Patent US5005050A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5005050A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Control of toner particle charge
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1989-06-15
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Granted: 1991-04-02
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Expires: 2009-06-15
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the charge-to-mass ratio of developed electrostatic images. An electrostatographic reproduction machine for developing an electrostatic latent image with charge toner particles produces a control signal characteristic of the ratio of toner partical electrostatic charge to the toner particle mass, and the charge-to-mass ratio is adjusted in response to the control signal. The control signal is produced by comparing the ratio of toner particle electrostatic charge to the toner particle mass of a toned test patch. The ratio is adjusted by means of ions directed to the toner particles. The ion source may be capable of producing positive and negative ions, and may be a corona charger.
Inventors
- 👤 Lawrence J. Donivan
- 👤 Joseph F. Laukaitis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 05:28
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0822; G03G15/0887; G03G15/50; G03G15/5033; G03G15/5041; G03G2215/00; G03G2215/00025; G03G2215/00071; G03G2215/00084
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
In an electrostatographic reproduction machine having means for developing an electrostatic latent image with charged toner particles, the improvement comprising: means for producing a control signal characteristic of the ratio of toner particle electrostatic charge to the toner particle mass; and means responsive to said control signal for adjusting said ratio, said adjusting means including a source of ions and means for directing the ions to the toner particles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
In an electrostatographic reproduction machine having means for developing an electrostatic latent image with charged toner particles, the improvement comprising: means for producing a control signal characteristic of the ratio of toner particle electrostatic charge to the toner particle mass; and means responsive to said control signal for adjusting said ratio, said adjusting means including a source of ions and means for directing the ions to the toner particles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein said signal producing means comprises: means for producing a toned test patch; and means, responsive to the ratio of toner particle electrostatic charge to the toner particle mass in said test patch for generating said control signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein said source of ions is capable of producing positive and negative ions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein said source of ions is a corona charger.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein said ratio adjusting means comprises: means for comparing said control signal to a reference value, said reference value varying with ambient conditions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement as defined in claim 5 wherein said ambient conditions include relative humidity and temperature.
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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) | 1994-04-01 | 1994-10-01 | 1995-04-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-04-01 | 1998-10-01 | 1999-04-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-04-01 | 2002-10-01 | 2003-04-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |