Abstract: The total of the ion current leaving electrodes of one polarity and the ion current flowing to those electrodes, is measured as the current in the ground return path of the corresponding generator. For a brand-new ionizer, the value of that total ion current for electrodes of each polarity under normal operating conditions will substantially be the maximum ion current the positive and negative electrodes are capable of generating. The changes in the current in the ground return path reflect changes in the ionizing efficiency of the electrodes caused among other factors, by contamination. The values of the currents may be scaled up or down to the arbitrary unit. Using this scaling allows to have a signal that is normalized regardless of the length of the ionizer and number of the ionizing electrodes.

Abstract: A room ionization system includes a plurality of emitter modules, each including an electrical ionizer. The emitter modules are spaced around the room and are connected in a daisy-chain manner to a system controller. Each emitter module has an individual address for allowing the system controller or a remote control transmitter to individually address and control each emitter module. Electrical lines containing both power and communication lines connect the plurality of emitter modules with the system controller. Each emitter module stores a balance reference value and an ion output current reference value for use by automatic balance control and automatic ion output current control circuitry.

Abstract: The method for making the surface of a window or windshield of a vehicle hydrophilic improves visibility for the operator of the vehicle during rain or fog. The method includes exposing the window or windshield surface to a corona discharge from at least one moving electrode that passes over the surface, especially at least one electrode associated with the rubber wiper blade (22) of a wiper apparatus for the window or windshield. The degree of hydrophilization of the surface is controlled by adjusting the level and/or the frequency or the duration of the high-frequency alternating current voltage applied to the moving electrode to produce the corona discharge. Alternatively the degree of hydrophilization of the surface is controlled by adjusting the spacing (a) of the at least one electrode from the surface.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a charge retentive surface is provided. There is also provided a housing; an array of pin electrodes supported by said housing and positioned adjacent said surface in a non-contact relationship; wherein each pin in said array being composed of austenitic stainless steel; a power supply operatively coupled to said pin electrodes for supplying a predetermined current to each of said pin electrode, wherein said predetermined current ranges from 5 &mgr;A/pin and which co-acts with a protruding distance of the pins from the housing so as to optimize the charge uniformity and to minimize the ozone generated within said charging apparatus.

Abstract: A corona generator including a body and a first support secured to the body is disclosed. The first support and the body include a plastic. The corona generator further includes an electrode and a second support secured to the body and spaced from the first support. The electrode is mounted to the first support and to the second support. The first support and the electrode are both operatively connected to the body by one or more welds.

Abstract: The total of the ion current leaving electrodes of one polarity and the ion current flowing to those electrodes, is measured as the current in the ground return path of the corresponding generator. For a brand-new ionizer, the value of that total ion current for electrodes of each polarity under normal operating conditions will substantially be the maximum ion current the positive and negative electrodes are capable of generating. The changes in the current in the ground return path reflect changes in the ionizing efficiency of the electrodes caused among other factors, by contamination. The values of the currents may be scaled up or down to the arbitrary unit. Using this scaling allows to have a signal that is normalized regardless of the length of the ionizer and number of the ionizing electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing electrostatic discharge damage to semiconductor objects utilizes an ionized air stream to reduce electrostatic and triboelectric potential build up in and surrounding semiconductor storage containers. The ionized air stream is continuously directed to a designated area where stored semiconductor objects are being removed from. Electrostatic and triboelectric potential is greatly reduced, minimizing the threat of electrostatic discharge and damage.

Abstract: A backplane consisting of segmented bus lines on a mother board with loop-through connections to active transceivers mounted on connectors to daughter boards. The transceivers isolate the interconnect to the daughter boards from the bus lines. The loop-through transmission line on the connectors preserves the impedance of the bus lines and allows the interconnect stub to the transceivers to be short, minimizing reflections and enabling high-speed backplane operation. The connectors are removable from the motherboard for repair.

Abstract: A corona charging method of charging a chargeable material by corona charging in an ozone-generation hindering atmosphere including a non-ozone-generating gas, such as carbon dioxide. The corona charging method can be used, for example, in an image formation apparatus, in at least in one of a charging process, an image transfer process, or a charge quenching process for use therein.

Abstract: A charging device includes a housing defining a chamber, the chamber having a floor, the floor having disposed therein an elongated slot pressure port and a plurality of circular hole vacuum ports. Four air flow conduits are disposed under the chamber floor to provide separate pressure air flows and vacuum air flows through the chamber. These four air flow conduits comprise two pressure conduits and two vacuum conduits. The two pressure conduits and two vacuum conduits are respectively connected at one of their ends by two turn-around connectors. Separate pressure air supply connections and vacuum air supply connections are applied to the respective other ends of the two pressure conduits and two vacuum conduits. As a result, pressure air is applied at both ends of the pressure conduit adjacent to the floor, thus causing pressure air flow through the pressure port and into the chamber.

Abstract: A unitary removable shield, serving the same function as a film or coating of electrically conductive material applied over the conductive cavity of a universally adaptable corona generating or charging device, is inserted into the cavity to adsorb and desorb nitrogen oxide species produced by negative corona. The unitary removable shield has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration which fits within the cavity. The shield may be retained in the housing by engaging and conforming to the shape of the conductive cavity in a tight frictional fit so as to make electrical contact with the conductive cavity. The shield may also be retained in the housing by tabs or pressure-loadable clips which engage portions of the housing.

Abstract: A corona charger and method and apparatus for corona charging features an insulative shield and an electrically biased grid electrode spaced from the shield. One or more substantially bare corona wires are located between the grid electrode and the shield. The corona wires are electrically biased with an AC voltage. An electrically biased highly conductive buried floor electrode forms a part of the charger and has a surface located between the one or more corona wires and the shield. An insulating layer is located between the corona wires and the surface of the buried floor electrode so that there is no exposure of the buried floor electrode in a direct line of sight from a corona wire.

Abstract: An air ionizer comprises at least two electrodes contained within a recessed region of an insulating housing. When high voltages are applied to the electrodes, nearby air molecules are ionized and generally move towards a target region outside the housing. Because the insulating housing shields the electrodes, the production of ions is not significantly disturbed by charged or grounded objects other than those in the general direction of the target region. In one embodiment, the electrodes are placed close enough to the inner walls of the recessed region that the portions of the surfaces of the walls near the electrodes are electrostatically charged. This charge tends to repel the nearby ions, expelling many from the recessed region towards the target region.

Abstract: Ionizing method and apparatus includes a pair of inverters to supply ionizing voltages to ionizing electrodes only during alternate halves of a duty cycle in which one inverter is actuated to operate at high oscillating frequency while the other inverter is inactive, and thereafter in an alternate half of the duty cycle in which the one inverter is inactive and the other inverter is actuated to operate at high oscillating frequency. Each inverter includes a return current path that combines in a common return path in which return currents may be monitored for selective control of one or both of the inverters. Small step-up transformers and other components operating at high oscillation frequency promote confined packaging of high voltage generators for convenient mounting adjacent a pair of ionizing electrodes to reduce lengths of heavily-insulated high-voltage cables between generators and electrodes.

Abstract: A device for applying unipolar electrical charges to a moving, essentially electrically conductive insulating surface. An elongated corona electrode, e.g., including a number of tip electrodes, along with one or more auxiliary electrodes, and an electrically conductive counter electrode, are provided. The counter electrode supports the insulating surface, and a high-voltage d.c. source is connected to the electrodes. A carrier made of electrically insulating material is provided in the form of a channel, including a bottom wall and two side walls. The free edges of the side walls face the counter electrode. The corona electrode is arranged in the channel and at the bottom wall, and does not project over the free edges of the side walls. The auxiliary electrode(s) is arranged at, or in the vicinity of, each edge of the side walls, between the corona electrode and the counter electrode. One pole of the high-voltage d.c.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a charge retentive surface is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and an array of pin electrodes supported by the housing and positioned adjacent the surface in a non-contact relationship. The apparatus also includes a generally U shaped shield connected to the housing and at least partially surrounding the array of pin electrodes. The apparatus also includes a grid positioned across distal ends of the shield. The grid defines an effective charge length and an effective grid width. The apparatus also includes a power supply operatively coupled to the pin electrodes for supplying a predetermined current to each of the pin electrode. The power supply provides a predetermined voltage to the grid.

Abstract: A charging device which can suppress elevation of the grid plate under tension is obtained. In the charging device, elevation suppression means is provided at the opposing ends of the regulation member for regulating the distance between the surface of the photoreceptor and the grid plate. By the elevation suppression means, the breadthwise outer edge portions of the plate are forced to bend up toward the photoreceptor and the central portion thereof deflects in the opposite direction toward the regulation member and is brought into close contact therewith, so that grid plate is kept flat on a level with the regulation member.

Abstract: A scorotron charger has a charging wire extending in a specified direction supported in a housing member including a pair of side walls each extending in a direction parallel to the charging wire. An electrode member having a U-shape in cross section is mounted in the housing member and has a bottom plate in the form of a a grid electrode and a pair of upright side plates extending along the charging wire. A plurality of cutouts are formed in the side plates and are so arranged that positions of the cutouts in one side plate are displaced from that of cutouts in the other side plate. A plurality of projections are formed on the side walls of the housing member at positions corresponding to the respective cutouts for engaging with the cutouts.

Abstract: An electric charge generator for use in an apparatus for producing an electrostatic latent image includes a plurality of charge generation controlling devices, each charge generation controlling device including: an insulating substrate; a line electrode formed on the insulating substrate; a solid dielectric film formed on the surface of the line electrode; a finger electrode having a hole for generating an electric charge, the hole being formed in the central part of the finger electrode, the finger electrode being formed on the solid dielectric film; a solid insulating film having a hole for passing the electric charge, the hole being formed in the central part of the solid insulating film, the solid insulating film being formed on the finger electrode; and a screen electrode having a hole for ejecting the electric charge, the hole being formed in the central part of the screen electrode, the screen electrode being formed on the surface of the finger electrode via the solid insulating film; wherein the plur

Abstract: A device for neutralizing electrostatic charges by way of corona discharge comprises discharge electrodes and earthed counterelectrodes, the discharge electrodes being capacitively connected to an alternating high-voltage source. A row of individual discharge electrodes is applied to one side of a carrier consisting of dielectric material galvanically separated from one another in the form of thin, electrically conductive layers. A continuous, electrically conductive coating is arranged on the other side of the carrier and opposite to the discharge electrodes, this coating being connected to the high-voltage source and providing a capacitive coupling of the discharge electrodes to the high voltage.

Abstract: A single piece, planar, integral corona generating device that applies a uniform charge to a charge retentive surface, including a dielectric layer, corona producing element formed on one side of the dielectric layer, reference electrode positioned on the other side of the dielectric layer, for controlling the charge level placed on the charge retentive surface by the corona producing element, for applying a low DC voltage to the reference electrode; and AC high voltage connected to the corona producing element for applying sufficient voltage to the corona producing elements so that ions are emitted from the reference electrode.

