Toner-reclaiming system

Abstract

A toner powder reclaiming apparatus for use with the developing system of an electrostatic reproduction machine including a rotating drum in the path of movement of an airflow containing electrically charged toner particles which become attracted to the drum. A scraper blade is in contact with the drum for cleaning the toner of the collecting surface thereon. The toner particles thereby removed are directed automatically into the toner supply contained for the developing system.

What is claimed is: .[.1. In an electrostatic reproduction machine having an electrostatic insulating plate upon which is formed an electrostatic latent image, a developing apparatus for applying electrically charged toner particles to the latent image for developing the same, and a toner supply apparatus associated with the developing apparatus, and a cleaning mechanism for removing excess toner particles from the plate after development of the latent image, the improvement comprising 
     
        electrostatic charge on the toner particles..]. 4. A particle reclaiming system for use in a machine having a working zone to which particles are supplied in excess of quantities needed and from where some of the excess particles are removed therefrom including, a collecting surface adapted for movement through first and second spaces,   means for receiving the particles to be removed and for conveying the same into said first space for contacting said surface,   means for electrically charging the particles while in said first space for impressing an electrostatic charge thereon different from the electrostatic charge on said surface to which charged particles are attracted and adhere during movement thereof,   means contacting said collecting surface and adapted to wipe the particles from the surface, and   means for returning the removed particles to the working zone for reuse   
     
     
        therein. 5. The reclaiming system of claim 4 wherein the collecting surface is in the form of a rotating drum. .[.6. In an electrostatic reproduction machine having an electrostatic insulating plate upon which is formed an electrostatic latent image, a developing apparatus for applying developing material to the latent image for developing the same, a toner supply container associated with the developing apparatus for replenishing the material including toner particles upon which an electrostatic charge may be placed and a cleaning mechanism for removing excess toner particles from the plate after development of the latent image, the improvement comprising a collecting surface adapted to receive the excess toner particles from the cleaning mechanism,   means in engagement with said collecting surface and arranged for removing the excess toner particles from the collecting surface and   means for automatically returning the removed toner particles into the supply container for reuse by the machine..]. .[.7. In an electrostatic reproduction machine having an electrostatic insulating plate upon which is formed an electrostatic latent image, a developing apparatus for applying electrically charged toner particles to the latent image for developing the same, and a toner supply apparatus associated with the developing apparatus, and a cleaning mechanism for removing excess toner particles from the plate after development of the latent image, the improvement comprising   collecting means adapted to receive the excess toner particles from the cleaning mechanism,   means associated with said collecting means for removing the excess toner particles from the collecting means, and   means for automatically returning the toner particles to the developing apparatus to be reused thereby..].