Method for removing a developer mix from a developing station

Claim 1

In a non-mechanical printer or copier device having a developing station containing a developer mix including magnetic components, the improvement which comprises: means at the base of said device defining a channel-like discharge opening extending over the width of said developing station, a magnetic closing device in close proximity to said discharge opening, said magnetic closing device comprising a magnetic strip extending the full width of said discharge opening and being positioned to form a plug of developer mix in said discharge opening when said magnetic closing device is activated, and permitting discharge of said developer mix through said discharge opening when deactivated, means pivotally moving said magnetic strip toward and away from said discharge opening, a suction device downstream of said discharge opening for drawing the entire developer mix in said developing station through said discharge opening, means including said magnetic closing device for periodically withdrawing small quantities of developer mix at regular time intervals from said developing station, and means including a reservoir and a second magnetic closing device for introducing small quantities of fresh developer into said developing station at predetermined regular intervals, whereby the developer mix achieves a constant means age condition.