Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing absorbent sheet products includes a store with an absorbent web which is to be dispensed; a conveying mechanism for feeding the absorbent web; a severing mechanism for severing the web so as to form absorbent sheet products; a first collecting mechanism in direct contact with at least one of a roller of the conveying mechanism and the severing mechanism for collecting negative electrical charges; a second collecting mechanism in direct contact with the absorbent web for collecting positive electrical charges from the web; and a conductive material in direct contact with the first collecting mechanism and the second collecting mechanism. The conductive material, the first collecting mechanism, and the second collecting mechanism are configured such that the negative electrical charges of the first collecting mechanism and the positive electrical charges of the second collection mechanism are mutually cancelled.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing absorbent sheet products includes a store with an absorbent web which is to be dispensed, a conveying mechanism with at least one conveying element for feeding the absorbent web and a mechanism for severing the web so as to form absorbent sheet products. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for collecting electrical charges caused by static electricity, a mechanism for directing electrical charges to another element within the apparatus for dispensing, and a mechanism for neutralising or consuming the electrical charges.

Abstract: An imaging forming apparatus includes a positive high-voltage circuit that generates voltage having a positive polarity, a negative high-voltage circuit connected in series with the positive high-voltage circuit and generates voltage having a negative polarity, a transfer roller to which the voltage generated by the positive high-voltage circuit or the negative high-voltage circuit is supplied, neutralizing pins to which the voltage generated by the negative high-voltage circuit is supplied, a current detection circuit that detects current flowing into the transfer roller, and a diode connected between the transfer roller and the neutralizing pins and that separates a path for the current flowing into the transfer roller and a path for current flowing into the neutralizing pins from each other.

Abstract: A printing blanket is provided which includes a reinforcing layer formed from a polymeric fabric reinforcing material which softens and flows at a temperature less than that used in the final curing step of forming the blanket or a polymeric reinforcing material having a thickness of between about 0.003 inches and 0.010 inches. The reinforcing layer provides a smooth surface to support an outer print surface layer and provides improved print performance while enabling a reduction in the overall thickness of the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: An imaging forming apparatus includes a positive high-voltage circuit that generates voltage having a positive polarity, a negative high-voltage circuit connected in series with the positive high-voltage circuit and generates voltage having a negative polarity, a transfer roller to which the voltage generated by the positive high-voltage circuit or the negative high-voltage circuit is supplied, neutralizing pins to which the voltage generated by the negative high-voltage circuit is supplied, a current detection circuit that detects current flowing into the transfer roller, and a diode connected between the transfer roller and the neutralizing pins and that separates a path for the current flowing into the transfer roller and a path for current flowing into the neutralizing pins from each other.

Abstract: In an example, the present invention includes an integrated system-on-chip device. The device is configured on a single silicon substrate member. The device has a data input/output interface provided on the substrate member. The device has an input/output block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the data input/output interface. The device has a signal processing block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the input/output block. The device has a driver module provided on the substrate member and coupled to the signal processing block. In an example, the device has a driver interface provided on the substrate member and coupled to the driver module and configured to be coupled to a silicon photonics device. In an example, a control block is configured to receive and send instruction(s) in a digital format to the communication block and is configured to receive and send signals in an analog format to communicate with the silicon photonics device.

Abstract: A print media discharge unit includes a print media transport path along which in operation a sheet of print media is transported in a transport direction. The print media transport path is defined by a first electrically isolating print media guide and a second electrically isolating print media guide. The print media discharge unit further includes an electrically grounded electrically conductive discharge element extending through an opening in at least one of the first and second electrically isolating print media guides into the print media transport path. At least one of the first and second electrically isolating print media guide includes a plurality of guidance ribs aligned substantially in the transport direction at an angle with respect to the transport direction.

Abstract: In an example, an integrated system-on-chip device is configured on a single silicon substrate member. The device has a data input/output interface provided on the substrate member. The device has an input/output block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the data input/output interface. The device has a signal processing block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the input/output block. The device has a driver module provided on the substrate member and coupled to the signal processing block. In an example, the device has a driver interface provided on the substrate member and coupled to the driver module and configured to be coupled to a silicon photonics device. A control block is configured to receive and send instruction(s) in a digital format to the communication block and is configured to receive and send signals in an analog format to communicate with the silicon photonics device.

