US5953567A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Screw pump, toner conveying device using the same and toner filling system
Assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
•
Filing: 1998-07-09
•
Granted: 1999-09-14
•
Expires: 2018-07-09
Abstract
Abstract A screw pump for use in an image forming apparatus for conveying toner has a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in its inner periphery, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in the stator. Assuming that the rotor has a sectional diameter of RA, and that the stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN, the rotor and stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation of RA/S.MIN≦1.04. A toner conveying device using such a screw pump and a toner filling system are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Satoshi Muramatsu
- 👤 Takashi Hodoshima
- 👤 Nobuo Kasahara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:53
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0822; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S222/00; Y10S222/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation: RA/S.MIN≦1.04.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation: RA/S.MIN≦1.04.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
73 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation: 0.94≦RA/S.MIN. 3.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation: 0.94≦RA/S.MIN. 3.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
79 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation: 0.99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
79 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation: 0.99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation: RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX)≦1.08. 5.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
80 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation: RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX)≦1.08. 5.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
97 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA and an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation: RA/S.MIN≦1.04 and such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation: 0.99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
97 words
A screw pump comprising: a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof; and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA and an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation: RA/S.MIN≦1.04 and such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation: 0.99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
104 words
A toner conveying device comprising: a screw pump comprising a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator, for conveying powdery toner; and air feeding means for feeding air under pressure to a toner outlet of said screw pump when said screw pump is in operation; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation:
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
104 words
A toner conveying device comprising: a screw pump comprising a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator, for conveying powdery toner; and air feeding means for feeding air under pressure to a toner outlet of said screw pump when said screw pump is in operation; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation:
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
1 words
94≦RA/S.MIN≦1.04.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
1 words
94≦RA/S.MIN≦1.04.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN is set in proportion to a rotation speed of said rotor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
112 words
A toner conveying device comprising: a screw pump comprising a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator, for conveying powdery toner; and air feeding means for feeding air under pressure to a toner outlet of said screw pump when said screw pump is in operation; wherein said rotor has an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation: 0.99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX)≦1.08.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
112 words
A toner conveying device comprising: a screw pump comprising a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator, for conveying powdery toner; and air feeding means for feeding air under pressure to a toner outlet of said screw pump when said screw pump is in operation; wherein said rotor has an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation: 0.99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX)≦1.08.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) is set in proportion to a rotation speed of said rotor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
129 words
A toner conveying device comprising: a screw pump comprising a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator, for conveying powdery toner; and air feeding means for feeding air under pressure to a toner outlet of said screw pump when said screw pump is in operation; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA and an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation: 0.94≦RA/S.MIN≦1.04 and such that a dimensional ration of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation:
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
129 words
A toner conveying device comprising: a screw pump comprising a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator, for conveying powdery toner; and air feeding means for feeding air under pressure to a toner outlet of said screw pump when said screw pump is in operation; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA and an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation: 0.94≦RA/S.MIN≦1.04 and such that a dimensional ration of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation:
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
1 words
99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX)≦1.08.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
1 words
99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX)≦1.08.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
141 words
A system for filling toner in a toner storing section for replenishing toner to a developing unit included in an image forming apparatus, said system comprising: a toner storing and feeding unit including toner storing means for storing toner to be filled in a filling portion included in the toner storing section, and toner feeding means including a toner conveying device for feeding the toner stored in said toner storing means; a connecting device to be removably connected to said toner storing section said connecting device comprising an engaging device configured to removably engage with said filling portion of said toner section; and a flexible conveying member providing communication between said connecting device and said toner storing and feeding unit; wherein the toner stored in said toner storing means is conveyed to said toner storing section by said toner conveying device.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
141 words
A system for filling toner in a toner storing section for replenishing toner to a developing unit included in an image forming apparatus, said system comprising: a toner storing and feeding unit including toner storing means for storing toner to be filled in a filling portion included in the toner storing section, and toner feeding means including a toner conveying device for feeding the toner stored in said toner storing means; a connecting device to be removably connected to said toner storing section said connecting device comprising an engaging device configured to removably engage with said filling portion of said toner section; and a flexible conveying member providing communication between said connecting device and said toner storing and feeding unit; wherein the toner stored in said toner storing means is conveyed to said toner storing section by said toner conveying device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
118 words
A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said toner conveying device comprises: a screw pump comprising a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator, for conveying powdery toner; and air feeding means for feeding air under pressure to a toner outlet of said screw pump when said screw pump is in operation; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA and an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation:
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
1 words
94≦RA/S.MIN≦1.04.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
1 words
94≦RA/S.MIN≦1.04.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
119 words
A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said toner conveying device comprises: a screw pump comprising a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator, for conveying powdery toner; and air feeding means for feeding air under pressure to a toner outlet of said screw pump when said screw pump is in operation; wherein said rotor has an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation:
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
1 words
99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX)≦1.08.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
1 words
99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX)≦1.08.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
138 words
A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said toner conveying device comprises: a screw pump comprising a female screw type stator formed with a double pitch spiral groove in an inner periphery thereof, and a male screw type rotor rotatably received in said stator, for conveying powdery toner; and air feeding means for feeding air under pressure to a toner outlet of said screw pump when said screw pump is in operation; wherein said rotor has a sectional diameter of RA and an outside diameter of RB, and that said stator has a minimum inside diameter of S.MIN and a maximum inside diameter of S.MAX, said rotor and said stator bite into each other such that a dimensional ratio of RA/S.MIN satisfies a relation: 0.94≦RA/S.MIN≦1.04 and such that a dimensional ratio of RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX) satisfies a relation: 0.99≦RB×2/(S.MIN+S.MAX)≦1.08.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said connecting device comprises a vent for venting air.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said filling portion of said toner storing section is closed by a cap, said connecting device comprising a removing means for removing said cap, and holding means for holding said cap removed from said filling portion at a removed position.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a toner inlet intervening between said filling portion and said cap held at said removed position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said vent is positioned between said filling portion and said cap held at said removed position.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said connecting device comprises a toner inlet to which said conveying member is connected, and opening and closing means for opening and closing said toner inlet.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said opening and closing means comprises an opening and closing member movable between a position for opening said toner inlet and a position for closing said toner inlet, and a seal member fitted on a surface of said opening and closing member facing said toner inlet.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said filling portion of said toner storing section is closed by a cap, said connecting device comprising a removing means for removing said cap, and holding means for holding said cap removed from said filling portion at a removed position.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said toner inlet is positioned between said filling portion and said cap held at said removed position.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the toner storing section comprises a bottle-like container removably mounted to the developing unit.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the toner storing section comprises a toner replenishing section for replenishing toner to a developing section included in the developing unit.
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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) | 2002-09-13 | 2003-03-15 | 2003-09-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-09-13 | 2007-03-15 | 2007-09-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-09-13 | 2011-03-15 | 2011-09-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |