US3873002A - Toner dispenser logic control - Google Patents

Toner dispenser logic control Download PDF

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Publication number
US3873002A
US3873002A US351741A US35174173A US3873002A US 3873002 A US3873002 A US 3873002A US 351741 A US351741 A US 351741A US 35174173 A US35174173 A US 35174173A US 3873002 A US3873002 A US 3873002A
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United States
Prior art keywords
electrical signals
storage container
toner
output signal
detecting means
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Expired - Lifetime
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US351741A
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English (en)
Inventor
James R Davidson
Carol A Walter
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Xerox Corp
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Xerox Corp
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Publication date
Application filed by Xerox Corp filed Critical Xerox Corp
Priority to US351741A priority Critical patent/US3873002A/en
Priority to CA192,970A priority patent/CA1008915A/en
Priority to DE19742408411 priority patent/DE2408411A1/de
Priority to NL7404416A priority patent/NL7404416A/xx
Priority to JP4040074A priority patent/JPS544853B2/ja
Priority to GB1585974A priority patent/GB1457565A/en
Priority to IT21397/74A priority patent/IT1009837B/it
Priority to BE143279A priority patent/BE813798A/fr
Priority to FR7413189A priority patent/FR2225782B1/fr
Priority to BR3036/74A priority patent/BR7403036D0/pt
Priority to AU67916/74A priority patent/AU6791674A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3873002A publication Critical patent/US3873002A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D21/00—Control of chemical or physico-chemical variables, e.g. pH value
    • G05D21/02—Control of chemical or physico-chemical variables, e.g. pH value characterised by the use of electric means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
    • G03G15/0849—Detection or control means for the developer concentration
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
    • G03G15/5033—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control by measuring the photoconductor characteristics, e.g. temperature, or the characteristics of an image on the photoconductor
    • G03G15/5041—Detecting a toner image, e.g. density, toner coverage, using a test patch
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S222/00—Dispensing
    • Y10S222/01—Xerography

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A control device which regulates the dispensing of predetermined quantities of particles from a storage container to a mix for maintaining the concentration thereof substantially at a preselected level.
  • This invention relates generally to an electrophotographic printing machine, and more particularly concerns a control device which meters predetermined quantities of toner particles from a toner particle storage container to a developer mix utilized in the printing machine development system.
  • dispensing systems metered substantially constant quantities of toner particles into the developer mix of the development system.
  • the control system sensed the concentration of toner particles within the developer mix and produced an electrical signal indicative thereof.
  • One such system is disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 213,056 filed in 1971 now Pat. No. 3,754,821.
  • an electrically biased transparent electrode disposed on a photoconductive surface passes through the developer mix. While in the development Zone, the transparent electrode attracts toner particles thereto. Subsequently, the electrode is illuminated and the density of toner particles attracted thereto is indicated by the intensity of light passing therethrough.
  • a photosensor detects the intensity of light rays passing through the transparent electrode and develops an electrical signal proportional thereto.
  • the electrical signal is compared with a reference and a control signal is developed actuating the toner particle storage container if the detected density is below the control point.
  • Each excitation signal results in the actuation of the toner particle storage container for a prescribed length of time during the next successive development cycle. In this manner, a relatively fixed guantity of toner particles are dispensed into the developer mix of the development system when required.
  • This type of system is known in the art as an ON-OFF system.
  • the concentration of toner particles in the developer mix is sensed, and an electrical signal generated which energizes the toner particle storage container.
  • concentration of toner particles in the developer mix is beneath a specified level, additional toner particles are supplied thereto.
  • toner particle concentration is adequate, no electrical signal is generated and the toner particle storage container remains quiescent.
  • the amount of toner particles dispensed into the developer mix during each development cycle must be maintained within narrow limits. At the lower limits sufficient toner particles must be added to the developer mix to maintain satisfactory image density when toner particle demand is at a maximum. Contrawise, superfluous quantities of toner particles must not be added to the developer mix during any one development cycle as this would produce excessive image density. It is, therefore, apparent than an ON-OFF system of this type has a narrow latitude in order to attain the foregoing requirements.
