Abstract: An apparatus in which particles are dispensed from an open-ended chamber. An oscillatory magnetic field vibrates a magnetic member at least partially immersed in the particles. This prevents bridging and caking of the particles to facilitate flow of the particles from the open end of the chamber.

Abstract: In detecting the presence or absence of a developing agent or determining the residual amount thereof, at least one coil is arranged outside a developing agent container, so that a change in magnetic permeability caused by the presence or absence of a developing agent within the container or a change in the amount thereof can be detected as a change in the inductance of the coil.

Abstract: An opening is formed in a bottom wall of a developer reservoir, where a U-shaped diaphragm is secured. The diaphragm is bent downward when developer powder is present in the developer reservoir more than a predetermined amount. When the quantity of developer powder decreases below the predetermined amount during a development operation, the diaphragm returns to its initial configuration, that is, the diaphragm is bent upward. The bent conditon of the U-shaped diaphragm is detected through the use of a suitable detection device such as a microswitch, whereby an alarm lamp is activated when the developer powder decreases to below the predetermined amount.

Abstract: A device for supplying a toner to a developing unit provided in an electrophotographic copying machine in which a toner supplying member at the bottom of the hopper may be rotated only in one direction, which may be manually operated or driven in association with a prime mover during copying operation. There is provided a rockable member attached to a protruding portion of the supplying member by a one-way clutch, which is rockable about an axis coaxial with the supplying member, the one-way clutch being adapted to be engaged with the rockable member only in the rotational direction of the supplying member.

Abstract: In an electrographic development apparatus having a magnetic brush and a sump wherein an auger transports developer from the sump to the brush, the auger being disposed in a tube located next to an inclined surface extending between the tube and the magnetic brush. The tube is provided with a plurality of openings. As the auger rotates it transports developer from the sump through the tube out of its opening to the inclined surface where it is distributed to the magnetic brush.

Abstract: An apparatus in which particles are advanced from a storage container through a tube having a plurality of apertures therein. The particles are moved along the tube by paddles secured to a shaft so as to be discharged through the apertures in the tube. The shaft is mounted reciprocably and rotatably within the tube. In this manner, the paddles engage the particles during its forward movement while being spaced therefrom during the return to its initial position.

Abstract: A magnetic auger in the form of a cylinder having one or more magnetic helices in the surface thereof is disclosed for transporting ferromagnetic particles such as toner particles used in magnetography.

Abstract: An apparatus in which toner particles are discharged into a developer material. A helical auger moves the toner particles through a tube having substantially equally spaced apertures therein. The toner particles are dispensed from the tube with the nondispensed toner particles being returned to the toner particle supply hopper.

Abstract: A copy machine having a decorator for applying toner to a latent image is disclosed. The decorator is fitted with a control for sensing the level of toner in the decorator sump which control automatically maintains the amount of toner in the sump at the desired level. The control includes a toner level sensor which is a vibrating rod driven by a decorator roll.

Abstract: A magnetic brush developing unit for an electrophotographic copy-machine of the type having a magnetic applicator which moves toner particles along a path passing adjacent the photoconductive element having the latent electrostatic image to be developed, in which a grid having a fine mesh is interposed in this path for separating clots of toner from the toner particles. The clots entrapped in the mesh are vibrated by the magnetic applicator till they are shattered and pass through the mesh.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting toner from a supply to a latent-image developing station of an electrostatic copier. The arrangement includes a rotatable transporting element having a shaft, an eccentric cam spaced from the shaft, a pivot arm pivotable into and out of contact with the cam and a freewheel drive connecting it with the shaft, and an adjustable stop which determines the extent to which the pivot arm can pivot towards the cam.

