Abstract: Systems include a test object that comprises a surface having a non-planar topographical feature, and an electrode comprising a non-linear segment that is proximate to the non-planar topographical feature of the surface of the test object. The electrode is positioned proximate to but not in contact with the surface of the test object such that the perpendicular distances between the electrode and the surface of the test object are uniform across the electrode. The electrode is further configured to (i) be translated across the surface of the test object while maintaining the perpendicular distances between the electrode and the surface of the test object, and (ii) impart a layer of charge across the surface of the test object when the test object is translated across the surface.

Abstract: A charging device includes a housing, a corona wire stretched in the housing, and a positioning member supporting the corona wire and determining a distance between the corona wire and a photoconductor, the positioning member being provided at an end of the housing. The positioning member has a vertex extending in a direction intersecting a corona-wire-stretching direction in which the corona wire is stretched. An elastic member is provided in a gap between the positioning member and the corona wire supported at the vertex, the gap spreading in the corona-wire-stretching direction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a material feeding device includes a feeding unit. The feeding unit includes an electrode unit electrically chargeable by application of voltage thereto and an insulating unit covering the electrode unit, the electrode unit being configured to attract and separate a material to and from a surface of the insulating unit by control of a charged state of the electrode unit.

Abstract: A system and method form charge patterns on micro objects. The system and method employ a micro object including a rectifying device. The rectifying device exhibits an asymmetric current-voltage (I-V) response curve. Further, the system and method employ a device external to the micro object to induce the flow of charge through the rectifying device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable photosensitive member (drum), a first corona charger, a second corona charger, an image forming portion, a voltage applying portion, a surface potential detecting portion, a controller. The controller determines a condition of voltages applied to the first and second corona chargers during image formation, by setting a first voltage condition for the first corona charger so that the surface potential of the drum is a second potential lower in absolute value than the first potential in a state in which the first corona charger operates, and the second corona charger does not operates, and then by setting a second voltage condition for the second corona charger so that the surface potential of the drum is the first potential in a state in which the first corona charger operates under the first voltage condition, and the second corona charger operates.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes two cleaning holders. The two cleaning holders each include two cleaning members. The two cleaning holders are connected to a wire-shaped member. In accompaniment of circulation of the wire-shaped member, the two cleaning holders travel to cause the cleaning members to slide on corresponding transmissive members. Upon one of the two cleaning holders coming into contact with a first stopper at one end of its travel path, a circulating direction of the wire-shaped member is reversed. Upon the other of the two cleaning holders coming into contact with a second stopper at one end of its travel path, the wire-shaped member stops circulating.

Abstract: A charging device which includes a grid that has a curvature surface placed to face an outer circumferential surface of a photoconductive drum; a carrying member that carries the grid in a portion having a curvature to form the curvature surface of the grid; and position adjusting mechanisms that moves a position of the carrying member to adjust a position of the grid in a sub-scanning direction of the photoconductive drum, an imaging cartridge and an image forming apparatus having the same.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and/or collecting particles are disclosed. At least some of the particles are electrically charged by a charger (122). At least some of the charged particles are collected by a collector (140). Information indicating the number of the detected/collected particles based on measured electrical charges of the charged particles is obtained by a processor (170).

Abstract: A charged particle generator includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating material that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. Charged particles are generated by discharge that occurs between the first and the second electrodes. The first electrode, the insulating material, and the second electrode are arranged in a first direction. The second electrode has a shape that does not intersect a path along which the charged particles move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corona charging apparatus for electrically charging a surface of an image bearing member to which the corona charging apparatus faces and which is rotatably provided in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the corona charging apparatus including: a discharging electrode; a shield case that covers the discharging electrode, the shield case being opened at least in a region where the discharging electrode and the image bearing member face each other; and a sheet-like member being made from aluminum and being attached to a first surface of the shield case which first surface faces the discharging electrode.

Abstract: In a method for electrostatic charging of non-conducting objects by at least one electrode under control of a control device, an object to be electrostatically charged is brought into the effective range of the electrode. The control device is transferred into an idling state if no object to be electrostatically charged is present in the effective range of the electrode, and, in the idling state, an idling current is impressed into the electrode. The control device is transferred into a charging state if an object to be electrostatically charged is brought into the effective range of the electrode, and, in the charging state, a charging current different than the idling current is impressed into the electrode by the control device.

Abstract: An ion airflow generating device includes a number of generator stages, each of which includes a number of generators. Each generator includes a needle-shaped emitter and a ring-shaped receiver. The receivers in the same stage are arranged in an array. Each receiver defines a groove in an outer circumferential surface thereof along a direction parallel to the central axis thereof. Each two adjacent receivers in a former generator stage connect with each other, and the grooves thereof cooperatively define a hole for holding an emitter in a next generator stage. The receivers in the next generator stage symmetrically offset from the receivers in the former generator stage such that each emitter aligns to the center of a corresponding receiver.

Abstract: A field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) has an analyte ion source assembly by which an analyte substance is ionized and supplied to the inlet of the spectrometer. The ion source assembly has an upstream source of clean, dry air and two ion sources of opposite polarity arranged at the same distance along the flow path. The ion sources are arranged so that the overall charge of the plasma produced is substantially neutral. The analyte substance is admitted via an inlet downstream of the ion sources and flows into a reaction region of enlarged cross section to slow the flow and increase the time for which the analyte molecules are exposed to the plasma.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a production process of a roller for an electrophotography, having a surface layer the electric resistance of which has been controlled by corona discharge treatment while keeping any pinholes from coming about on the surface. A production process of a roller for an electrophotography, said roller comprising a conductive mandrel and a conductive surface layer comprising a resin and carbon black dispersed in the resin, the process having the following steps (1) to (3): (1) forming a resin layer comprising a resin and carbon black dispersed therein on the circumference of the conductive mandel; (2) attaching silica particles on the surface of the resin layer; and (3) subjecting corona discharge treatment to the surface of the resin layer on which the silica particles are attached.

Abstract: A system and apparatus that removes and collects non-functional wire assemblies from dicorotron units is described. It has a removal tool with flexible levers mounted on the top of a storage box. The removal tool has an open top and bottom, the open bottom is aligned with an opening in the top of the box to permit a dislodged anchor and wire assembly to fall therethrough.

Abstract: An air sanitization system including a reactive oxygen species generator, a variable speed fan, a pathogen sensor and a controller. The reactive oxygen species generator generates reactive oxygen species from an oxygen-containing gas and discharges the reactive oxygen species to a conditioned space. The variable speed fan directs the oxygen-containing gas to the reactive oxygen species generator at a controlled speed. The pathogen sensor senses a level of airborne pathogens in the conditioned space and generates a signal indicative of the level of pathogens sensed. The controller receives the signal from the pathogen sensor and varies the speed of the variable speed fan in response to the signal to decrease a speed of the variable speed fan in response to an increase in the level of airborne pathogens sensed by the pathogen sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is related to preventing dust agglomeration on a sharp electrode which is used for generating corona. According to certain aspects, the invention includes a dust shroud which decreases or prevents dust accumulation on the sharp electrodes. The dust shroud changes the gas flow path so as to reduce the amount of gas passing near the sharp electrode. An advantage of the shroud is that it prevents dust from building up on the electrodes. The shroud is a simple, passive addition to the electrostatic pump, such that the pump is otherwise able to operate normally throughout its life. In embodiments, the shroud can be used to protect a corona electrode used in heat sink applications especially in electronics cooling. It can also be used in electrostatic precipitators for cleaning dust or chemical or microbe particles from air.

Abstract: In a corotron device system, a moving element moves via a guide unit. A corotron having a corotron element and a corotron shield is provided. The corotron element is arranged relative to the moving element such that a distance from, and a parallel position of, the corotron element relative to the moving element substantially do not change.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating corona discharges, comprising a first assembly, which first assembly is built up of at least one corona discharge space and at least one discharge electrode disposed in the corona discharge space, as well as a high voltage source, an output of which is connected to the at least one discharge electrode. The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating corona discharges as referred to in the introduction, which apparatus is capable of controlling more corona discharge spaces, using the standard parts and components, and which is also suitable for high power levels, therefore.

Abstract: A system and apparatus that removes and collects non-functional wire assemblies from dicorotron units is described. It has a removal tool mounted on the top of a storage box. The removal tool has an open top and bottom, the open bottom is aligned with an opening in the top of the box to permit a dislodged wire assembly to fall therethrough.

Abstract: Electrostatic printing processes utilize corona-charging units. When those units wear out or become faulty, they need to be replaced. This embodiment provides a tool that can be used to remove a faulty electrode wire assembly from the unit. This same tool when loaded with a new wire assembly can insert a new wire assembly into the emptied corona charging unit, sometimes referred to as a dicorotron unit. The tool, therefore, is used both to remove or insert a wire assembly from or into a dicorotron unit.

Abstract: Excimers are formed in a gas (30,130) by applying a pulsed potential between a first electrode (14,114) and a counter electrode (26, 126) so that corona discharge occurs, substantially without arcing, when the potential is on. The pulses or on-times of the potential desirably are about 100 microseconds or less. Use of a pulsed potential provides greater efficiency than a constant potential. Where the excimer-forming gas is a pure inert gas, the gas desirably contains less than 10 ppm water vapor.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a scorotron places a uniform charge on a photoreceptor for forming electrostatic latent images. Three conductive pin arrays are disposed in a housing defined by sidewalls and a screen adjacent the photoreceptor. There can be provided insulative walls between adjacent pin arrays. The screen and a surface of the housing can be curved to correspond to a curvature of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A device for handling a fluid includes a corona discharge device and an electric power supply. The corona discharge device includes at least one corona discharge electrode and at least one collector electrode positioned proximate each other so as to provide a total inter-electrode capacitance within a predetermined range. The electric power supply is connected to supply an electric power signal to said corona discharge and collector electrodes so as to cause a corona current to flow between the corona discharge and collector electrodes. An amplitude of an alternating component of the voltage of the electric power signal generated is no greater than one-tenth that of an amplitude of a constant component of the voltage of the electric power signal.

Abstract: A wire tensioning mechanism for tensioning a wire having an end one and an end two in a machine in which the wire has a means for attachment on end two and is fixed to the machine at end one, comprises a slide block, and a spring. The slide block is slidably mounted to the machine at end two of the wire, such that the slide block slides parallel to the wire. The slide block has a slot which is wider than the wire but narrower than the means for attachment, such that when the slide block is mounted on the machine, the wire end two can be slid into the slot such that pulling the slide block in the direction away from the wire forces the means for attachment against the slot, but does not allow the means for attachment to pass through. The slot is lined up with the wire such that when the wire is in tension, there are no side loads on the means for attachment.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus uses a developer that includes toner with volume average particle size between 5 &mgr;m and 10 &mgr;m and 60 to 80 number percentage particles having a particle size less than or equal to 5 &mgr;m. A charging unit charges a latent image carrier. The charging unit and the latent image carrier are arranged in such a manner that they do no make a physical contact.

Abstract: The corotron wire of a corotron device is introduced with a retainer element, such as in a printer or copier. At least one corotron wire is held by the retainer element and the carrier material for a latent image residing there opposite is conducted past the corotron wire. The carrier material and the corotron wire lie in planes arranged substantially parallel to one another. The retainer element lies on bearings at at least two bearing points, the bearings being rigidly connected to the guide element and pressed onto the bearings with a spring power. A method is also provided for introducing the corotron wire of a corotron device with assistance of the retainer element.

