MXPA98008490A - Organic pigment container with adjustment depositor of torque of fixing to pres - Google Patents

Abstract

A device is provided for storing a supply of particles to use a developer unit of an electrophotographic printing machine. The device cooperates with a mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit. The device includes a container defining a chamber for storing particles therein and a member. The container defines an opening therein. The member is removably connected to the container. The member includes a first member characteristic. In the first characteristic of the member is coupled with the mechanism to feed the particles of the device to the unit of revelada

Description

ORGANIC PIGMENT CONTAINER WITH PRESSURE FIXING TORQUE BEARING ADAPTER DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a developer apparatus for electrophotographic printing. More specifically, the invention relates to a container for storing organic pigment. Cross reference is made to the following application filed concurrently with the present: US Patent Application No. (Proxy File Number D / 96792) entitled "Toner Container with Fail-Safe Adapter" by Michael Harris. In the well-known electrophotographic printing method, a surface that retains a charge, typically known as a photoreceptor, is electrostatically charged, and then exposed to a light pattern of an original image to selectively discharge the surface accordingly. The resulting pattern of charged and unloaded areas on the photoreceptor forms a pattern of electrostatic charges, known as a latent image, which conforms to the original image. The latent image is revealed by the contact thereof with finely divided electrostatically attractable marker particles, typically in the form of a powder known as "organic pigment REF: 28270." The organic pigment is retained on the areas of the image by the electrostatic charge on the photoreceptor surface. In this way, an organic pigment image is produced in accordance with a luminous image of the original that is being reproduced. The organic pigment image can then be transferred to a substrate or support member (eg, paper), and the image is fixed thereto to form a permanent record of the image to be reproduced. After development, the excess organic pigment left on the surface that retains the charge is cleaned from the surface. The procedure is useful for the luminous lens that copies from an original or prints generated or electronically stored originals such as with a frame output scanner (ROS), where a loaded surface can be downloaded from images in a variety of ways . In the electrophotographic printing process, the step of transferring the organic pigment to the latent image on the photoreceptor is known as "developing". The objective of the effective development of a latent image on the photoreceptor is to transfer the developer material to the latent image at a controlled rate, so that the developer material electrostatically adheres effectively 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 that are intended to adhere to the photoreceptor, a quantity of carrier magnetic beads or beads. The organic pigment particles adhere triboelectrically 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 developing technique involves a single component developer, ie, a developer which consists entirely of organic pigment. In a common type of single-component system, each particle of organic pigment has an electrostatic charge (to allow particles to adhere to the photoreceptor) and magnetic properties (to allow the particles to be magnetically transferred to the photoreceptor). Instead of using magnetic carrier beads to form a magnetic brush, the magnetized particles of organic pigment are made to adhere directly to a developer roller. In an electrophotographic printer, when the organic pigment within the developer material is transferred to the photoreceptor and eventually to the copy paper, this organic pigment must be replaced. The electrophotographic printer thus includes an organic pigment container or cartridge from which fresh organic pigment is distributed to the machine. When the two-component developer is used, a portion of the carrier granules will eventually deteriorate. Additional new carrier beads can be added to the machine to replace the damaged granules. The organic pigment container or cartridge can thus alternatively store a mixture that includes a small amount of carrier granules in addition to the organic pigment. To provide a compact, small organic pigment cartridge, and provide an organic pigment cartridge in which the opening to the cartridge can be easily removed, the organic pigment cartridge typically has a compact shape with a small opening through which the organic pigment is distributed. Traditionally, when all the organic pigment inside the container has been consumed, the additional organic pigment was supplied to the machine by pouring organic pigment from a separate refill bottle into the container. This method allowed many of the particles of the organic pigment to be. carried by the air during filling and entering the machine. The operator may also be mistaken for opening the container during filling and spilling large amounts of organic pigment into the machine. Since the organic pigment is inherently very susceptible to electrostatic charges, the organic pigment adheres electrostatically to all the remote cavities of the machine, making the necessary cleaning of the machine time consuming and expensive. Recently, machines with replaceable organic pigment cartridges or cartridges have been distributed to avoid some of the problems associated with organic pigment spillage during replenishment. Although the wrong opening of the container during the filling and spilling of large quantities of organic pigment is relieved by the replaceable organic pigment containers, a leak or spillage of the old container during the removal and of the new container during installation may occur. The organic pigment in the organic pigment container or cartridge must be fed into the latent image to effect the development. Typically, the organic pigment containers are located with their openings in the bottom of the container, so it can be emptied by gravity. In attempts to manufacture inexpensive and compact electrophotographic printers and minimize space and related costs, however, the shape of the organic pigment container may not lead to a lower opening or emptying without the aid of the container. This is particularly true for wide format copiers and printers. When the opening is not in 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. As long as the demand for organic pigment remains almost constant, that mechanism expels large quantities of organic pigment when the container is full and progressively fewer quantities as the container empties. Typically, the organic pigment containers are cylindrical and the organic pigment is removed from it by rotating the container and / or a member within the container, such as a spiral wire. Cylindrical organic pigment containers with spiral edges located in tare now available, which when rotated push the organic pigment towards the end thereof. These containers have an opening in the periphery of the container near one end thereof through which the organic pigment escapes. An interface or interconnection of the machine, which must be sealed to the container, is used to remove the organic pigment from the opening. Typically, the dispensing orifice is covered with a removable seal to contain the organic pigment during transport. The seal is removed before the installation of the container. An example of a prior art container is shown in US Patent 5, 495, 323 of Meetze, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. Cylindrical organic-pigment containers typically have a longitudinal axis which is oriented horizontally and around which the container rotates. The container is thus driven around the shaft by means of a motor which is connected to the container by means of a drive characteristic. The containers are typically manufactured from plastic through the blow molding process wherein the wall of the plastic container for organic pigment is very thin. These thin-walled containers typically do not have the rigidity capable of transmitting the dynamic torque required to rotate the organic pigment containers. Typically, a drive member is connected to the molded organic plastic pigment container by means of rivets or other fasteners.

The cylindrical plastic containers blow molded for organic pigment require the use of a very expensive mold from which they are manufactured. Many distributors of copying machines and printers include in their portfolio a large number of variable models of copiers and printers. Each of these particular copiers and printers can use a slightly different organic pigment container. In this way the manufacturer of copiers and printers can use a large number of containers, each of which requires an expensive single mold. In addition to the costs of the tools for a blow molded organic pigment container, it is preferred that the organic pigment container, which is blow molded, be manufactured in large quantities or in large batches, so that the cost of the piece per container of organic pigment is minimized. The following descriptions may be relevant to the different aspects of the present invention: U.S. Patent 5,495,323 Patent Owner: Meetze Date of Issue: February 27, 1996 U.S. Patent 5,455,662 Patent Holder: Ichikawa et al. Date of Issue: October 3, 1995 U.S. Patent 5,383,502 Patent Holder: Fisk et al. Date of Issue: January 24, 1995 US Patent 5,200,787 Patent Owner: Nishiguchi Issue Date: April 6, 1993 U.S. Patent 5,089,854 Patent Holder: Kaieda et al. Date of Expedition: February 18, 1992 US Patent 5,057,872 Patent Holder: Saijo et al. Date of Expedition: October 15, 1991 United States Patent 4,990,964 Patent Owner: Kraehn Date of Issue: February 5, 1991 US Patent 4,941,022 Patent Owner: Ohmura et al.

Date of Issue: July 10, 1990 U.S. Patent 4,878,603 Patent Holder: Ikesue et al. Date of Issue: November 7, 1989 The relevant portions of the foregoing descriptions can be briefly summarized as follows: U.S. Patent 5,495,323 discloses a device for storing a supply of particles for use in a developing unit of an electrophotographic printing machine. The device comprises an open container at the end defining a chamber in communication with the open end thereof. The particles are stored in the container chamber. The device further comprises a punctureable seal attached to the open end of the container for sealing the chamber. The container can be installed in the developer unit without removing the seal. U.S. Patent 5,455,662 discloses a developer refill device for replenishing a developing device with a developer and a developer container for use with it. The developer vessel or organic pigment bottle has a mouth portion at one end thereof, which is smaller in diameter than a main hollow cylindrical body. At the end of the bottle provided with the mouth, a flange has at the inner periphery thereof particularly protruding towards the edge of the mouth portion to form a protruding portion for emptying the organic pigment. U.S. Patent 5,383,502 discloses a replenishment system for image forming material that includes an organic pigment container 12 removably insertable into an insertion guide member 16. The container 12 has a containment cap unit 20 which opens automatically after the insertion A lid retention member 30 which includes a lid retention slot 34 normally retains the containment cap in the container 12. US Patent 5,200,787 discloses a developing unit 10 which includes a valve 40 at the junction of the first organic pigment transport channel 27 and second transport channel 30. Valve 40 is normally closed, but it opens when the organic pigment collection bottle has been filled. U.S. Patent 5,089,854 discloses a device to assist in the removal of the organic pigment from an organic pigment bottle. The device includes a bottle of vertically oriented organic pigment which has an opening formed in a lid portion at its lower end and a bellows which can be extended or contracted by pushing the upper portion of the organic pigment bottle down to eject the pigment Organic bottle out of the bottle. U.S. Patent 5,057,872 discloses a developer supply device which includes a substantially cylindrical developer container having on its peripheral surface a spiral groove and is capable of rotating to convey a developer thereon via the groove. The device includes a supply element in the form of an opening and a developing device. U.S. Patent 4,990,964 discloses an organic pigment distribution system that includes an organic pigment bottle having an opening at the upper end thereof. The organic pigment is removed from the bottle by means of a vertically oriented suction hopper to which a bellows is connected to extract the organic pigment therefrom. A handle is located on top of the bellows and attached to it, to help an operator to manually operate the bellows. U.S. Patent 4,941,022 discloses an organic pigment recovery device for collecting the organic pigment from a cleaning device in a recovered organic pigment container 32. The recovery opening 323 of the container 32 is covered with a shutter. The shutter is opened and closed by means of an operation lever 42. U.S. Patent 4,878,603 discloses an organic pigment replenishment device for replenishing organic pigment to an organic pigment storage area, from where the organic pigment is supplied to a section of development. The device includes a fastener for releasably holding a cartridge containing an amount of organic pigment therein. The fastener can be located in a cartridge mounting and dismounting position and in a refueling position. The cartridge is maintained substantially horizontal and is driven to rotate thereby discharging the organic pigment into a transport path of organic pigment which conducts the organic pigment to the storage area. The cartridge is provided with a first coupling member and the fastener is provided with a second coupling member which corresponds in position and receives the first coupling member In accordance with the present invention, a device for storing a supply of particles for use by a developer unit of a machine is provided. Electrophotographic printer The device cooperates with a mechanism for feeding the device particles to the developer unit The device includes a container defining a chamber for storing particles in it and a member The container defines an opening therein The member may be connected removably to the container. includes a first member feature. The first feature of the member may be coupled to the mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit. In accordance with the present invention, a developer unit for revealing a recorded latent image on an image receiving member of an electrophotographic printing machine with a supply of particles is also provided. The developer unit includes a device for storing the particle supply. The device cooperates with a mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit. The device includes a container defining a chamber for storing particles therein and a member. The container defines an opening in it. The member can be connected removably to the container. The member includes a first member characteristic. The first feature of the member is coupled with the mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit. According to the present invention, an electrophotographic printing machine is further provided to reveal a latent image recorded on an image receiving member with a supply of particles. The copying machine includes a developer unit. The developer unit includes a device for storing the particle supply. The device cooperates with a mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit. The device includes a container defining a chamber for storing particles in it and a member. The container defines an opening in it. The member can be connected removably to the container. The member includes a first member characteristic. The first feature of the member is coupled with the mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit.

IN THE DRAWINGS: Figure 1 is a plan view of the organic pigment container for use with the present invention; Figure 2 is an end view • of the organic pigment container of Figure 1 showing the end of the container in which the adapter is installed; Figure 3 is a partial plan view of the organic pigment container of Figure 1 partially cut away, showing the end of the container in which the adapter is installed; Figure 4 is an end view of a first adapter of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a plan view of the first adapter of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a rear view of the first adapter of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a plan view of the organic pigment container of the present invention showing a first adapter placed therein; Figure 8 is a partial plan view of the first adapter of Figure 4 in cooperation with the first drive mechanism of the organic pigment container; Figure 9 is an end view of a second adapter for use with the organic pigment container of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a plan view of the second adapter of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a partial plan view of the second adapter of Figure 9 in cooperation with the second drive mechanism of the organic pigment container; Figure 12 is a partial plan view of the second adapter of Figure 9 illustrating the absence of a calculation capacity of the second adapter with the first drive mechanism of the organic pigment container; Figure 13 is a partial plan view of the first adapter of Figure 4 illustrating the absence of a calculation capacity of the first adapter with the second drive mechanism of the organic pigment container; Figure 14 is a perspective view of an illustrative electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the organic pigment container with the mobile adapter of Figure 1; and Figure 15 is a schematic elevational view of the illustrative electrophotographic printing machine of Figure 14. Although the invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Since the technique of electrophotographic printing is well known, the different processing stations employed in the printing machine of Figure 13 will be shown here below schematically and its operation will be briefly described with reference to these. Referring to Figures 14 and 15 of the drawings therein is shown by way of example an automatic xerographic printing machine or printer, generally designated by the number 10 incorporating the post-transfer corrugating structure of the present invention. Referring now to the drawings in detail, where similar numbers represent similar elements, in Figure 14 there is shown a wide format copier / printer 10 including a control board 11, which is specially adapted for copying large documents. The documents to be copied are fed from the front of the machine, pass through an exhibition area and exit through the back of the machine. Figure 15 shows a side internal view of the copying machine / printer 10. The machine 10 includes an electrostatic drum 20 with xerographic stations arranged around its periphery, which carry out the operational steps of the copying process. These stations include a charging station 22, display station 24, development station 26, transfer station 28 and fusion station 30. Documents fed along an exposure glass 19 in the direction of arrow 18 leave its image on the surface of the drum 20, in the display station 24. The operations of the stations are conventional and are described, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,821,974; 4,996,556; and 5,040,777, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The copying means, which may be bond paper, vellum, or the like, are cut from the selected media roll assembly 14A, 14B or 14C and fed by means of a pair of respective feed rollers 32A, 32B or 32C. The sheet to be cut is guided along a vertical path between pairs of baffles towards the cutting bar assembly of the blade 16, which includes a stationary blade 41 and a rotary cutting bar 43 that includes a cutting blade. helical. The cutting bar 43 is shown in the initial position, which is at approximately 30 ° of rotation away from the cutting position and is driven by the motor 61. The cutting assembly 16 is of the conventional type described, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,058,037. Initiated by a cutting operation signal, the bar 43 rotates in the direction of the arrow with its blade moving against the blade 41 to elongate a sheet 50 of the roll media with a straight cut. The cut sheet is transported after registration by the pair of rollers 51 to the baffle 52 and then to the transfer station 28, where a developed image is transferred onto the sheet. The cut sheet is then sent over the post-transfer corrugator 29, through the melter 31 in the melter station 30 and exits the machine. It should be appreciated that the printing machine can likewise include a photoreceptor in the form of a band (not shown) in place of the drum 20. The drum 20 has a photoconductive surface layer 12 on an 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 drum is driven by means of a motor (not shown), the direction of movement is clockwise as seen and shown by arrow 17. Initially, a portion of the drum 20 passes through the drum. a charging station 22 in which a corona generator (not shown) charges the surface 12 to a relatively high, substantially uniform potential.

Next, the charged portion of the photoconductive surface 12 is advanced through the exposure station 24. In the exposure station 24, the image of the document is reached by the lamps 25, which illuminate the document on a glass exposure 27. The reflected light rays of the document are transmitted through the lens 33. The lens 33 focuses the light images of the document on the loaded portion of the photoconductive drum 20 to selectively dissipate the charge thereon. This records a latent electrostatic image on the photoconductor band, which corresponds to the information areas contained within the original document. Subsequently, the drum 20 advances the latent electrostatic image recorded on it to the developing station 26. After the latent electrostatic image has been recorded on the photoconductive surface 12, the drum 20 advances the latent image towards the developing station 26 as shown in Figure 15. The developing station 26 reveals the recorded latent image on the photoconductive drum 20. The camera in the developer housing 44 stores a supply of developer material 47. The developer material can be a developer material of the developer. two components of at least magnetic carrier granules having organic pigment particles adhered triboelectrically thereto. It should be appreciated that the developer material can likewise comprise a developer material of a component consisting primarily of organic pigment particles. Again, referring to Figure 15, after the latent electrostatic image has been revealed, the drum 20 advances the revealed image to the transfer station 28, in which one. The copy sheet is advanced by the rollers 51 and the deflector 52 until it comes into contact with the developed image on the drum 20. A corona generator is used to spray ions on the back of the sheet to attract the image of organic pigment of the drum 20 on the sheet. When the drum 20 rotates, the sheet is separated therefrom with the image of organic pigment thereon. After the transfer, the sheet is advanced by means of a conveyor (not shown) to the melting station 30. The melting station 30 includes a hot melter 31. The sheet passes to the melter roller 31 with the image of organic pigment powder in contact with the melter roller 31. In this way, the organic pigment powder image is permanently fixed to the sheet. After the fusion, the sheet is advanced for its subsequent removal from the printing machine by the operator.

After the sheet is separated from the photoconductive surface 12 of the drum 20, the residual particles of organic pigment adhered to the photoconductive surface 12 are removed therefrom at the cleaning station (not shown) by means of a mounted fibrous brush. rotationally in contact with the photoconductive surface 12. After cleaning, a discharge lamp (not shown) floods the photoconductive surface 12 with light to dissipate any residual electrostatic charge remaining on it before charging it for the next cycle successive image formation. It is believed that the above 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. Referring again to Figure 15, a particle storage device 40 is shown. The particle storage device 40 is located within the developer unit 42 and is secured to the developer housing 44. The particle storage device 40 is it is placed in relation to the horizontal, so that the longitudinal axis 46 of the device 40 is located horizontally. The horizontal orientation of the storage device 40 is particularly well suited for copying large documents. On machines that copy large documents, the drum 20 is of great necessity and in this way, typically the machine has an extended length in the horizontal longitudinal axis. This needs a longitudinally extended form of developer unit. A longitudinally extended storage device 40 is thus the most efficient way for this developer unit. Referring now to Figure 1, the device 40 includes a container 53 defining an opening 68 in the form of an opening through which the developer material 47 including at least the marker particles is distributed. The container 53 may have any suitable shape and configuration capable of containing the developer material 47. For example, the container 53 may have a generally cylindrical shape and contain within the hollow container 53 a helical or spiral shaped spring (not shown) for pushing the developer material 47 into the container 53 towards the developer housing 44 (see Figure 1). Preferably, however, the container 53 includes spiral edges 56 formed on the periphery 60 of the container 53. Such a container with integrated spiral edges is disclosed in US Patent 5,495,323 to Meetze, Jr., the relative portions of which are incorporated herein. here as a reference The container 53 can be supported by supports (not shown) in the form of a V or supports in a similar way. The container 53 can thus be replaced by lifting the container 53 in a vertical direction away from the support. The inner periphery 64 of the spiral edges 56 which are located on the periphery 60 of the container 53 push the material 47 toward the dispensing end 66 of the container 53. The container 53 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 70, thus the spiral edges 56 advance the material 47 in the direction of the arrow 72. Referring now to Figure 7, the container 53 is rotated by any suitable means, for example, a drive motor 76 or by a common motor. (not shown) connected to vessel 53 by means of a drive train (not shown). The drive motor 76 may be connected to the vessel 53 by any suitable method, but preferably, it is connected by a primary drive finger 102 and a secondary drive finger 104 located on the drive head 100. Referring again to FIG. 1, a container 53 is shown in more detail. The container 53 ß can have any suitable size necessary to store a sufficient amount of developer material 47 within the chamber 82 of the container 53. For example, the container 53 can have a length L of approximately 83.82 cm (33 inches) and a diameter DB through the outer periphery 60 of the container 53 of about 7.62 cm (3 inches). The edges 56 form an internal projection or height H along which the material 47 progresses. The height H may be any suitable height necessary to translate sufficient amounts of developer material 47 towards the dispensing end 66 of the container 53. For example, the height H may be approximately 5 mm (0.2 inches). To provide a sufficient amount of material 47 progressing towards the dispensing end 66 of the container, the spacing P or distance between the adjacent edges 56 can be adjusted to provide a greater or lesser amount of material 47 moving towards the dispensing end 66. For example, the spacing P may be approximately 3.48 cm (1.37 inches). The container 53 can be made of any suitable durable material and can be made, for example, of acetyl or polyethylene. The container 53 can likewise be made of a polycarbonate with glass filler to increase its strength. When made of acetyl or polyethylene, the container 53 may have a thickness T sufficient to maintain the strength of the container 53, for example, the thickness T may be from about 0.508 to 1.27 mm (0.020 to 0.050 inches). The container 53 can be made by any suitable method, for example, the container 53 can be blow molded by a suitable blow molding process. Such a process is described in U.S. Patent 4,101,617 to Friedrich, the relative portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. To allow the material 47 to exit the container 53, the container 53 includes the dispensing opening 68 from which the material 47 is dispensed from the container 53. The opening 68 can take any suitable shape, for example, including a round opening or a square or rectangular opening. The cross-sectional area of the opening 68 is selected so as to provide the appropriate amount of material 47 to be dispensed from the container, depending on the need of the copying machine (not shown). The opening 68 is preferably located on the periphery 84 of the end of -distribution 66 of the container 53. The container 53 may be integrally molded or may include a dispensing portion (not shown), which includes the opening 68 connected to a spiral portion (not shown), which includes the integrated molded edges 56. With each rotation of the container 53 in the direction of the arrow 70, the opening 68 moves from an upward position of the opening one downward position of the opening and again towards an upward position of the opening. With each rotation of the container 53, the opening cycles around the periphery 84 of the container 53 allowing a defined amount of material 47 to be dispensed from the container 53. The dispensing opening 68 may have any suitable size and shape capable of distributing the appropriate amount of developer material 47 with each rotation of the organic pigment container 53. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the dispensing aperture 68 can be circular and have a DD diameter of approximately 1.524 cm (0.6 inches). To accurately control the distribution of the developer material 47 through the dispensing aperture 68, preferably, the dispensing aperture 68 is covered with a perforated strip 106, which is secured to the outer periphery 84 of the dispensing end 66 of the organic pigment container 53. The perforated strip 106 is secured to the outer periphery 84 by any suitable method, for example, by a cement. The perforated strip can be made of any suitable material, for example, a plastic, such as Mylar ™. The perforated strip includes a plurality of holes passing from side to side 108. The holes 108 may have any suitable diameter and may for example be a series of small and medium sized holes, with diameters of, say, 1.27 and 2.032 mm. (0.05 and 0.08 inches), respectively. The device 40 may include a temporary seal 110 for sealing the material 47 within the container 53 during transport. For example, the container 53 may have the opening 68 at the dispensing end 66 covered with a removable cover seal 110 adhesively applied to the container 53. The seal of the cover may be made of any suitable material, for example a plastic, such like the MylarMR. The seal of the cover 110 can alternatively be made of a gas-permeable material. For example, the seal of the cover 110 can be made of TYVECR, a product of E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company. Referring again to Figure 15, the particle storage device 40 may be installed within the developer housing 44 in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the developer housing 44 may include a cover 114, which is removably positioned in the base 116.

The cover 114 can thus be lifted or detached from the base 116 to provide access for removal and installation of the particle storage device 40 to the developer housing 44. A portion of the particle storage device 40 can be in communication with the developer. the developer chamber _47 and the remainder of the particle storage device 40 may be separated from the developer chamber 44. Referring again to Figure 1, to isolate the dispensing end 66 - of the particle storage device 40 from the remainder of the particulate storage device, and to prevent leakage of developer material 47 from the developer housing 44, the particle storage device 40, preferably includes a developer housing seal 120, which cooperates with the cover 114 and the base 116 of the developer housing 44 to seal the developer material 47 within the end of the Stribution 116 of the particle storage device 40. The seal of the developer housing 120 may have any suitable shape and for example may be in the form of a cylindrical ring, which is adjusted by contact with the outer periphery 60 of the organic pigment container 53. The seal of the developer housing 120 can be made of any suitable durable material. For example, with a plastic. Such a plastic may be in the form of a foamed material, for example polypropylene. Preferably, to assist efficient filling of the particle storage device 40, preferably, the organic pigment container 53 includes a filling opening 122 located at the filling end 124 of the organic pigment container opposite the dispensing end 66 of the organic pigment container 53. The filling opening 122 may be of any size sufficient to provide a rapid and efficient filling of the developer material 47 in the particle storage device 40. After filling the developer material 47 and the camera 82 of the device particle storage 40, the filling opening 122 is sealed by any suitable method. For example, the filling opening 122 can be filled by the use of a plug or plug 126. The plug or plug 126 can be a simple cylindrical disk which is glued or bonded with a cement to the organic pigment container 53 or as shown in Figure 1, includes a cylindrical plug which includes an outer periphery 130 which is in contact with the periphery 132 of the filling opening. According to the present invention and referring again to Figure 1, the particle storage device 40 includes a locking feature of the container 134 to provide the ability for the particle storage device 40 to be rotated. The organic pigment container 53 of the particle storage device is preferably made of a lightweight and durable plastic such as HDPE or high density polyethylene, which although expensive, is structurally somewhat weak. Applicants have found that a more structurally reliable component is required to transmit the dynamic torque needed to rotate the particle storage device 40 when it is filled with the developer material 47. It has been found by applicants that a drive head 100 as shown in Figure 7 serves the purpose of transferring the dynamic torsion moment to allow rotation of the particle storage device 40. Referring again to Figure 1, the drive head 100 of Figure 7 is preferably secured to the organic pigment container 53 by means of an immobilization feature of the driving head 136, which is connected to the immobilization characteristics of the container 134, features 134 and 136 which allow connection without tools, fasteners or adhesives.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown in more detail the immobilization feature of the container 134. The immobilization feature of the container 134 is preferably integrally molded with the organic pigment container 53. The immobilization feature of the container 134 preferably includes a characteristic conducive to transferring the dynamic moment of rotational torsion created during the rotation of the organic pigment container in the direction shown by the arrow 138. Although the invention can be practiced with a single dynamic torque characteristic of rotational torsion, preferably, the immobilization feature of the container 134 includes a drive projection 140 and a second drive projection 142. The first and second drive projections 140 and 142 may have any suitable shape. For example, the protrusions 140 and 142 may be in the form of slots formed in the periphery of the organic pigment container 53. The first and second drive projections 140 and 142 are preferably placed normal or perpendicular to the centerline 144 of the organic pigment container. 53. Preferably, the first drive projection 140 is parallel to the second drive projection 142 and the first and second drive projections 140 and 142 are preferably positioned at a distance equidistant from the centerline 144. By symmetrically placing the the first and second drive projections 140 and 142 the dynamic torsional moment transmitted through the drive projections 140 and 142 is equal and opposite, and thus the dynamic torque is transferred more efficiently to the pigment container organic 53. Referring now to Figure 3, salt is shown in greater detail drive elements 140 and 142. Although the drive lugs 140 and 142 can be placed anywhere along the length of the organic pigment vessel 53 preferably, as shown in Fig. 3, the drive lugs are placed adjacent to the dispensing end 66 of the organic pigment container 53. The drive lugs 140 and 142 form grooves 146 in the periphery of the organic pigment container 53. The grooves 146 cooperate with the drive head 100 (see Figure 7) to transmit the dynamic torque of the drive head 100 to the organic pigment container 53. The grooves 146 have any suitable width capable of containing the drive head 100. For example, the grooves 146 may have a width DLW of, for example, 2 millimeters (0.08 inches). The slots 146 are preferably parallel to each other and spaced a distance DLD. For example, the DLD distance can be approximately 49 millimeters (1.93 inches). The first drive protrusion 140 and the second drive protrusion 142 can be placed anywhere along the length of the organic pigment container 53. Preferably the slots 146 are adjacent the dispensing end 66 of the container 53. example, the slots 146 may be spaced a distance D from the face of the dispensing end 50 of the container 53. To reinforce the face of the dispensing end 150 of the organic pigment container 53, preferably the dispensing end face 150 includes a cavity 152 extending inward from the face of the dispensing end 150. The cavity may have any suitable shape and for example may be circular with a diameter DRF of, for example, approximately 16 millimeters (0.62 inches). The cavity 152 may extend inwardly from the face of the dispensing end 150 a distance TRF of approximately 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches). Referring now to Figure 4, the drive head 100 is shown in more detail. The drive head 100 may have any suitable shape compatible with the organic pigment container 53 and be mountable thereto. The drive head 100 can be made of any "suitable" durable material with sufficient strength to drive a full container 53, for example, of a metal or plastic. For example, the drive head 100 can be made of a high density polyethylene. The drive head 100 preferably includes the locking feature of the drive head 136, which cooperates with the first drive projection 140 and the second drive projection 142 of the locking feature of the container 134 of the container 53. The immobilization feature of the driving head 134 thus has a thickness DLT, which cooperates with the width DLW of the organic pigment container 53. Thus for an organic pigment container having a groove 146 with a DLW width of about 20 millimeters ( 0.8 inches), the DLT thickness of the head immobilization feature 136 has a similar thickness of approximately 0.2 millimeters (0.08 inches). The drive head 100 further includes a feature in the form of a primary drive finger 102. The primary drive finger provides an interconnection with the motor 76 (see FIG. 7) to rotate the organic pigment vessel 53. The finger of primary drag 102 may have any suitable shape and may for example be in the form of a cylinder. The primary drag finger can have a PPD depth of approximately 6.8 millimeters (0.27 inches). The drive head 100 preferably includes a secondary drive finger 104 in addition to the primary drive finger 102. The secondary drive finger 104 serves to assist drive head rotation 100. The secondary drive finger 104 may have any suitable shape and can for example be in the form of a cylinder with a SPD depth of approximately 4.6 millimeters (0.18 inches). Referring now to Figure 5, the drive head 100 is shown in more detail. The primary drive finger 102 if it is cylindrical in shape may have a DPF diameter of approximately 20 millimeters (0.788 inches). The primary drag finger 102 may be hollow and include a receptacle 154 to secure a magnet 156 therein.