Abstract: In an example, an integrated system-on-chip device is configured on a single silicon substrate member. The device has a data input/output interface provided on the substrate member. The device has an input/output block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the data input/output interface. The device has a signal processing block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the input/output block. The device has a driver module provided on the substrate member and coupled to the signal processing block. In an example, the device has a driver interface provided on the substrate member and coupled to the driver module and configured to be coupled to a silicon photonics device. A control block is configured to receive and send instruction(s) in a digital format to the communication block and is configured to receive and send signals in an analog format to communicate with the silicon photonics device.

Abstract: In an example, an integrated system-on-chip device is configured on a single silicon substrate member. The device has a data input/output interface provided on the substrate member. The device has an input/output block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the data input/output interface. The device has a signal processing block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the input/output block. The device has a driver module provided on the substrate member and coupled to the signal processing block. In an example, the device has a driver interface provided on the substrate member and coupled to the driver module and configured to be coupled to a silicon photonics device. A control block is configured to receive and send instruction(s) in a digital format to the communication block and is configured to receive and send signals in an analog format to communicate with the silicon photonics device.

Abstract: In an example, an integrated system-on-chip device is configured on a single silicon substrate member. The device has a data input/output interface provided on the substrate member. The device has an input/output block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the data input/output interface. The device has a signal processing block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the input/output block. The device has a driver module provided on the substrate member and coupled to the signal processing block. In an example, the device has a driver interface provided on the substrate member and coupled to the driver module and configured to be coupled to a silicon photonics device. A control block is configured to receive and send instruction(s) in a digital format to the communication block and is configured to receive and send signals in an analog format to communicate with the silicon photonics device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for improved direct printing of decorative panels and a method for improved direct printing of decorative panels. The present invention suggests a panel printing device comprising a feeder for a carrier to be printed, a printer and discharger, characterized in that the panel printing device comprises at least electrostatic discharger for discharging electrostatic charges from the carrier and at least electrostatic charger for supplying electrostatic charges onto the carrier which is disposed downstream of the electrostatic discharger for discharging electrostatic charges from the carrier.

Abstract: A sheet conveyor device includes a conveyor that conveys a sheet along a conveyance path in a conveying direction, a sheet stack portion that receives the sheet conveyed by the conveyor, and a conducting member. The conveyor includes an ejection roller that ejects the sheet to the sheet stack portion. The conducting member includes a contact portion, disposed along the conveyance path downstream of the ejection roller, which comes into contact with the sheet conveyed by the conveyor, and a discharge portion that discharges static electricity transferred to the contact portion by contact between the sheet and the contact portion.

Abstract: Provided is a grounding structure including a grounding member that is grounded, an electrical conduction member that includes a protection section which is placed to protect a protection object, and an elastic portion which is connected to the protection section and is elastically deformed, the electrical conduction member being conductible, and a holding section that is formed in the grounding member and that holds the elastic portion in the grounding member by using an elastic force of the elastic portion, wherein the holding section and the elastic portion contact with each other on both sides of a direction in which the elastic force of the elastic portion acts.

Abstract: A dispenser can include a charge collector, an arc gap and a ground, where the arc gap is between the charge collector and the ground. The arc gap provides high impedance and can be set to a distance of from about 0.1 to about 0.01 inches. The technology operates by collecting charge from at one charge generating site with at least one charge collector and sending the charge to ground through the arc gap, the arc gap being between the at least one charge collector and the ground.

