Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling a toner image formation process
US5307119A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1992 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/00054
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Attributes of a toner patch transferred from an imaging member (e.g., a photoreceptor or other charge-sensitive substrate) to a transfer member, such as an intermediate or electrostatic belt or drum, are measured. Measurement of attributes of the toner patch located on the transfer member can be used to monitor characteristics of the toner image formation process so that the toner development process can be appropriately controlled. These measurements can be used to improve the toner development process stability, and thus maintain superior print quality. The toner patch attributes measured include, for example, the voltage and the mass of the toner patch. Toner patch voltage is measured by an electrostatic voltmeter located adjacent to the transfer member. Toner patch mass is measured by one or more densitometers for measuring the developed toner patch mass, the transferred toner patch mass, and/or residual toner patch mass.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.