  • a control device for regulat' ing the dispensing of predetermined quantities of particles from a storage container to a mix.
  • the control device includes detecting means and summing means.
  • the detecting means senses the concentration of particles in the mix.
  • the detecting means produces an electrical signal indicating that the sensed particle concentration in the mix is beneath a predetermined level.
  • Summing means are provided to develop a plurality of output signals corresponding to a discrete number of detecting means electrical signals. Each summing means output signal actuates the storage container to dispense differing quantities of pazrticlesinto the mix.
  • FIG. I is a schematic perspective view of a multicolor electrophotographic printing machine embodying the features of the present invention thereinz:
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device of the present invention employed in association with the FIG. 1 printing machine;
  • FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the FIG. 2 control device
  • FIG. 4 is a logic diagram of one of the blocks in the FIG. 3 functional block diagram
  • FIG. 5 is a logic diagram of another of the blocks of the FIG. 3 functional block diagram
  • FIG. 6 is a logic diagram of another of the blocks of the FIG. 3 functional block diagram
  • FIG. 7 is a logic diagram of another of the blocks of the FIG. 3 functional block diagram
  • FIG. 8 is a logicdiagram of another of the blocks of the FIG. 3 functional block diagram
  • FIG. 9 is a logic diagram of another of the blocks of the FIG. 3 functional block diagram.
  • FIG. 10 is a logic diagram of another of the blocks of the FIG. 3 functional block diagram.
  • FIG. 1 the various components of the multi-color printing machine are illustrated schematically therein.
  • the control device of the present invention is particularly well adapted for use in this type of electrophotographic printing machine, it should become evident from the following discussion that it is equally well suited for use in a wide variety ofelectrostatographic printing machines, and is not necessarily limited in its application to the particular embodiment shown herein.
  • the electrophotographic printing machine utilizes a drum having a photoconductive surface 12 secured to the exterior circumferential surface thereof.
  • Drum 10 is mounted rotatably on the machine frame and driven at a substantially constant angular velocity, in the direction of arrow 14, by a drive motor (not shown).
  • the drive motor rotates drum 10 at a predetermined speed relative to the other operating mechanisms of the printing machine.
  • the machine logic coordinates the timing of the various operations with the rotation of drum 10 to produce the proper sequence of events at the respective processing stations.
  • corona generating device 16 is of a type described in US. Pat. No. 2,778,946 issued to Mayo in I957.
  • Exposure station B After photoconductive surface 12 is charged to a substantial uniform potential, drum 10 is rotated to exposure station B. At exposure'station B, a color filtered light image of original document 22 is projected onto charged photoconductive surface 12. Exposure station B includes a moving lens system, generally designated by the reference numeral 18, and a color filter mechanism shown generally at 20.
  • a suitable moving lens system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,062,108 issued to Mayo in 1962, and a suitable color filter mechanism is described in copending application Ser. No. 830,282 filed in I969.
  • Original document 22, such as a sheet of paper, book, or the like is placed face down upon transparent viewing platen 24. As shown in FIG.
  • lamps 26 are adapted to move in a timed relationship with lens 18 and filter mechanism 20 toscan successive incremental areas of original document 22 disposed upon platen 24. In this manner, a flowing light image of the original document 22 is projected onto photoconductive surface 12.
  • filter mechanism 20 interposes selected color filters into the optical light path of lens 18. The appropriate filter operates on the light rays transmitted through lens 18 to record an electrostatic latent image on photoconductive surface 12 corresponding to a preselected spectral region of the electromagnetic wave spectrum, hereinafter referred to as a single color electrostatic latent image.
  • Drum 10 next rotates to a development station C.
  • development station C three individual developer units, generally indicated by the reference numerals 28, and 32, respectively are arranged to render visible the electrostatic latent image recorded on photoconductive surface 12.
  • the developer units are all of a type generally referred to in the art as magresponding to the complement of the'spectral region of the wave length of light transmitted through filter 20.
