Method and apparatus for characterizing the flowability of toner particles
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorMichael F. Zona
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for characterizing the flowability of a dry powder, and particularly for use with toner particles. The methods and apparatuses use an optionally transparent or semi-transparent cylindrical container. When the container is partially filled with dry powder, the dry powder is aerated and torque measurements are then taken while rotating the container to determine the flowability of the dry powder.
Claims20
A process for measuring flowability of toner particles, comprising:
- introducing a sample of toner particles to a cylindrical container having a central axis;
- rotating the cylindrical container about the central axis at a first speed to aerate the toner particles;
- and
- rotating the cylindrical container about the central axis at a second speed while measuring the torque of the cylindrical container;
- wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed.
An apparatus for measuring the flowability of a dry powder, comprising:
- a first shaft, a second shaft, and a cylindrical container for holding the dry powder, wherein the cylindrical container is located between the first shaft and the second shaft, and wherein the first shaft, the cylindrical container, and the second shaft define a central axis;
- a motor configured to rotate the second shaft about the central axis;
- and
- a torque transducer mounted to the second shaft to measure variations in torque caused by movement of the dry powder within the cylindrical container.
A process for measuring the flowability of a toner, comprising:
- introducing a toner sample to a cylindrical container having a central axis;
- rotating the cylindrical container about the central axis at a first speed to aerate the toner sample;
- and
- rotating the cylindrical container about the central axis at a second speed while measuring the torque of the cylindrical container;
- wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.