Electrophotography – Image formation – Development
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-28
2001-02-06
Royer, William J. (Department: 2852)
Electrophotography
Image formation
Development
C399S281000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06185400
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates generally to an electrophotographic printing machine, and more particularly concerns a toner cartridge used in the developer unit of the printing machine.
An electrophotographic printing machine employs a photoconductive member that is charged to a substantially uniform potential so as to sensitive the surface thereof. The charged portion of the photoconductive member is exposed to a light image of an original document being reproduced. Exposure of the charged photoconductive member selectively dissipates the charge thereon in the irradiated areas to record an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive member corresponding to the informational areas contained within the original document. After the electrostatic latent image is recorded on the photoconductive member, the latent image is developed by bringing a developer material into contact therewith. Generally, the electrostatic latent image is developed with dry developer material comprising carrier granules having toner particles adhering triboelectrically thereto. Alternatively, a single component developer material such as toner particles may be employed. In addition, a liquid developer material may be used. The toner particles are attracted to the latent image forming a visible powder image on the photoconductive surface. After the electrostatic latent image is developed with the toner particles, the toner powder image is transferred to a sheet. Thereafter, the toner is heated to permanently fuse it to the sheet.
As successive electrostatic latent images are developed on the photoconductive surface, toner particles are depleted from the developer unit. Thus, it is necessary to furnish additional toner particles to the developer unit. It is highly desirable to maintain the ratio of carrier granules to toner particles within a prescribed boundary. This insures that the concentration of toner particles and carrier granules is maintained within limits so as to preclude the degradation of copy quality. A toner cartridge containing a supply of toner particles therein is associated with the developer unit of the printing machine. The toner cartridge, which may be readily inserted into the developer unit and removed therefrom by the machine operator, furnishes additional toner particles to the developer unit. It is highly desirable that this operation be a “white glove” operation. By that it is meant that no toner particles should spill on either the operator or on any of the machine components. Toner particles will contaminate the machine components resulting in a degradation in performance of the printing machine. In addition, toner particles will dirty the operator resulting in dissatisfaction in the performance of the printing machine. To accomplish this, it is necessary to seal the opening through which toner particles are discharged from the toner cartridge during handling thereof. This sealing arrangement must be readily removable from the toner cartridge opening to facilitate the discharge of toner particles when the toner cartridge is in the operative position in the developer unit. Over the years, various approaches have been developed for sealing and handling the toner cartridge in a “white glove” manner. Various types of toner cartridges have heretofore been employed. The following disclosures appear to be relevant:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,829
Patentee: Naganuma et al.
Issued: Feb. 19, 1991
U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,985
Patentee: Hayashi
Issued: Nov. 11, 1997
U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,829 disclosed a rotating member positioned in the opening through which toner material is discharged into the developer unit. The rotating member may be a sponge roller.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,985 describes a toner replenishment roller mounted in the shutter opening of the toner cartridge. This roller is a sponge roller with a sponge cover.
In accordance with one aspect of the features of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing a supply of toner therein. The container includes a housing having a dispensing port. The housing defines a chamber storing a supply of toner therein. A member having a planar surface is mounted movably in the chamber so that in a position remote from the dispensing port the planar surface receives toner and in a position in engagement with the dispensing port toner is discharged from the planar surface through the dispensing port.
Pursuant to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer unit including a container defining a chamber for storing a supply of toner particles therein. The container has a dispensing port from which the particles exit the chamber. A member, having a planar surface, is mounted movable in the chamber so that in a position remote from the dispensing port, the planar surface receives particles and, in a position in engagement with the dispensing port, particles are discharged from the planar surface through the dispensing port. A developer roller, operatively associated with the member, receives particles being discharged from the dispensing report.
In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing machine of the type in which an electrostatic latent image recorded on a photoconductive member is developed with toner to form a developed image thereon that is transferred and fused to a sheet. The improvement includes a container defining a chamber for storing a supply of toner therein. The container has a dispensing port from which the toner exits the chamber. A member, having a planar surface, is mounted movably in the chamber so that in a position remote from the dispensing port, the planar surface receives toner and, in a position in engagement with the dispensing port, toner is discharged from the planar surface through the dispensing port. A developer roller, operatively associated with the member, receives toner being charged from the dispensing port. The developer roller is positioned adjacent the photoconductive member so that the electrostatic latent image recorded thereon attracts toner thereto to form the developed image on the photoconductive member.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4647180 (1987-03-01), Watanabe
patent: 4993829 (1991-02-01), Naganuma et al.
patent: 5012289 (1991-04-01), Aldrich et al.
patent: 5101237 (1992-03-01), Molloy
patent: 5640651 (1997-06-01), Katoh et al.
patent: 5686985 (1997-11-01), Hayashi
Dibo Roberto Carlos C.
Sanchez Ismael R.
Royer William J.
Xerox Corporation
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