Method and apparatus for sensing and cleaning developer fluid
US5634170A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 27, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/104
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for filtering and sensing a developer fluid in a printing or copying machine for processing purposes. In order to insure that developer fluid reclaimed from a developing process is free from contamination, a filter/sensor system is provided in the reclaimed fluid path. The reclaimed fluid passes through the filter and then the sensor senses the amount of toner remaining in the fluid. If the toner contamination level is too high, the fluid is recirculated to the filter where it is re-filtered. This process is repeated until the reclaimed fluid is free of contaminants. The filter/sensor system can also indicate process failure in the developing system. Cleaning a developer housing is yet another use for the recirculating sensor/filter process. In this mode the developer fluid in the toner sump is circulated through the sensor/filter until all of toner has been removed from the fluid. The cleaned fluid is reused in the system and another color of toner can now be added to the developer housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.