Abstract: Non-magnetic toner in a fluidized bed is charged by at least one corona wire extending through the bed, the non-magnetic toner surrounding the wire in the fluidized bed. In order to prevent build up of insulating particles on the corona wire (which leads to a change in electric field gradient and eventually adversely impacts on the uniformity of the image applied to the substrate with the toner) is substantially precluded by vibrating the wire to shake toner particles off the wire. Vibration is accomplished at spaced points in time, such as by utilizing a rod having an irregular (e.g. substantially sinusoidal shaped) surface and by reciprocating the rod to cause the irregular surface to engage the wire and cause a quick rise and release thereof, so that the wire goes through a wide series of frequencies when vibrating. The rod may be reciprocated by a pneumatic cylinder, and may be of stainless steel having a substantially circular cross section with a diameter between about 0.02-0.04 inches.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for an imaging cylinder in an ion deposition printer includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, separated by an internal plate. The lower portion includes a plenum chamber having an opening at one end and a vacuum port at an opposite end, and a scraper blade mounted in the plenum chamber and having an edge engaging the imaging cylinder. A continuous cleaning web is mounted in the upper portion engaging the imaging cylinder downstream of the scraper blade. The cleaning web is impregnated with silicone oil. A related method includes the steps of a) engaging the peripheral surface of the imaging cylinder with a scraper blade to remove toner particles therefrom; and b) engaging the peripheral surface of the imaging cylinder downstream of the scraper blade with a continuous web impregnated with oil to remove residual toner particles and conductive powder deposits.

Abstract: The ion deposition web-fed engine includes a first fixed frame, a second frame pivotally mounted to the first frame, a third frame carried by the second frame for pivotal movement therewith and for movement in a transverse direction relative to the first and second frames. The third frame carries a print unit including an image cylinder for cooperation with an impression cylinder carried by the first frame. For servicing purposes, the second frame is pivoted relative to the first frame to provide access to the paper web, impression cylinder and image cylinder. Upon closing the second frame onto the first frame, the image cylinder defines an open nip with the impression cylinder. The print unit is movable linearly toward the impression cylinder to close the nip into a print condition.