The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 22, 1978
Filed:
Dec. 20, 1976
Alton B Eckert, Jr, Norwalk, CT (US);
Julius Gluck, Noroton Heights, CT (US);
Pitney-Bowes, Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
A copier of the type which includes a photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image may be formed, a movable applicator which carries developer from a working supply of image developer and applies it to the image, and developer dispensing instrumentalities for replenishing the working supply of developer, is provided with a system for controlling the developer dispensing instrumentalities and thus replenishment of the working supply of developer. The control system responds to the optical density of developer on the applicator to generate a signal indicating whether or not the working supply of developer is in need of replenishment, and this signal is utilized for energizing the dispensing instrumentalities. The control system also includes circuitry for preventing energization of the dispensing instrumentalities for a predetermined time interval after commencement of movement of the applicator, to be sure that the applicator has picked up a sample of the developer from the working supply. Preferably, the control system further includes circuitry for replenishing the working supply of developer for at least a predetermined minimum time interval after replenishment is commenced.