Abstract: An image forming apparatus and method for developing a latent image on an image bearing member includes the image bearing member, an air flow generator, and an air intake device. The image bearing member is configured to bear the latent image on the surface thereof. The airflow generator is configured to generate airflow to transport a developer. The air intake device is configured to connect outside the image forming apparatus with the airflow generator to draw air from outside the image forming apparatus to supply the air to the airflow generator.

Abstract: A powder toner transferring method that fluidizes a powder toner with a gas supplied from an air supply, sucks the fluidized powder toner with a suction, and transfers the powder toner by discharging the powder toner in a toner storage container. The suction of the powder toner is performed with a reciprocating-motion pump. A powder toner filling method includes the powder toner transferring process.

Abstract: A developing device includes a developer bearing body disposed in opposition to a latent image bearing body for bearing a latent image thereon. The developer bearing body develops the latent image using a developer. The developer has a degree of circularity greater than or equals to 0.93. The developing device further includes a developer layer forming member that contacts the developer on the developer bearing body to thereby form a developer layer. The developer bearing body rotates at a circumferential speed within a range from 185 mm/sec to 250 mm/sec. The initial fluidity of the developer is greater than or equals to 80%, and the tapping density of the developer is less than or equals to 35%.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing toner in an electrostatographic printer includes apparatus for agitating toner contained by a relatively large toner container (e.g., 10-25 liters in volume). The apparatus includes a substantially vertically-oriented shaft supporting a blade that operates, as the blade rotates, to drive the contained toner mass upwardly, thereby aerating the mass and preventing compaction during toner dispensing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing toner in an electrostatographic printer includes apparatus for drawing ambient air in a vertical direction, preferably upwards, through a relatively large toner container. The air-flow is sufficient to fluidize the toner in the toner container and thereby prevent compaction. Such fluidization is optionally supplemented by the action of an auger or propeller mechanism mounted within the toner container. During rotation of the auger/propeller, the toner is lifted and thereby further prevents toner compaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a generally fluidized toner in an image developer system utilized in an image forming system are provided. The method includes introducing a fluid, such as atmospheric air, into a chamber containing toner particles to fluidize the toner. The fluid-like characteristics of the fluidized toner may be used to delump and transport the toner, and to detect the toner level.

Abstract: A system and method for applying electrically charged non-magnetic toner to an image device, and subsequently to a moving substrate, provides precise level control, proper control of the electrical charge of the toner, minimization of dusting problems, and maximum evenness of the toner layer. First and second fluidized toner beds have the toner in them charged using corona sources. The second bed maintains a level of toner above the level in the first bed, and a spillway-defining restraining dam is disposed between the beds so that the toner above the level desired in the second bed spills over the restraining dam into the first bed, allowing very precise control of the level of toner in the second bed. Toner transfer mechanisms (such as rotating conductive cylinders) transfer toner from the first bed to the second bed, and from the second bed to the image device. Scrapers scrape excess toner from the rotating cylinders so that it falls back into either the first or second bed.

Abstract: A method for operating electrographic printers or copiers uses toner particles of two different colors applied to a toner image carrier by at least two developing units. A force field is applied to at least one section of the travel path of the toner particles from a toner container to the toner image carrier to cause the toner particles to be carried in the direction of the toner image carrier. Changing the force field causes an interruption of the transfer of the toner particles with the developer stations are in a rest position.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent image recorded on an imaging surface, including a housing defining a chamber for storing a supply of developer material including toner; a dispensing system for dispensing toner of a first color and toner of a second color into said housing; an air system for fuildizing and mixing toner of said first color and toner of said second color; a donor member, spaced from the imaging surface, for transporting toner on the surface thereof to a region opposed from the imaging surface, said donor member includes an electrode array on the outer surface thereof, said array including a plurality of spaced apart electrodes extending substantial across width of the surface of the donor member; and a multi-phase voltage source operatively coupled to said electrode array, the phase being shifted with respect to each other such as to create an electrodynamic wave pattern for moving toner particles to and from a development zone.

