Apparatus for dispersing and/or transporting particulates
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsGeorge F. Bergen, Richard H. Dennie, Gary A. Denton, David R. Jenkins, James M. Pacer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for dispersing and/or transporting/migrating particles such as toner that may be prone to agglomeration in a particle dispensing system. Movement and/or vibration of the dispersing and migrating plate member serves to break up, clear and prevent particle agglomerations. Perforations, slits or mesh areas in the upper surface of the plate member can prevent oversize particles/agglomerations from passing through the system, while side walls, fins or disposing the plate member at a angle can channelize the dispersion of the particles contacting the upper surface of the plate member.
Claims29
A developer housing including an apparatus for dispersing particles metered from a hopper and falling in a stream, comprising:
- a movable plate positioned below the stream of particles and having an upper surface for contacting the particles;
- and
- means operatively associated with the plate for moving the plate so as to disperse the particles contacting the plate relative to a direction perpendicular to the stream of falling particles.
A printing machine including a developer housing having an apparatus for dispersing particles metered from a hopper and falling in a stream, comprising:
- a movable plate positioned below the stream of particles and having an upper surface for contacting the particles;
- and
- means operatively associated with the plate for moving the plate so as to disperse the particles contacting the plate relative to a direction perpendicular to the stream of falling particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.