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:
Dec. 29, 1992
Filed:
Oct. 31, 1991
Joseph S Zelazny, Webster, NY (US);
Lewis S Smith, Fairport, NY (US);
Thomas W O'Connor, Pittsford, NY (US);
Xerox Corporation, Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
A coarse particle separator for separating and collecting coarse toner particles having a size greater than substantially 500 microns comprises a tank having an inlet and an outlet, the separation being performed within the tank. The inlet to the tank is located at a lower portion of the tank and is connected to an eductor station by an eductor line. Particles are introduced to the inlet by the eductor line at a velocity of approximately 4500 ft/min. The separation of coarse and light toner particles can be performed by reducing the flow velocity so the coarse particles settle out by their own weight. A flow baffle made of a 75 micron screen hinders the passage of coarse particles. The outlet outputs light toner particles to at least one toner storage bin. Alternatively, the tank can have a conical-shaped upper portion which induces a cyclone effect in the flow of toner particles, the cyclone effect resulting in the collection of coarse particles in the lower portion of the tank. The apex of the conical-shaped upper portion terminates in the outlet. The inlet is located at a side of the tank such that a clearance is provided below the inlet for collection of the coarse toner particles.