparatus for developing an image in a copying machine, said developing apparatus being of the type including a housing containing developer, magnetic brush forming means for forming a magnetic brush of developer for developing an image, and stirring means for supplying developer along a path to said brush forming means, the improvement of means for accurately and reliably detecting a change in a magnetic characteristic of said developer supplied along said path to said brush forming means, said detecting means comprising: a magnetic sensor embedded in a fitting member, with a gap therebetween, and supported thereby at a position along said path, such that a surface of said magnetic sensor is directed toward said developer as said developer flows past said surface toward said brush forming means; and means for preventing said developer from entering said gap, accumulating therein and interfacing with the smooth flow of said developer past said surface, said preventing means comprising a thin coating of a nonmagnetic material covering said gap and said surface, said material having a low surface friction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
In a developing apparatus for developing an image in a copying machine, said developing apparatus being of the type including a housing containing developer, magnetic brush forming means for forming a magnetic brush of developer for developing an image, and stirring means for supplying developer along a path to said brush forming means, the improvement of means for accurately and reliably detecting a change in a magnetic characteristic of said developer supplied along said path to said brush forming means, said detecting means comprising: a magnetic sensor embedded in a fitting member, with a gap therebetween, and supported thereby at a position along said path, such that a surface of said magnetic sensor is directed toward said developer as said developer flows past said surface toward said brush forming means; and means for preventing said developer from entering said gap, accumulating therein and interfacing with the smooth flow of said developer past said surface, said preventing means comprising a thin coating of a nonmagnetic material covering said gap and said surface, said material having a low surface friction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The improvement claimed in claim 1, wherein said developer is of the two component type including magnetic carrier particles and toner particles, and said magnetic sensor comprises means for detecting the toner concentration of said developer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The improvement claimed in claim 2, further comprising means for supplying additional toner to said housing, said toner supplying means being operable by said magnetic sensor upon detection thereby that the toner concentration of said developer flowing thereby is below a predetermined value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improvement claimed in claim 1, wherein said developer is of the one component type.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improvement claimed in claim 1, wherein said thin coating comprises a resin coating.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement claimed in claim 1, wherein said thin coating comprises a thin plate of a metal such as aluminum, tin, copper or stainless steel.
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) | 1989-04-14 | 1989-10-14 | 1990-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-14 | 1993-10-14 | 1994-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-14 | 1997-10-14 | 1998-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |