Patent · US Active

Supplying electrophotographic toning member using ribbon blender

US8422919B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by

8References

10Claims

0Family size

Assignee

EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY · US

Inventors

Edward M. Eck · Lima, US
Wendy Buhay · Clifton Springs, US

Key dates

Filing date	Jan 27, 2011
Grant date	Apr 16, 2013
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Oct 19, 2031

Classification

Technology area (CPC G)Physics
CPC primaryG03G15/0891
WIPO fieldOptics
WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A toning apparatus for an electrophotographic marking engine using multi-component developer includes a magnet for producing a magnetic field through the surface of a toning member, so that carrier particles in the developer in a receiving zone are attracted to the toning member. A rotatable ribbon blender includes an axle, a first inner ribbon and a first outer ribbon having opposite handednesses of twist and arranged to rotate with the axle, and a paddle connected to the first outer ribbon. The ribbon blender is disposed at least partially in the developer in a sump, so that when the ribbon blender rotates, the paddle transports developer from the sump to the receiving zone. No feed roller or supply roller is required; the ribbon blender mixes and transports developer.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.