The magnet can serve to verify the orientation of the drive head 100 and can cooperate with a magnetic receiver (not shown). Secondary trailing finger 104 if it is cylindrical in nature can have a DSF diameter of approximately 10 millimeters (0.4 inches). The drive head 100 may also include an assist arrow for the installation 160 to assist the operator in orienting the particle storage device 40 in the proper direction. Referring now to Figure 6, the locking feature of the drive head 136 of the drive head 100 is shown in greater detail. The locking feature 136 may be of any suitable shape and may be in the form of a solitary lip as shown in FIG. shown in Figure 6 in the form of a pair of lips including a first lip 162 and a second lip 164 separated from the first lip 162. The first lip 162 and the second lip 164 form channels 166 of the lips 162 and the body 170 of the head 100. The lips 162 and 164, when the drive head 100 is installed in the organic pigment container 53, fit within the slots 146 of the organic pigment container 53. The lips 162 and 164 are spaced apart from one another. distance LW. For a drive head 100 with first and second lips 162 and 164 spaced a distance LW of approximately 4.9 centimeters (1.93 inches), the slots 146 of the organic pigment container 53 are spaced a distance DLD from also approximately 4.9 centimeters (1.93 inches) . Preferably, to assist in securing the driving head 100 to the organic pigment container 53 the driving head "100 includes the receptacles 172 formed inwardly of the first lip 162 and the second lip 164. The receptacles 172 are preferably located in the center along the vertical centerline 173 of the drive head 100. The receptacles 172 engage the stops 174 formed within the drive projections 142 and 140 of the organic pigment container 53 (see Figure 2). to Figure 6, the drive head 100 has a diameter L of, for example, seven point six centimeters (three inches) or a dimension similar to the DB dimension of the organic pigment container 53 (see Figure 1). to Figure 7, there is shown the drive head 100 installed on the organic pigment vessel 53 to form the device or particle storage 40. The drive head 100 is preferably mechanically connected to the motor 76. Referring now to Figure 8, the organic pigment container 53 with the fail-safe adapter is shown therein. The particle storage device 40 is rotated by the drive motor of the container 76 by the use of a first mechanism 176, which is mechanically interconnected to the drive motor of the container 76 with the particle storage device 40. The first mechanism 176 is connected to the particle storage device 40 through the use of a drive head 100. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the first mechanism is connected to the drive head 100 by the use of a first adapter for actuating the organic pigment container 180. The actuating adapter of the organic pigment container 180 can have any suitable shape capable of coupling with the drive head 100. For example, for a drive head 100 having a cylindrical shape and includes a primary drive finger 102 and a secondary drive finger 104, the adapter 180 may to be in the form of a cylinder and include a primary driver finger hole 182 comparable to the primary drive finger 102 of the drive head 100. PreferablyAlso, the adapter 180 may further include a secondary drive finger hole 184 which cooperates with the secondary drive finger 104 of the drive head 100. For a primary drive finger with a DPF of approximately 2 cm (0.788 inches), the The primary driver's finger hole 182 of the adapter 180 can have a BDF orifice diameter of approximately 2 cm (0.788 inches). The primary drag finger 102 could thus be adjusted by contact within the hole of the primary finger 182. Similarly, the hole of the secondary drag finger 184 can have a BSF diameter of approximately 1 cm (0.393 inches) where it is used as a head of drive 100 including a secondary drive finger having a DSF diameter of approximately 1 cm (0.393 inches). The adapter 180 can be made of any suitable durable material, for example a plastic or a metal. The adapter 180 is connected to the drive motor of the container 76 in any suitable manner. For example, the adapter 180 can be connected to a shaft 186 mounted to the developer housing 44 by the bearings 190. The drive motor of the container 76 can • be used to rotate the drive gear 192, which meshes with the drive gear 194.