Abstract: A mechanism for electrifying a rotator that is used in an image forming apparatus includes a cloth-like or sheet-like conductive member, wherein part of the conductive member comes into contact with an object to be electrified and the other part of the conductive member comes into surface contact with any one contact member of the rotator, a rotating shaft that rotates together with the rotator, and a shaft where the rotator is rotatably supported, so that the object to be electrified and the contact member are electrically connected to each other through the conductive member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus body, a cassette attaching section having a media supplying roller, a media cassette with a loading plate and a supporting section, a first ground conducting route and a second ground conducting route. The first ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media when the media stacked in the media cassette is spaced away from the media supplying roller. A conducting portion of the first ground conducting route maintains the media cassette in an electrically disconnected state when the media passes through an opening in the cassette attaching section and reconfigures the media cassette from the electrically disconnected state to an electrically connected state before the media cassette reaches a first position. The second ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media when the media cassette is in the first position.

Abstract: There are provided a substrate sheet, a plurality of design portions arranged independently from each other along a longitudinal direction of the substrate sheet and each including at least a conductive material portion, and a band-shaped static eliminating band portion extending continuously along the longitudinal direction of the substrate sheet and electrically connecting the conductive material portions in the plurality of design portions to each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus (40) to neutralize the charge on a moving web (42) by splitting the field present on the web (42). One portion of the field is removed by a grounded element (55a, 55) proximate to, and optionally contacting, one side of the web (42). Proximate the opposite side of the web, the apparatus includes an ion source (57a, 57b, 57c), which provides ions to the web (42) to neutralize the charge remaining on the web (42), and a second grounded element (50a, 50b, 50c) positioned between the ion source (57a, 57b,57c) and the web (42). The methods provide a web (42) that is net neutralized and is also dual-side or bipolar neutralized.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus body, a cassette attaching section and a media cassette. The media cassette includes a loading plate, a pushing up member, a projecting portion and a plate holding portion that engages the loading plate. In a first position, the plate holding portion releases its hold on the loading plate so that the media contacts the media supplying roller. A release portion engages the plate holding portion to cause the plate holding portion to release its hold on the loading plate. A first ground conducting route is formed by electrically connecting the projecting portion with a ground portion. A second ground conducting route has a ground portion formed at a position to which the media contacts after the media cassette is attached to the first position and after the media is conveyed by the media supply roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing absorbent sheet products includes a store with an absorbent web which is to be dispensed, a conveying mechanism with at least one conveying element for feeding the absorbent web and a mechanism for severing the web so as to form absorbent sheet products. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for collecting electrical charges caused by static electricity, a mechanism for directing electrical charges to another element within the apparatus for dispensing, and a mechanism for neutralising or consuming the electrical charges.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus body, a cassette attaching section, a media cassette, a release portion, a first ground conducting route and a second ground conducting route is provided. The cassette attaching section includes a media supplying roller. The media cassette is removably installed in the cassette attaching section. The media cassette includes a loading plate, a pushing up member and a plate holding portion. The release portion engages the plate holding portion. The first ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media and includes a conducting portion. The second ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media when the media is conveyed by the media supplying roller.

Abstract: A dispenser can include a charge collector, an arc gap and a ground, where the arc gap is between the charge collector and the ground. The arc gap provides high impedance and can be set to a distance of from about 0.1 to about 0.01 inches. The technology operates by collecting charge from at one charge generating site with at least one charge collector and sending the charge to ground through the arc gap, the arc gap being between the at least one charge collector and the ground.

Abstract: An ion nozzle (36) generates an air jet (38) comprising charged particles which is incident on the open side edge (52) of the printed products (10). As a result of this, the printed products (10) are bulged and, at the same time, discharge electrostatic charge from the open side edge (52).

Abstract: A grounding structure includes a rotation shaft and a grounding member. The rotation shaft has a non-circular cross section, and rotates. The grounding member is attached to the rotation shaft to electrically communicate with the rotation shaft, and rotates together with the rotation shaft. The grounding member includes a first grounding portion, a grounding retainer and a second grounding portion. An outer shape of the first grounding portion is a circular shape. The grounding retainer is provided on a side of the first grounding portion in a shaft direction of the rotation shaft, and has an outside diameter being larger than an outside diameter of the first grounding portion. The second grounding portion is elastically held in contact with the first grounding portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cassette attaching section, a media cassette, a loading plate and a first and second ground conducting route. The cassette attaching section includes a media supplying roller for supplying media. The media cassette is attachably and removably installed in the cassette attaching section. The loading plate is mounted in the media cassette and loads the media stacked up in the media cassette. The first ground conducting route makes static electricity discharge from the loading plate to a grounding portion of the cassette attaching section when the media cassette is attached to the cassette attaching section. The second ground conducting route conducts with the media and makes static electricity discharge to the grounding portion when a distance between the media supplying roller and the media is shortened after the first ground conducting route is conducted.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cassette attaching section, a media cassette, a loading plate and a first and second ground conducting route. The cassette attaching section includes a media supplying roller for supplying media. The media cassette is attachably and removably installed in the cassette attaching section. The loading plate is mounted in the media cassette and loads the media stacked up in the media cassette. The first ground conducting route makes static electricity discharge from the loading plate to a grounding portion of the cassette attaching section when the media cassette is attached to the cassette attaching section. The second ground conducting route conducts with the media and makes static electricity discharge to the grounding portion when a distance between the media supplying roller and the media is shortened after the first ground conducting route is conducted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means for preventing build-up of electrostatic potential in a fluid container during filling and/or discharging. The fluid container comprises electrical insulating materials and a valve means through which filling and/or discharging occurs. Means for reducing and/or eliminating electrical and/or electrostatic potential build-up during filling or discharging of the container is arranged in conjunction with the container walls. Such means may for example be arranged in conjunction with the valve means, reducing and/or changing the flow velocity of the fluid and/or the flow direction of the fluid during the filling operation.

Abstract: A sheet transport device comprises a sheet feeding path through which a sheet is transported, first and second elements which are located face to face with a particular point in the sheet feeding path and have first and second surfaces, respectively, constituting part of the sheet feeding path and arranged therealong, an interposed element disposed insertably into and withdrawably from a space formed between the first and second elements, and a discharge arrester disposed in first and second surfaces for providing protection against a discharge of static electricity from the sheet, the discharge arrester having a projecting part extending in a direction intersecting the sheet feeding path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an electrostatic brush for an electrical device or a hand-held tool; and, the electrostatic brush can be eaily fabricated and contains electrostatic lines to be used with ease.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding a roll is disclosed. The apparatus engages a reel spool against an endless flexible belt spanning two rolls to form an unsupported span of the belt. The tissue web is carried to the free span on the endless flexible belt, and the reel spool is pushed into the endless flexible belt in the free span winding the roll. A displacement sensor measures the deflection of the endless flexible belt during winding, and, in response, the reel spool position is changed to control the deflection at a desired level. Located within the apparatus are at least one static measurement probe, and at least one static induction device. The probe and the static induction device are used to measure and control the static charge of the tissue web, the transfer belt, or both. By maintaining a predetermined static charge differential between the transfer belt and the tissue web, the reel will have improved web handling and/or transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A cover unit of a substrate for an image forming apparatus and method. The apparatus and method include a first cover unit and a second cover unit. The first cover unit surrounds the substrate on which electronic elements of a main body of the image forming apparatus are mounted, and the second cover unit is provided outside the first cover unit. The first cover unit is formed using an insulator, and the second cover unit is formed using a conductor. The cover unit of the substrate does not require an insulating sheet, and thus the cover unit of the substrate can be formed with a compact structure.

Abstract: A grounding method and apparatus for robustly grounding a photoreceptor assembly, including a conductive photoreceptor drum, in a xerographic image producing machine. The grounding apparatus includes (a) a flange including a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second and smaller diameter; (b) a conductive plating formed on said flange presenting a relatively large conductive surface area for contactably assembling against walls of the conductive photoreceptor drum; and (c) an electrical connector for electrically connecting the large conductive surface area of the conductive plating to an electrically conductive drive shaft of the xerographic image producing machine.