Abstract: A wire tensioning apparatus and method tensions one or more wires by moving the tensioning function from a wire module to an apparatus external to the wire module. Within the wire module, the wire is placed between a movable member and a stationary member. Tension is placed on the wire and adjusted until the desired tension and/or vibrational frequency is met. Once the desired tension and/or vibrational frequency is met, the wire is clamped between the movable and stationary members within the wire module in order to maintain the achieved tension and/or vibrational frequency.

Abstract: In an ion generating apparatus, an electric field for generating ion is obtained between an electrode needle 3 and a counter electrode plate 4. A surface discharge path A (passing through an air discharge port 13a) which has the shortest distance between the electrode needle 3 and the counter electrode plate 4 and a surface discharge path B (not passing through the air discharge port 13a) are created. Distances of the surface discharge paths A and B are substantially enlarged by means of two flanges 17 provided on a sleeve 906 and a flange 19 provided on an end of an outer cylindrical portion of an electrode unit 8.

Abstract: A corona treating apparatus has an electrically conductive electrode housing with a downwardly opening channel, within which are adjustably positioned a number of conductive electrode segments. Each segment has a stem which extends into the channel, and a foot which extends below the channel and which overlies an electrically conductive electrode roller, over which the material to be treated travels. Top springs extend into bores in the top of the electrode segments, and ball detents extend through the housing to urge against slots on one side of the segments. Each electrode segment stem has a first lip which engages with an upper ledge when the segment is in a retracted position, and a second lip which engages with a lower ledge on the opposite wall when the segment is in an active position. Pushing upwardly on one sideward flange of an electrode foot readily changes the position of each segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating paper web materials with a plasma, said apparatus comprising a dark space generated by a treatment electrode in a treatment zone. There is a counter electrode having a surface area in said treatment zone which is not greater than a surface area of said counter electrode. A power supply is included for driving either said treatment electrode or said counter electrode with an oscillating high voltage at a frequency less than about 2 MHz and greater than 1/tc where tc is the charging time of a web surface exposed to a rms ion current in the plasma.

Abstract: An image forming method and apparatus, wherein the charging amount that a charging device charges a photosensitive drum is controlled so as to reduce the charging amount in a period, except for the image forming period, than that during the image forming period. While the charging amount is reduced, the voltage applied to the charging device is controlled by chopping. Accordingly, mote adhesion onto the charging device and improper chopping can be effectively prevented or reduced. When print data is input from an outside source, the quantity of airflow generated by the fan is allowed to increase, and the printing operation starts after the quantity of airflow is increased. As sufficient airflow is generated inside the laser printer before the charging device starts to charge, motes and other objects existing in the laser printer can be ejected outside effectively. As a result, mote adhesion onto the charging device and improper charging can be prevented or reduced.

Abstract: A corona cartridge for charging a photoreceptor in high-speed electrophotographic applications may include a comb-like corona charging device electronically connected to operate with the photoreceptor, and one or more excess comb-like corona charging devices stored on a shaft or in a dispenser that may be advanced automatically to replace the electronically connected corona charging device when it wears out. The number of excess comb-like corona charging devices (including the electronically connected corona charging device) may be tailored to last as long as the photoreceptor, which may run many months even in high-use operations. Accordingly, the high-speed electrophotographic applications may need to be serviced only when the photoreceptor wears out, thus significantly reducing the maintenance frequency without the side effect of increased ozone production, as in the case of wire-type corona charging devices.

Abstract: A discharge device has a discharge wire for discharge in response to a voltage, a supporting block for supporting the discharge wire, an electric contact receiving an AC voltage, and a resistor element placed between the discharge wire and the electric contact. The discharge device serves particularly as a separation charger of an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A discharge ionization source, for use for example with an ion mobility spectrometer or atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry. The source uses two or more electrodes for ionization and control, and solid state circuitry for operation. Inductive coupling of the discharge gap to the electronics is not necessary. The source can be operated as a continuous dc discharge, or as a pulsed discharge. The two-electrode configuration provides an anode and cathode with an optional adjustable gap. One of the electrodes can be hollow to enhance ionization efficiency (e.g., hollow cathode) and/or to accept effluent from a gas or liquid (including electrophoresis) chromatographic column. The three-electrode configuration adds a third or control electrode to additionally stabilize the discharge. The third electrode may be biased at the potential of the anode through a ballast resistor, and be located near the cathode.