  • magresponding to the complement of the'spectral region of the wave length of light transmitted through filter 20 For example, a green filtered electrostatic latent image is developed by depositing green absorbing magenta toner particles thereon, blue and red filtered latent images are developed with yellow and cyan toner particles, respectively.
  • a typical development station employing a plurality of developer units, as disclosed in FIG. 1, is described in copending application Ser. No. 255,259, filed in 1972.
  • Detecting means 34 includes a transparent electrode assembly 36 mounted on photoconductive surface 12 of drum 10 in the non-image area thereof.
  • a light source 38 in cooperation with fiber optics 40 and 44, transmits the light rays through transparent electrode assembly 36 to photosensor 42.
  • Toner paricles are deposited on transparent electrode 36.
  • the intensity of the light rays passing through transparent electrode 36 is indicative of the density of toner particles deposited thereon.
  • Photosensor 42 disposed in oven 46 receives the light rays transmitted through transparent electrode 36.
  • the logic elements, indicated generally at 60, of the present invention are adapted to process the electrical output signal from photosensor 42.
  • Logic elements 60 will be described hereinafter in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 10, inclusive.
  • the output from logic elements 60 actuate the respective toner particle storage container for dispensing toner particles into the developer mix of the appropriate developer unit when the concentration thereof is beneath a prescribed level.
  • Transfer station D the toner powder image adhering electrostatically to photoconductive surface 12 is transferred to a sheet of final support material 50.
  • Final support material 50 may be amongst others, plain paper or a sheet of thermoplastic polysulfone material.
  • a transfer roll shown generally at 52, secures support material 50 releasably thereto for movement in a recirculating path therewith. Transfer roll 52 is adapted to rotate in synchronism with drum 10 (in this case at substantially the same angular velocity therewith).
  • toner powder images may be transferred from photoconductive surface 12 to support material 50, each toner powder image being superimposed in registration with the prior one.
  • Image transfer is achieved by electrically biasing transfer roll 52 to a potential having sufficient magnitude and the proper polarity to attract electrostatically toner particles from the latent image recorded on photoconductive surface 12 to support material 50.
  • US. Pat No. 3,612,677 issued to Langdon et al. in 1971 describes a suitable electrically biased transfer roll.
  • Transfer roll 52 includes a recess therein arranged to prevent photoconductive surface 12 from moving into contact with the toner particles deposited on transparent electrode 36. Thus, the toner particles are not disturbed by the transfer process and represent a true indication of the toner particle concentration within the developer mix.
  • support material 50 is separated from the surface of transfer roll 52 and advanced to the fusing station (not shown).
  • the toner powder image is permanently affixed to support material 50.
  • One type of suitable fuser is described in US. Pat. No. 3,498,592 issued to Moser etal. in 1970
  • Support material 50, with the toner powder image affixed thereto, is, thereupon, advanced by conveyors (not shown) to a catch tray (not shown).
  • the catch tray is arranged to permit the machine operator to readily remove the completed copy from the printing machine.
  • cleaning station E removes these residual toner particles from photoconductive surface 12.
  • the residual toner particles are initially brought under the influence of a cleaning corona generating device (not shown) adapted to neutralize the remaining electrostatic charge. Thereafter, the neutralized toner particles are cleaned from photoconductive surface 12 by arotating fibrous brush 56. Brush 56 is positioned in contact with photoconductive surface 12.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a system to meter a predetermined quantity of toner particles into the developer mix of the corresponding developer units.
  • dashed lines represent a signal path within the printing machine of FIG. 1, whereas solid lines refer to control logic signals.
  • Detecting means 34 develops an output voltage which is compared to a reference voltage indicative of the desired toner concentration within the corresponding developer mix.
  • Comparator 58 determines the differences between the reference voltage developed by voltage source 57 and the voltage generated by detecting means 34. This difference becomes an error signal which actuates control logic 60.
  • Control logic 60 will be described hereinafter with reference to FlGS. 3 through 10, inclusive.
  • One output from control logic 60 is an electrical signal indicating that toner particles are depleted from the respective toner particle storage container. This signal in turn gencrates a signal actuating oscillator motor 62 of the toner particles storage container to develop either a full or partial (in this case half) dispense of toner particles therefrom. Another signal therefrom indicates the time 6 in the print cycle that the'signal actuating the appropri ate toner particle storage container should be on or off.
  • the toner particles dispensed from the respective toner particle storage container increase the concentration of toner particles in the developer mix and modify the density sensed by detecting means 34 on subsequent development cycles.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of control logic 60 comprising three independent logic channels associated therewith.
  • Logical channel 63 is associated with the cyan toner particles
  • logic channel 64 is associated with the magenta toner particles
  • logic channel 66' is associated with the yellow toner particles.
  • An electrical output signal from detecting means 34 is transmitted on line 68 to binary counter 70 of the appropriate logic channel, in this case, the cyan logic channel.
  • Binary counter 70 sums the number of electrical output signals from detecting means 34. lf the total number of electrical signals exceeds the binary number 10, i.e., 1010, low-toner detection block 72 is actuated generating a signal which causes the printing machine to stop after completion of the print-cycle. 1f the toner door (or in lieu thereof, the machine door) is opened and closed to add additional toner particles to the container, the low-toner condition is removed and binary counter 70 reset to zero so that printing may resume.
  • an electrical output from binary counter 70 actuates dispense increment indentification block 74.
  • identification block 74 indicated that from one to three electrical output signals have been obtained from detecting means 34, i.e., 0001., 0010, or 0011, the left two binary numbers being even (00), the toner dispense time will be a partial dispense, whereas if identification block 74 indicates that the number of electrical outputsignals from detecting means 34 ranges from four to ten, i.e., 0100, 0101, 0110, 0111,1000,1001, or 1010, the left binary number being odd (01 or 10), the toner dispense time will be a full dispense time.
  • the output signal from binary counter also actuates count detector block 78, which in turn energizes memory of a count block 80.
  • Counter detector 78 verities that there has been a request for toner particles, and logic memory 80 provides a toner dispense signal.
  • Logic memory 80 is energized by a toner dispense signal from toner dispense time element 76 and from count detector 78. When the electrical signals from count detector 78 and element 76 are both present memory element 80 is actuated.
  • Element 80 develops a toner dispense signal of the appropriate length which energizes the oscillator motor of the appropriate toner particle storage container, in this case the cyan toner particle storage container.
  • Developer length block is interconnected with cyan developer unit 32 and determines the length of time that cyan developer unit 32 is actuated.
  • Channels 64 and 66 are essentially the same as that of logic channel 63.
  • Logic channel 64 actuates the magenta toner particle storage container and includes binary counter 82 adapted to count the number of electrical output signals from detecting means 34. When binary counter 82 indicates that the total number of electrical output signals from the detection means exceeds 10, low-toner detector 84 inhibits toner particle dispensing. Toner dispensing increment identifier 86 indicates when the total number of electrical counts is intermediate four and ten. The signal therefrom ener giz'es toner dispense time block 88 which permits a full dispense to be developed. Count detector 90 is actuated by binary counter 82, and in association with a signal from dispense time 88 actuates binary memory 92.
  • element 88 will reduce the dispense time in half.
  • the toner particle storage container oscillator motor will be energized for about one-half the time and about one-half the number of toner particles will be dispensed into the magenta developer unit.
  • Development length block 87 is interconnected with magenta developer unit 30, and determines the length of time that magenta developer unit 30 is actuated.
  • logic channel 66 develops a full or partial dispense signal for the yellow toner particle storage container.
  • binary counter 94 sums the number of electrical output signals from detecting means 34. If binary counter 94 indicates that ten electrical output signals have been produced by detecting means 34, low-toner detection block 96 is actuated. Low-toner detection block 96 thereupon inhibits yellow toner particle dispensing.
  • the output signal from binary counter 94 also actuates the dispense increment identification block 98 which determines whether binary counter 94 is indicating an electrical output signal from detecting means 34 that is less than three or ranges from four to ten. Dispense increment identification block 98 actuates dispense timer 100.
  • the output signal from binary counter 94 actuates count detector 102.
  • the signal from dispense timer 100 and count detector 102 actuates memory counter 104.
  • Element 104 energizes the yellow toner particle storage container oscillator motor for the time prescribed.
  • the yellow logic channel oscillator motor is energized for a half dispense cycle.
  • the oscillator motor of the yellow toner particle storage container is actuated for a full dispense cycle.
  • Developer length block 99 is interconnected with yellow developer unit 28, and determines the length of time that yellow developer unit 28 is actuated.
  • the present invention has been described in connection with a pair of output signals for energizing the oscillator motor such that the toner particle storage container discharges two differing quantities of toner particles into the developer mix.
  • a plurality of output signals may be used for energizing the oscillator motor such that the toner particle storage container discharges a plurality of differing quantities of toner particles into the developer mix.
  • FIGS. 4 through 10, inclusive the detailed logic elements utilized to form'the blocks of FIG. 3 will be discussed.
  • the logic elements used to formulate the blocks of FIG. 3 are substantially identical for each channel. Accordingly, the following description will describe the logic elements of the blocks for channel 62 of FIG. 3, the blocks for the remaining channels being the same. 7
  • the de-- veloper signal generated by logic block 75 determines the length of time that developer unit 28 is in operation.
  • control 60 is interconnected with developer unit 28, i.e., logic block 75 of control logic 60 is interconnected therewith.
  • Developer unit 28 remains operative for an 8% inch by l 1 inch long image one predetermined time interval, and for an 11 inch by 14 inch long image a second predetermined time interval.
  • developer length logic block 75 includes NAND gate 106, NAND gate l08, and NAND gate 110.
  • the output signals from the foregoing NAND gates energize NAND gate 112.
  • the output from NAND gate 112 energizes developer unit 28 for the requisite time duration.
  • toner dispense time block 76 is energized by developer lengthblock 75.
  • Toner dispense time block 76 is implemented so as to provide the other logic functions with the pulse duration of the developer signal. It provides a long dispense signal, e.g., when the binary count ranges from 4 to 10, and a short dispense signal, e.g., when the binary count ranges from 1 to 3.
  • Block 76 includes NAND gate 114 which, in conjunction with an external signal energizes NAND gate 116.
  • Inverter 118 inverts the external signal and with two other external signals actuates NAND gate 120.
  • NAND gate 116 and NAND gate 120 energize NAND gate 122.
  • AND gate 124 is actuated by the output signal from NAND gate 122, the output of block 75, and an external signal.
  • the output signal from AND gate 124 is utilized as an input signal to memory of a count block 80.
  • binary counter of dispense request block 70 is depicted in detail therein.
  • a count of O in binary, on the output thereof indicates that no toner particles are dipensed from the toner particle storage container.
  • a binary count ofl through 3, inclusive, indicates a half dispense, and a binary count of 4 through 10 inclusive, indicates a full dispense.
  • a lowtoner shut down occurs in the printing machine cycle following the tenth request to dispense toner particles.
  • the count of the binary counter is enabled when the output from comparator 58 (FIG. 2) indicates that toner particles are not being deposited on transparent electrode 36 (FIG. 1), and a low-toner condition does not exist.
  • logic block 70 includes AND gate 126 connected to binary counter 128.
  • the appropriate output signals from binary counter 128 actuate low-toner detector block 72, dispense increment identification block 74 and detection of a count block 78.
  • Low-toner detection block 72 will now be described with reference to FIG. 7.
  • Low-toner detection logic block 72 decodes the binarysignal from the output signal of binary counter 128. If a count of 10 is decoded, a low toner signal is generated. However, when the door to the housing of the toner particle storage'container is opened and closed, i.e., additional toner particles are added to the toner particle storage container, the low toner condition is removed since binary counter 128 is reset to zero.
  • Low-toner detection block 72 includes inverter 130 and inverter 132. The inputs to inverters 130 and 132 are output Signals from counter 128.
  • NAND gate 134 The output signals from inverters 130 and 132, in conjunction with the output signals from binary counter 128, energized NAND gate 134. A negative output signal from NAND gate 134 inhibits further dispensing of toner particles from the toner particle storage container when a low-toner condition exists.
  • Detection of acount block 78 includes inverter 136, inverter 138, inverter 140 and inverter 142.
  • the output signals from the foregoing inverters actuate NAND gate 144.
  • the input signals to inverters 136, 138, 140and 142 are the outputs from binary counter 128.
  • Inverters 136, 138, 140 and 142 in association with NAND gate 144 operate in conjunction with one another as an OR function to verify that there has been a request for toner particles.
  • the output signal from NAND gate 144, and the output signal from AND gate 124 (FIG. energize memory of a count block 80.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the logic element utilized to form dispense increment block 74.
  • dispense increment block 7.4 includes EXCLUSIVE OR 146.
  • EX- CLUSIVE OR 146 is actuated by the two left binary digits of binary counter 128.
  • the output signal from EXCLUSIVE OR 146 is 0 when the two left binary digits are even, i.e., 00.
  • the output signal from EXCLUSIVE OR 146 is 1 when the two left binary digits are odd, i.e., 01 or 10.
  • a 0 output from EXCLU- SIVE OR 146 indicates a half dispense signal, whereas a 1 output from EXCLUSIVE OR 146 indicates a full dispense signal.
  • the output signal from EXCLUSIVE OR 146 actuates toner dispense time block 76.
  • FIG. illustrates memory of a count block 80.
  • Block 80 preferably, includes FLIP-FLOP 148 and AND gate 150.
  • FLIP-FLOP 148 has the output thereof toggled i.e., set at 1, whenever both a toner dispense time signal from block 76 and a count signal from block 78 are present.
  • FLIP-FLOP 148 will remain at 1 until a 0 is toggled in by the toner dispense time block 76 when there is no count signal from block 78, or FLIP- FLOP 148 is reset by the printing machine logic.
  • AND gate 150 is used as the final pulse width determination of the toner dispense signal.
  • control device'of the present invention meters a predetermined quantity of toner particles to the developer mix so as to maintain the concentration thereof at a substantially constant level. This is achieved by logic circuitry which totals the number electrical signals from the photosen sor to generate either a full or partial dispense signal dependent upon number of signals received. In this manner, a predetermined quantity of toner particles are dispensed into the developer mix over a predetermined time interval. If the electrial output signal is such as to require a partial dispense, the time interval is reduced, whereas if the electrical output signal is such as to require a full dispense the time interval is maintained at the full increment.
  • a control device for regulating the dispensing of predetermined quantities of particles from a storage container to a mix including:
  • each output signal from said summing means being adapted to actuate the storage container for dispensing predetermined differing quantities of particles therefrom into the mix.
  • said summing means provides a first output signal when the number of electrical signals from said detecting means is less than a first pre-selected sum, the first output signal being adapted to actuate the storage container for dispensing a first predetermined quantity of particles therefrom, and a second out put signal when the number of electrical signals from said detecting means is intermediate the first pre-selected sum and a second pre-selected sum, the second output signal being adapted to actuate the storage container for dispensing a second predetermined quantity of particles therefrom.
  • a device as recited in claim ll further including means for actuating the storage container, in response to the signal from said summing means, to dispense an amount of particles from the storage container corre sponding to the output signal furnished thereto 3.
  • said summing means includes:
  • a device as recited in'claim 4 further including means for resetting saidcounting means to zero in response to said counting means indicating that the number of electrical signals from said detecting means is greater than the second preselected number of electrical signals.
  • An electrophotographic printing machine of the type having a toner particle storage container arranged to dispense predetermined quantities of toner particles therefrom into a developer mix utilized in a development system thereof, including:
  • said summing means provides a first output signal when the number of electrical signals from said detecting means is less than a first pre-selected sum, the first output signal being adapted to actuate the toner particle storage container for dispensing a first predetermined quantity of toner particles therefrom, and a second output signal when the number of electrical signals from said detecting means is intermediate the first pre-selected sum and a second pre-selected sum, the second output signal being adapted to actuate the toner particle storage container for dispensing a second predetermined quantity of toner particles therefrom.
