Non-magnetic toner dynamic recycling
US5799227A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G21/10
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Non-magnetic toner in an electrostatic imaging system, such as the MIDAX.RTM. electronic imaging system, is dynamically recycled. Wayward airborne toner particles in the imaging system are vacuum collected to provide an air stream with entrained toner particles, and a centrifugal separator separates the particles from the entraining air. The separated particles are then dynamically returned to the imaging system. At least one airlock, which may comprise at least first and second fluid actuated or mechanically actuated valves which are spaced from each other, is provided between the separator and a reservoir for toner particles to be supplied to a fluidized bed of toner particles in the imaging system. A distribution device for distributing the toner particles in at least two different horizontal paths, to return to the reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.