Abstract: A method for coating a liquid composition from an applicator to a first surface of a moving web having opposite first and second surfaces, the web being conveyed along a path through a coating apparatus, the coating apparatus including a charge neutralization station for neutralizing stray charges on the web, the charge neutralization station including a backing roller and means for depositing a charge on the web includes the steps of: wrapping the web in a partial wrap around the backing roller, the backing roller being provided with a conductive, relieved surface, the relieved surface having a pattern of circumferential grooves that provides venting of entrained air, the pattern having a geometry and depth such that any charge left on the web does not disturb the coating applied by the coating apparatus; providing a source of electrostatic charge at the charge neutralization station to neutralize any charge on the web; and transporting the charge neutralized web to a coating station, where a liquid composit

Abstract: An apparatus is taught for draining static electrical charges build-up on a traveling web of dielectric material. The apparatus includes discharge means comprised of a metal member having one end formed into at least one needle point projection. The discharge means is connected to ground potential and mounted in close proximity to the traveling web. Responsive to concentrated static electrical charges the discharge means causes ionization of the gasses surrounding the discharge means, thereby draining the static electrical charges to the ground potential through the discharge means. The apparatus further includes means for sensing and reading the magnitude of static electrical charges drawn from the web of dielectric material and for applying the sensed information as digital signals to a manufacturing controller. The manufacturing controller uses the information to control manufacturing parameters that minimize the generation of static electrical charges during the manufacture of the dielectric material.

Abstract: A static neutralizing roll follower includes a static charge dissipating device on a carrier movably held by a support. Sensors follow the changing diameter of a roll, and a control unit processes signals from the sensor to operate a drive mechanism to move the carrier with respect to the changing roll diameter. Consistent spacing is maintained between the dissipating device and the roll surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls which feeds continuously, roll to roll, and does not require extra procedure to bring stub roll into position. The apparatus has means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; means for dispensing paper from the first roll; means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and means for dispensing from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper. The apparatus also has a proximity sensor, which senses when a hand is placed near the dispenser, and thereupon dispenses a set amount of towel. The dispenser incorporates means for dissipating static charges to a local ground.

Abstract: An apparatus is taught for draining static electrical charges build-up on a traveling web of dielectric material. The apparatus includes discharge means comprised of a metal member having one end formed into at least one needle point projection. The discharge means is connected to ground potential and mounted in close proximity to the traveling web. Responsive to concentrated static electrical charges the discharge means causes ionization of the gasses surrounding the discharge means, thereby draining the static electrical charges to the ground potential through the discharge means. The apparatus further includes means for sensing and reading the magnitude of static electrical charges drawn from the web of dielectric material and for applying the sensed information as digital signals to a manufacturing controller. The manufacturing controller uses the information to control manufacturing parameters that minimize the generation of static electrical charges during the manufacture of the dielectric material.

Abstract: A structure for eliminating electromagnetic interference caused by CPU includes a fixing seat, onto which two conductive members having a plurality of elastic contacts are mounted. Each of the conductive members is formed at two ends with two contact wings that are in contact with contacts of a demagnetizing circuit provided on a circuit board onto which the fixing seat is assembled with fastening members. When a central processing unit mounted on the circuit board operates and generates electromagnetic waves, the same are received by a radiator mounted on the fixing seat in contact with the conductive members, and then guided by the conductive members from the radiator to the demagnetizing circuit and be eliminated.

Abstract: A device (2, 3) for charging and/or discharging of printing media (7) in printing presses and copiers, with at least one corona wire (5, 5′), as well as a guiding device (1) for printing media (7) with bridging members (11, 12, 13), which bridge the interior of the discharging device and/or charging device (2, 3) in the transport direction (10), whereby the guiding device (1) has, below the bridging members (11, 12, 13) on the side turned toward at least one corona wire (5, 5′), slim guide fingers (18, 18′), which extend into the border areas (14, 14′) of the device (1) parallel to at least one corona wire (5, 5′) and from the side outside the surfaces covered by the printing media suppress the thickest ion flow, which is directed to the printing media (7) for discharging of the printing media (7).

