Toner reclaiming system for electrostatic printing machines

Claim 1

An improved electrostatic reproduction machine having a photoconductive surface upon which is formed an electrostatic latent image, a developing apparatus for applying developing material to said latent image to develop the same, said material including toner particles which are electrostatically attractable to said latent image, and a cleaning mechanism for removing residual toner particles from said surface after development of said latent image, the improvement comprising: an air conveying system having an input and an output end, and blower means positioned between said ends for effecting movement of air throughout said system; said input end being operatively connected to said cleaning mechanism for receiving air and toner particles there-from; separating means positioneD in said system between said input end and said blower means, said separating means having inlet and outlet means for the movement of air therethrough and discharge means for discharging separated toner particles from said system; a toner recovery container having an opening for receiving said separated toner and means for engaging said discharge means in a sealing relationship for receiving said separated toner, said container being positioned in operative communication with said discharge means and arranged to receive said separated toner from said separating means; a toner dispenser for said developing apparatus, said dispenser having a mating element formed to engage said container in a manner which will permit said separated toner to be poured from said container into said dispenser without spillage.