Patents Examined by Robert P. Greiner
  • Patent number: 4014605
    Abstract: In an electrostatographic copying system wherein a toner image is transferred from an original image support surface to a copy surface by an electrically biased transfer member generating a transfer field, the transfer field is tailored by providing a photoconductive layer in the transfer area, which layer is illuminated, to render it conductive, in the nip and post-nip areas, but not in the pre-nip area. Belt transfer systems are disclosed utilizing this arrangement. Also disclosed is a copy sheet tacking station having a charging device and a source of illuminaton which are simultaneously activated to tack a copy sheet to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1977
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald M. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 4000500
    Abstract: Photographic apparatus for use with a fully automatic camera adapted to sequentially expose and process a film supply in the form of a disposable cassette. Upon insertion of the cassette within a cassette receiving chamber formed in the base of the camera, a loading door assembly is closed to secure the cassette within the chamber, and as a function of the closure of the noted door assembly, a latch and switch function occur substantially simultaneously to lock the loading door and energize a photographic system electronic network which includes a sequence control function and various other subsystems responsive to sequence commands. The switch and latch are structured to provide an interlock function so that the system is inoperative if the loading door assembly is not in a closed position. A manually operative latch release button is provided to disengage the loading door from its locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1974
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1976
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew S. Ivester, James J. Marchese
  • Patent number: 3997262
    Abstract: A transfer type electrophotographic copying apparatus with a reciprocating platform to place an original to be copied thereon, which comprises a rotatable photoreceptor drum of a small diameter, and processing devices of small size disposed around the photoreceptor drum with minimum spaces necessary between the processing devices, so that the size and weight of the copying apparatus can be reduced to a large extent. The housing of the apparatus can be divided into an upper frame and a lower frame with the upper frame pivotally connected to the lower frame for easy access to the internal mechanisms in maintenance and replacing of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1974
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1976
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Doi, Shunji Yamamoto, Osamu Okada, Takashi Hikosaka, Masamichi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 3997260
    Abstract: The invention relates to electrostatographic copiers and in a first embodiment an optical arrangement is provided in which the image of an original placed on a part-cylindrical platen is reflected via a first mirror through a movable scanning lens onto a second, rotating mirror and thence onto a photoconductive surface of a drum. The platen may be either cylindrical or flat and have the image of the original reflected from a first mirror which is so inclined and dimensioned that substantially the whole of the perpendicular projection of the original falls on the first mirror, the arrangement being such that the optical path length between the original and the drum surface is maintained substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1976
    Assignee: Gestetner Copiers Limited
    Inventors: Nandor Mihalik, Terence Cunningham Frostick
  • Patent number: 3982255
    Abstract: An image stabilization system for maintaining a fixed relationship between target to be photographed and an image of the target as recorded on a photographic film. The system comprises a primary lens system which focuses the image of the target onto first and second optical density wedges, each having a scale of continuous linear density gradations. The wedges are positioned with their respective scales at angles to each other. The light transmitted through the first and second optical density wedges is received by first and second photo-electric cells. The changes in potentials caused by the target movement with respect to the photographic film is received from the photo-electric cells by first and second torquer motors which move a film plate which holds the photographic film in a direction on a given plane corresponding to the target movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Carl Orlando
  • Patent number: 3964077
    Abstract: Mechanism for synchronizing the illumination produced by flash units of two different types, with the operation of a camera shutter, especially a shutter of the type having one blade mechanism for opening the shutter to start the exposure, and a separate blade mechanism for closing the shutter to terminate the exposure. The synchronizing mechanism has electronic circuitry which produces, at a single bi-polar contact, a first voltage variation at the beginning of the shutter opening movement and a second voltage variation at a later time, not later than the beginning of the shutter closing movement. A first form of adapter, used with a combustible flash bulb of the current-operated type, is plugged into the synchronous contact of the camera, and this adapter fires the flash bulb in response to the first voltage variation, far enough in advance of the termination of the exposure to allow time for the combustible flash bulb to achieve sufficient illumination intensity while the exposure is still in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1976