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: Grounding member (11) for grounding static electricity generated in sheet material transfer rollers (32) of the sheet material transfer device (1) comprises a circuit pattern for grounding (14) formed on a printed circuit board (13) and of an electrically conductive force applying member (12) having one end (12a) in contact with a shaft (33) and another end (12b) in contact with the circuit pattern for grounding (14) for always pressing the sheet material transfer rollers (32) toward a sheet material transfer path (30) and discharges static electricity generated in the sheet material transfer rollers (32) through the shaft (33), the force applying member (12) and the circuit patterns for grounding (14).

Abstract: A static charge is produced on surfaces of superimposed, flat articles (2) by passing the superimposed articles (2) through an electric d.c. voltage field that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the principal surfaces of the articles. Due to the charging, electric forces of attraction between the surfaces of the articles increase the mutual adhesion of the flat articles. The effect of the static charging is reduced or prevented for at least one of two surfaces participating at a predetermined separation point, by treating the surface beforehand with an anti-static agent (3). Due to the anti-static agent there is little or no charge concentration on the surface such that there is little or no increase in adhesion at the separation point. Thus, at the separation point it is possible to displace the articles against one another with much smaller force expenditure than is required to displace the articles at non-separation points.

Abstract: A static controlling system is provided for effectively and economically controlling static charge build up on a driven web member moving in contact with support structures. The static controlling system includes (a) at least one resistive contact member for contacting the surface of the driven web member, and (b) a bias source coupled to the resistive contact member for biasing the resistive contact member to apply to the surface of the driven web member a neutralizing bias, having a selected polarity and potential level, thereby effectively neutralizing and controlling static charge build up on the driven web member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a transfer roller and an antistatic sheet. The cylindrical surface of the photosensitive drum can be supplied with a developer. The transfer roller transfers the developer on the drum surface onto one side of a sheet of paper. The antistatic sheet is provided downstream from the transfer roller in the feed path to eliminate electric charge accumulated on the sheet of paper. The antistatic sheet includes a fibrous electric conductor and a non-fibrous electric conductor, which is connected electrically with the conductor, and which is positioned between the conductor and the other side of the sheet of paper passing over the antistatic sheet. The antistatic sheet can prevent the non-fibrous electric conductor from fluffing which causes print failure.

Abstract: A corona discharge device used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a discharge member such as a saw-toothed discharge member having sharp discharge ends, and a power supply which applies to the discharge member a discharge voltage containing at least an AC voltage component, wherein at least each discharge end portion of the discharge member is made of an electrically conductive material, which contains nickel and chromium, and/or is coated with a material having a high electric resistance. In the case where the saw-toothed discharge member is employed, a distance D between the discharge end and a member to be charged, and a discharge end pitch P are determined to satisfy a relationship of 2≦D/P≦8.

Abstract: A member for feeding sheets is provided with a core and a cover mounted on the core. The cover is made of a conductive material or one whose coefficient of friction is lower than that of the sheets.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrostatic charger and discharger which can realize ozone-less, non-contact charging that can prevent the member to be charged or the member to be charge-removed from deteriorating upon irradiation of an electromagnetic wave. Each of the charger and discharger has an electric field forming system with a specific structure for efficiently forming an electric field that causes ions produced by an electromagnetic wave to become attached to the major surface of the member to be charged or the member to be charge-removed in a space.

Abstract: A sheet discharge mechanism is provided which is capable of preventing improper sheet transfer. The sheet discharge mechanism includes discharge rollers for moving a recording paper sheet, and an electric discharge brush adjacent to the discharge roller. The electric discharge brush includes a plurality of filaments for removing electrostatic charge generated at the discharge rollers. The filaments of the brush also prevent the recording paper sheet from being moved in unintended directions.

Abstract: The invention provides a discharging method by which charge can be removed readily, uniformly and efficiently from a surface of a working object even where the surface has a complicated charge pattern of a large number of small positive and negative charged portions present closely to each other at random in a mixed condition. A working object is passed between a positive and negative ion producing discharging electrode and an ion attracting electrode opposed to the positive and negative ion producing discharging electrode and having a face extending in a travelling direction of the working object and a perpendicular direction. During such passage, high positive and negative voltages are applied alternately to the positive and negative ion producing discharging electrode to alternately produce positive and negative ions.