System for cleaning the developer unit in an electronic reprographic printing system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for removing toner and carrier particles from a developer unit, comprising:
- a housing having a first end and a second end, a top portion and a bottom portion, and an opening in the top portion substantially traversing said top surface of said housing, said opening in said top surface being sufficiently large to allow for the effective passage of developer particles out of the developer housing;
an inlet situated near said first end and a selectively sealable outlet situated near said second end of said housing; and
a housing cover configured to mate with the housing so as to substantially seal off said opening in said top portion of said housing.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for cleaning and replenishing the developer unit of an electronic reprographic printing system. The developer units are mounted in a retractable drawer within the machine. A cover is placed over the developer unit, which is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. A vacuum machine is connected to the air outlet to create a wind flow within the developer unit for cleaning the unit. A tool is provided for turning the auger within the developer unit when it is being cleaned, and to similarly assist in the subsequent recharging of the developer unit with developer.
17 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system for removing toner and carrier particles from a developer unit, comprising:
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a housing having a first end and a second end, a top portion and a bottom portion, and an opening in the top portion substantially traversing said top surface of said housing, said opening in said top surface being sufficiently large to allow for the effective passage of developer particles out of the developer housing; an inlet situated near said first end and a selectively sealable outlet situated near said second end of said housing; and a housing cover configured to mate with the housing so as to substantially seal off said opening in said top portion of said housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for cleaning the developer unit of an electronic reprographic printing system, comprising the steps of:
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moving the developer unit to a position where it can readily be accessed; providing for an opening between a first end of the developer unit and the atmosphere; providing a sealable nozzle opening to a second end of the developer unit; providing a housing cover for sealing off any broadly exposed areas of the developer unit against the atmosphere; attaching a vacuum means to the opening at the second end of the developer unit; and using the vacuum means to create a wind that flows from the opening at the first end, through the developer unit and hose to the vacuum means. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 15, 16)
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14. A method for cleaning the developer unit of an electronic reprographic printing system, comprising the steps of:
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moving the developer unit to a position where it can readily be accessed; providing for an opening between a first end of the developer unit and the atmosphere; providing a sealable nozzle opening to a second end of the developer unit; providing a housing cover for sealing off any broadly exposed areas of the developer unit against the atmosphere; attaching a vacuum means to the opening at the second end of the developer unit; using the vacuum means to create a wind that flows from the opening at the first end, through the developer unit and hose to the vacuum means, and providing an electrical ground for discharging electrical energy from the developer housing.
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Specification