Abstract: A mechanism and a method for generating a corona discharge by a wire-shaped corona discharge electrode provides that the corona discharge electrode is stretched between two end blocks that respectively contain a space for the acceptance of a respective electrode holder insert. The electrode holder insert has a rotational-symmetrical electrode receptacle element with an axially parallel electrode receptacle channel in the generated surface as well as a further electrode receptacle channel in an end face, the further channel adjoining the axially parallel channel and residing perpendicularly thereon, and also has an annular cap element that, proceeding from the end face containing the further electrode receptacle channel, can be pressed onto the electrode receptacle element with the corona discharge electrode guided in the electrode receptacle channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corona charging apparatus for charging a body to be charged that has a discharge wire electrode to which a voltage is applied, a shield electrode having an opening opposed to the body to be charged, a grid electrode disposed in the opening, a power supply for applying a voltage to the grid electrode, and a constant voltage generating element electrically connected to the grid electrode, the constant voltage generating element generating predetermined voltage when current flows into the constant voltage generating element, and rated voltage of the constant voltage generating element is equal to or greater than the voltage applied to the grid electrode from the power supply.

Abstract: The present invention includes a low voltage, high current density, large area cathode for scrubbing of cathodoluminescent layers. The cathodoluminescent layers are formed on a transparent conductive layer formed on a transparent insulating viewing screen to provide a faceplate. An electrical coupling is formed to the transparent conductive layer to provide a return path for electrons. The faceplate and the cathodoluminescent layers are placed on a conveyer in a vacuum. The cathodoluminescent layers are irradiated with an electron beam having a density of greater than one hundred microamperes/cm2. The electron beam may be provided by a cathode including an insulating base, a first post secured to the insulating base near a first edge of the insulating base and a second post including a spring-loaded tip secured to the insulating base near a second edge of the insulating base.

Abstract: A rotatable charging apparatus includes a length extending between a first end and a second end, with the rotatable charging apparatus centered about an axis parallel to the length. The rotatable charging apparatus outer periphery forms N apparatus positions. One charging device is fixed to each of N−1 apparatus positions. The remaining (Nth) apparatus position is devoid of a charging device, thus forming an “empty” charging device position. A host printing machine selectively causes the rotatable charging apparatus to rotate about its axis thereby selectively position any of its N−1 charging devices to face a proximately-located photosensitive element. When a problem exists with the current charging device, or when the total number of operating hours of the current charging device exceeds a fixed threshold, the printing machine causes the rotatable charging apparatus to rotate from its current charging device to position a new charging device facing the photosensitive element.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: (i) a corona charger housing including at least two cavities; (ii) a corona wire strung across the housing, the corona wire having at least one end located in one of the cavities; and (iii) a pin at least partially located inside one of the cavities, the pin fixedly securing the end of corona wire inside the cavity. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes (i) a corona charger housing including at least two cavities; (ii) a corona wire having two ends, the corona wire being strung across the housing, the corona wire having each of its ends located in one of the cavities; (iii) pins at least partially located inside the cavities. The pins fixedly secure the ends of corona wire inside the cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus for a corona wire housing comprising a continuous piece of corona wire mounted in a serpentine fashion around multiple pulleys with a single tension spring tensioning the continuous piece of corona wire and fixed terminals supporting the ends of the wire.

Abstract: A device for removing the gaseous laminar boundary layer from at least one of the two sides of a material web moved in transport direction preferably at high speed, for example said web being made of paper, characterized by at least one corona-charging electrode provided with at least one elongate tip, and connectable to a positive (+U) or negative high-voltage source, and characterized by at least one counterelectrode associated with the latter and connectable to a negative (−U) or positive high voltage or ground, with corona-charging electrode on the side of material web having the boundary layer to be removed, and the associated counterelectrode being located on the other side.