Abstract: A dispensing hopper within the xerographic machine arranged to support a quantity of finely divided particulate material. The hopper is provided with a first reservoir with a dispensing opening through which the material is dispensed to a developer sump. A cylindrical dispensing roll or other control device is rotatably suported in the first reservoir in or adjacent the dispensing opening and the dispensing roll is rotated sequentially through the material in the first reservoir and past the dispensing opening to dispense toner into the developer chamber. The dispenser also includes a second reservoir adjacent the first reservoir into which toner in excess of a preselected amount is directed.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the concentration of toner particles in an electrographic developer mixture having toner and carrier particles in which a first signal is produced representative of the reflectivity of the developer mixture and an offset signal is produced representative of changes in the reflectivity of the developer mixture caused by the build up of a film of toner on the carrier particles. A computation device such as a digital computer in response to the first signal and the offset signal provides a correct representation of the concentration of toner in the developer mixture. When the toner concentration is below a desired level, the computation device actuates a toner replenishment mechanism which adds fresh toner to the developer mixture.

Abstract: A toner dispenser having a rotatable cylindrical dispenser roll and an automatic low toner level indicator comprising a lamp and photocell mounted in opposed walls of the dispenser adjacent the bottom of the dispenser housing. The lamp and photocell are separated from the toner in the dispenser by transparent windows. A wiping arrangement is provided inside the dispenser to periodically clean the windows including wiper pads biased into contact with the windows and movable periodically back and forth across the surface of the windows in response to rotation of the dispenser roll.

Abstract: A toner residual amount detecting device for detecting a residual amount of toner in a toner hopper, comprises a capacitor section constructed of at least two electroconductive plates oppositely arranged in a toner-filled hopper, and an electric circuit portion adapted to detect a capacitance between the electroconductive plates which is varied according to a residual amount of toner in the toner hopper.

Abstract: A toner dispenser having a resilient open-cell foam dispensing roll and a dispensing edge in deforming contact with the roll. The edge is both movable and contoured along the axis of the roll to vary both the toner dispensing rate and the uniformity of the dispensing rate along the edge.

Abstract: A toner dispenser including a substantially enclosed dispensing hopper arranged to support a quantity of finely divided particulate material. The hopper is provided with an opening therein through which the material is dispensed by gravity to a developer sump. A cylindrical dispensing roll is rotatably supported in the hopper in or adjacent the opening with the roll surface in biasing contact with the interior wall surface of the container to form a movable seal for retaining particulate material within the hopper. The roll is formed of a resilient foamed elastomeric material having a textured outer surface with a plurality of open-cell cavities adapted to receive and support toner particles. The dispensing roll is rotated sequentially through the material in the hopper to load the open-celled cavities and then past at least one of the biasing surfaces wherein the surface of the roll is deformed sufficiently to cause toner thereon to be dispensed from the roll surface into the developer chamber.

Abstract: A development apparatus in which a plurality of differently colored particles are dispensed into a common sump. Differently colored particles are dispensed in a pre-selected ratio to form a resultant mixture of particles in the sump having a pre-selected color. This mixture is subsequently deposited on a latent image rendering the image visible in the pre-selected color.

Abstract: An apparatus in which the developability of a development system comprising a mixture of particles having at least two different colors is regulated. The quantity of each of the differently colored particles is maintained at a pre-scribed level to form a mixture of particles having a pre-determined color.

Abstract: A copier of the type which includes a photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image may be formed, a movable applicator which carries developer from a working supply of image developer and applies it to the image, and developer dispensing instrumentalities for replenishing the working supply of developer, is provided with a system for controlling the developer dispensing instrumentalities and thus replenishment of the working supply of developer. The control system responds to the optical density of developer on the applicator to generate a signal indicating whether or not the working supply of developer is in need of replenishment, and this signal is utilized for energizing the dispensing instrumentalities. The control system also includes circuitry for preventing energization of the dispensing instrumentalities for a predetermined time interval after commencement of movement of the applicator, to be sure that the applicator has picked up a sample of the developer from the working supply.

Abstract: A magnetic mixing apparatus and process for mixing magnetizable developer material for use in the development system of an electrostatographic reproducing machine. In accordance with one embodiment a blanket of developer material is magnetically divided into a plurality of widely spaced apart streams. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the blanket of developer material is magnetically divided into a plurality of closely adjacent or touching streams having different trajectories. Preferably the streams are then directed into one or more cross-mixing devices to provide enhanced side-to-side mixing of the developer.

Abstract: Disposable toner cartridge for copying machine which has an outer casing with a first opening, and a container mounted within the casing and provided with a second opening. The container is movable between a position of containment of the toner, in which it is maintained during shipment, and a position of discharge, in which it is turned upon positioning of the cartridge in the copying machine and in which the first and second openings are aligned for discharging therethrough the toner into the copying machine. The casing is provided with clamping elements for clamping the container in the discharge position to prevent any subsequent movement of the container starting from the discharge position, so avoiding the re-use of the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a developer mix of magnetic carrier granules having toner particles adhering triboelectrically thereto is brought into contact with an electrostatic latent image. The latent image attracts at least a portion of the toner particles thereto. A magnetic belt receives the denuded carrier granules and moves them into position to attract toner particles thereto from the chamber of a storage housing.

Abstract: A transmission couples the main drive of an electrostatographic development system to a toner dispensing roll and a spring-loaded striker of a toner dispenser for the development system. The transmission typically includes a Geneva wheel for periodically actuating a lever arm which is coupled by a one-way clutch to a drive shaft for the toner dispenser. That drive shaft suitably is, in turn, mated with a slot at the outer end of the dispensing roll by an enlarged flat or key which functions to alternately cock and release the striker as the dispensing roll is being rotated.

Abstract: A control device in which the dispensing of particles from a storage container to a mix is regulated. At predetermined sampling intervals, the concentration of particles in the mix is detected and a signal indicative thereof generated. These signals are summed and processed by a program to develop an actuating signal. The actuation signal energizes the storage container to dispense particles into the mix.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing and controlling the concentration of toner in a developer mix comprising toner and carrier particles used to develop electrostatic images on a photoconductive or the like member includes the provision of a surface which is electrically insulated from the toner and carrier housing and is triboelectrically dissimilar from the developer mix. The developer mix is flowed over the surface and a corresponding direct current voltage is generated triboelectrically due to the interaction thereof. The direct current voltage is connected through resistance to the housing and the direct current flowing through the resistance is related to the concentration of toner in the developer mix. Apparatus responsive to a predetermined current generated is employed to control the replenishment of toner to the developer mix.

Abstract: A storage unit is disclosed for transferring toner from the storage unit to a toner receiving receptacle in an electrophotographic apparatus without exposing the operator to contact with the toner. The storage unit includes a toner container; a removable tear strip which seals an opening in the container; and a slidable cover which protects the tear strip during storage, wipes toner from the tear strip as it is removed, and reseals the opening in the container after transfer of toner to a receiving receptacle in an electrophotographic apparatus.

Abstract: To add toner to the toner hopper of an electrostatic reproduction machine without contaminating either the operator or the interior of the machine, an improved toner bottle and receiver coact so as to eliminate or minimize the danger of generating toner clouds or spilling toner during the loading operation. The bottle has a body and a cap rotatably mounted on one end of the body. The body has a plurality of locating and locking lugs which coact with corresponding channels in the receiver so that the bottle can be inserted into the receiver in only one position. When a closed toner bottle is inserted into the receiver, a lip serves both to position the cap relative to an inlet opening of the receiver, and to retain the cap in this position as the body is rotated so that openings in the body and cap are aligned with the inlet opening; a suitable mechanism stops the body when the three openings are aligned.

Abstract: The method detects a toner concentration in a developer comprising a mixture of magnetic carrier particles and a non-magnetic toner through the determination of a leakage magnetic flux with a Hall element having a high sensitivity. The mixture is first shaped into a predetermined configuration and brought into a fixed magnetic field where the leakage magnetic flux is sensed by the Hall element. The shaped mixture may be a magnetic brush per se in case of the well-known magnetic brush device used. Such a Hall element is very susceptible to a variation of environmental temperature and thus requires a compensation therefor upon the determination of magnetic field. In one aspect of the invention, the compensation may be conveniently achieved by detecting a voltage across the control current terminals of the Hall element and supplying the detected result into an input of analog calculator.

Abstract: An apparatus which regulates the developability characteristics of a development system employing a developer mixture comprising at least carrier granules and toner particles. A transparent electrode attracts toner particles from the carrier granules. Light rays are transmitted through the electrode with the particles thereon. Sensors having peak transmittances corresponding to the peak transmittance and absorbence of the toner particles, detect the intensity of the light rays transmitted through the electrode and generate electrical output signals indicative thereof. These signals are processed and a control signal is developed which regulates the dispensing of additional toner particles into the developer mixture. In this manner, the concentration of toner particles within the developer mix is adjusted.

Abstract: A developer for an electrostatic reproduction machine has a dump door for opening and closing a discharge opening in the bottom of the developer. The door has two parallel channels formed therein and an actuator rod formed so that a portion of the actuator rod is slidably retained within each channel. The dump door is mounted to pivot about one of the channels toward and away from the discharge opening, a short support rod pivotally supporting one end of the door, and one end of the actuator rod supporting the other end of the door. The one end of the actuator rod is formed into a loop, the tip of which can be inserted into or removed from either of two openings in the developer housing by sliding the actuator rod in the channels. By inserting this tip into one of these openings, the dump door is locked in either an open or closed position. A switch mounted adjacent the support rod is closed to cause a count to be registered on a counter each time the dump door is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a quantity of particles is stored for being dispensed gradually therefrom. The particles remain stored therein when the apparatus is stationary, and are discharged therefrom when the apparatus undergoes oscillatory movement.

Abstract: A xerographic copying apparatus having a developer operable to present a two component developer mix, i.e. carrier and toner, to the photoconductor's latent electrostatic image, and apparatus for automatically adding virgin toner to the developer as the toner concentration is depleted as a result of toning the photoconductor's image over a period of making a number of copies. Once the need to add toner is indicated, a known, unit quantity of toner is added to the developer. Immediately thereafter, the ability to sense toner concentration is inhibited until the next two photoconductor images have been toned. In the event that low concentration is sensed immediately thereafter, another unit quantity of toner is added, and sensing is again inhibited for the two-copy interval. In the additional event that low concentration is sensed seven consecutive times, each time being separated by a two-copy inhibit interval, a failure latch is set and further operation of the copying apparatus is inhibited.

Abstract: Steady flow of dry toner from the discharge outlet of a toner tank is produced by inducing vortex-like motion of toner within the tank to inhibit toner bridging. A rotating brush associated with the discharge outlet has a rim in grazing contact with an edge of a fixed, inclined plate to establish the toner motion. In a preferred form of toner-supplying device, two discharge outlets are used, each associated with a brush/plate set.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided to supply fine particulate to xerographic machines utilizing a reciprocal force to drive the dispensing means and anti-caking arms extending inside the cartridge to reciprocate through the body of particulate. A dispensing means is opposed corrugated members biased together which, on relative reciprocation, cam apart to discharge the particulate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metering device for use in a developing apparatus operating on the electrostatic imaging principle, which comprises a plurality of chamber means movable into a developer cycle, and means for filling said chamber means with a developer liquid comprising a high resistance liquid phase and a fine-grained solid phase.

Abstract: A copying machine arrangement having an apparatus for applying and fixing a magnetizable powder on a coated and electrostatically charged paper sheet to fix the image thereon. The apparatus includes conveying means for carrying the charged paper to a surface element positioned below a powder dispensing structure wherein a magnetic roller will transfer the carbon powder to the sheet surface and pressing rollers are provided for setting the powder on the paper sheet.

Abstract: A toner cartridge for a xerographic copier, the cartridge having a flexible closure tongue which may be peeled from the cartridge when the same is in inverted position within the copier. The tongue is constructed of a material which has non-directional shear strength characteristics substantially unaffected by folding, and a tear strength substantially greater than the peel strength of the bond between the tongue and the cartridge, so that the tongue does not tear when it is peeled from the cartridge. The surface friction of the tongue material is sufficiently low so that the tongue may be peeled from the cartridge after the cartridge has been positioned so that the tongue is pressed against the periphery of the toner receptacle within the copier.