  • a printing machine as recited in claim 9, further including means, responsive to said counting means indicating that the number of electrical signals from said detecting means is greater than the second preselected number thereof, for producing a signal adapted to pre' vent said actuating means from energizing the toner particle storage container for dispensing toner particles therefrom.
  • a printing machine as recited in claim 10 further including means for re-setting said counting means to zero in response to said counting means indicating that the number of electrical signals from said detecting means is greater than the second preselected number of electrical signals.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)
US351741A 1973-04-16 1973-04-16 Toner dispenser logic control Expired - Lifetime US3873002A (en)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US351741A US3873002A (en) 1973-04-16 1973-04-16 Toner dispenser logic control
CA192,970A CA1008915A (en) 1973-04-16 1974-02-19 Toner dispenser logic control
DE19742408411 DE2408411A1 (de) 1973-04-16 1974-02-21 Logiksteuerung fuer tonerabgabe
NL7404416A NL7404416A (fr) 1973-04-16 1974-04-01
JP4040074A JPS544853B2 (fr) 1973-04-16 1974-04-09
GB1585974A GB1457565A (en) 1973-04-16 1974-04-10 Regulating the dispensing of particles
IT21397/74A IT1009837B (it) 1973-04-16 1974-04-12 Macchina stampatrice fotoelet trografica
BE143279A BE813798A (fr) 1973-04-16 1974-04-16 Dispositif de commande logique pour distributeur de revelateur
FR7413189A FR2225782B1 (fr) 1973-04-16 1974-04-16
BR3036/74A BR7403036D0 (pt) 1973-04-16 1974-04-16 Dispositivo aperfeicoado de controle para regular a distribuicao de quantidades predeterminadas de particulas de um recipiente de armazenamento
AU67916/74A AU6791674A (en) 1973-04-16 1974-04-16 Toner dispenser logic control

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US351741A US3873002A (en) 1973-04-16 1973-04-16 Toner dispenser logic control

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US3873002A true US3873002A (en) 1975-03-25

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US351741A Expired - Lifetime US3873002A (en) 1973-04-16 1973-04-16 Toner dispenser logic control

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US (1) US3873002A (fr)
JP (1) JPS544853B2 (fr)
AU (1) AU6791674A (fr)
BE (1) BE813798A (fr)
BR (1) BR7403036D0 (fr)
CA (1) CA1008915A (fr)
DE (1) DE2408411A1 (fr)
FR (1) FR2225782B1 (fr)
GB (1) GB1457565A (fr)
IT (1) IT1009837B (fr)
NL (1) NL7404416A (fr)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4065031A (en) * 1976-07-23 1977-12-27 Xerox Corporation Programmable development control system
US4551004A (en) * 1980-10-21 1985-11-05 Xerox Corporation Toner concentration sensor
US4579442A (en) * 1981-03-27 1986-04-01 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. Toner dispensing method
US4635819A (en) * 1982-01-28 1987-01-13 K-Tron International, Inc. Apparatus and method for improving the accuracy of a loss-in-weight feeding system
EP0357387A2 (fr) * 1988-08-31 1990-03-07 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images
US5081491A (en) * 1990-12-04 1992-01-14 Xerox Corporation Toner maintenance subsystem for a printing machine
US5204698A (en) * 1991-09-11 1993-04-20 Xerox Corporation Toner monitoring in an electrostatographic digital printing machine
US5574539A (en) * 1995-09-18 1996-11-12 Xerox Corporation Toner maintenance subsystem for a printing machine
US5887221A (en) * 1997-10-20 1999-03-23 Xerox Corporation Signature sensing for optimum toner control with donor roll
US5890042A (en) * 1996-03-29 1999-03-30 Xerox Corporation Hybrid jumping developer with pulse width compensated toner mass control
US6580882B2 (en) 2001-10-04 2003-06-17 Xerox Corporation Low cost trim-gap-conductivity TC sensor
US6606463B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2003-08-12 Xerox Corporation Optical toner concentration sensor
US20040146796A1 (en) * 2001-12-12 2004-07-29 Xerox Corporation Developer composition having improved noise signal ratio in an optical toner concentration sensing system
