Multi-roller monocomponent toner applicator
US6226482A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/0822
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for applying electrically charged non-magnetic toner to an image device, and subsequently to a moving substrate, provides precise level control, proper control of the electrical charge of the toner, minimization of dusting problems, and maximum evenness of the toner layer. First and second fluidized toner beds have the toner in them charged using corona sources. The second bed maintains a level of toner above the level in the first bed, and a spillway-defining restraining dam is disposed between the beds so that the toner above the level desired in the second bed spills over the restraining dam into the first bed, allowing very precise control of the level of toner in the second bed. Toner transfer mechanisms (such as rotating conductive cylinders) transfer toner from the first bed to the second bed, and from the second bed to the image device. Scrapers scrape excess toner from the rotating cylinders so that it falls back into either the first or second bed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.