| 摘要 |
<p>SEGMENTED GATE DEVELOPER FLOW CONTROLLER An apparatus and method is provided which limits the amount of developer that is presented to an electrostatic latent image to a width corresponding to the length of copy paper used. This particular apparatus and method apply to a development system which has a developer sump communicated to a magnetic transport means through a developer outlet at the lower end of the sump. During development functions, magnetic developer flows from the sump through the outlet to the magnetic transport means to be presented to the latent image. A plurality of magnetic gates are provided, each of which may be swung into closed position adjacent the outlet to magnetically block flow of developer through that portion of the outlet corresponding to the length of the magnetic gate adjacent thereto. Each magnetic gate may also be swung into an open position which allows developer to flow through the outlet corresponding to the length of the magnetic gate adjacent thereto. Certain of the magnetic gates may be selectively located in open or closed position to allow developer to flow through the outlet over a width corresponding to the length of a copy sheet being utilized. All of the gates may be located in closed position when it is desired to stop all of developer flow through the outlet to purge the developer system.</p> |
