Method for removal and addition of developer to a toner module in an electrophotographic print engine
US4989045A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/1661
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A toner module has a mixing roller and a decorator roller. The decorator roller, which extends partially through a developer opening, has a partial magnetic core enclosed by a developer carrying sleeve. Developer is removed by orientating a nonmagnetic portion of the core toward the developer opening. The decorator roller is then rotated so that the sleeve carries the used developer over the nonmagnetic portion, thereby allowing the developer to fall out of the toner module. New developer is added by orientating the magnetic portion of the core to face the developer opening. The decorator roller is then rotated so that, as the sleeve rotates over the developer to be added, the magnetic force of the developer core pulls the developer onto the sleeve and into the toner module. Orientating a magnetic portion of the mixing roller proximate to the decorator roller causes the developer to be carried further into the toner module, so as to provide for more storage volume for the developer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.