Abstract:
A method of measuring the ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in an electrostatic printing operation is disclosed herein. The method includes the employment of the electrical properties dependent upon the ratio of carrier to toner particles in a carrier-toner mix to determine the suitability of that ratio for an electrostatic printing operation. Variations in magnetic permeability, dielectric permittivity, electrical conductivity or combinations of these three parameters are employed to indicate variations in the ratio of carrier to toner. An electric or magnetic field is established in the area of a quantity of mix and a measurement of one or more of the aforementioned parameters is employed to indicate the need for a greater or lesser percentage of toner or carrier in the mix.