Patent ID: 8121523
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developer station for an electrographic printer having a photoconductor member, comprising: a sump for holding a reservoir of magnetic developer comprising toner and carrier and a magnetic roller mounted above said sump and including a rotatable magnetic core surrounded by a substantially cylindrical rotatable toning shell rotatably mounted with respect to the core, said shell being adjacent to the photoconductor member and defining a nip; and a conveyance device for transporting developer in the developer station in a flow direction comprising: a. a tapered auger comprising a shaft and one or more blades such that the developer volume in the flow direction is controlled to maintain a uniform developer level in the sump; and b. a conveyance controller for controlling the conveying device, including the tapered auger such that the tapered auger preferentially creates an uniform layer of developer on the toning shell.