Method and apparatus for electrically connecting a developer roller to a bias source
US5648838A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/09
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An toner cartridge and bias contact which pertains to the recharging of the cartridge by the development of a new way of making this electrical connection between the developer roller and the printer contact, in a most unique and simple way. In the best embodiment, an annular contact rides in the bore of the developer roller, pushed up against a stop where the bore diameter decreases, and the annular contact is tightly placed to attain accuracy, solidity, maximum contact and position. Also, a spring type contact may be used to set the gap of the doctor blade, controlling the distance between the developer roller and doctor blade. Alternately, a similar contact is attached to the end-felt roller seals of the developer roller. Electrical resistance has been provided to vary this bias voltage when desired and may even be added to the contact in the form of a resistant coating. A static limiter device which is used in the developer section to control voltage particularly when the humidity is low to prevent streaking and thus increase the usable range of humidity of the imaging device. The static limiter is made of screen as well as foil with pointed teeth, either grounded or charged op…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.