The drive gear 194 can be mechanically connected in any suitable manner to the shaft 186. Therefore, with the rotation of the drive motor of the container 76, the adapter 180 is forced to rotate, thereby rotating the organic pigment container. 53. Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown a second member 200 in the form of a drive head. The second member 200 may be contacted by contacting the organic pigment container 53 of Figure 1 in a manner similar to that of the drive head 100 of Figures 4-6. The second drive head 200 may include a locking feature of the second drive head 236, which is substantially the same locking feature 136 of the first drive head 100. In this way, the drive heads 100 and 200 are interchangeable with each other. a common organic pigment container 53. The second drive head 200 preferably includes a feature by which the drive head 200 can be connected to the drive motor of the container 76. For example, the second drive head 200 can include a finger primary drag 202 similar to the primary finger 102 of the head 100. The primary drag finger 202 preferably has a shape or size different from that of the primary dragging finger 202, is not contact-adjusted to the hole of the primary dragging finger 182 of the adapter 180 of Figure 8. The second drive head 200 also n may include a secondary drag finger 204, which is similar to secondary drag finger 104 of the first drive head 100.

Referring now to Figure 10, the second drive head 200 is shown in greater detail. The primary drive finger 202, for example, as shown in Figure 10, includes a diameter DPS which is substantially greater than the diameter. DPF of the first drive head 100 (see Figure 5). For example, the diameter DPS can be 2,413 cm (0.93 inches) in diameter. In this way, the primary dragging finger 202 is substantially larger than the diameter DPF of the primary driving finger hole. Referring again to Figure 10, the secondary drag finger 204 may include a DSS diameter; in which it can be, as shown in Figure 10, similar to the diameter DSF of the first drive head 100. The second drive finger 200 can likewise include an additional feature 294 in the form of an orifice passing from side to side in the body 270 of the second drive head 200. The hole 294 can be used to accommodate a stud (not shown) to allow the installation of the secondary drive head 200 in a copying machine, stud which will not fit the first head 100. Referring now to Figure 11, there is shown in second drive head 200 in connection with the motor 277 of a second printing machine. The second drive head 200 is similar to the first drive head 100 and the second drive motor 277 can be connected to the second drive motor by means of a second drive 276. The second drive 276 may be similar to the first drive 176 of FIG. 8. example, the second mechanism 176 may include a second drive gear 292 connected to a second drive gear 294. The gear 294 is connected to a shaft 286 to which the second drive adapter of the organic pigment container 280 is connected. The second drive adapter of the organic pigment container 280 includes a feature for providing the connection of the adapter 280 to the second drive head 200. The connection feature of the second drive adapter of the organic pigment container 280 may include, for example, a hole for the primary driving finger 282 adapted to fit the primary driving finger 202 of the driving head 200, as well as a hole for the secondary driving finger 282 adapted to engage with a secondary driving finger 204 of the drive head 200. For example, the primary drive finger hole 282 may have a diameter BPS similar to the diameter DPS of the primary driving finger 202 and the hole for the secondary driving finger 284 may have a diameter BSS similar to the diameter DSS of the secondary driving finger 204. Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown the second head of the driving finger 200 in an attempt to be installed within the first driving mechanism within the organic pigment container 176 of the first copying machine 10. The first container drive mechanism 176 includes the adapter 180. The adapter 180 includes the orifice for the or primary drag 182. As can be seen in Figure 12, the hole for the primary drag finger 182 is significantly smaller than that of the second primary drag finger 202 of the second drive head 200. The difference between the hole for the primary drive finger 182 and primary drive finger 202 prevents coupling of the second drive head 200 in the first drive mechanism of organic pigment container 176. This prevents the second particle container 240 from being installed in the first copying machine 10. Referring now to Figure 13, it shows the first particle storage device 40 in an attempt to be installed in a second printing machine 210. The first particle storage device 40 includes the first drive head 100. ß The second printing machine 210 includes the second drive mechanism 276. The second drive mechanism 276 includes the second adapter 280. The second adapter 280 includes a hole for the primary drive finger 282, which is significantly larger than the primary drive finger 102 of the first drive head 100. The hole with the secondary drive finger 28 4 is contacted to the second driving finger 104 of the first driving head 100. The second adapter 280 thus preferably includes an additional feature in the form of a stud 298, which projects centrally from i the adapter 280. stud 298 comes into contact with body 170 of first drive head 100 preventing installation n of the first storage device 40 in the second particle copying machine 210. Providing a container with a replaceable toner adapter can porporcionarse an adapter that does not require riveting or welding to be joined to the container body organic pigment. By providing an organic pigment container with a replaceable adapter made of a material with greater strength than that of the organic pigment container, a container of inexpensive organic pigment can be provided which can be rotated when filled with heavy marker particles. By providing an organic pigment container with a replaceable adapter that does not require tools or fasteners the assembly time for mounting the adapter in the organic pigment container can be reduced. By providing an organic pigment container with a replaceable adapter a common molded container can be manufactured for use in different printing machines. By providing an organic pigment container with a replaceable adapter that uses different adapters and a common organic pigment container, the high cost of the tools associated with the manufacture of a blow molded organic pigment container can be reduced. By providing an organic pigment container with a replaceable adapter, different copying machines can be manufactured with an organic pigment container with an identical blow molded body. Providing an organic pigment container with a replaceable adapter that uses a common organic pigment container can avoid the cost of separable container molds.

