Toner replenishment based on writer current
US6873805B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/5041
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for replenishing toner based on the electric current used over time by the exposure subsystem. Toner take-out for each image is estimated by measuring the current used by the exposure system, subtracting the quiescent current, integrating over a page or frame, and multiplying by a predetermined value that indicates the amount of toner required by the image, based on the average current used for the exposure and other process parameters. These calculations are done either in hardware or in software. The replenishment system is used to add the correct amount of toner to the developer station to maintain the toner concentration at an approximately constant aim value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.