Developing unit for thoroughly supplying mixed toner in an electrostatographic printer

US5617189A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Xeikon N.V. · BE

Inventors

• Etienne M. De Cock · Edegem, BE
• Lucien A. De Schamphelaere · Edegem, BE
• Bart J. Van Dessel · Oud-Heverlee, BE
• Daniel L. Van Hoogten · Heist-op-den-Berg, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 6, 1995
• Grant date: Apr 1, 1997
• Expiry date: Mar 6, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S222/01
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A developing unit including a housing having an opening defining a developing zone, an applicator for applying particulate developer through the opening towards an electrostatographic image to be developed, and a paddle wheel for agitating developer within the housing, for scooping up developer from within the housing and projecting scooped-up developer towards the applicator. A hopper, located outside the width of the development zone supplies toner to the housing, and a primary spiral screw conveys developer from the hopper across the width of the development zone in one direction, while a secondary spiral screw receives developer from the primary spiral screw and conveys developer across the width of the development zone in an opposite direction. A passageway outside the width of the development zone enables the return of developer from the secondary spiral screw to the primary spiral screw.