Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a movable image carrier, an image forming device for forming an image on the image carrier, and a transferring device for transferring the image from the image carrier onto an image bearing sheet while the image bearing sheet is in contact with the surface of image carrier. The apparatus also includes a separating claw having a tip for contact with the surface of the image carrier for separating the image bearing sheet from the image carrier, and a moving mechanism for moving the separating claw between a first position in which the tip of separating claw is in contact with the surface of the image carrier and a second position in which the separating claw is separated from contact with the surface of the image carrier. The separating claw includes an elastic synthetic resin composition containing a polyurethane resin.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus utilizing two types of toners. The first toner is of a type that causes the charge thereon to increase over time, while the second toner is a type in which the charge decreases over time. The storage chamber for the apparatus holds a two-component developing agent formed of a carrier and a first toner. In proportion to the consumption of the first toner during the printing process, the second toner is resupplied from a toner hopper to the developing agent in the storage chamber.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a rotatable image carrier for carrying electrostatic latent images thereon and a scanner having a prescribed scanning direction for exposing the image carrier to form the electrostatic latent images corresponding to the pattern of an original document on the image carrier. The apparatus includes a designating section for designating first and second rectangular areas of the original document to be copied, and a first and second developing units for converting the electrostatic latent images corresponding to the first and second areas, respectively, into first and second different color toner images on the image carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particle dispensing apparatus comprising, an elongate transport guide apertured along its length; a transport device within the guide for transporting particles introduced through an entrance port into the guide and along the guide until they fall through the apertures to the outside of the guide; an elastic plate is secured to the guide, has a shaped edge portion partially covered with the opening area of the aperture in the guide and the guide is supported so as to be free to move in response to vibratory forces.

Abstract: A cleaning blade and process for use in an image forming apparatus wherein the blade removes residual developer from a photosensitive member. The cleaning blade can be in close contact with the photosensitive member. The blade extends substantially at right angles to the direction in which the photosensitive member moves. It has a lubricant layer formed on both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the blade, which forms part of a surface contacting the photosensitive member.

Abstract: In initially setting a copying apparatus from a factory at a user's site of installation, an operator first connects the apparatus to power supply. Thereupon, toner density adjusting means in a developing unit is actuated to adjust the toner content of a developing agent in the developing unit to a predetermined value. Then, a discharge lamp glows, and the surface of a photosensitive drum is charged by a main charger. If the drum surface is rotated to reach the developing unit without being exposed to light, a toner is supplied from the developing unit to the surface to form a toner layer thereon. When the toner layer reaches the location of a cleaning blade, the blade engages the drum surface to remove the toner layer thereon. Thus, the toner layer serves as a lubricant, enabling the blade to fit well with the drum surface.

Abstract: A corona discharging apparatus used in an electrophotographic process is provided with a conductive housing with an opening at one side, an electrode including a conductive linear member extending in one direction at the center of the opening, and a power source for applying a voltage between the housing and the electrode. The linear member consists of a core and a platinum layer covering the surface of the core. The core is formed of tungsten or molybdenum wire, and the core is coated with the platinum layer by cladding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming an image on an image carrier whose resistance is changed by exposure. The method of the invention comprises an exposure process for exposing the image carrier, a charging process for charging the exposed portion to form an electrostatic latent image thereon, and a developing process for developing the electrostatic latent image. These processes are executed in the order named. In the exposure process, the resistance of the image carrier changes according to the quantity of light applied thereto. When the image carrier is then charged, therefore, the electrostatic latent image is formed thereon. According to the method of the invention, the developing process directly follows the charging process, so that the image carrier holds electric charges for only a short time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a rotatable photosensitive drum driving mechanism for rotating the photosensitive drum; and a cleaning blade which is capable of being in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum and which removes a residual developer on the outer circumferential surface upon contact therewith.A recess is formed at part of the outer circumferential surface and holds lubricant therein; and the tip end of the cleaning blade feeds the lubricant in the recess to part of the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum which is brought into contact with the cleaning blade to form a thin film of the lubricant upon contacting with the lubricant held in the recess as said photosensitive drum is rotated.

Abstract: In a transfer-type electronic copying machine including a photosensitive drum, charging device, exposure device, developing device, transfer device, and separating device, the separating device of this invention has a separating section for separating a recording sheet bearing a toner image thereon from the surface of the photosensitive drum. The recording sheet is guided by a guide roller facing the photosensitive drum and having a slit formed therein, and is brought in contact with a conductive brush through the slit to be de-electrified.