US3834806A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Particle level indicator
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1973-05-07
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Granted: 1974-09-10
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Expires: 1993-05-07
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus arranged to indicate the level of particles remaining in a housing. The housing dispenses particles therefrom, and the apparatus senses when the particle level is diminished beneath a preselected level. In this manner, additional particles may be added to the housing when the apparatus indicates that the particles therein are depleted.
Inventors
- 👤 C Whited
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:41
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/226; G01F23/28; G01F23/296; G01F23/2966; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0822; G03G15/0848; G03G15/0856; G03G15/086; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S222/00; Y10S222/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
An electrostatographic printing machine of the type having an electrostatic latent image recorded on an image bearing member and a development system adapted to deposit toner particles from a developer mix onto the electrostatic latent image, wherein the improvement includes: means for housing a supply of toner particles; means for vibrating said housing means to dispense toner particles therefrom; means for sensing the level of toner particles remaining in said housing means, said sensing means being mounted for movement in said housing means and arranged to engage the toner particles stored therein above a preselected level; and magnetic means, operatively associated with said housing means, for detecting the movement of said sensing means relative to said housing means, said sensing means being adapted to move relative to said housing means when the toner particles stored therein are beneath a preselected level and said vibrating means moves said housing means to dispense toner particles therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
An electrostatographic printing machine of the type having an electrostatic latent image recorded on an image bearing member and a development system adapted to deposit toner particles from a developer mix onto the electrostatic latent image, wherein the improvement includes: means for housing a supply of toner particles; means for vibrating said housing means to dispense toner particles therefrom; means for sensing the level of toner particles remaining in said housing means, said sensing means being mounted for movement in said housing means and arranged to engage the toner particles stored therein above a preselected level; and magnetic means, operatively associated with said housing means, for detecting the movement of said sensing means relative to said housing means, said sensing means being adapted to move relative to said housing means when the toner particles stored therein are beneath a preselected level and said vibrating means moves said housing means to dispense toner particles therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 1, further including: circuit means arranged to produce an electrical signal in response to said detecting means indicating movement of said sensing means relative to said housing means; and means, responsive to the electrical signal generated by said circuit means, for indicating that the quantity of toner particles remaining in said housing means is beneath the pre-selected level and for de-energizing the printing machine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
75 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 2, wherein said housing means includes a generally tubular member journaled for oscillatory movement substantially about the longitudinal axis thereof and defining a chamber for storing a quantity of toner particles therein, said tubular member having a perforated region arranged to prevent the passage of toner particles therethrough when said tubular member is stationary while allowing the passage of toner particles therethrough when said tubular member is oscillated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A printing machine as recited as claim 3, wherein said vibrating means includes a motor adapted to oscillate said tubular member about the longitudinal axis thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
94 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 4, wherein said sensing means includes: a shaft member having one end portion thereof mounted pivotably in said tubular member, said shaft member extending in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said tubular member; and a generally planar member secured to said shaft member in the region of the other end portion thereof, said planar member moving substantially in unison with said tubular member when contacting the particles stored therein and oscillating relative to said tubular member when spaced from the particles stored therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 5, wherein said magnetic detecting means is mounted closely spaced to said tubular member in communication with said planar member so as to detect the oscillation thereof relative to said tubular member for indicating that said planar member is spaced from the toner particles in said tubular member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-09 | 1978-03-11 | 1978-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-09 | 1982-03-11 | 1982-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-09 | 1986-03-11 | 1986-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |