MXPA96005881A - Internal plug for organ pigment cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for storing a supply of particles for use in a developing unit of an electrophotographic printing machine, characterized in that it comprises: a container with open ends defining a chamber in communication with the open end thereof; with the particles that are stored in the container chamber, a pierceable seal fixed to the open end of the container to seal the chamber, the container is installable in the developing unit without removal of the seal, and an internal seal fixed to the end open of the container and internal with respect to the pierceable seal, the internal seal has a surface that closely conforms to the open end of the container, the internal seal is removable from the open end of the container by the displacement of the internal seal towards the chamber of the recipient

Description

INTERNAL PLUG FOR ORGANIC PIGMENT CARTRIDGE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a developer apparatus for electrophotographic printing. More specifically, the invention relates to a cartridge for distributing organic pigment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the well-known process of electrophotographic printing, a charge retention surface, typically known as a photoreceptor, is electrostatically charged and then exposed to a light configuration of an original image to selectively discharge the surface according to the same The resulting configuration of the charged and unloaded areas on the receiver is an electrostatic charge configuration, known as a latent image, which conforms to the original image. The latent image is revealed by contacting it with electrostatically attractable marker particles, finely divided, typically in the form of a powder known as "organic pigment". The organic pigment is maintained on the areas of the image REF: 23454 by the electrostatic charge on the photoreceptor surface. Therefore, an organic pigment image is produced in accordance with a luminous image of the original that is reproduced. The organic pigment image can then be transferred to a substrate or support element (eg, paper), and the image is fixed thereto to form a permanent record of the image to be reproduced. Subsequent to development, the excess organic pigment left on the charge holding surface is cleaned from the surface. The process is useful for luminous lenses that copy from an original or print originals generated or stored electronically, such as with a scan set (ROS), where a loaded surface can be de-charged in the form of images in a variety of ways. shapes. In the electrophotographic printing process or process, the step or step of carrying or transporting the organic pigment to the latent image on the photoreceptor is known as "developing". The object of the effective development of a latent image on the photoreceptor is to transport the developing material to the latent image at a controlled rate so that the developer material effectively electrostatically adheres to the charged areas on the latent image. A commonly used technique for the development is the use of a two component developer material, which comprises, in addition to the organic pigment particles which are intended to adhere to the photoreceptor, a quantity of beads or granules carried magnetic res. The organic pigment particles adhere riboelectrically to the relatively large carrier beads, which are typically made of steel. When the developer material is placed in a magnetic field, the carrier beads with the organic pigment particles on them form what is known as a magnetic brush, where the carrier beads form relatively long chains which resemble the fibers of a brush. This magnetic brush is typically created by means of a "developer roller". Another known development technique involves a single component developer, that is, a developer which consists entirely of organic pigment. In a common type of single-component system, each particle of organic pigment has both an electrostatic charge (to enable particles to adhere to the photoreceptor) and magnetic properties (to allow particles to be transported magnetically to the photoreceptor) . Instead of using magnetic carrier beads to form a magnetic brush, the magnetized organic pigment particles are caused to adhere directly to a developer roller. In an electrophotographic printer when the organic pigment inside the developer material is transferred to the photoreceptor and eventually to the copying paper, this organic pigment used must be replaced. The electrophotographic printer therefore includes an organic pigment cartridge or container from which the fresh organic pigment is distributed to the machine. When a two-component developer is used, a portion of the carrier granules will eventually deteriorate. Additional carrier beads can be added to the machine to replace the damaged granules. The organic pigment cartridge or container can therefore alternatively store a mixture that includes a small amount of carrier granules in addition to the organic pigment. In order to provide a compact, small organic pigment cartridge, and to provide an organic pigment cartridge in which the cartridge opening can be easily removed, the organic pigment cartridge typically has a compact shape with a small aperture from the which the organic pigment is distributed or supplied. Traditionally when all of the organic pigment within the container has been consumed, the additional organic pigment was delivered to the machine by pouring organic pigment from a separate refill bottle into the container. This method allowed many of the organic pigment particles to be transported through the air during filling and into the machine. The operator can still fail in the container opening during filling and spill large amounts of organic pigment inside the machine. Since the organic pigment is inherently very susceptible to electrostatic charges, the organic pigment is electrostatically glued to all the recesses away from the machine making it necessary to clean the machine, consume time, and the consequent costs. Recently, the machines have been supplied with replaceable organic pigment cartridges or cartridges to avoid some of the problems associated with the spillage of the organic pigment during filling. Even if the opening of the container is failed during filling and the spilling of large quantities of organic pigment is resolved or relieved by replaceable organic pigment containers, the spill can occur from the previous or old container, during the removal and from the new container during the installation. The organic pigment in the organic pigment container or cartridge must be fed from it to the latent image to effect the development. Typically, organic pigment containers are located with their openings in the bottom of the container whereby they can be emptied by gravity. In attempts to manufacture economical and compact electrophotographic printers and to minimize space and related costs, however, the shape of the organic pigment container can not be led to an opening in the bottom or to an unattended or unaided relief of the container . When the opening is not at the bottom or the geometry of the container does not promote the free flow of the entire contents, a mechanism must be provided to remove the organic pigment therefrom. Although the demand for organic pigment remains very constant, these mechanisms expel large amounts of organic pigment when the container is full and progressively smaller quantities when the container is emptied. Cylindrical organic pigment containers are now available with spiral flanges located therein, which when rotated push the organic pigment to one end thereof. These containers have an opening in the periphery of the container near one end thereof through which the organic pigment escapes. An interconnection of the machine which must be sealed to the container is used to remove the organic pigment from the opening. Typically, the distribution orifice is covered with a removable seal to contain the organic pigment during shipment. This seal is removed prior to the installation of the container. The seal retains some of the organic pigment on its inner surface and must be discarded by the customer. The risk of dirty surfaces in the opening and in the interconnection and the risk of spillage of the organic pigment if the container is hit during installation, remain dormant with these containers. An example of a prior art container is shown in U.S. Patent Application. No. 08 / 202,616 of Meetze incorporated here for reference. The following descriptions may be relevant to various aspects of the present invention: US-A-5,455,662 Holder: Ichakawa et al. Date of Issue: October 3, 1995 US-A-5,121,168 Holder: Aoki et al. Date of Expedition: June 9, 1992 US-A-5,057,872 Holder: Saijo et al. Date of Issuance: October 15, 1991 US-A-4,965,639 Holder: Manno et al. Date of Issue: October 23, 1990 US-A-4,878,603 Holder: Ikesue et al. Date of Issue: November 7, 1989 US-A-4,819,578 Holder: Koiso et al. Date of Expedition: April 11, 1989 US-A-4,744,493 Holder: Ikesue et al. Date of Expedition: May 17, 1988 US-A-4, 739,907 Holder: Gallant Date of Issue: April 26, 1988 US-A-4,641,945 Holder: Ikesue et al. Date of Issue: February 10, 1987 US-A-4,611,730 Holder: Ikesue et al. Date of Issue: September 16, 1986 U.S. Patent Application No. 08 / 202,616 Applicant: Meetze Date of Presentation: February 28, 1994 The relevant portions of the foregoing descriptions can be briefly summarized as follows: US-A-5, 55, 662 discloses a developer filling device for filling a developing device with a developer and a container for the developer, for its use with it. The container for the developer or bottle for organic pigment has a mouth portion at one end thereof which is smaller in diameter than a hollow cylindrical main body. At the end of the bottle provided with the mouth, a projection has the internal periphery thereof partially raised to the edge of the mouth portion to form an raised portion for collecting or lifting the organic pigment. US-A-5,121,168 describes an image-forming apparatus for revealing a latent image on a photosensitive body. The latent image is revealed by a developer device and is transferred onto a sheet of paper and the remaining organic pigment on the photosensitive material is removed therefrom by a cleaner. The image forming apparatus has a storage portion of the organic pigment used to collect the remaining organic pigment removed therein and integral with the developer container. US-A-5, 057, 872 discloses a developer supply device which includes a substantially cylindrical developer container having on its peripheral surface a spiral notch and which is capable of rotating to convey a developer therein. by the notch. The device includes a supply element in the form of an opening and a regulating device. US-A-4, 965, 639 discloses a reproduction machine having a rotating organic pigment supply cartridge which supplies the organic pigment to a collector of the developer. The cartridge is tilted at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis to distribute the organic pigment. The distribution is aided by gravity in controlled quantities only from the end of the cartridge that extends below the horizontal. US-A-878, 603 discloses an organic pigment filling device for filling pigment organic pigment to an organic pigment storage area, from which the organic pigment is supplied to a developing section. The device includes a fastener or retainer for releasably attaching a cartridge 5 containing therein an amount of organic pigment. The fastener may be located in a position for mounting and dismounting the cartridge and in a refill position. The cartridge is retained substantially horizontally and is driven to rotate by means of which I Q the organic pigment is discharged into a transport path of the organic pigment leading to the storage area of the organic pigment. The cartridge is provided with a first wedding element and the fastener is provided with a second wedding element corresponding to the position and reception of the first wedding element. US-A-4,819,588 discloses an organic pigment collecting device for collecting residual organic pigment removed from an image retainer By a cleaning device after an image of organic pigment formed on the image retainer has been transferred to a sheet of paper. The collection device of the organic pigment has in it a conveyor device for carrying or transporting the residual organic pigment. The conveyor device has its front end portion positioned in a central portion of the collecting device of the organic pigment. The upper surface of the collecting device of the organic pigment has operated to guide the transfer paper and to support a transfer electrode, and the forward end portion of the conveyor device is provided with a diffusing sheet element for distribution of the organic pigment. US-A-, 74, 493 discloses an organic pigment filling device for filling organic pigment to an organic pigment storage area, from where the organic pigment is delivered to a developing section. The device includes a fastener for releasably holding or retaining a cartridge that contains therein an amount of organic pigment. The fastener can be located in a position of mounting and dismounting the cartridge and in a filling station. The cartridge is maintained substantially horizontal and urged to rotate thereby discharging the organic pigment into a transport path of the organic pigment leading to the storage area of the organic pigment. The cartridge is provided with a first wedding element and the holder is provided with a second wedding element corresponding in its position to the first wedding element. Accordingly, only the cartridge having the first wedding element can be properly retained by the holder to perform a filling operation of the organic pigment. US-A-, 739, 07 discloses a cylindrical developer storage and dispensing cartridge with a dispensing opening at one end. The cartridge has an integral anti-fragrance bridge and mixer element for transporting the developer, rotatably supported inside the container which has a first cylindrical helical spring element having a cross section that is substantially the same as the cross-section of the container and that is freely rotating in it. The first element is wound in the direction to transport the developer along its length towards the dispensing aperture and a second cylindrical propeller spring element having a cross section substantially smaller than the first spring element, but which is placed in substantially concentric form and which is fixed to the first element but enroled in an opposite direction. US-A-641, 945 discloses an organic pigment supply device for supplying a developing unit of an electrophotographic copier with an organic pigment developer which is stored in a cylindrical cartridge. The cartridge is fixed in a horizontal position in the vicinity of the copier developing unit while occupying a minimum space. The organic pigment delivery device is desirably applicable to a small size electrophotographic copier. US-A-611, 730 discloses an organic pigment filling device for filling the organic pigment to a storage area of the organic pigment, from which the organic pigment is supplied to a developing section. The device includes a fastener for releasably retaining a cartridge containing therein an amount of organic pigment. The fastener may be located in a position for mounting and dismounting the cartridge and in a refill position. The cartridge is kept substantially horizontal and driven to rotate by unloading the organic pigment through a path that transports the organic pigment., which leads to the storage area of the organic pigment. The cartridge is provided with a first wedding element AND the holder is provided with a second wedding element corresponding in its position to the first wedding element. Accordingly, only the cartridge having the first wedding element can be properly retained by the holder to carry out a filling or delivery operation of the organic pigment.

The application Serial No. 08 / 202,616 describes a device for storing a supply of particles for use in a developing unit of an electrophotographic printing machine. The device comprises a container with open ends defining a chamber in communication with the open end thereof. The particles are stored in the container chamber. The device further comprises a pierceable seal, fixed to the open end of the container for sealing the chamber. The container is installable in the developer unit without removal of the seal. In accordance with the present invention, a device for storing a supply of particles for use in a developing unit of an electrophotographic printing machine is provided. The device includes a container with open ends defining a chamber in communication with the open end of the container. The particles are stored in the container chamber. The device also includes a pierceable seal affixed to the open end of the container to seal the chamber. The container is installable in the developer unit without removal of the seal. The device further includes an internal seal fixed to the open end of the container. The internal seal is internal with respect to the seal that can be punctured. The inner seal has a surface that closely conforms to the open end of the container. The internal seal is removable from the open end of the container by the displacement of the inner seal towards the container chamber. In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a developing unit for the development of a recorded latent image on an image receiving element with a supply of particles. The developing unit includes a container with open ends defining a chamber in communication with the open end of the container. The particles are stored in the container chamber. The device also includes a pierceable seal fixed to the open end of the container for sealing the chamber. The container is installable in the developer unit without removing the seal. The device further includes an internal seal fixed to the open end of the container. The internal seal is internal with respect to the seal that can be punctured. The inner seal has a surface that closely conforms to the open end of the container. The internal seal is removable from the open end of the container by the displacement of the internal seal in the container chamber. According to the present invention, there is further provided an electrophotographic copying machine for the development with a supply of particles of a latent image recorded on an image receiving element. The copying machine includes a developer unit. The developing unit includes a container with open ends defining a chamber in communication with the open end of the container. The particles are stored in the container chamber. The device also includes a pierceable seal fixed to the open end of the container for sealing the chamber. The container is installable in the developer unit without removal of the seal. The device further includes an internal seal fixed to the open end of the container. The internal seal is internal with respect to the seal that can be punctured. The inner seal has a surface that closely conforms to the open end of the container. The internal seal is removable from the open end of the container by the displacement of the inner seal towards the container chamber.

IN THE DRAWINGS: Figure 1 is a plan view showing the developing apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic elevation view of an illustrative electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the developing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an organic pigment cartridge for use in the developing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a partial plan view along line 4-4 in the direction of the arrows of the developing apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a partial plan view along the line 5-5 in the direction of the arrows of the developing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a partial plan view of the developing apparatus of Figure 1 showing the bottle of organic pigment that is installed in the developing apparatus; Figure 7 is a partial plan view of the developing apparatus of Figure 1 showing the bottle of organic pigment installed in the developing apparatus; Figure 8 is a plan view of an internal plug for plugging the organic pigment bottle of the developing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a pierceable seal for sealing the organic pigment bottle of the developing apparatus of Figure i; Figure 10 is a plan view, shown in section, of a breather cover for the organic pigment bottle of the developing apparatus of Figure i; and Figure 11 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a developing apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Although the present invention will be described in relation to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that it is not proposed to limit the invention to this embodiment. On the contrary, it is proposed to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Since the technique of electrophotographic printing is well known, the various processing stations employed in the printing machine of Figure 2 will be shown here below schematically and its operation briefly described with reference thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring initially to Figure 2, there is shown an illustrative electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the developing apparatus of the present invention therein. The printing machine incorporates a photoreceptor 10 in the form of a band or strap having a layer 12 of photoconductive surface on the electroconductive substrate 14. Preferably, the surface 12 is made of a selenium alloy. The substrate 14 is preferably made of an aluminum alloy, which is electrically grounded. The band or belt is driven by means of the motor 24 along a path defined by the rollers 18, 20 and 22, the direction of movement which is in the counterclockwise direction as observed and as shown by the arrow 16. Initially, a portion of the belt 10 passes through a charging station A in which a generator of a corona arc 26 charges the surface 12 to a relatively high, substantially uniform potential. A high voltage power supply 28 is coupled to the device 26. Next, the charged portion of the photoconductive surface 12 is advanced through the exposure station B. In the exposure station B, an original document 36 it is placed on a scanning input assembly (RIS), generally indicated by the reference numeral 29. The RIS contains lamps for the illumination of documents, optical devices, a means of impulse for scanning, mechanical, and a device coupled to the charge (CCD fix). The RIS captures the entire original document and converts it to a series of scan set lines and (for color printing) measures a set of primary color densities, that is, densities of red, green and blue at each point of the original document. This information is transmitted to an image processing system (IPS), generally indicated by the numerical reference 30. The IPS 30 are the electronic control devices which prepare and manage the image data stream for the scan set (ROS), generally indicated by the reference number 34. An interconnection with the user (Ul), indicated generally by the reference number 32, is in communication with the IPS. The UI makes it possible for the operator to control the various functions adjustable by the operator. The output signal from the Ul is transmitted to the IPS 30. The signal corresponding to the desired image is transmitted from the IPS 30 to the ROS 34, which creates the output copying image. ROS 34 distributes the image into a series of horizontal scan lines with each line having a specific number of pixels per inch. The ROS includes a laser beam that has a block of rotating polygonal mirrors associated with it. The ROS exposes the charged photoconductor surface of the printer.

After the electrostatic latent image has been recorded on the photoconductive surface 12, the web or belt 10 advances the latent image to the developing station C as shown in Figure 2. In the developing station C, a system of revealed 38, reveals the latent image recorded on the photoconductive surface. The chamber in the developer housing 44 stores a supply of developer material 47. The developer material can be a two component developer material of at least magnetic carrier granules having organic pigment particles that adhere triboelectrically thereto. It should be appreciated that the developer material may similarly comprise a developer material of a component consisting primarily of organic pigment particles. Again referring to Figure 2, after the electrostatic latent image has been revealed, the web or belt 10 advances the developed image to the transfer station D, in which a copying sheet 54 is advanced by the roller 52 and it guides it in contact with the developed image on the band or belt 10. A generator of a crown arch 58 is used to spray ions on the backside of the sheet to attract the organic pigment image from the band or belt 10. until the leaf. When the band or belt rotates around the roller 18, the sheet is separated therefrom with the image of organic pigment thereon. After transfer, the sheet is advanced by a conveyor apparatus (not shown) to the melting station E. The melting station E includes a heated melting roller 64 and a supporting roller 66. The sheet passes between the melting roller 64 and the backing roll 66 with the fuser roller 64 which contacts the powder image of the organic pigment. In this way, the powder image of the organic pigment is fixed permanently to the sheet. After melting, the sheet is advanced through the channel 70 to the capture tray 72 for subsequent removal from the printing machine by the operator. After the sheet is separated or removed from the photoconductive surface 12 of the web or belt 10, the residual organic or toner particles or microspheres sticking to the photoconductive area or surface 12 are removed therefrom. in the cleaning station F by a fibrous brush 74 mounted rotatably, in contact with the photo-conductive surface 12. Subsequent to cleaning, a discharge lamp (not shown) floods the photoconductive surface 12 with light to dissipate any charge residual electrostatic remaining on it before loading it for the next successive image formation cycle. It is believed that the foregoing description is sufficient for the purposes of the present application, to illustrate the general operation of an electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the developing apparatus of the present invention therein. Referring now to Figure 1, the container 90 of the marker particles is used to store a supply of marker particles 92 within the chamber 93 of the container 90. The marker particles are typically in the form of an electrostatically attractable powder known as pigment. organic. In the development of two components, the developer material 47 includes granules-carriers (not shown) in addition to the marker particles 92. In the "development at load or slow speed" as described in US-A-614, 165 incorporated herein by reference, a small amount of the carrier granules in addition to the organic pigment particles are added to the organic pigment container to replace the damaged carrier beads. The container 90 may contain a small amount of the carrier granules (not shown) in addition to the organic pigment particles 92. The container 90 of the marker particles has a generally cylindrical shape and an aperture 94 located on a first end 96 of the container 90. of marker particles. Referring now to Figure 3, the container 90 is shown in greater detail. Preferably, the recirculator 90 of the marker particles includes a first generally cylindrical portion 98 having an open end 100 proximate the opening 94 and the closed end 102 opposite the open end 100. To push the marker particles 92 from the first portion 98 generally cylindrical, the marker particle container 90 preferably includes a spiral flange 104 located on an inner periphery 106 of the cylindrically shaped portion 98. The spiral flange 104 may have an orientation either to the right or to the left depending on the corresponding rotation of the marker particle container 90. The marker particle container 90 also includes a ring-shaped portion 110 which extends from the open end 100 of the cylindrically shaped portion 98. The ring-shaped portion 110 preferably includes radial protuberances 112 which extend inwardly from the inner periphery 114 of the ring-shaped portion 110. Preferably, the radial protrusions 112 have a conveying face 116 which extends internally toward the central line 122 of the container 90. Alternatively, the conveying face 116 may be curved (not shown) in the rotation direction 120 of the container 90. The protuberances Radials 112 form cavities or receptacles 124 along the conveyor face 116. These cavities or receptacles 124 become filled with the marker particles 92 from the open end 100 of the cylindrically shaped portion 98 and carry the particles. 92 along the inner periphery 114 of the container 90. Although it should be appreciated that an amount as small as a protuberance can be used, applicants have found that four equally spaced protuberances are effective. Now referring to Figure 1, the container 90 of marker particles further includes a plate 126 which extends inwardly from a second face 130 of the ring-shaped portion 110. The plate 126 includes the first end 96 of the container 90 as well as the opening 94 of the container 90. The plate 126 preferably includes an inner hub 132 which extends inwardly from the plate 126. A punchable seal 136 is located preferably against the face 138 of the projection 139 of the inner hub 132 and is contained within the inner hub 132. The seal 136 serves to contain the marker particles 92 during installation, distribution and removal of the marker particle container 90. The pierceable seal 136 will be described in greater detail later. To provide the seal in addition to the pierceable seal 136, when the container 90 is being transported and when in storage, a secondary seal 140 is preferably located in the inner hub 132 spaced outwardly from and parallel to the seal 136 that can be punch out. It should be appreciated that the inner hub 132 may be either a separate component or an integral part of the container 90. The container 90 further includes ramps 216 extending outward from the first end 96 of the container 90. The ramps 216 are used for the interconnection with the developing system 38. The marking particle container 90 is shown installed in the developing system 38. Preferably, the marking particle container 90 is installed with the center line 122 of the marker particle holder 90 in a horizontal direction The marker particle container 90 is supported by bottle holders 180. Although a plurality of bottle holders 180 is shown in Figure 1, it can be appreciated that a wider bottle holder can serve equally well. The outer surface 182 of the container 90 of marking particles makes contact with the bottle supports 180 and is supported by them. The development system 38 includes the developer housing 44 from which the bottle holders 180 extend. A collector housing 184 extends upwardly from an end 186 of the developer housing 144. A feed mechanism 190 extends through the housing manifold 184 and outward therefrom in the direction of centerline 192. Feed mechanism 190 is extends through aperture 94 of container 90 of the marker particles, centerline 192 which is collinear with the center line 122. Preferably, the feeding mechanism 190 is in the form of an endless mechanism 194 which is located within the tube 144. The tube 144 preferably has an inlet opening 198 in the upper portion of the tube 144 near a first end 200 of the tube 144. The tube 144 also has an outlet opening 202 in the lower portion of the tube 144 near the second end 204 of the tube 144. E The development system 38 further includes a pulse motor 210 of the container, which can be located anywhere within the development system 38, but preferably, is secured or secured to the collector housing 184. The pulse motor 210 of the container serves for rotating the container 90 of the marker particles as well as the endless device 194. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention can be practiced with a separate motor for the endless device 194 and a separate motor for the container 90 the marker particles. Any suitable gear train can be used to connect the motor 210 to the endless mechanism 194 and to the container 90 of marker particles. For example, the motor 210 may have a differential pinion 212 extending inward therefrom. A planetary gear 214 slidably rotates about the tube 144 and is joined or recessed with the differential pinion 212. To push the planetary gear 214 against the container and secure the marriage of the ramps 216 with the pins 172, preferably, the developing system 38 further includes a spring 224 slidably fitted around the tube 144 between the collector housing 184 and the second face 226 of the planet gear 214. To interconnect the container 90 of the marker particles to the feed mechanism 190, the Bolts 172 are located on a face 220 of the planetary gear 214 and are aligned adjacent the ramps 216 of the container 90 to cooperate therewith. Referring now to Figure 4, the ramps 216 are shown in greater detail. Although any drive mechanism for interconnecting the planet gear 214 to the marker vessel 90 can be used, the configuration shown in Figure 4 provides a facilitated installation of the container 90. The ramps 216 preferably have an arched shape with a face 232 on a first end 234 of the stop or detent. The ramps 216 become progressively thinner moving away from the first end 234 and combined with the first end 96 of the container 90 at a second end 238 of the ramp 216. When the pins 172 are used, the planetary gear 214 rotates in a direction in the counterclockwise direction 240 until the pins 172 contact the face 232 of the ramps 216 on the receiver 90. The container 90 then also rotates in the direction of the arrow 240, the container 90 Referring again to Figure 1, to ensure that the container 90 is axially positioned in relation to the feed mechanism 190, a stop or retainer 242 preferably positioned on the developer housing is driven by the planetary gear 214 on the face 232. Referring again to FIG. 44 fixes or secures the marker particle container by limiting or retaining the closed end 102 of the marker particle container 90. A series of gears 244 preferably interconnect the pulse motor 210 to the endless mechanism 194. The gears 244 are so configured that when the motor 210 rotates in the direction of the arrow 246, the endless mechanism 194 will be rotated in one direction. to push the marker particles 92 from the inlet opening 198 to the outlet opening 202. The developing system 38 preferably further includes a developing endless mechanism 250 extending from the bottom 252 of the collecting housing 184. The endless mechanism 250 it extends outwardly along the length of the developer housing 44. The endless mechanism 250 is located within the conduit 254. The conduit 254 includes one or more landfill orifices 256 which allow the marker particles 92 to be introduced into the housing developer 44. Although the endless development mechanism 250 can be driven by the motor 210, preferably, the endless mechanism 250 is driven by a motor 260 of the developer endless mechanism to independently control the flow of the developer material 92 from the collector housing 184 to the developer housing 44. Referring now to FIG. 5, the ring-shaped portion 110 of the container 90 of the marker particles is shown in a larger detail. The protrusions 112 extend inwardly from the inner periphery 114 of the ring-shaped portion 110 to an inner face 262 of the protuberances 112. Preferably, the position of the inner face 262 is defined by the diameter 264 located around the central line 122 of the container 90. Although as shown in Figure 5, the protrusions are flat, it should be noted that the protuberances 112 can be arched or bent to trap a larger amount of the organic pigment particles 92. The opening input 198 of the tube 144 is defined by the radial angle OC. The amount of the marker materials 92 that can be carried by the cavities or receptacles 124 is achieved or affected by the diameter 269 of the internal periphery 114., by the diameter 264 of the protuberances 112, as well as by the radial angle OC. The radial angle "OC also affects the amount of the organic pigment particles 92 that can be transported through the tube 144. Preferably the radial angle OC is an acute angle of approximately 82 °. The diameters 264 and 269 and the angle >OC should be selected so as to provide an adequate quantity of marker particles 92 to be carried by the cavities or receptacles 124 and through the tube 144. Referring now to Figure 6, the organic pigment container 90 is shown almost to point of being installed in the endless tube 144. As stated at the beginning, the organic pigment container 90 includes the inner hub 132 which is preferably molded therewith. The inner hub 132 extends centrally and inwardly from the first end 96 of the container 90. The inner hub 132 forms a large hole 272 adjacent the first end 96 of the container 90. The large hole 272 is joined on its interior by the projection 139 Extending inward from the projection 139 is a small hole 274. The large hole 272 has a diameter D ,. while the small hole 274 has a diameter D. The pierceable seal 136 is casually fitted within the large hole 272. The pierceable seal 136 has a diameter D which is approximately equal to Df of the large hole 272. Located internally with respect to the seal 136 which can be punctured, is secondary seal 140. Secondary seal 140 is in the form of a removable seal or internal plug. The internal plug includes a body 276 and a lip or edge 280 fixed to a first end 282 of the body 276. The internal seal 140 is installed in the small hole 274 of the container 90 by pushing the plug 140 with the body 276 pointing outward in the direction of arrow 284 with the plug oriented as shown with interrupted lines. The container 90 is installed in the endless device 194 by pushing the container 90 in the direction of the arrow 286. Referring now to Figure 7, the container 90 is shown installed in the endless device 194 and the cap 140 is shown trapped inside. of the container 90. The pierceable seal 136 and the secondary seal 140 are shown with the container 90 installed in the development system 38. The end 200 of the endless tube 144 first pierces the pierceable seal 136. The pierceable seal 136 remains in a position that closely conforms to the endless tube 144 when the tube passes through the seal 136, by means of which the spillage of the organic pigment particles 92 is prevented during installation of the container 90. The excess central portion of the seal 136 is placed internally against the tube 144. The end 200 of the tube 144 moves the secondary seal 140 out of the inner hub 132 and into the interior of the container 90. Referring now to Figure 8 , the internal plug 10 is shown in greater detail. The body 276 of the internal plug 140 is preferably tapered. The body 276 therefore has a diameter D, adjacent the lip or edge 280 which is larger than the diameter D of the body at the second end 290 of the body 276. The lip or edge 280 has a diameter D ,. which is larger than the diameter D, of the body 276. The lip or edge 280 prevents the plug 140 from being pushed out of the small hole 274 during the installation of the internal plug 140 (see Figure 6). The internal plug 140 can be any commercially available, durable, suitable plug. For example, plug 140 may be a commercially available Niágara plastic model # XP-46 internal plug, available from Niagara Plastics Company, Erie, Pennsylvania. The pierceable seal 136 is shown in greater detail in Figure 9. The cross sections 270 are preferably added to the seal 136 to allow the endless tube 144 to enter the seal 136 without tearing the seal and to allow the seal 136 conforms closely to the endless tube 144 (see Figure 7). Seal 136 can be made of any suitable material that is easily perforated and that is very elastic, and that is preferably made of a compressible material such as an elastic foamed plastic, i.e., a polyurethane foam. Referring again to Figure 1, the organic pigment container 90 preferably includes an air-permeable cover 300, which covers an opening 302 in the container 90. The cover 300 allows air to be introduced into the chamber 93 of the container 90 to prevent the accumulation of a vacuum within the chamber 93 when the organic pigment particles 92 are removed from inside the container 90. For reasons of simplicity, and to provide facilitated access for the filling of the organic pigment container 90 during its manufacture, the opening 302 is preferably located centrally on the closed end 102 of container 90. Opening 302 therefore provides a central access during manufacture to completely fill organic pigment container 90, with organic pigment 92. Cover 300 is shown in more detail in Figure 10. The cover 300 may have any suitable shape and be You can make of any suitable material. For example, the cover 300 may include a body 304 which includes a central opening 306. The body 304 may be made of any suitable durable material, but for reasons of simplicity and to aid in recycling, the body 304 is made of a material similar to that of the organic pigment container 90, for example, the organic pigment container 90 and the body 304 can both be made of polyethylene. Preferably the container 90 is made of a high density polyethylene and the body 304 is made of a low density polyethylene. The body 304 is casually adjusted in the opening 302 whereby the opening 302 is sealed. For example, the body 304 may include a hub 310 which casually fits or adapts to the opening 302. To provide an area for the filtering material 320 used to cover the opening to be protected against abrasion, the body 304 preferably includes a recessed area 312 located immediately internal to the hub 310. The recessed area 312 protects the filtering means 320. To further assist the sealing and to provide a body stop 304 when the cover 300 is installed in the container 90, the body 304 may include a projection 314 located on an end 316 of the hub 310. To prevent the escape of organic pigment 92 through the opening 306 , the cover 300 includes the filtering material or protection device 320 in alignment with the opening 306. The protection device 320 is permeable to air and made of an air permeable medium, for example, polyester. Preferably the protective device 320 includes glass fibers on the outer side of the protective device 320. The protective device is preferably located on an inner surface 322 of the body 304. The protective device 320 is preferably larger than the opening 306 of the protective device. so that the inner surface 322 can prevent the protective device 320 from escaping through the opening 306. Although the opening 306 may be made of a solitary opening 306, the opening 306 may include a plurality of smaller openings spaced around the central part of the body 304. The openings spaced far smaller may allow the use of a less rigid protection device 320. The air-permeable protection means or device 320 can be secured or secured to the body 304 in any suitable manner. For example, the air permeable means 320 can be glued by an adhesive, welded to the body 304, or staked to the body 304. The body 304 can be fixed or secured to the opening 302 in any suitable manner. For example, the body 304 can be fixed or secured in one direction by a projection 314 and in the opposite direction by a tongue 324 located on the hub 310 of the body 304. It should be appreciated, however, that the body 304 may be connected to the container 90 and in any other suitable manner such as by adhesives, or by welding. Although the body 304 can be made from any suitable durable material with any suitable shape, applicants have found that a Niagara cap model # 417-2 from Niagara Plastics Company, 7090 Edinboro Rd. , Erie, Pennsy 1 vania, is acceptable as the body 304.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in the container 490 of marker particles of Figure 11. The container 490 of marker particles is used to store a supply of marker particles 92 within the chamber 493 of the container 490. The marker particles 92 are typically in the form of an electrostatically attractable powder known as organic pigment. The container 490 of marker particles has a generally cylindrical shape and an opening 494 located on a first end 496 of the marker particle container 490. Preferably, the marker particle container 490 includes a first portion 498 of generally cylindrical shape having an open end 400 opposite the opening 494 and a cover portion 402 proximate the open end 400 of the cylindrically shaped portion 498. The cylindrically shaped portion 498 and the cap portion 402 are typically molded separately from a plastic, e.g., polypropylene. The cylindrically shaped portion 498 and the lid portion 402 are secured or secured together by any suitable means, for example, by welding or by adhesives. The cylindrically shaped portion 498 preferably includes radial protuberances 412 which extend inward from the inner periphery 414 of the cylindrically shaped portion 498.

Preferably, the radial protuberances 412 have a conveyor face 416 which extends internally toward the center line 422 of the container 490. Alternatively, the conveyor face 416 may be curved (not shown) in the rotation direction 420 of the container 490. The protuberances Radials 412 thereby form cavities or receptacles 424 along the conveyor face 16. These cavities or receptacles 424 become filled with the marker particles 92 and carry the particles 92 along the inner periphery 414 of the container. 490. Although it should be appreciated that an amount as small as a bulge can be used, applicants have found that four equally spaced protuberances are effective. The portion 402 of the cap extends from a second face 426 of the cylindrically shaped portion 498. The portion 402 of the cap includes a second end 428 of the container 490 as well as the second opening 430 of the container 490. The cylindrically shaped portion 498 preferably includes an inner hub 432 which extends inwardly from the first end 496 of the container. container 490. A pierceable seal 436 is similar to pierceable seal 136 of container 90 of Figure 1. Pierceable seal 436 is preferably located against face 438 of hub projection 439 interior 432 and contained within the interior hub 432. The seal 436 serves to contain the marker particles 92 during installation, distribution and removal of the container 490 from the marking particles. To provide additional sealing to the punctured seal 436, when the container 490 is being transported and when in storage, a secondary seal 440, similar to the secondary seal 140 of the container 90 of Figure 1, is preferably located in the hub interior 432 spaced outwardly from and parallel to seal 436 that can be pierced. It should be appreciated that the inner hub 432 may be either a separate component or an integral part of the container 490. The container 490 further includes the ramps 415 extending outwardly from the first end 496 of the container 490. The ramps 415 are used. to interconnect with the developing system 437. The marker particle container 490 is shown installed in the developing system 437. Preferably, the marker particle container 490 is installed with the center line 122 of the marker particle container 490 in a horizontal direction . The marker particle container 490 is supported by the bottle holders 480. Although a plurality of bottle holders 480 are shown in Figure 11, it can be appreciated well that a wider bottle holder can serve equally well. The outer surface 482 of the marker particle container 490 makes contact with the bottle holders 480 and is supported thereby. The development system 437 includes a developer housing 444 from which the bottle holders 480 extend. The developer housing 444 is similar to the housing 44 of the development system 38 of Figure 1. A collector housing 484 extends upward from an end 486 of the developer housing 444. A feed mechanism 491 extends through the collector housing 484 and outwardly therefrom in the direction of the center line 492. The feed mechanism 491 extends through the opening 494 of the marker particle container 490, the center line 492 is collinear with the centerline 422. Preferably, the feeding mechanism 491 is in the form of an endless device 495 which is located within the tube 443. The protuberances 412 extend internally from an inner periphery 414 of the cylindrically shaped portion 498 to an internal face 462 of the protuberances 412. Although as shown, the protuberances are flat, it should be appreciated that the protuberances 412 can be arched or bent to catch a larger amount of the organic pigment particles 92. For the cavities or receptacles 424 to carry sufficient organic pigment particles, the protuberances 412 extend inwardly at a small spacing of the tube 443. The amount of markers 92 that can be carried by the cavities or receptacles 424 is affected by the diameter 469 of the inner periphery 414, by the diameter 464 of the protuberances 412, as well as by the angle of the opening of the tube 443. The angle of the tube 443 also affects the amount of organic pigment particles 92 that can be transported through tube 443. Referring again to Figure 11, so that virtually all of the organic pigment particles are lifted by cavities or receptacles 424 around the periphery 414 of container 490, protuberances 412 extend toward the majority of the length of the container, so that virtually all the particles . { '* of organic pigment are removed by the endless device 495, the endless device 495 and the endless tube 443 extend towards the majority of the length of the container 490. The pierceable seal 436 and the secondary seal 440 are shown with the container 490 installed in the developing system 438. The end 400 of the endless tube 443 first pierces the pierceable seal 436. The rupturable or punctured seal 436 remains in a position that closely conforms to the endless tube 443 when the tube passes through the seal 436, whereby spillage of the organic pigment particles 92 is prevented during the installation of the seal. container 490. The excess center portion of the seal 436 is displaced inwardly against the tube 443. The tip of the tube 443 displaces the secondary seal 440 out of the inner hub 432 and into the interior of the container 490. Providing an organic pigment container that has an internal seal removable from the opening by pushing in the seal and trapping the seal inside the container, you can have a removable seal to seal the organic pigment during shipment and storage, which will not be susceptible to removal by neglect, and therefore the organic pigment container will be subjected to low external pressures. By supplying an internal seal which is captured inside the organic pigment container during the operation, the client will not need to discard the contaminated seal. By providing an internal removable seal in addition to an external pierceable seal, an organic pigment container can be provided, which will be sealed during storage and shipment as well as during container operation, while providing an installation and removal. of clean white gloves. Although this invention has been described in conjunction with various moalities, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is proposed to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that are considered to be within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims (26)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A device for storing a supply of particles for use in a developing unit of an electrophotographic printing machine, characterized in that it comprises: a container with open ends defining a chamber in communication with the open end thereof, with the particles that they are stored in the container's chamber; a pierceable seal fixed to the open end of the container for sealing the chamber, the container is installable in the developing unit without removal of the seal; and an internal seal fixed to the open end of the container and internal with respect to the pierceable seal, the inner seal has a surface that closely conforms to the open end of the container, the internal seal is removable from the open end of the container by the container. displacement of the internal seal towards the chamber of the container.

