Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the replenishment of toner in an electrographic reproduction apparatus includes means for monitoring toner concentration in an electrographic developer mix, and means for monitoring the rate of toner depletion from such mix in developing electrostatic images. The outputs of such monitoring means are algebraically summed to provide a control signal for controlling toner replenishment.

Abstract: A method of an apparatus for insuring application of a preselected amount of processing fluid to photographic film material are disclosed. A weight sensing device weighs a container of the fluid and permits pumping of the fluid if there is an adequate amount of fluid contained in the container. A magnetic sensing arrangement also effects reversal of the pumping after a preselected length of material has had fluid applied thereto. At the completion of fluid application, the fluid is evacuated from the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the toner concentration of a developer includes a detector 14, 15 disposed at a predetermined position in a container containing a developer 5 having magnetic carrier and color toner, whereby the color toner is replenished into the container depending on the output of the detector until the toner concentration of the developer lies within a predetermined range. The detector has a plurality of magnetic circuits each having magnetic gaps, and the coupling coefficient of one of the magnetic circuits is set at a value equivalent to the coupling coefficient exhibited when the toner concentration of the developer lies within a predetermined range, while the coupling coefficient of another magnetic circuit is changeable in response to the actual toner concentration. The differential output of the two magnetic circuits is subjected to phase detection for comparing the coupling coefficient values of the two magnetic circuits and thereby detecting the toner concentration.

Abstract: Automatic finish coating equipment employs a selectively variable low-pressure or "soft" air or solvent signal to control pushing of coating material through a feed tube from a coating material source to a coating material atomizing and dispensing device. This "soft fluid push" method maximizes the finish quality which can be achieved with coating materials having different characteristics, such as viscosities, in any operation in which frequent changes in coating material characteristics are experienced, such as, when frequent changes of coating material color are employed. The disclosure also describes that the "soft push" through the delivery lines should be reduced as the length of the slug of coating material in the delivery lines decreases.

Abstract: A web dryer for use in the graphic arts industry or the like includes a dryer housing through which a printed web travels and which contains a plurality of nozzles, an air inlet, an air exhaust and a source of heat. The desired ventilation rate for purposes of maintaining the interior dryer environment at a required low percentage of the Lower Flammable Limit is designed to be dependent on the measured or calculated rate of ink application to the web. The ink application rate and information regarding the actual exhaust flow or ventilation rate is fed to a ventilation rate control and the exhaust flow or ventilation rate is then varied in response thereto, as by controlling a variable speed exhaust blower. At the same time, make-up air is provided to the dryer interior, preferably at a point remote from the exhaust discharge duct so that it thoroughly mixes with recirculating air within the dryer to reduce condensation problems.

Abstract: A tester can resolve a sensed signal whose duty cycle is proportional to the amount of a developer disposed in a copier. The tester includes an input device and an indication device. The input device is coupled to the copier for providing a processed signal relating to the extent the sensed signal resides in a predetermined state. The indication device is coupled to the input device and can provide an indication of the magnitude of the processed signal.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine in which a magnetic toner image is transferred to a copy sheet from a photoconductive member and fused thereto. The toner image fused to the copy sheet is magnetized and the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the toner image detected to provide a continuous indication of the quality of the toner image fused to the copy sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed, in the presently preferred embodiment, for applying powdered adhesive to non-woven fabric material. The apparatus includes a novel powder spray gun wherein there is an air flow amplifier contained within the gun for accelerating the velocity of powder emitted from the gun and sprayed onto the top of a conveyorized web of the fabric material. The apparatus also includes a novel system for supplying powder to the spray gun, which system includes a first powder pump, a back-up pump and a control circuit responsive to detection of reduced powder flow to the gun to switch supply from the first pump to the back-up pump.

Abstract: An image density control method for an electrophotographic apparatus is disclosed which prepares a white pattern region and a black pattern region on a photoconductive element whose electrostatic latent images are far different from each other in potential. Values relating to image densities individually associated with the two pattern regions are sensed and, based on the sensed values, parameters relating to image processing which effect image density are controlled. When any of the sensed values does not lie in a predetermined range, it is suitably compensated.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent electrostatic image comprises a developer receptacle containing a developer composed of carrier particles and toner particles, a developer applying mechanism for holding on its surface a part of the developer in the developer receptacle and applying it to a latent electrostatic image to be developed, a toner receptacle containing toner particles, and a toner supplying mechanism to be selectively operated to supply toner particles to the developer in the developer receptacle from the toner receptacle. A detector detects the electrical conductivity of the developer in the developer receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying molten wax onto a printed circuit board travelling along a predetermined transfer path. The applied wax after solidification serves to fix the electric components mounted on the board, facilitating the succeeding operations such as cutting and soldering. The apparatus includes a vessel for containing a molten wax, a plurality of ejection nozzles arranged in a direction transverse to the transfer path, valve means connected to each of the ejection nozzles and operable so that the molten wax is ejection from each nozzle upon actuation of the corresponding valve means, and a pump, such as a gear pump, having a suction side in fluid communication with the vessel and a discharge side in fluid communication with each of the valve means. Means are provided for selectively rendering the valve means operable according to the width of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A device for use in fluidized bed techniques, particularly for coating tablets or the like, which comprises a container for use as a processing zone for the material to be processed, a sensor device or the like for monitoring the upper end area of the processing zone, and apparatus for moving the material through the processing zone.

Abstract: A magnetic brush developing system for electrostatic duplication using a monocomponent developer controls the thickness of the developer on the brush such that the necessary amount of developer is applied to the photosensitive surface which carries the latent electrostatic image. A capacitive sensor in the form of a rigid plate of conductive material is spaced closely adjacent to the surface of the roll on which the magnetic brush is formed. The dielectric constant depends on the thickness of the developer in the magnetic brush and is detected by the capacitive sensor. The capacitance of the sensor is converted, into a pulse train the duty cycle of which is modulated in accordance with the change in capacitance, by a circuit arranged on a circuit board in close proximity to the sensor to provide a compact structure which is not subject to perturbations which could effect the capacitance presented by the sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates more particularly to an electron-gun metal evaporation system for solder (lead/tin, lead/indium) deposition upon integrated circuit chips. This system utilizes a crucible comprised of a tantalum bent-cone V-shaped liner or cup seated in spaced relationship in a recess of a copper hearth.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of two or more light waves having separate and distinct wave lengths. The light waves are directed to a fluid. The initial detected relative intensities of the light waves is known. After the light waves have left the fluid the final relative intensities can be determined. By knowing the relative shift in the initial intensities to the final intensities it is possible to determine a characteristic of the fluid. With this characteristic of the fluid it is possible to take appropriate action to change the characteristic of the fluid or it may be desirable to take no action with respect to the characteristic of the fluid.

Abstract: In this process comprising fluidizing the enamel powder in a fluidization vessel by blowing air in the bottom of the latter, steam is also introduced in the vessel in the course of the fluidization. The relative humidity is adjusted in the vessel to a value between about 15 and 45% in respect of a temperature in the vessel of between about 20.degree. and 30.degree. C. A steam boiler (12) is connected to the fluidization vessel (1) for this purpose.

Abstract: A developing apparatus for developing an electrostatic latent image by means of a magnetic toner. The apparatus includes a non-magnetic cylindrical sleeve accommodating a first magnet roll and disposed to face the surface of a photosensitive roll, a developing tank for supplying the non-magnetic sleeve with the magnetic toner, and a blade disposed at the outlet of the developing tank for adjusting the thickness of the magnetic toner which is conveyed on the surface of the sleeve due to a relative rotation between the sleeve and the first magnet roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a multi-component liquid adhesive. A liquid resin reservoir and a liquid hardener reservoir are connected by separate conduit means to resin and hardener mix chamber which is positioned adjacent to a dispenser so that the adhesive can be spread at substantially the same time as it is mixed. Separate resin and hardener pumps are each driven by their own variable output capacity power sources and means are provided for sensing the instantaneous speed of these pumps. These sensors are connected to separate control means for the power sources so that the power output to both of the pumps will be proportional to their respective instantaneous speeds. This apparatus compensates for temperature induced changes in viscosity of the resin or hardener so as to allow mixing proportions to remain constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing metal or alloy films by a thermal decomposition process on a substrate includes a furnace having a number of selectively heated zones. The temperature of each zone is controllable so as to provide compensation for changes in the concentration of reactant materials in the different regions of the furnace. Means are provided for the safe handling of highly pyrophoric organometallic reactants. The apparatus may be used for the deposition of aluminium/silicon alloy films on semiconductor wafers in the manufacture of integrated circuits.

Abstract: A method of continuous coating of metallic strip material carried into practice by using a continuous strip coating device wherein the thickness of the coating is decided by a gap between a pickup roll and a thickness control member spaced apart a predetermined distance from the surface of the pickup roll. The method includes the step of (1) setting the pressure of the paint and/or the size of the gap based on the data obtained by preliminary experiments, or (2) directly measuring the gap between the surface of the pickup roll and the thickness control member and feeding back the measurement, to bring the actual size of the gap into agreement with the value set beforehand at all times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying granules to continuously moving strip asphaltic material comprises discharging granules onto tacky strip asphaltic material, continuously removing the non-adhered portion of the granules, sensing the amount of removed granules, and controlling the amount of granules discharged onto the asphaltic material in response to the sensed amount of removed granules.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for accurately sensing and reproducibly controlling the intensity of electromagnetic energy in the decomposition region of a deposition chamber. The apparatus includes a detector adapted to (1) monitor the level of radiation emitted from the decomposition region and (2) provide an output signal indicative of said level. The invention further includes circuitry for (1) comparing the signal from the detector with a reference signal indicative of a preselected level of energy, and (2) generating a correction signal indicative of the actual level of energy in the decomposition region relative to the preselected level of energy. According to the method of this invention, the correction signal may be utilized to regulate the source of electromagnetic energy so that the preselected level of electromagnetic energy within the decomposition region is kept constant despite fluctuations in other operating parameters.

Abstract: A toner concentration control test cycle in which a developed test area is formed on a photoconductor charged to a dark charge level. The optical reflectivity of the developed test area is sensed and the result used to replenish toner if indicated. During the test cycle, the magnetic brush bias potential is altered to produce development of the test patch in the gray area with the level of dark charge held constant at a predetermined nominal level. An electrostatic probe and associated circuitry are provided to maintain dark charge at the nominal level during the test cycle.

Abstract: A developing apparatus is disclosed which has a toner bath with a magnetic toner placed therein, the toner being supplied via a developing role to a developing gap between an image carrying substance and the developing roll, and a toner supply bath for supplying the magnetic toner to the toner bath, a latent image formed on the image carrying substance being developed with the magnetic toner by means of a magnetic brush development. The developing apparatus has a detector member for generating a signal when the magnetic toner is absent in the toner bath, a drive member which responds to the signal generated from the detector member, and a magnetic field generating device driven by the drive member for magnetically shutting off a supply path provided between the toner supply bath and toner bath when the detector member generates no signal, but magnetically opening the supply path when the detector member generates the signal.

Abstract: In apparatus for vapor phase growing N or P type semiconductor layers on semiconductor substrates supported by a rotary support disposed in a reaction furnace, and various types of gases are admitted into the furnace through a pipe line network and valves, there is provided a control device for ON-OFF controlling the valves according to a predetermined program. The control device comprises a memory region for storing a process program group including a group of process programs including informations regarding a time for designating a process of vapor phase growth in the reaction furnace, gases utilized, flow quantity thereof and furnace temperature, and a system program that decodes the program group for producing control signals for the valves.

Abstract: Method of monitoring a line of adhesive deposited on a travelling paper web to check for accidental omission of adhesive wherein the adhesive has a distinguishing relative permittivity and is sensed by a capacitive proximity sensor. The web may be plugwrap material for cigarette filter rod, the adhesive being provided to anchor filter tow in position when the plugwrap is wrapped around it. The method avoids various disadvantages associated with other automatic monitoring devices such as optical devices and infra-red devices.

Abstract: A developing device supplies red toner and black toner to a photosensitive layer. The developing device comprises a toner resupply mechanism which is attached to a receptacle to replenish selectively the shortage of the red or black toner in the receptacle corresponding to consumption thereof. The toner resupply mechanism includes a housing having a connecting port connecting the receptacle and first and second chambers to store therein the red and black toners, respectively. A roller for resupply is reversibly rotatably disposed in the connecting port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning residual toner from the surface of an imaging member in an electrographic imaging system which uses carrier means to transport toner by triboelectric forces to develop an electrostatic image on the imaging member. The pre-clean corona current is adjusted periodically during the lifetime of the carrier as necessary substantially to neutralize the charge on residual toner so that it may readily be removed by a rotating cleaning brush having substantially no charge thereon. Adjustment is in response to a periodically sensed aging characteristic, the charge density of the toner, such as at successive preselected operating time intervals representing increments of carrier useful lifetime. In this manner, cleaning efficiency is maintained.

Abstract: Data correlated to the light reflectance of a maximum toned area and a minimum toned area is recorded to establish standards for monitoring and controlling subsequent copier operation. A test pattern is imaged onto the photoconductor by controlled illumination levels in a series of steps with the detection of light reflectance from that test pattern being subsequently compared to establish the maximum black and maximum white criteria for storage. Light reflected from cleaned photoconductor areas and subsequently established toner patches then are used to compare against the original test pattern reflectance data. Toner replenishment, controls and machine function monitoring (e.g.: white copy background, developer operation, etc.) are based on these recorded standards from the test pattern.

Abstract: A system for checking copy quality variables within an electrophotographic copier machine involving the production of a developed sample test area and a base reference test area on a photoreceptive surface. An optical transducer is used to view the test area and circuits are provided to produce an output signal indicative of quality. The circuit triggers itself by detecting a substantial change in transducer produced signal level when the sample test area is viewed, thus negating the requirement that the test circuits be operated under the control of the machine.

Abstract: A toner concentration control apparatus of the type for allowing developer to pass through a chute, which is capable of detecting stopping of the flow of the developer in the chute, clogging of the chute with the developer, or coating of a viewing window formed in the chute with the developer, and upon occurrence of such abnormalities, minimizing the trouble therefrom in the operation of the copying machine, in which light from a single light source is simultaneously detected by two photosensors, the light striking one of the photosensors directly and the other after being reflected from the developer comprising toner and carrier particles as the developer passes a viewing window in the chute provided for the detection of the toner concentration within the copying machine, and the output of the photosensors is compared with each other and the concentration of toner in the developer can be determined and adjusted by the comparison value.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for achieving thin film deposition, of uniform composition, from evaporated alloys. A source of wire alloy, selected for the particular thin film deposition on a substrate, is continuously fed through a region of high speed electron bombardment confined to an end of the wire, for evaporation of the wire in the vicinity of the substrate. An ion flux detector controls the rate of feeding of the wire source in accordance with the detected flux to lay down a uniform thin film of predetermined thickness. A high potential is established between the wire and the source of the electrons and the liberated electrons are guided by the electric field toward the end of the wire being evaporated, which serves as an anode.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the staining of biological samples in which fluids of differing specific densities are successively introduced to the samples comprises a closed chamber to receive the samples for treatment, the chamber being provided with flow passages at the top and bottom and is in communication with an under pressure generating device so that fluids may be introduced into the chamber either from the top or the bottom depending upon whether a succeeding fluid is of lesser, or greater, specific density than the preceding fluid.

Abstract: A magnetic brush monocomponent developer unit includes a doctor blade for rendering uniform the layer of toner magnetically attracted to the surface of a shell within which a rotating magnetic roller is positioned. A coil connected to the doctor blade receives an alternating magnetic field in response to rotation of the roller and the induced voltage fluctuations in that coil are sensed to determine when the voltage amplitude exceeds a given threshold value (indicative of a low amount of toner held back by the doctor blade) at which application of toner to the layer by way of a metering roller and sealing brushes is resumed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for operating an electrophotographic copying apparatus having a latent image forming unit for forming an electrostatic latent image on a recording medium, a development unit for visualizing the electrostatic latent image with a developer containing toner and carrier to produce a visible toner image, and a fixing unit for fixing the toner image. In this operation method, the development unit is raced until the amount of charge on the toner in the developer reaches a predetermined level, and thereafter a usual electrophotographic copying procedure commences, whereby reduction in density of developed images during the initial operation of the electrophotographic copying apparatus can be prevented and developed images of high quality can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device for automatic gluing machines, particularly for gluing metal parts. When no glue has been fed the automatic changing of a turntable, for example, supporting workpieces to be glued, is interrupted. This is accomplished by means of a probe disposed in the vicinity of the discharge opening of a glue dispensing apparatus and connected in an electric sensing and control or monitoring circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides an on-stream method and apparatus for analyzing of the concentrations of chemical components in a bath, especially in an electroplating bath, contained in one or more processing tanks. Moreover, the information obtained by such analysis of a single bath or of multiple baths may be efficiently employed to control such concentrations in the bath or respective baths, for example, by controlling the addition of one or more additives. The apparatus comprises a multi-steam sampling value and a computer for controlling the operation of said value. The computer also controls means for adding material to the baths in order to maintain the parameters thereof.

Abstract: A method of controlling image density in an electrophotographic copying machine includes operating a first detector to measure the density of a blank region on a photosensitive member, operating a second detector to measure the density of a reference toner image formed on a portion of the blank region, comparing the measured densities of the blank region and the reference toner image, and controlling the density of a developed image of an original in accordance with the results of the comparison. An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a pair of optical density detecting sensors positioned in opposition to the photosensitive member and in juxtaposition to each other in the direction transverse to the direction of movement of the member.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus includes a detonation chamber constructed in the form of a barrel, a spark plug mounted in the barrel and powder feeding and gaseous mixture delivering systems communicating with the detonation chamber. The powder feeding system include a batchmeter communicating with the source of carrier gas by means of a gas conduit with a control member of the carrier gas feed controller for controlling the quantity of carrier gas delivered to the batchmeter within a unit of time mounted thereon. The apparatus also includes a control system having a powder detector for detecting powder in the detonation products, electrically connected with a control unit. The control unit effects switching on of the mechanisms and the systems in a predetermined succession and switching on of the actuating mechanism of the carrier gas feed controller, depending on the detector signal indicative of the powder presense in the detonation products.

Abstract: Apparatus for a wire spray coating method including a capacitor connected with an electric power source to be charged thereby. A gap switch having discharge electrodes which are spaced apart from each other so that a discharge is produced under a voltage applied by the capacitor. Wire receiving terminals which are spaced apart to receive a length of wire of coating material therebetween, the terminals being connected with the capacitor so that the charge of the capacitor is applied to the terminals through the switch. The discharge electrodes being maintained at a fixed distance so that a discharge across the electrodes is readily produced when the electrodes are supplied with the voltage from the capacitor.

Abstract: A device for regulating the thickness of gum applied to a paper product comprising means applying gum to said paper product, means for detecting the thickness of the gum being applied to said paper product and producing a control signal which varies with said thickness, and means connected to said detecting means for receiving said control signal and automatically adjusting the amount of said gum being applied to obtain a desired thickness.

Abstract: Treating liquor is applied to open-width textile substrate by pressure feeding the liquor in foamed condition to a distribution chamber having gently changing cross sectional areas and contours and arranged to deliver the foamed treating liquor evenly widthwise of the substrate through an application head past which the substrate is caused to travel under conditions that result in liquefying the foamed treating liquor in the course of application to the substrate.

Abstract: A device for feeding materials to an evaporator of a vapor deposition apparatus comprises a balance onto which material to be evaporated is fed and an ejector associated with the balance and responsive to a predetermined weight of the substance on the balance to eject the substance from the balance through a trajectory path and into the evaporator.

Abstract: Automatic finish coating equipment employs a selectively variable low-pressure or "soft" air or solvent signal to control pushing of coating material through a feed tube from a coating material source to a coating material atomizing and dispensing device. This "soft fluid push" method maximizes the finish quality which can be achieved with coating materials having different characteristics, such as viscosities, in any operation in which frequent changes in coating material characteristics are experienced, such as, when frequent changes of coating material color are employed.