US5430530A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Admix Housing
Assignee: Xerox Corp
•
Filing: 1993-10-04
•
Granted: 1995-07-04
•
Expires: 2013-10-04
Abstract
Abstract A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit. The mixing apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules and a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another. The mixing apparatus further comprises a discharger for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of the housing to the developer unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Mary L. Ott
- 👤 Ted O. Becker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:55
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0822; G03G15/0844; G03G15/0877; G03G15/0887; G03G15/0891
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; a carrier granule recovery device for recovering used carrier granules from a developed image, said carrier granules to be delivered to said housing; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules from said recovery device for delivery to said housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; a carrier granule recovery device for recovering used carrier granules from a developed image, said carrier granules to be delivered to said housing; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules from said recovery device for delivery to said housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A mixing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a carrier granule conveyor for conveying carrier granules from the recovery device to the carrier granules storage area.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A mixing apparatus apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the carrier granule conveyer comprises a flexible auger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
88 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules prior to delivery to said housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
88 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules prior to delivery to said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A mixing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
90 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; and a carrier granule conveyor for conveying carrier granules from the recovery device to the carrier granules storage area.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
90 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; and a carrier granule conveyor for conveying carrier granules from the recovery device to the carrier granules storage area.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
89 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; and a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles added to the developer unit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; and a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles added to the developer unit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
83 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; and a carrier granules and toner particles stirrer in the developer unit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
83 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; and a carrier granules and toner particles stirrer in the developer unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
130 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing; a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing; a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles added to the developer unit; and a controller for controlling the interaction of the toner meter, the carrier meter, and the mix meter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
130 words
A mixing apparatus adapted to receive toner particles from a toner container and carrier granules from a developer unit comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving the toner particles and carrier granules; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the chamber of said housing to the developer unit; a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing; a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing; a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles added to the developer unit; and a controller for controlling the interaction of the toner meter, the carrier meter, and the mix meter.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for mixing toner particles with carrier granules comprising the step of: discharging toner particles from a toner container into a mixing housing; transporting carrier granules from a developer unit to the mixing housing; mixing the toner particles and the carrier granules in the mixing housing with one another; and dispensing mixed toner particles and carrier granules from the mixing housing to the developer unit, wherein the step of discharging toner particles comprises the steps of determining a required amount of toner particles to b added and discharging the required amount of toner particles into the mixing housing.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for mixing toner particles with carrier granules comprising the step of: discharging toner particles from a toner container into a mixing housing; transporting carrier granules from a developer unit to the mixing housing; mixing the toner particles and the carrier granules in the mixing housing with one another; and dispensing mixed toner particles and carrier granules from the mixing housing to the developer unit, wherein the step of discharging toner particles comprises the steps of determining a required amount of toner particles to b added and discharging the required amount of toner particles into the mixing housing.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of storing the carrier granules in a carrier granule storage area.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for mixing toner particles with carrier granules comprising the steps of: discharging toner particles from a toner container into a mixing housing; transporting carrier granules from a developer unit to the mixing housing; mixing the toner particles and the carrier granules in the mixing housing with one another; and dispensing mixed toner particles and carrier granules from the mixing housing to the developer unit, wherein the step of transporting the carrier granules comprises the steps of determining a required amount of carrier granules to be added and transporting the required amount of carrier granules to the mixing housing.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for mixing toner particles with carrier granules comprising the steps of: discharging toner particles from a toner container into a mixing housing; transporting carrier granules from a developer unit to the mixing housing; mixing the toner particles and the carrier granules in the mixing housing with one another; and dispensing mixed toner particles and carrier granules from the mixing housing to the developer unit, wherein the step of transporting the carrier granules comprises the steps of determining a required amount of carrier granules to be added and transporting the required amount of carrier granules to the mixing housing.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for mixing toner particles with carrier granules comprising the steps of: discharging toner particles from a toner container into a mixing housing; transporting carrier granules from a developer unit to the mixing housing; mixing the toner particles and the carrier granules in the mixing housing with one another; and dispensing mixed toner particles and carrier granules from the mixing housing to the developer unit, wherein the step of dispensing mixed toner particles and carrier granules comprises the steps of determining a required amount of mixed toner particles and carrier granules to be added and dispensing the required amount of mixed toner particles and carrier granules to the developer unit.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for mixing toner particles with carrier granules comprising the steps of: discharging toner particles from a toner container into a mixing housing; transporting carrier granules from a developer unit to the mixing housing; mixing the toner particles and the carrier granules in the mixing housing with one another; and dispensing mixed toner particles and carrier granules from the mixing housing to the developer unit, wherein the step of dispensing mixed toner particles and carrier granules comprises the steps of determining a required amount of mixed toner particles and carrier granules to be added and dispensing the required amount of mixed toner particles and carrier granules to the developer unit.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
150 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising; a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; a carrier granules recovery device for recovering used carrier granules from the developed image, said carrier granules to be delivered to said housing for receiving carrier granules; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules from said recovery device for delivery to said housing for receiving carrier granules.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
150 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising; a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; a carrier granules recovery device for recovering used carrier granules from the developed image, said carrier granules to be delivered to said housing for receiving carrier granules; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules from said recovery device for delivery to said housing for receiving carrier granules.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
A developer unit according to claim 14, further comprising a carrier granule conveyor for conveying carrier granules form the recovery device to the carrier granules storage area.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
A developer unit apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the carrier granule conveyer comprises a flexible auger.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
119 words
A developer unit for developing latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules prior to delivery to said housing for receiving carrier granules.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
119 words
A developer unit for developing latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules prior to delivery to said housing for receiving carrier granules.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
A developer unit according to claim 17, further comprising a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing for receiving granules and toner particles.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
119 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; and a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
119 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; and a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
117 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising: a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; and a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles discharged into the developer housing.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
117 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising: a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; and a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles discharged into the developer housing.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
106 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising: a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; and developer stirrer in the developer housing.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
106 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising: a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; and developer stirrer in the developer housing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
172 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising: a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles discharged into the developer housing; and a controller for controlling the interaction of the toner meter, the carrier meter, and the mix meter.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
172 words
A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member to form a developed image, comprising: a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles; a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles; a housing defining a chamber coupled to said developer housing and said toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mixer, disposed in the chamber of said housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another; means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from said housing to said developer housing; a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles discharged into the developer housing; and a controller for controlling the interaction of the toner meter, the carrier meter, and the mix meter.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
170 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispense for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer and the toner dispense for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; a carrier granules recovery device for recovering used carrier granules from the developed image, said carrier granules to be delivered to said housing for receiving carrier granules; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules prior to delivery to said housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
170 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispense for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer and the toner dispense for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; a carrier granules recovery device for recovering used carrier granules from the developed image, said carrier granules to be delivered to said housing for receiving carrier granules; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules prior to delivery to said housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
144 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules prior to delivery to said housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
144 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a carrier granule storage area for storing said carrier granules prior to delivery to said housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
A printing machine according to claim 23, further comprising a carrier granule conveyor for conveying carrier granules from the recovery device to the carrier granules storage area.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
A printing machine apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the carrier granule conveyer comprises a flexible auger.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
140 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
140 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
140 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
140 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
138 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to developer the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles discharged into the developer housing.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
138 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to developer the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles discharged into the developer housing.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
128 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a developer stirrer in the developer housing.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
128 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; and a developer stirrer in the developer housing.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
193 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles discharged into the developer housing; and a controller for controlling the interaction of the toner meter, the carrier meter, and the mix meter.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
193 words
A printing machine comprising: a photoconductive member; means for recording an electrostatic latent image on said photoconductive member; a developer unit adapted to develop the latent image recorded in said photoconductive member with the toner particles, said developer unit including a developer housing defining a chamber for storing developer comprising carrier granules and toner particles, a toner dispenser for discharging toner particles, and a housing defining a chamber coupled to the developer housing and the toner dispenser for receiving carrier granules and toner particles, a mixer, disposed in the chamber of the housing, to mix the carrier granules and toner particles with one another, and means for discharging toner particles and carrier granules from the housing to the developer housing; a toner meter for controlling the toner particles added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a carrier meter for controlling the carrier granules added to the housing for receiving carrier granules and toner particles; a mix meter for controlling the mixed carrier granules and toner particles discharged into the developer housing; and a controller for controlling the interaction of the toner meter, the carrier meter, and the mix meter.
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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) | 1998-07-03 | 1999-01-02 | 1999-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-03 | 2003-01-02 | 2003-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-03 | 2007-01-02 | 2007-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |