Abstract: A scorotron assembly for charging a photoconductive surface to a uniform potential comprises a pair of pin array coronodes having an array of projections extending towards a surface to be charged, a conductive screen, and a support arrangement supporting the screen between the pin array coronodes and a surface to be charged. To prevent the adsorption and subsequent desorption of corona effluents by conductive members of the scorotron, believed to cause photoreceptor deletion copy imperfections, the scorotron is provided with openings in said support member to allow the flow of air therethrough into the area between the screen, and the support members. The directional flow of ions flowing from the pin array coronodes towards the conductive screen generates a strong, substantially parallel air flow flowing therewith, and exhausting through the screen, aiding in the removal of corona effluents from the area.

Abstract: A method of charging or discharging a member including the steps of, opposing to a member to be acted, a discharging member having a dielectric member, an inducing electrode and a discharging electrode sandwiching the dielectric member so that the discharging electrode faces the member to be acted, applying an alternating voltage between the inducing electrode and the discharging electrode to produce a surface discharge on a surface of the dielectric member at the discharging electrode side, wherein width of an area where the surface discharge is produced is substantially equal to width of the inducing electrode, and charging or discharging the member to be acted by the thus formed surface discharge.

Abstract: A discharging device includes first and second electrodes sandwiching therebetween a dielectric member, wherein an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to produce electric discharge adjacent to the second electrode. The relation between the alternating voltage and a distance between an end surface of the second electrode to a corresponding end of a region where the electric discharge occurs, is so determined that an intermediate saturation property is exhibited. The level of the alternating voltage is set to provide the intermediate saturation property. With such a discharging device, a member is electrically charged or discharged.

Abstract: In corona discharge photography method for photographing a speciman which utilizes a pulse generator, an amplifier, an electrode and a photographic medium, the improvement comprising providing a transmittance column and filling the transmittance column with an image-carrying solution and disposing the filled column between the electrode and the speciman, whereby to transmit corona discharge from the electrode to the speciman, the corona discharge occurring back and forth through the image-carrying solution to expose the photographic medium, such exposure occurring in part by transmittance column reflection.

Abstract: A corona discharging device having a corona discharging electrode to which a high voltage is applied to produce corona discharge. The high voltage applied to the corona discharging electrode is provided by superposing an AC voltage to a DC voltage. The DC voltage and the AC voltage are determined such that the corona discharging current has only the polarity which is the same as that of the DC component voltage. The corona discharge is stabilized and hardly produces a non-uniform discharge.

Abstract: A charging device for use in an electrophotographic apparatus is disclosed which charges, with improved efficiency and uniformity, a limited area of an electrophotosensitive member where a picture image is to be formed by corona discharge and which uniformly distributes electrostatic charges over the entire surface of the above area of the electrophotosensitive member. In the device, conductive members are disposed on both sides of a corona wire in the charging chamber to act as mating electrodes, and a mask in the form of a flexible film projects toward the opening of the chamber in such a manner as to make intimate contact with the electrophotosensitive member during charging.

Abstract: A corona discharge device having a first corona wire and a second corona wire parallel to the first corona wire and in physical contact therewith, such that the forces created by the wires during energization prevent the vibration of the wires, thereby eliminating short circuiting and the need for costly wire-damping devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corona discharge apparatus capable of producing a uniform corona electrical charging which has a discharge electrode and a grounded roller wherein a metal roller clad with an insulating layer of or containing a high-permittivity substance is used as the grounded roller or the discharge electrode in roller form. Excellent durability and physical strength of the roller keeping the advantage of producing uniformly distributed corona charge can be obtained by overlaying said insulating layer with a layer of insulators other than the high-permittivity substance used in the former layer. Further disclosed is a method for corona treatment using said apparatus.

Abstract: A scorotron and control therefor for charging and/or discharging a charge retentive surface such as a photoreceptor of the type utilized in the process of xerographic printing. The control connects the wire grid of the scorotron to ground via a plurality of zener diodes and a variable resistor. The voltage across the variable resistor is low compared to the total circuit voltage so that variations in the grid current result in small variations in grid voltage. The control provides for compensation for out of tolerance zener diodes as well as for photoreceptor aging manufacturing tolerances and temperature elevation. When the variable resistor is a light dependent resistor a light emitting diode contained in a bridge network also containing a thermistor provides for automatic compensation due to elevation in photoreceptor temperature when such temperature is sensed by the thermistor.

Abstract: A miniaturized scorotron corona generator for charging a thin wire or a receiver surface includes a sawtooth coronode partially surrounded by a conductive shield with a control screen attached to the shield. The control screen is closely spaced to the receiver surface such that fringing fields between the screen and receiver surface contribute significantly both to efficient ion pumping and to potential leveling.

Abstract: A corona generating device for depositing negative charge on an imaging surface carried on conductive substrate comprises at least one elongated conductive corona discharge electrode, means to connect the electrode to a corona generating potential source, at least one element adjacent the corona discharge electrode capable of adsorbing nitrogen oxide species generated once the corona generating electrode is energized and capable of desorbing nitrogen oxide species once that electrode is not energized, the element being coated with a substantially continuous thin layer of a paint containing reactive metal particles which will combine with the nitrogen oxide species, the reactive metal being present in the paint in an amount sufficient to neutralize the nitrogen oxide species when generated.

Abstract: A corona generating device for depositing negative charge on an imaging surface carried on conductive substrate comprises at least one elongated conductive corona discharge electrode, means to connect the electrode to a corona generating potential source, at least one element adjacent the corona discharge electrode capable of adsorbing nitrogen oxide species generated once the corona generating electrode is energized and capable of desorbing nitrogen oxide species once that electrode is not energized, the element being plated with a substantially continuous thin layer of lead to neutralize the nitrogen oxide species when generated.

Abstract: A corona generating device for depositing negative charge on an imaging surface carried on conductive substrate comprises at least one elongated conductive corona discharge electrode, means to connect the electrode to a corona generating potential source, at least one element adjacent the corona discharge electrode capable of adsorbing nitrogen oxide species generated once the corona generating electrode is energized and capable of desorbing nitrogen oxide species once that electrode is not energized, the element being coated with a substantially continuous thin dehydrated alkaline film of an alkali silicate to neutralize the nitrogen oxide species when generated.

Abstract: A corona treater includes an active electrode which has one or more insulated electrode elements slidably supported by an insulating track. A contact spring connects each electrode element to a conductive electrode bar embedded in the track, and sheet material to be treated is fed through a treatment zone created between an active discharge surface on each electrode element and a bare metal roller electrode.

Abstract: An electrical charging apparatus which includes a confronting electrode formed by a metallic plate, a heat-resistant electrically insulative member for covering a surface of the confronting electrode, an exciting electrode in the form of a thin wire fixed to a surface of the heat-resistant electrically insulative member so as to face the confronting electrode through the heat-resistant electrically insulative member, a power source for applying a high voltage AC current between the confronting electrode and the exciting electrode, and a control electrode in the form of a mesh provided to confront the exciting electrode.

Abstract: A corona discharge device including a pair of electrically conductive electrodes arranged in spaced electrically insulated relationship with one of the electrodes comprised of a plurality of juxtaposed conductive members supported for individual longitudinal movement toward and away from the other electrode. Each individual conductive member can be identical to each other conductive member and can be provided with longitudinally offset end portions facing the other electrode, with the juxtaposed conductive members having alternating directions for the offset end portions and with the lower end of each end portion enclosed by an insulator.

Abstract: An ion modulating electrode having at least one row of a plurality of apertures, which is capable of enhancing or blocking the passage of an ion flow through said apertures. The ion modulating electrode comprises a continuous layer of a conductive material and a segmented layer of a conductive material separated from each other by an insulating layer. The ion modulating electrode comprises at least one of said continuous layer and segmented layer has a resistance layer having a resistivity of not more than 10.sup.10 .OMEGA.cm thereon.

Abstract: An ion generator for the formation of electrostatic images, including two electrodes at opposite faces of a solid dielectric member, using a threshold multiplexing principle for the drive circuit. The apparatus provides a drive signal to each electrode to generate ions in an air region adjacent one of the electrodes, which ions are extracted for electrostatic imaging. Two drive signals each consisting of a sinusoidal alternating potential, out of phase by 180.degree., intermittently induce the production and extraction of ions. Other time-varying potentials of like electrical characteristics may be used, providing a number of operating advantages. The ion generator produces ions only during print periods, and requires reduced power to achieve given ion outputs. The control electrode may be partially encapsulated to limit the discharge region. Drive circuitry such as low source impedance gated oscillators, or other low impedance drivers, reduce capacitive "cross-talk" in a multielectrode device.

Abstract: A cooking oven has an enhanced heating structure for decreasing the cooking time relative to conventional ovens. The enhanced heating structure located on the bottom of the oven has a plurality of spaced apart upward projecting needle electrodes and a heater element located adjacent the needle electrodes. A frame and a flat plate form an enclosure of selected volume for enclosing the needle electrodes and the heater element. The flat plate supports the food for cooking and provides safety and ease of cleaning for the user. An electrical circuit generates a high voltage between the flat plate and the needle electrodes for increasing the rate of heat transfer from the heater element to the flat plate. The temperature of the selected volume enclosed is separately monitored and independently controlled.

Abstract: In a corona charger of the scorotron type, a corona wire is detachably secured to a base frame made of insulating material and a control grid is also detachably secured to a grid frame made of insulating material. The grid frame is secured to the base frame in an easily removable manner. The control grid is resiliently stretched over an opening of the grid frame by means of a coiled spring. The corona wire can be easily cleaned or replaced without removing the control grid from the grid frame, and the control grid can be also simply cleaned or replaced without removing the corona wire from the base frame.

Abstract: In a charging and exposure section of an electrophotographic apparatus, a charging mask defining a charge area of an electrophotosensitive member charged by a charging unit is formed with a cut-out portion which is not exposed through an objective lens focusing the image of a picture carried by an original onto the electrophotosensitive member, so as to form a retrieval mark on a portion of the electrophotosensitive member. This retrieval mark is utilized for judging the condition of exposure on the electrophotosensitive member or for facilitating the picture image quality control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a uniform elongate corona is provided. The apparatus includes at least one stationary corona electrode coupled to a supply of corona voltage. A moving ground electrode having a series of equally-spaced grounding points is coupled to a bias circuit that returns to ground. The moving ground electrode may be arranged to form a helix on a motor-driven insulating rod, with the longitudinal axis of the rod parallel to the stationary elongate corona electrode at a predetermined distance therefrom. The supply of corona power provides a high negative D.C. voltage or a series of high frequency negative high voltage pulses. The preferred bias circuits include one of a self-bias provided by a high resistance; a high frequency pulsating D.C. power supply circuit; or a fixed value negative D.C. power supply circuit.

Abstract: An electrode shield device for use in conjunction with a needle electrode preferably embodied in an oven. The shield device includes a perforated plate and mechanical means supporting the plate for causing relative movement between the plate and the needle electrode. In operation, the mechanical means locating the plate in a spaced relationship to cover the needle electrode for preventing physical contact with the needles when the electrode is electrically inactive and the mechanical means locating the plate in an engaging relationship to expose the needles for permitting the needles to establish current contact with, for example, high potential food.

Abstract: A corona discharger is swingably and elastically supported in the direction contacting with or separating from a photosensitive drum always in the state urged toward the photosensitive drum side, and a supporting arm provided integrally with the corona discharger is contacted with the photosensitive drum, a shaft or relatively fixedly disposed member relative to the photosensitive drum, thereby positioning it relative to the photosensitive drum of the corona discharger. Therefore, an interval between the photosensitive drum and the corona discharger can always be maintained constant with a relatively simple structure, and can also perform always stable corona discharging operation.

Abstract: An improved corona charging device for uniformly charging an image bearing or forming member is provided. The charging device includes a corona wire, a conductive shield partly surrounding the wire and a high voltage source connected to the wire. The voltage source includes a first voltage source for applying an A.C. voltage to the wire and a second voltage source for applying a D.C. voltage to the wire as a bias. The present charging device charges the member uniformly to a desired level at all times irrespective of the potential condition of the member prior thereto.

Abstract: A uniform thin replica film of a specimen for electron microscopy having a high resolution power such as approximately 1 .ANG. is presented. This uniform thin replica film is directly prepared on the specimen by a plasma polymerization technique by depositing organic monomer vapors on a specimen placed on a negative electrode in a high vacuum atmosphere. The deposition is carried out by applying a discharge voltage of from 0.5 to 3 K.V.D.C. between a pair of positive and negative electrodes for 1 to 15 minutes to effect a glow discharge under the conditions of a current density of the glow discharge of from 0.1 and 2 mA/cm.sup.2 and a gas pressure of from 1 to 10.sup.-2 Torr in the system.

Abstract: A corona charging device including a dielectric-coated elongate conductor embedded in a slot in a conductive member. A high voltage varying potential between the elongate conductor and slotted conductive member induces a glow discharge in a region of proximity of the two conductors. The slotted conductor may act as a grounding member to provide a corona discharge device with respect to a proximate surface. Alternately, the slotted conductor may be maintained at a desired potential to provide a charging device with an automatically limited voltage. The slotted conductor and dielectric-coated conductor may be replaced with alternative structures which provide an equivalent enclosure.

Abstract: A corona generating apparatus having a charge regulating member disposed to face the area of a charge retaining member where no visual image is to be formed and disposed to make a contact with said charge retaining member. The charge regulating member is composed of an upper regulating member and a lower regulating member. The lower regulating member is a length slight greater than said upper regulating member. End of said charge regulating member is bent toward the surface of said charge retaining member.

Abstract: An ion modulating electrode to form an electrostatic image on the image recording member by modulating the ion flow includes a multi-layer structure consisting of a first conductive layer and a first dielectric layer, a second conductive layer, and a second dielectric layer and a third conductive layer, stacked together in that order to form a multi-layer structure, through-apertures formed in this multi-layer structure, and a dielectric or semiconductive thin film coated on the first conductive layer or third conductive layer. A high-frequency voltage is applied between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer to produce ions in these apertures. A voltage is applied to the third conductive layer for enhancing the passage through the apertures of ions generated in these apertures by high frequency voltage. The thin film covers a part of the inside of the apertures.

Abstract: A battery-powered corona discharge photography device for holding a photographic recording medium adjacent an electrode, with a specimen in contact with the recording medium. A highly regulated voltage source is coupled by a voltage step-up circuit to a capacitor for storage of an increased level voltage. A silicon controlled rectifier is triggered by a pulse generator to discharge the capacitor, causing a voltage pulse across a transformer primary. Once the pulse generator is activated, it generates a series of pulses of a number determined by the setting of a switch, and so a like series of high voltage electrical pulses is generated across the transformer secondary, and this secondary is connected to the electrode. Either of two transformers can selectively be utilized, to provide selectivity in the frequency characteristics of the high voltage electrical pulses. Means are also provided for reversing the polarity or adjusting the voltage level of the high voltage electrical pulses.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging a dielectric layer electrostatically to a predetermined potential. An AC electrode is arranged at a distance from the dielectric layer and connected to one output of an AC voltage generator. The AC voltage generator has the other output connected to an output of a DC voltage generator. Between the AC electrode and the dielectric layer there is a DC electrode which is connected to the other output of the AC voltage generator. The dielectric layer rests on a counter-electrode which is connected to the other output of the DC voltage generator and is at ground potential. Each of the electrodes can comprise one or a plurality of mutually insulated single electrodes.