Abstract: A toner concentration detecting and toner replenishing system for use in an electrostatic copier having a magnetic brush which carries dry developer comprising a mixture of ferromagnetic carrier particles and toner particles into contact with the surface of a photoconductor upon which a latent electrostatic image has been formed, in which system a quantity of developer is removed from the magnetic brush after development of the image and the brush leaves the surface. The removed developer is directed into a dielectric tube having a restricted outlet which inhibits unstable flow through the tube so that developer in the tube determines the inductance of a coil surrounding the tube. The coil is one element of the tuned circuit of a sensing oscillator, the output frequency of which is compared with that of a tunable reference oscillator to provide a frequency difference signal which is a measure of the relative proportion of toner to carrier in the developer.

Abstract: A feeder pipe for a mold for continuous casting of steel has near-rectangular inner and outer contour with oppositely directed discharge ports on the small sides of the rectangle feeding towards the small sides of the rectangle of a mold for casting of ingot with rectangular contour.

Abstract: A toner dispenser having a rotatably driven dispensing roll including a cam and cam follower for imparting an axial, vibratory component of motion to the roll. The vibratory motion inhibits agglomerated masses of toner from collecting in the vicinity of the dispensing roll. In those instances wherein the dispensing roll is grooved and the toner dispenser additionally includes a brush-like wiper for dislodging toner particles from the dispensing roll, the vibratory motion also assists in preventing toner from accumulating in the grooved areas of the roll. That tendency is, however, even more effectively counteracted by additionally including a pawl and ratchet indexing arrangement for occassionally changing the alignment between the wiper and the dispensing roll.

Abstract: A development system for use in electrostatographic automatic imaging machines is described. The system includes an apparatus comprising a cartridge having a tubular housing with a piston slideably mounted in the housing defining a set of chambers and means adapted for engagement with an external drive for advancing the piston along the housing. Outlet and inlet means communicating with chambers respectively have means for sealing the inlet and outlet means are also provided. This apparatus comprises a liquid developer system to develop latent images on a photoconductive surface in an expedient fashion which avoids spillage of the liquid developer.

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.

Abstract: A device for detecting the quantity of remaining developer comprises a non-magnetic container for magnetic developer formed with a lower discharge port, a magnet disposed outside and adjacent the bottom of the container for producing a magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetism of the developer within the container, a rotary screw roller or a rotary impeller for delivering the developer from the container through the discharge port thereof, a mechanism for causing relative movement of the magnet and the container away from each other against the magnetic attraction when the developer is below a predetermined quantity, and a switch operable by such relative movement.

Abstract: A dry toner dispenser for use in an electrostatic or the like copying machine includes a hopper having a bottom opening from which dry toner particles are dispensed. A roll having a plurality of resilient fibers extending generally radially outwardly therefrom is mounted for rotation in the opening. A dispenser bar mounted outside of the hopper engages the resilient fibers of the roll. As the roll turns, the bar momentarily holds the fibers against the direction of rotation and then releases the fibers in a spring action to cause toner particles held between the fibers to be projected therefrom into the developer apparatus of the copying machine. A wheel rotatable in accordance with the operation of the copying machine drives a pivotal member which in turn rotates the dispenser roll incrementally. A manually positionable cam limits the movement of the pivotal member. An agitator included in the hopper is coupled to the drive roll for rotation therewith and maintains the toner particles in a loose condition.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a quantity of particles is stored and gradually dispensed to a mix thereof. Bridging and caking of the particles is prevented by forming grooves and inducing vibrations in the developer mix at predetermined intervals of time.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling developer efficiency in an electrostatic copying machine. A thin film of semi-insulating material is positioned for advancement through a development zone indicative of the quality of a developer system. Positioned in the path of the film and in the vicinity of the development zone are a plurality of conductive members which are coupled to sources of potential having a difference in voltage of approximately 200 to 600 volts in one embodiment. The difference in potential cause the development along the semi-insulating film material where the electrostatic fields are greatest. The film is then advanced past a detection station which includes an optical sensing device for sensing the transmission of the film and supplying signals indicative of the transmission characteristics to a control circuit which controls the toner dispensing in the developer system.