US20090297179A1 (en) * 2008-05-27 2009-12-03 Xerox Corporation Toner concentration system control with state estimators and state feedback methods

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5540449A (en) * 1978-09-14 1980-03-21 Ricoh Co Ltd Method for detecting development capability of two-color developer and developing apparatus provided with unit using its method
GB2127590B (en) * 1982-09-21 1987-04-15 Xerox Corp Toner density control

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2978951A (en) * 1958-02-13 1961-04-11 Proctor Silex Corp Method and system of color monitoring
US3409901A (en) * 1967-07-12 1968-11-05 Ibm Automatic toner concentration control for use with crt input
US3526338A (en) * 1968-01-02 1970-09-01 Xerox Corp Method and controller for dispensing electroscopic material
US3572551A (en) * 1969-03-27 1971-03-30 Rca Corp Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the concentration of toner in a developer mix
US3777935A (en) * 1971-10-19 1973-12-11 Storey W Pulse capture unit and apparatus for controlling the blending of two flowable substances

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2978951A (en) * 1958-02-13 1961-04-11 Proctor Silex Corp Method and system of color monitoring
US3409901A (en) * 1967-07-12 1968-11-05 Ibm Automatic toner concentration control for use with crt input
US3526338A (en) * 1968-01-02 1970-09-01 Xerox Corp Method and controller for dispensing electroscopic material
US3572551A (en) * 1969-03-27 1971-03-30 Rca Corp Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the concentration of toner in a developer mix
US3777935A (en) * 1971-10-19 1973-12-11 Storey W Pulse capture unit and apparatus for controlling the blending of two flowable substances

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4065031A (en) * 1976-07-23 1977-12-27 Xerox Corporation Programmable development control system
US4551004A (en) * 1980-10-21 1985-11-05 Xerox Corporation Toner concentration sensor
US4579442A (en) * 1981-03-27 1986-04-01 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. Toner dispensing method
US4635819A (en) * 1982-01-28 1987-01-13 K-Tron International, Inc. Apparatus and method for improving the accuracy of a loss-in-weight feeding system
EP0357387A2 (fr) * 1988-08-31 1990-03-07 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images
EP0357387A3 (fr) * 1988-08-31 1991-06-05 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images
US5081491A (en) * 1990-12-04 1992-01-14 Xerox Corporation Toner maintenance subsystem for a printing machine
US5204698A (en) * 1991-09-11 1993-04-20 Xerox Corporation Toner monitoring in an electrostatographic digital printing machine
US5574539A (en) * 1995-09-18 1996-11-12 Xerox Corporation Toner maintenance subsystem for a printing machine
US5890042A (en) * 1996-03-29 1999-03-30 Xerox Corporation Hybrid jumping developer with pulse width compensated toner mass control
US5887221A (en) * 1997-10-20 1999-03-23 Xerox Corporation Signature sensing for optimum toner control with donor roll
US6580882B2 (en) 2001-10-04 2003-06-17 Xerox Corporation Low cost trim-gap-conductivity TC sensor
US6606463B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2003-08-12 Xerox Corporation Optical toner concentration sensor
US20040146796A1 (en) * 2001-12-12 2004-07-29 Xerox Corporation Developer composition having improved noise signal ratio in an optical toner concentration sensing system
US20090297179A1 (en) * 2008-05-27 2009-12-03 Xerox Corporation Toner concentration system control with state estimators and state feedback methods
US8145078B2 (en) 2008-05-27 2012-03-27 Xerox Corporation Toner concentration system control with state estimators and state feedback methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6791674A (en) 1975-10-16
BR7403036D0 (pt) 1974-11-19
BE813798A (fr) 1974-08-16
JPS5031829A (fr) 1975-03-28
IT1009837B (it) 1976-12-20
JPS544853B2 (fr) 1979-03-10
FR2225782A1 (fr) 1974-11-08
GB1457565A (en) 1976-12-08
FR2225782B1 (fr) 1978-01-20
DE2408411A1 (de) 1974-10-31
CA1008915A (en) 1977-04-19
NL7404416A (fr) 1974-10-18

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