Abstract: A sterilization procedure and apparatus is disclosed in which articles of irregular shape or having long, narrow apertures or cavities may be sterilized at low temperature by being subjected to a plasma whose pressure is varied in a cyclic manner so as to provide forced convection of active species into the apertures, cavities, and crevices of the article to be sterilized.

Abstract: An electrophotographic apparatus employs an alternating current corona discharge apparatus for the purpose of forming an electrostatic image on a photosensitive member. The alternating current corona discharge apparatus has a transformer for transforming or stepping up the alternating current source voltage, the secondary winding of which is connected to the ground at one end. The secondary winding is shunted by a series connection of a first plurality of varistors. A smaller second plurality of series connected varistors selected from the first plurality of series connected varistors are shunted by a first diode-resistor series connection of a diode with the cathode on the ground side and a variable resistor and a smaller and third plurality of different series connected varistors selected from the first plurality of series connected varistors are shunted by a second diode-resistor series connection of a diode with the anode on the ground side and a variable resistor.

Abstract: A method of stacking metal sheet materials which is characterized by interposing between each adjacent metal sheet material an interleaf comprising paper with plastic coated on only one side.

Abstract: A uniform thin replica film of a specimen for electron microscopy having a high resolution power such as approximately 1 A is presented. This uniform thin replica film is directly prepared on the specimen by a plasma polymerization technique by depositing organic monomer vapors on a specimen placed on a negative electrode in a high vacuum atmosphere. The deposition is carried out by applying a discharge voltage of from 0.5 to 3 K.V.D.C. between a pair of positive and negative electrodes for 1 to 15 minutes to effect a glow discharge under the conditions of a current density of the glow discharge of from 0.1 and 2 mA/cm.sup.2 and a gas pressure of from 1 to 10.sup.-2 Torr in the system.

Abstract: In an electrostatic copying machine, a charging apparatus for a photoconductive member includes a thermally responsive device for automatically adjusting the distance between the corona charger and the photoconductive member in response to temperature changes in the photoconductive member. Therefore, the charge accepted by the photoconductive member is maintained at a substantially uniform level despite the temperature variations of the photoconductive member.

Abstract: A corona wire, either directly or through an auxiliary element, engages the spiral thread of a screw-like stub member mounted on the housing of a corona charging apparatus to provide a simple, low cost and easily assembled corona wire adjuster. The stub member is mounted on the housing such that it may be rotationally driven much like a screw, but, unlike a screw, will not move into or out of the housing as it is rotated. Rotation of the stub member causes the corona wire to move in a direction parallel to the stub member axis in response to the thread engagement and thereby change its position relative to a photoconductor surface.

Abstract: A corona discharge electrode system is provided, the electrode system providing a power density of up to 200 watts per square inch by use of a liquid cooled, liquid-quartz buffered electrode. The corona discharge electrode system is particularly suitable for deglossing radiant energy curable coatings.

Abstract: A corona discharge device is provided, the device providing for the formation of a corona discharge characteristic of a selected gas or gas mixture to be ionized by use of a housing which is separated into an upper and lower plenum chamber by a perforated plate. The lower plenum chamber contains at least one corona discharge electrode and has inwardly tapered wall means for directing the gas or gas mixture into the active corona region. The device is particularly suitable for deglossing wear resistant coatings on floor covering materials.

Abstract: In-place primary charging of an electrophotographic imaging member is effected by a corona discharge device which employs variably-biased AC energization of its discharge electrode. During a charging period the potential level of the image member is detected by a sensor, and the bias level of electrode energizing source is varied from an initial value above the nominal primary charge potential toward the nominal potential in response to signals from the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating a paper sheet comprised of a mat of paper making fibers having a uniform coating of starch or modified starch on its surface to improve its performance in electrostatographic copiers. The treatment involves exposing such a sheet having a smooth surface to a direct stream of corona ions. This treatment results in improved adhesion of toner to the sheet when it is used as the receiving member in an electrostatographic copier.

Abstract: A high voltage power supply is regulated using a light dependent resistor. A feedback circuit from the load controls the input to a light emitting diode which is optically coupled to a light dependent resistor connected in series with the load. Increases in the load current tend to reduce illumination on the light dependent resistor, thereby increasing the resistance of that circuit element which reduces the load current. The converse is also true. Regulation may be applied to a D.C. power source or to an A.C. power source by developing a signal indicative of average current level and applying it to the light emitting diode to control the light dependent resistor. The high voltage power control of the invention is particularly useful in regulating corotron voltage levels in a xerographic reproduction device.

Abstract: An electrostatic hand-held coating-dispensing apparatus includes a first pulley, a second pulley, and a continuous belt trained about the first and second pulleys. The first and second pulleys are supported and retained in spaced apart relation to maintain tension on the belt in a supporting housing. A first brush is provided adjacent the belt where the belt is trained about the first pulley. A second brush is provided adjacent the belt where the belt is trained about the second pulley. A curved conducting surface is also supported by the housing. The second brush is connected to the conducting surface. A small alternating current electric motor is provided for turning the first pulley. A container or canister is provided for the coating material. The canister is snugly received in the supporting housing in a position adjacent the conducting surface. The canister includes an end for transferring electrostatic potential from the curved surface to the coating material therein.

Abstract: An article support frame, removably supported in a glow discharge treatment receptacle, is provided with a plurality of upwardly open spherical seats, each having a laterally open entrance slot. Suspension devices which can be attached to the articles to be treated have necks in the entrance slots, spherical plugs removably seated on the spherical seats and transport plugs extending above the spherical plugs.

Abstract: A corona generating device including an electrically biased corona emitting wire supported adjacent its ends by insulating end blocks. One of the blocks has a recess which houses a coil spring through which the wire passes coaxially. The wire is attached to a mass which bears against the loaded coil spring to maintain the wire in a taut condition.

Abstract: A corona charging device comprising an elongated wire electrode and a shield partially surrounding the electrode, the shield being formed of a plurality of conducting segments insulated from each other and biased to a plurality of different potentials relative to the wire. The distribution of charge from the corona device onto an adjacent surface may be controlled by changing the biasing arrangement on the shield segments.

Abstract: A corona charging device having a corona electrode in the form of a conductive wire covered with a thick dielectric coating. The electrode is supported along its entire active length at a spaced distance from both an adjacent conductive plate and an imaging surface to be charged.

Abstract: A biasing arrangement for a corona discharge device including a conductive shield partially surrounding a corona electrode comprising means for applying a first high D.C. potential to the wire and a second high D.C. potential to the shield, the potential difference between the wire and the shield being sufficiently small to substantially inhibit corona current. A high voltage pulse train is superimposed on the shield which periodically increases the potential difference between the wire and the shield to foster ion generation adjacent the wire. Between pulses, the shield is returned to the second potential to again inhibit further ion generation while concurrently permitting ion movement toward a surface to be charged rather than toward the shield itself. Pulse duration and repetition rate are selected to enhance the efficiency of the corona device.

Abstract: A line printing apparatus in which spot patterns of ink or toner particles are formed on a moving paper sheet. A modulator defined by a corona source and an electric shield which has a multiplicity of linearly arranged apertures is spaced from one side of the paper. The voltage at each aperture is individually controlled so that ions from the corona are permitted or prevented from passing through preselected apertures. The passing ions impinge certain particles in a toner particle cloud between the modulator and the one side of the paper sheet. A paper support bar is positioned on the other side of the paper and constructed of an insulator and an elongate electrode is secured to the back side of the insulator and positioned parallel to the aperture array.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine in which color transparencies are reproduced. A projected image of the color transparency is scanned forming a light image thereof. The light image is modulated and filtered creating a single color half-tone light image. A charged photoconductive member is irradiated by the single color half-tone light image recording a single color electrostatic latent image thereon.