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises pushing means, associated with the container, for pushing the marking particles in the chamber toward the open end of the chamber.

3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises pushing means, associated with the container and extending substantially along the length of the container, to push the marker particles in the chamber toward the center of the chamber.

4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pierceable seal comprises a compressible, elastic material.

5. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the pushing means comprise a radial protrusion extending inwardly from an internal periphery of the container.

6. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the pushing means comprise a spiral rim formed on an internal periphery of the container.

7. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal seal comprises a plug.

8. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that the plug comprises a truncated cone shaped section.

9. A developing unit for revealing a recorded latent image on a receiving element of the image with a supply of particles, the developing unit is characterized in that it comprises: a container with open ends defining a camera in communication with the open end thereof, with the particles that are stored in the container's chamber; a pierceable seal fixed to the open end of the container for sealing the chamber, the container is installable in the developing unit without removal of the seal; and an internal seal fixed to the open end of the container and internal with respect to the pierceable seal, the inner seal has a surface that closely conforms to the open end of the container, the internal seal is removable from the open end of the container by the container. displacement of the internal seal towards the chamber of the container

10. A developing unit according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises pushing means, associated with the container, for pushing the marking particles in the chamber toward the open end of the chamber.

11. A developing unit according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises pushing means, associated with the container and extending substantially along the length of the container, to push the marking particles in the chamber toward the center of the chamber .

12. A developing unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the pierceable seal comprises a compressible, elastic material.

13. A developing unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the pushing means comprises a radial protrusion extending inwardly from an internal periphery of the container.

14. A developing unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the pushing means comprise a spiral rim formed on an internal periphery of the container.

15. A developing unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the internal seal comprises a plug.

16. A developer unit according to claim 15, characterized in that the plug comprises a truncated cone-shaped section.

17. A developing unit according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a feeding mechanism that extends through the open end for the feeding of a controllable quantity of particles from the chamber of the container, the feeding mechanism penetrates the seal that is it can perforate when the container is installed in the developing unit and the feeding mechanism moves the inner seal towards the container chamber when the container is installed in the developing unit.

8. An electrophotographic copying machine for the development with a supply of particles of a latent image recorded on an image receiving element, the copying machine is characterized in that it includes a developing unit comprising: a container with open ends that defines a camera in communication with the open end thereof, with the particles that are stored in the container chamber; a pierceable seal fixed to the open end of the container for sealing the chamber, the container is installable in the developing unit without removal of the seal; and an internal seal fixed to the open end of the container and internal with respect to the pierceable seal, the inner seal has a surface that closely conforms to the open end of the container, the internal seal is removable from the open end of the container by the container. displacement of the internal seal towards the chamber of the container.

19. A copying machine according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises pushing means, associated with the container, for pushing the marking particles in the chamber toward the open end of the chamber.

20. A copying machine according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises pushing means, associated with the container and extending substantially along the length of the container, to push the marking particles in the chamber toward the center of the chamber .

21. A copying machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the pierceable seal comprises a compressible, elastic material.

22. A copying machine according to claim 20, characterized in that the pushing means comprise a radial protrusion extending inwardly from an internal periphery of the container.

23. A copying machine according to claim 19, characterized in that the pushing means comprise a spiral rim formed on an internal periphery of the container.

24. A copying machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the internal seal comprises a stopper.

25. A copying machine according to claim 24, characterized in that the plug comprises a truncated cone shaped section.

26. A copying machine according to claim 9, characterized in that it also comprises a feeding mechanism that extends through the open end for the feeding of a controllable quantity of particles from the chamber of the container, the feeding mechanism penetrates the seal that is It can perforate when the container is installed in the developing unit and the feeding mechanism moves the inner seal towards the container chamber when the container is installed in the developing unit.