    Assignee: Rollei-Werke Franke & Heidecke
    Inventor: Karl-Peter Strauss
  • Patent number: 3963341
    Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine in which successive colored filtered light images expose a photoconductive member recording successive charge patterns thereon. Each charge pattern is developed with single color magnetic particles forming successive single color powder images on the photoconductive member. These single color powder images are transferred, in superimposed registration, to a sheet of support material. The superimposed powder images are permanently affixed to the sheet of support material producing a colored copy of the original document being reproduced by the electrophotographic printing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1976
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Tully
  • Patent number: 3960444
    Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine and method of use therefor in which a plurality of light images of the same original document are formed. Each of the light images is of a different predetermined magnitude and irradiates a charged photoconductive member to record a plurality of electrostatic latent images thereof. The electrostatic latent images are developed with developer mixes having differing predetermined concentrations of toner particles therein. These developed powder images are transferred, in superimposed registration with one another, onto a common sheet of support material forming a high quality reproduction of the original document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Gundlach, Charles A. Whited, Thomas W. Pike
  • Patent number: 3958878
    Abstract: A toner dispenser for a development system of an electrostatic processor has a removable reservoir which mates with a collar on a pivotally mounted hopper containing a dispensing roll. The reservoir may be slid into or out of the collar while upright, but after it is mounted the hopper is rotated to invert the reservoir so that there then is a gravitational flow of toner to the dispensing roll. Advantageously, the processor has two identically configured reservoirs, one for the toner dispenser as described above and the other for collecting the residual toner recovered at a cleaning station. In that event, the residual toner can be reclaimed simply by using the latter reservoir as a replacement for the former one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1976
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Smith, Herbert L. Bresnick
  • Patent number: 3958876
    Abstract: There is disclosed a multicolor reproducing apparatus, wherein a developing unit is maintained in a stationary position, while developing troughs in the developing unit are shifted to a given position for selecting a developing color, and development is effected by transporting a sensitive paper to the developing through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1976
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Isamu Terashima
  • Patent number: 3957368
    Abstract: A copying apparatus capable of copying sheet originals and thick originals comprises sheet original transport means for transporting a sheet original, thick original carrier means for carrying thereon a thick original, optical means for projecting the image of an original upon a photosensitive member, copy process means for processing copies, and drive means for operating the copy process means. At least a part of the optical means is movable to selectively form an exposure surface at the position of the sheet original exposure surface of the sheet original transport means or the thick original exposure surface of the thick original carrier means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1976
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Goshima, Hiroyuki Hattori, Shiro Komaba, Kazumi Umezawa
  • Patent number: 3957365
    Abstract: An ion modulator such as a three-layered structure, formed by sandwiching a photoconductor between a metal screen and an insulating layer, which is used as an image source. The apparatus includes an optical system for projecting an image of a graphic original onto the modulator and creating a charge distribution system thereon that can be retained for long periods of time. As part of the apparatus there is included a special drum formed by adhering a resilient-rubber like layer having a compliance that produces a displacement from the normal surface in the range of 1/16 to 3/32 inch when placed under 25 - 75 pounds of force per lineal inch, and a thickness of about 0.60 inches. Over the compliant layer is next applied an insulating or dielectric layer having a resistivity of at least 10.sup.14 ohm-centimeters and a thickness of about 0.5 mils. The special drum, which is the image generating medium, receives the charge pattern resulting from collecting the ion particles on the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1976
    Assignee: Addressograph Multigraph Corporation
    Inventor: George Thomas Croft
  • Patent number: 3954331
    Abstract: A toner dispenser for a development system of an electrostatic processor has a removable reservoir which mates with a collar on a pivotally mounted hopper containing a dispensing roll. The reservoir may be slid into or out of the collar while upright, but after it is mounted the hopper is rotated to invert the reservoir so that there then is a gravitational flow of toner to the dispensing roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1976
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Smith
  • Patent number: 3953723
    Abstract: A plastic carbide lamp includes upper and lower containers or housings with a water control needle valve therebetween. As the needle valve opens, water drips from the upper container upon calcium carbide in the lower container, to generate acetylene gas. The acetylene gas rises into a dome shaped collection chamber having a burner tip therein, at which the acetylene gas burns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1972
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1976
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Frank S. Flider
  • Patent number: 3953121
    Abstract: A development apparatus and a reproducing machine utilizing the development apparatus is provided for developing images on a moving imaging surface. The apparatus includes at least one developing member. The member extends across the imaging surface to define a gap of a given width. A device is provided for maintaining a substantially uniform gap width which includes an element for supporting the development member for movement both toward and away from the surface from the imaging surface and also for tilting movement with respect to the imaging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1976
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Louis W. Reichart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3953873
    Abstract: A camera adapted for making a chemically developed printing plate or a more economical dry developed printing plate. The camera has a magazine for supplying selectively one of two types of light sensitive film material, advancing a severed sheet of the selected material to the image plane, and directing that subsequently imaged plate to the associated processing station to produce a developed and ready printing press plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1976
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John H. Tholen, John C. Winters
  • Patent number: 3952190
    Abstract: A method of waterproofing a strobe flash unit for use in underwater photography. A mold is formed and a strobe flash unit is mounted within the mold. Epoxy resin is poured into the mold to surround the strobe flash unit with the resin. The resin is then cured until it hardens, at which time the mold is removed from the epoxy resin and strobe flash unit. The resultant product is a strobe flash unit encapsulated in a transparent waterproof casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1976
    Inventor: Ronald L. Perkins
  • Patent number: 3951538
    Abstract: Contact fusing system for affixing powder images to copy sheets which images are electrostatically or otherwise formed on the copy sheets. The fusing system is characterized by a pair of fuser roll members one of which is heated and mounted relative to the other roll member to form a nip therewith, the rolls being mounted so that they are permanently in nip. Rotational movement of the roll members is effected by the main drive of the copier apparatus in which the fuser system is employed and they are operatively coupled to the main drive via a one-way clutch which enables the copy sheet to be manually moved through the fuser system in the event of a paper jam which automatically stops the fuser system along with the rest of the machine. Since the two rolls are always maintained in nip such manual movement will effect complete fusing of the toner images to the copy sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1976
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Ari Bar-on
  • Patent number: 3952312
    Abstract: A photographic camera apparatus of the type adapted for selective use with a source of artificial illumination includes a follow focus system embodying an interceptor which is selectively movable into the locus of travel of an exposure mechanism while at the same time being translatably positionable in correspondence with camera focusing along an elongated linear pathway for halting an exposure mechanism at locations corresponding to select exposure apertures as defined by the exposure mechanism. Trim means are additionally connected to the elongated pathway along which the interceptor means is translatably disposed to angularly shift the elongated pathway and its associated interceptor in a manner whereby a select exposure aperture may be changed by a predetermined number of F/stops regardless of camera focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1976
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Douglas
  • Patent number: 3950088
    Abstract: A system employing at least one separation roller continuously contacting the outside surface of a web and tracked to move in a fixed approximately elliptical path, for compensating for web motion during separation of the web from another surface to enable a bead of accumulated material built up at the line of contact between the web and the other surface to pass therebetween without changing the web velocity. During the separation period, the advancing velocity of at least one surface is reduced so that at least one surface is advanced at a slower rate than its rate prior to separation, or stopped. In a preferred embodiment, the system is employed in photoelectrophoretic imaging to bypass a bead of imaging suspension built up at the imaging nip during separation of two webs immediately after completion of imaging to thereby permit dissipation or passage of the liquid bead without changing the advancing web velocity by reason of the separation operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1976
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Earl V. Jackson, Roger G. Teumer, LeRoy Baldwin