Abstract: A charging device comprises a housing defining a charging chamber. Two tensioning shafts are mounted on opposite ends of the housing. The charging device comprises a control grid attached to the grid tensioning shafts, thus substantially covering the chamber opening. The control grid is comprised of a conductive material capable of being stretched along its length. As a result, the grid becomes flat when opposing rotating forces are applied to the two tensioning shafts.

Abstract: In an electrostatographic imaging apparatus employing at least one charging device, in an electrostatic charge process involving the creation of latent electrostatic images, A method for controlling corona current generation by said at least one charging device is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of: generating an AC current and an AC voltage with a power supply; measuring the steady state negative half cycle of current, filtering capacitive current spikes from said negative half cycle current measurement and generating a corona current feedback signal in response to said filtering step; and dynamically adjusting the AC voltage in response to the corona current feedback signal so that the steady state negative half cycle of current measured in said measuring step remains constant.

Abstract: A support mounting supports the corona generating electrode of a corona generating device. A corona generating assembly includes a corona generating electrode member having an elongated length defining a plurality of support openings spaced along the length of the corona generating electrode member, a primary support member having integral, outwardly extending support projections for supporting the corona generating electrode member, with the integral support projections arranged on the primary support member at positions corresponding to the support openings formed in the corona generating electrode member for cooperative engagement therewith, and a secondary support member adapted to define support projection receiving openings corresponding to the support projections of the primary support member for interlocking engagement therewith, such that said corona generating electrode member is sandwiched between the primary support member and the secondary support member.

Abstract: A low-cost non-contact type charging device having excellent uniform charging performance and long stable charging characteristic includes an insulating support body having an insulating surface, first electrodes, to which a first voltage is applied, and second electrodes, to which a second voltage is applied. The first electrodes and the second electrodes, isolated from each other, are alternately formed, in non-parallel to a relative moving direction between a charging member and a charged body. Further, the first electrodes and the second electrodes are provided at respective positions in a width in the relative moving direction of the charging member, and moved close to the charged body in a non-contact state.

Abstract: A tension support mounting for applying tension to the corona generating electrode of a corona generating device. A corona generating electrode is placed in cooperative engagement with a fixedly mounted end block via a torsion spring member mounted on the endblock.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a substantially consistent current to voltage relationship in a corona charging device having an electrode energized by an AC voltage biased by a first DC offset voltage which is modified by a second DC voltage, and a control surface energized by a third DC voltage which is also varied by the second DC voltage. The apparatus includes a system for monitoring a portion of the AC voltage, and for superimposing the first DC voltage on the monitored voltage to generate a control voltage having an AC component and a DC component, and for further superimposing the second DC voltage on the control voltage to vary the control voltage in response to changes in the second DC voltage. The control voltage is then applied to the electrode of the corona charging device. The apparatus provides a constant DC offset coronode voltage tracking circuit that maintains a substantially consistent current to voltage relationship in a scorotron-type corona charging device.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a charge retentive surface is provided. The charging apparatus is operably electrically connectable to a power supply for supplying an electrical bias to the charging apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing and an electrode mounted to the housing and positioned adjacent the surface in a non-contact relationship therewith. The apparatus also includes an electrical connector, electrically connected to the electrode and electrically connectable to the power supply. The electrical connector provides an electrical bias to said electrode. The electrical connector extends from the electrode and is integral therewith.

Abstract: A setup method for a corona charger device used in an electrophotographic recording apparatus. The setup method includes operating the corona charger device in a calibration mode so that charge of a first polarity is output by the device and deposited upon a photoconductive recording member. The level of charge deposited upon the member is sensed and a position of the charger device relative to the member is adjusted so that the level of charge deposited upon the member is at a target level. The charge of the first polarity output for setup is opposite to that of charge output during the production run.