Abstract: A light absorbing body is located to adjoin the back of an image carrier which is made of a light transmitting member. A latent image representative of an exclusive pattern for density detection is formed in a non-image region of the image carrier and developed by toner of any of multiple colors to become a toner image adapted for density detection. The toner image is illuminated so that image density is detected in terms of the intensity of light which is reflected by the toner image. The light absorbing body is made up of a plurality of absorbing members each having predetermined absorptivity. The absorbing members are selectively used in association with the spectral reflectivity characteristic of toner.

Abstract: A patch sensing toner concentration control method and apparatus is provided in which the optical density of reproduction output can be changed without changing the quantity of toner that is deposited on the photoconductor's test patch area. The test patch area receives toner as the patch area passes through a developer station under the influence of a patch development electrical field or vector. Light that is reflected from a bare photoconductor area is compared to light that is reflected from a toned test patch area. The ratio of these two reflected light intensities is used to control the addition of toner to the developer station. Optical density of the reproduction output is changed by changing the toner concentration in the developer station. The toner concentration control method and apparatus of the invention is constructed and arranged to require a fixed or constant ratio of light reflection as an indication of proper toner concentration, independent of the absolute value of toner concentration.

Abstract: A toner density control apparatus wherein an image density of a reference image on a photosensitive member is compared with a predetermined level to control a toner density, a voltage to be applied on a light-emitting element is controlled according to a difference between an output of a light-receiving element when it receives a light reflected from a non-image surface region on the photosensitive member and correction reference data, and a signal is supplied to the outside when the voltage is increased more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying apparatus is capable of forming outline images. It comprises a first charging device, an exposing device, a second charging device and a developing device along a moving direction of a photoconductor. A sensor detects an amount of toner adhering to a reference image formed on the surface of the photoconductor. Supply of toner is controlled based on the detected amount. In an outline image forming mode, an amount of toner to be supplied is set to a value smaller than an amount in a standard image forming mode.

Abstract: A toner density control method applicable after detection of a toner empty condition. After each copying operation, in copying machines, a simulated original is exposed to produce a corresponding electrostatic latent image, which image is developed periodically to provide a toner image for detection of the toner image density. If a toner empty condition is detected, a toner density level lower than normal is compared with the detected toner density and then the normal toner density level is compared with the detected level. A toner density control device for forming copies having different colors is likewise disclosed. The optimum density data for development are preset according to the color of the toner contained in the developing device. Electrostatic latent images are developed and compared with the detected density level of the toner image so that a relative decrease in toner image density can be compensated by driving the toner supply device.

Abstract: A toner concentration control method and system for controlling the toner concentration of a developer which includes toner and carrier for use in electrophotography. A controller, typically including a central processing unit or CPU, first determines a degree of deviation of the current toner concentration from a predetermined reference level and then replenishes the toner to the developer at an optimal replenishing condition which is varyingly set in accordance with the detected degree of deviation. In the preferred embodiment, the flow rate of toner to be supplied and time period of replenishing operation are varyingly set. Besides, the frequency of toner concentration detecting operation is also varyingly set so as to alleviate the load of the CPU.

Abstract: An electroless plating bath is selectively cleaned of organic contaminants. The organic contaminants are detected by measuring the capacitance between a working electrode and counter electrode with a potentiostat. The capacitance measurements are used to indicate the level of organic contaminants. Exposure of the dummy plating surface in the electroless plating bath is controlled such that the exposed surface is directly proportional to the detected level of organic contaminants.

Abstract: A toner concentration monitor senses changes in the effective dielectric constant of a developer mixture whose dielectric constant changes with variations in the toner concentration in the mixture. The monitor is the type having a capacitive probe immersible in developer mixture such that the capacitance value of said probe varies with the effective dielectric constant of the mixture. Means are provided for creating an electrical pulse train signal of predetermined frequency and variable pulse width. The pulse width is adjusted in response to the capacitance value of the probe. The pulses are created by a multivibrator circuit which is turned on by clock pulses and which has a time constant determined by the capacitance value of the probe. Each pulse has a first portion of fixed duration and a second portion of duration variable with the capacitance value of said probe.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a toner monitor used in an electrographic reproduction apparatus having interchangeable developer stations, respectively containing developer material of different colors, and in which the toner monitor measures reflectivity of the developer material and produces a signal corresponding to the measured reflectivity in order to enable regulation of toner concentration. The mechanism comprises a sensor, associated with a developer station located in the reproduction apparatus, for differentiating between at least two colors of toner and producing signals corresponding respectively to such colors. In response to the corresponding to a particular color, a signal is produced representative of the concentration of toner of that color. The signals respectively representative of toner concentration are substantially equal for like toner concentrations.

Abstract: A device for detecting the amount of developer remaining in a developer tank of a developing device is provided. A stirring unit is rotatably provided in the developer tank, and the present detector device is operatively associated with the stirring unit for detecting the level of resistance applied to the stirring unit by the developer inside of the tank. The detector device includes a pair of discs arranged opposite to each other, in which one of the discs is provided freely rotatable i one direction around a center shaft on which the stirring unit is mounted and the other disc is fixedly mounted on the center shaft. A spring is provided to bias one of the pair of discs to rotate with respect to the other and the pair of discs are so structured to cause a relative rotation over a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing electrostatic latent images with a two-component developer consisting of carrier and toner, comprising (a) a developer container, (b) a magnetic roll provided in the container, comprising a permanent magnet and a non-magnetic sleeve, (c) a hopper mounted on the container for replenishing toner to the container, (d) a roller provided in the container near its wall on the opposite side to the magnetic roll for mixing the developer with the toner replenished from the hopper and stirring them, (e) a device having a detection surface for detecting the concentration of toner in the developer. The detection device is mounted on the wall of the container such that the detection surface is located near the mixing roller to ensure the developer to flow smoothly and stably between the mixing roller and the detection surface.

Abstract: A toner density detecting device is provided with a coil buried in a housing and a cover member provided on one end of the coil to prevent the developing agent from touching the coil. The cover member has a front end portion provided near the surface of the housing and extending along the developing agent flowing direction and an apex portion at the back of the front end portion with respect to the direction. The apex portion projects deeper into the developing agent than the front end portion. An edge connecting the front end portion and the apex portion extends in the direction to cross the central axis of the coil. A pair of faces extending in the direction on either side of the edge are gradually declined from the edge toward the surface of the housing.

Abstract: A developer detecting device includes a developing unit for developing latent images with developer, a stirring unit for stirring the developer, a detector for detecting, during a stirring period, a decrease in the amount of developer and circuitry which outputs a signal detection only after a detection by the detector for at least one stirring period.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a uniform layer of a material from a vapor phase onto the surface of an object at a high rate of deposition includes a heated reservoir for vaporizing the material to be deposited, a reactor containing the objects to be coated, and a vacuum device for flowing the gaseous material from the reservoir to the reactor. The mass flow rate of the gas from the reservoir is held constant by precisely controlling the pressure at the outlet of the reservoir and at the inlet of the reactor. In one embodiment the upstream pressure is controlled by a valve responsive to a pressure sensor at the reservoir outlet, and the downstream pressure is controlled by adjusting the vacuum in the reactor as measured by a pressure sensor at the reactor inlet.

Abstract: A method of detecting the toner concentration of a two-component developer comprising a mixture of carrier particles and toner particles for use in an electrostatic copying apparatus or the like wherein a relationship between flow rate and the toner concentration of a two-component developer which passes through a container is obtained in advance, then the flow rate of the two-component developer whose toner concentration is unknown is measured by use of the container and developer flow rate detecting member. Thus, the toner concentration of the developer is determined from the measured flow rate and the relationship between the flow rate and the toner concentration which has been obtained in advance.

Abstract: A thin film formation technique and apparatus therefor which comprises converting a molecular beam effusing from a molecular beam source equipment to a pulsed molecular beam; introducing the pulsed molecular beam into an ionization chamber in such a fashion that the most of the pulsed molecular beam is caused to be incident to a substrate while a part is ionized by the ionization chamber; amplifying the ion or the electron converted from the ion and converting it to an electrical signal; calculating the flux and speed of the molecular beam; controlling the molecular beam effusing from the molecular beam source equipment on the basis of the calculation information; and forming the thin film on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus which develops an electrostatic latent image recorded on a photoconductive member employed in an electrophotographic printing machine having a finite, usable life. The apparatus employs a developer material which ages during the life of the electrophotographic printing machine. A continuous supply of carrier granules is furnished to the developer material. The addition of these carrier granules extends the useful life of the developer material so as to correspond to at least the useful life of the electrophotographic printing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus in which the presence of toner particles is detected. The apparatus includes a member adapted to be charged by the toner particles in contact therewith. A signal is transmitted in response to the member being charged to indicate the presence of toner particles in contact with the member.

Abstract: Toner dispensing control in a xerographic printer wherein a toner dispenser is controlled in response to a reference magnetic density value that is variable during the running-in period of a fresh toner mixture, thereby to take account of the changing packing density of the mixture during such period.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process to recover paint from overspray whereby one collects paint which misses the target object by means of a collector device which is flushed on all side and floor surfaces with circulating water, concentrates the overspray extracted in the overspray-circulating water mixture from the collector device to an overspray content of approx 20%, then feeds the mixture to a filtration chamber in which the water is separated from the reclaimed raw paint, then measures the physical characteristics of the reclaimed paint, compares these with the physical characteristics of the fresh paint, then adjusts the characteristics of the reclaimed paint to the characteristics of the fresh paint material and mixes the reclaimed paint into the fresh paint. The invention also concerns as device to carry out the process.

Abstract: A developing apparatus develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image retaining member into a visible image by the use of a developer including a magnetic carrier and a toner. The developing apparatus includes a rotatable non-magnetic sleeve retaining the developer, a permanent magnet member disposed in the non-magnetic sleeve and having a plurality of magnetic poles, a developer tank containing the developer, a toner tank containing the toner and having a toner outlet communicating with the developer tank and further having a toner replenishing movable member at the outlet, and a developer mixing movable member installed inside the developer tank. In the developer tank, a predetermined amount of the developer is contained which has previously been adjusted to a predetermined toner density. Further, the developing apparatus is constructed such that the whole of the developing apparatus is abandoned after the magnetic carrier has reached the end of its predetermined life.

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: Toner dispensing control in xerographic printing, wherein a toner dispenser is controlled during the initial period of use of a new toner mixture by a first control unit that is at least predominately responsive to the number of discrete exposures of the photoconductor, and during a further period of use a second control unit that is at least predominately responsive to the relative electrical permeability of the toner mixture. Over-tonering during the running-in of a new toner mixture is thereby avoided.

Abstract: In a toner concentration detecting apparatus, the inner surfaces of opposing side walls of a detector container, through which a developer in the form of a mixture of a carrier and a toner flows downward, are formed of curved surfaces of large radii of curvature having their centers on the same side, and the sectional area of the passage for the developer is gradually decreased toward the outlet of the detector container.

Abstract: The gap between a magnetic sensor and a fitting member supporting the magnetic sensor and the surface of the magnetic sensor are coated with thin nonmagnetic coating materials having small surface friction to prevent the developer from being introduced into the gap and adhered therein. Smooth flow of the developer is maintained, and the stable and accurate detection of the condition or ratio of the developer is ensured.

Abstract: Changes occurring in the electrical conductivity of liquids used to process image-wise exposed radiation-sensitive devices are used as a measure of the deterioration in effectiveness of the liquids. This deterioration is compensated for by varying the processing conditions, such as temperature, time, scrubbing action and processing liquid composition, in accordance with the change in conductivity.

Abstract: A toner replenishment control method for a developing material including two kinds of toners triboelectrically chargeable to polarities opposite to each other, which includes the steps of causing the respective toners contained in the developing material to separately adhere to each of first and second surface areas of a detecting member having predetermined potentials, obtaining first and second detecting signals substantially proportional to amounts of the respective toners which have adhered to the first and second surface areas, the first and second detected signals being set to become equal to each other when a mixing ratio of the respective toners in the developing material is set at a standard mixing ratio, relatively comparing the first and second detected signals, and in the presence of a difference therebetween, replenishing either one of the respective toners to the developing material for eliminating the difference.

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: The present invention is an apparatus for monitoring toner concentration on a photoreceptor surface. The apparatus includes a light emitting diode, the phototransistor, a beam splitter, and a lens disposed between the beam splitter and the photoreceptor surface to collimate the light beam between the lens and the photoreceptor surface. A portion of the light emitted from the LED is transmitted through the beam splitter and the lens to the photoreceptor surface. Collimated light is reflected from the photoreceptor surface back through the lens and reflected from the beam splitter to the phototransistor. The output signal from the phototransistor because of the incident and reflected collimated light is independent of the distance of the lens from the photoreceptor surface. Alternately, a second lens is disposed between the beam splitter and the phototransistor to enhance overall resolution.

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 electrophotographic printing machine in which a developer roller transports a developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles closely adjacent to an electrostatic latent image recorded on a photoconductive surface so as to develop the latent image with the toner particles. A member is positioned closely adjacent to the developer roller to attract the toner particles to at least one surface thereof. A beam of energy is transmitted through the member onto the surface on which the toner particles adhere. The internal angle of incidence of the beam of energy is greater than the critical angle of incidence of the member. The intensity of the beam of energy internally reflected through the member is detected. A signal indicative of the quantity of toner particles attracted to the surface of the member is generated. The signal is processed and a signal transmitted indicating the end of the useful life of the developer material.

Abstract: Providing an electrical conductor with an insulation layer having a layer of dielectric carrier with magnetically permeable particles dispersed within the carrier, in which homogeneity is maintained in a fluid mixture of a fluid carrier and the particles, the conductor is moved vertically through a die means to coat it with a fluid layer of the mixture, the fluid carrier is dried and thickness of the dried insulation layer is controlled. This control is achieved by monitoring the thickness or diameter of the dried layer and, if a variation exists between the monitored and required values, the rate of fluid flow through the die means is adjusted to adjust the monitored values towards that required.

Abstract: Light reflected from a reference pattern having a predetermined reflectivity is focused to a photoconductive element to form a latent image thereon. A degree of deposition of a toner on the latent image is sensed by a sensor and the toner supply to a developing unit is controlled in response to an output of the sensor. A fatigue standard is selected taking into account a fatigue characteristic particular to the photoconductor, so that a bias voltage applied to a developing roller in the developing unit is varied in response to the selected fatigue standard.

Abstract: A xerographic copying apparatus including a device for monitoring the concentration of toner in a xerographic developer mixture of ferromagnetic particles and non-ferromagnetic toner, said device comprising a measuring induction coil that is mounted close to the developer supply so that its magnetic field traverses a portion of the mass of the developer, and a reference induction coil that is mounted close to the measuring coil, but with its magnetic field prevented from traversing the developer mixture, and suitably closely on a wall of the hopper for the toner supply.

Abstract: A toner concentration sensor senses the concentration of toner in the toner system of an electro-photographic printer or copier. A novel circuit improves the toner concentration sensor. The novel circuit is composed of a resonant circuit, a frequency source, and a logic circuit. The resonant circuit is tuned to a selected frequency and has an inductor which creates a field into which the toner system is introduced. A frequency source excites the resonant circuit. A logic circuit receives a signal from the frequency source and an output from the resonant circuit. The logic circuit output is a signal representative of the phase shift between the signal from the frequency source and the output of the resonant circuit. The phase shift is representative of the inductance of the inductor in the presence of said toner system. The measurement of the inductance is representative of the concentration of toner in said toner system.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a thin, adhesive coating to plate-shaped bodies of glazed ceramic, e.g., tiles, glass or enamel. To this end, there are provided: a heated tank for receiving the dipping liquid; a cover hood shielding the tank and the liquid bath from the environment and comprising inlet and outlet slits for the plate-shaped bodies; a cooling device arranged in the cover hood; a conveyor mechanism extending from the inlet to the outlet slit on a downwardly curved path through the tank and a mechanism for adjustment of the length of the dipping section to lower and raise the liquid level in the tank.

Abstract: A detector and measuring device for determining the presence and number of lubricant particles in a flow of air directed onto the surface of a disc to coat the disc with a thin layer of the lubricant. The detector includes means for removing a portion of the air containing the lubricant particles from the coating chamber, means for diluting the air containing the lubricant particles with additional clean air and means for passing diluted air through a particle counter which detects and counts the particles of lubricant.

Abstract: An apparatus which develops a latent image with marking particles. The apparatus includes a developer roller which transports the marking particles closely adjacent to the latent image. As the marking particles are deposited on the latent image, the developer roller senses the charge thereon. In response to the sensed charge of the marking particles, additional marking particles are dispensed into the chamber of the housing for subsequent use by the developer roller.

Abstract: A device for controlling the developer concentration in an electrophotographic copier or the like, in which a first detector for detecting the developer concentration and a second detector for detecting the image density are utilized for controlling process devices to maintain a constant optimum image density.

Abstract: A toner concentration sensor assembly wherein a toner cartridge carrying a fresh supply of toner material is demountably insertable into the assembly so as to bring the fresh toner into the original developer mix and wherein a portion of developer mix is metered off the magnetic brush application roller of the apparatus into an inductor surrounding a chute-like, open ended cannister. An electromagnet is used to close the chute by immobilizing the developer mix within the chute while a signal output is taken from the inductance and applied to a sensing circuit to determine the quantity of toner to stabilize the mix concentration to a predetermined level for copy printing output. An interconnected mechanism operably associated with the toner cartridge replenishes the toner on command from the system software as a result of a comparison between toner concentration levels and a preset concentration required for clear, clean, crisp printing/copying.

Abstract: An improved toner concentration detection and control method to be applied to an electrophotographic copying apparatus or the like which is so arranged that, part of an electrostatic latent image support member outside its image region is utilized as a carrier adhering region, while the carrier adhering region is subjected to developing by a magnetic brush of a magnetic developing material, and during the above developing, magnetic carrier is caused to adhere to the carrier adhering region, with simultaneous measurement of current flowing between a developing electrode and the electrostatic latent image support member so as to control the replenishing amount of toner with respect to the magnetic developing material.

Abstract: An apparatus in which the developability of electrostatically charged particles in a mixture of particulate material is measured. The apparatus includes a transparent member positioned closely adjacent to a developer roller of an electrophotographic printing machine. Electrostatically charged particles are attracted from the particulate mixture being transported by the developer roller to the member. A beam of energy is transmitted through the member. The intensity of the internally reflected beam is detected and a signal generated indicative of the quantity of charged particles adhering to the member.

Abstract: A detecting device for detecting when the amount of toner in a dual component developing material is less than a predetermined level includes a hopper for supplying the toner, a stirring roller for stirring a carrier and the toner from the hopper, and a detector for detecting the amount of developing material provided near the stirring roller to mix the toner supplied from the hopper with the carrier. A discriminator discriminates an output signal from the detector for a predetermined interval during the rotational period of the stirring roller. An indicating element operates in response to the output signal from the discriminator to indicate when the amount of the toner in the developing material is less than the predetermined level. Since it is indicated when the toner in the developing material is less than the predetermined level, the toner is supplied according to such indication, and therefore, an undesirable deterioration of copy density is prevented.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved electrophotographic copying apparatus which includes a detector for detecting amount of toner adhering to a reference latent image, a replenishing device for replenishing toner to a developer in a developing device when the toner amount detected by the detector falls below reference toner amount and a correcting device for changing the reference toner amount, and/or voltage of a developing bias power source at a time when the reference latent image is developed, according to an operation for altering original document projecting magnifications, so that toner concentration of the developer may be maintained in the best condition at a reduced size magnification as well as an equal size magnification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a developing material supplying control device for an electrostatic copying apparatus which includes an oscillator circuit composed of an oscillation coil provided along a toner supplying passage, a timer, a counter for counting the output signal from the oscillation circuit at every interval predetermined by the timer to supply a discriminating output signal when the counted value is equal to a predetermined value for each of the intervals. A toner supply acts in response to the discriminating output signal from the counter for supplying toner to the toner supplying passage. Since this invention employs the oscillation coil and does not employ a mechanical switch having a movable contact for detecting toner in the toner supplying passage, the toner supplying operation is achieved precisely.

Abstract: Xerographic toner and carrier are analyzed by placing a sample thereof in a closed container, the container having upper and lower nonmagnetic and electrically conductive flat plates separated by nonmagnetic and electrically nonconductive walls, and subjecting the container to a vibratory force, while a voltage simulating an electrostatic image is applied to one plate, and while the charge associate with the other plate is monitored.

Abstract: An apparatus having an article counter, a set-point register and a comparator, and at least one electrode for detecting solution pH, with a controlled system adapted to add pre-selected amounts of replenishing solution to the cleaning and treating baths controlled by the system when indicated by coincidence between the number in the pre-set counter and the number in the article counter, in response to system pH, whereby the solutions being replenished will retain predetermined characteristics throughout an extended operating life. A method which comprises sampling solution pH counting the articles being treated and replenishing treatments and cleaning solutions in response to article count and pH or other solution condition from time to time to maintain desired process characteristics.

Abstract: This specification discloses a developer supply device which supplies separately toner and carrier of a two-component developer and in which supply of toner is controlled in accordance with the variation in volume of the developer within a developing device and supply of carrier is controlled in accordance with the variation in density of the toner.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a toner concentration of a dry developing agent used in an electrophotographic apparatus wherein an electrostatic latent image is developed by a dry developing agent including toner and magnetizable carrier used to be circulated, and wherein a toner is appropriately and timely supplied to the developing agent to maintain a toner concentration within a predetermined value. The developing agent is directed to flow on an inclined member disposed on a portion of a path of circulation of the developing agent, and when a depth of the flow of the developing agent on the inclined member is reduced below a predetermined value, the toner is supplied to the developing agent.

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.