By providing an organic pigment container with a replaceable adapter a common organic pigment container can be provided, which has a low cost due to the large volume of use of that common container. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is evident that many of the alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all those alternatives, modifications and variations that fall 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 relates. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (21)

1. A device for storing a supply of particles for use in a developer unit of an electrophotographic printing machine, the device cooperates with a mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit, the device is characterized in that it comprises: a container that defines a chamber for storing particles in it, the container defines an opening in it; and a first member that can be removably connected to the container, the first member includes a first member feature, the first feature of the member is coupled with such a mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is • defined by a cylindrical shape, generally hollow.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a spiral member, a portion thereof is located in the container for pushing the particles in the chamber towards one end of the chamber.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spiral member is integrated into the container, the spiral member is formed on an internal periphery of the container.

The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the container defines an opening through the periphery thereof, the opening is positioned adjacent one end of the container.

The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the container defines a first groove in the periphery of the container adjacent to the first end of the container; the container defines a second groove in the periphery of the container adjacent to the first end of the container and opposite to and parallel to the first groove; and the member comprises a first portion thereof in cooperation with the first slot and a second portion thereof in cooperation with the second slot for securing the first member to the container.

The device according to claim 2, characterized in that: at least a first portion and a second portion comprise a projection extending therefrom; and the container defines at least one feature associated with at least one of the first slot and the second slot and cooperating with such projection to secure the member to the container.

8. A developer unit for revealing a recorded latent image on an image-receiving member of an electrophotographic printing machine with a particle supply, the developer unit includes a device for storing the particle supply, the device cooperates with a mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit, the device is characterized by comprising: a container defining a chamber for storing particles therein, the container defining an opening therein; and a first member removably connected to the container, the first member includes a first member feature, the first feature of the member engages with the mechanism for feeding the particles of the device into the developer unit.

9. The developer unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the container is < • defined by a cylindrical shape, generally hollow.

10. The developer unit according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a spiral member, a portion thereof is located in the container for pushing the particles in the chamber toward one end of the chamber.

11. The developer unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the spiral member is integrated into the container, the spiral member is formed on an internal periphery of the container.

12. The developer unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the container defines an opening through the periphery thereof, the opening is positioned adjacent one end of the container.

The developer unit according to claim 8., characterized in that: the container defines a first slot in the periphery of the container adjacent to the first end of the container; the container defines a second groove in the periphery of the container adjacent to the first end of the container and opposite to and parallel to the first groove; and the member comprises a first portion thereof cooperating with the first slot and a second portion thereof cooperating with the second slot for securing the first member to the container.

The developer unit according to claim 9, characterized in that: at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a projection extending therefrom; and wherein the container defines at least one feature associated with at least one of the first slot and the second slot and cooperating with such a projection to secure the member to the container.

15. An electrophotographic printing machine for revealing a latent image recorded on an image-receiving member with a supply of particles, the copying machine includes a developer unit, the developer unit includes a device for storing the particle supply, the device cooperates with a mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit, the device is characterized in that it comprises: a container defining a chamber for storing particles therein, the container defining an opening therein; and a first member removably connected to the container, the first member includes a first member feature, the first feature of the member engages with the mechanism for feeding the particles of the device to the developer unit.

16. The printing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that the container is defined by a cylindrical shape, generally hollow.

The printing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises a spiral member, a portion thereof is located in the container for pushing the particles in the chamber toward one end of the chamber.

18. The printing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that the spiral member is integrated into the container, the spiral member is formed on the internal periphery of the container

19. The printing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that The container defines an opening through the periphery thereof, the opening being positioned adjacent one end of the container

20. The printing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that: the container defines a first slot in the periphery of the adjacent container. to the first end of the container, the container defines a second slot on the periphery of the container adjacent to the first end of the container and opposite to and parallel to the first slot, and the member comprises a first portion thereof in cooperation with the first slot and a second slot. portion thereof in cooperation with the second slot to secure the first member to the container. The printing machine according to claim 16, characterized in that: at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a projection extending therefrom; and the container defines at least one feature associated with at least one of the first slot and the second slot and cooperating with the projection to secure the member to the container.