Abstract: Interdigitated electrodes on a donor roll enable uncharged toner to be picked up from a fluidized bed reservoir. This layer of toner is subsequently charged by exposure to a corona device and delivered to a development zone, where it is used to develop an electrostatic latent image. Residual toner on the donor is neutralized by exposure to a second corona device and then stripped for return to the fluidized bed by applying an AC voltage between adjacent donor electrodes. So-called ion charging of the toner is known to cause the particles to have low adhesion, allowing development with DC fields alone. Optionally, an AC voltage can also be applied to adjacent donor electrodes in the development zone to enhance particle release. In addition to providing a means to impart adequate flow to the toner in this single component development system, the fluidized bed reservoir, in conjunction with ion charging, also provides a means for blending dry powder toners to achieve custom color development.

Abstract: Non-magnetic toner in an electrostatic imaging system, such as the MIDAX.RTM. electronic imaging system, is dynamically recycled. Wayward airborne toner particles in the imaging system are vacuum collected to provide an air stream with entrained toner particles, and a centrifugal separator separates the particles from the entraining air. The separated particles are then dynamically returned to the imaging system. At least one airlock, which may comprise at least first and second fluid actuated or mechanically actuated valves which are spaced from each other, is provided between the separator and a reservoir for toner particles to be supplied to a fluidized bed of toner particles in the imaging system. A distribution device for distributing the toner particles in at least two different horizontal paths, to return to the reservoir.

Abstract: Non-magnetic toner in a fluidized bed is charged by at least one corona wire extending through the bed, the non-magnetic toner surrounding the wire in the fluidized bed. In order to prevent build up of insulating particles on the corona wire (which leads to a change in electric field gradient and eventually adversely impacts on the uniformity of the image applied to the substrate with the toner) is substantially precluded by vibrating the wire to shake toner particles off the wire. Vibration is accomplished at spaced points in time, such as by utilizing a rod having an irregular (e.g. substantially sinusoidal shaped) surface and by reciprocating the rod to cause the irregular surface to engage the wire and cause a quick rise and release thereof, so that the wire goes through a wide series of frequencies when vibrating. The rod may be reciprocated by a pneumatic cylinder, and may be of stainless steel having a substantially circular cross section with a diameter between about 0.02-0.04 inches.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent image recorded on a surface including a housing defining a chamber storing a supply of toner. A toner donor member is spaced from the image bearing surface and adapted to transport toner to a region opposed from the surface. A charging device is disposed in the chamber for ion charging the toner. A vibrational driver fluidizes the toner in the chamber. The vibrational driver and a transport member cooperate with one another to define a region wherein a substantially constant quantity of toner having a substantially constant ion charge is deposited on the transport member. The toner is electrostatically transferred from the transport member to the donor member which contains an AC biased self spaced electrode structure so as to form a toner cloud for developing the latent image in an image on image process.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent image recorded on a surface, including a housing defining a chamber storing a supply of toner. A toner donor member is spaced from the image bearing surface and adapted to transport toner to a region opposed from the surface. A charging device is disposed in the chamber for ion charging the toner. An air injection system fluidizes the toner in the chamber. The injection system and a transport member cooperate with one another to define a region wherein a substantially constant quantity of toner having a substantially constant ion charge is deposited on the transport member. The toner is electrostatically transferred from the transport member to the donor member which contains interdigitated electrodes positioned near the surface of a dielectric core roll. An AC voltage is applied between the interdigitated electrodes to detach toner from the donor member so as to form a toner cloud for developing the latent image in an image on image process.

Abstract: Images are formed using first and second fluidized beds of non-magnetic toner having first and second, respective, single applicator rollers. A charge retentive surface such as a photoconductive belt is uniformly charged (e.g. by a corona device) to a predetermined voltage level, and at least first and second different, spaced, latent electrostatic images are formed on the surface at different locations (such as by a laser based output scanning device). The surface is then moved past the first applicator roller, and then the second applicator roller.