Patent ID: 7974557
Filing Date: 2011-07-05
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A carrier replenishment and image mottle reduction system for adding fresh carrier particles to two-component developer housings, the carrier replenishment and image mottle reduction system including: (a) a carrier-only hopper for receiving and containing a first quantity of fresh carrier particles; (b) metering valves connected to a discharge end of said carrier-only hopper for stopping and allowing flow of fresh carrier particles from said carrier-only hopper; (c) a pneumatic plenum connected to said metering valves; (d) an air blower connected to said pneumatic plenum for pneumatically conveying fresh carrier particles away from said pneumatic plenum; and (e) carrier separator assemblies each including a carrier current collector, each said carrier separator assemblies being connected to said pneumatic plenum and located above each said two-component developer housings for separating fresh carrier particles from an air stream from said pneumatic plenum, and for allowing the carrier particles separated thus to drop by gravity into said each two-component developer housings.