Abstract: A lightning protection apparatus having a tower which is grounded to the earth, an electronic device mounted onto an area adjacent a top of the tower, and a negative ion production device electrically connected to the area of the top of the tower. The negative ion production device serves to produce solely negative ions around and over the electronic device. An auger rod engages the earth so as to be conductively connected to the earth, and an electrical line serves to connect the auger rod to the tower. A shield member is connected to the tower and extends over the electronic device. The negative ion production device is connected to the shield member so as to pass negative ions through the shield member. The negative ion production device can be one or more batteries that are connected together and having a negative terminal connected to the tower and a positive terminal connected to the electronic device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an electrostatic latent image carrier, and a charging device which includes an electric discharge electrode having a plurality of projection and a grid electrode located between the electric discharge electrode and the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. A grid electrode electric current Ig passing through the grid electrode and an image carrier electric current Ip passing through the conductive base of electrostatic latent image carrier satisfy the following relationship:1.5.ltoreq.Ig/Ip.ltoreq.4.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus which does not adversely affect its surrounding environment when in use, which has excellent durability, and which is safe to use is provided. A photosensitive layer is disposed on the outer surface of a rotatable closed-loop substrate drum. A charger, an exposure portion, a developing portion, a transfer portion, a fixing portion, and a cleaner are provided around the substrate drum. The charger includes an X-ray generator, which electrolytically dissociates the air on the surface of the photosensitive layer upon X-ray irradiation, and electric-field generator which guides a gaseous ion formed by electrolytic dissociation to the surface of the photosensitive layer. The cleaner is constituted by erasure X-ray generation means which ionizes the air on the photosensitive layer, in which a coloring fine particle remains, upon irradiation with an X-ray irradiation, while generating a carrier within the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for modulating the distribution of available charge to a charge retentive surface. The charging apparatus includes a coronode wire positioned a predetermined distance away from the charge retentive surface and a charge stream dividing rod positioned between the coronode and charge retentive surface. The charge stream dividing rod has a conductive core and an insulating sheath overcoating the conductive core. Preferably, the conductive core is AC biased in order to sweep ions from the coronode wire back and forth over the charge retentive surface.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus which does not unfavorably influence its surrounding environment when in use and is excellent in durability of use and safety is provided. In the image-forming apparatus, a photosensitive layer is disposed on the outer surface of a closed-loop substrate drum, while a charge device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a cleaning device are provided around the substrate drum. The substrate drum is made of a light element. The charge device is constituted by a charging X-ray generation member, which is disposed within the substrate drum and emits an X-ray through the substrate drum and photosensitive layer so as to electrolytically dissociate the air on the surface of the photosensitive layer, and an electric-field application member which guides, by means of an electric field, a gaseous ion formed by this electrolytic dissociation to the surface of the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A pair of electrodes are biased to produce an electrostatic discharge while placing a thin non electron absorbing gas layer near one or both of the electrodes which are used to develop the electric field. As a result, atmospheric oxygen, water vapor and other contaminants are removed from the regions surrounding the electrodes, allowing ionization to occur more easily. This is accomplished with an electrode structure including a hollow tube for receiving a gas, a plurality of apertures extending through the hollow tube for delivering the gas to the surface of the hollow tube, and the application of a biasing voltage for producing an electrostatic discharge in the presence of the gas. The tube can take the form of a longitudinally extending structure, or a hollow shell, depending upon the configuration of the electrostatic charging apparatus with which the electrode structure is used.

Abstract: A scorotron charging unit for charging Verde film residing on the inner surface of an imagesetter drum has a charging region that encompasses a 270.degree. sector of the drum. The scorotron is fashioned by attaching a metallic strip coronode having a sawtooth edge around a section of pipe. Each tooth of the sawtooth strip is bent to an angle of about 90.degree. with respect to the surface of the pipe. This pipe is slipped inside another pipe that includes a slit for the passage of ions in the direction of the Verde film, thus forming a scorotron. The scorotron while sliding through the drum holding this film, charges the film to sensitize it for imaging.

Abstract: The present invention releases anions out of a main body, by using convection occurring due to heat from heat elements inside a product. According to this invention, an apparatus for generating anions is positioned at the upper part in a main body, an ascending air stream formed by heat from heat elements which are in the lower part of a product pushes anions out of a product. Thus an extra fan and fan driver are unnecessary.

Abstract: The invention releases anions out of a main body using convection caused by heat from heating elements inside a product without a fan or a blower. To make up for reduction of the amount of released anions due to elimination of the fan, the apparatus according to the present invention can be drawn out from a main body so as to maximize the amount of released anions.

Abstract: An air ionizing apparatus, specifically an elongated static bar, is provided with an indicating light capable of being energized by extremely low amperage, such as a neon light. The static bar is connected to a source of alternating current, preferably a flux limiting transformer. Upon shorting out of the ionizing points of the static bar, current flow through the conductor of the static bar is reduced below the minimum operating energy of the neon light, which is then not energized, indicating that the static bar is not functioning.

Abstract: An air ionizing device that prevents contaminant buildup on the electrodes, comprising a housing that includes a low pressure plenum that meters dry gas to flow near an electrode, and the electrode is surrounded by an annular shaped shroud. The housing and shroud are configured to provide a laminar flow of dry gas around the electrode, such that moist room-air is prevented from reaching the electrode during ionization. The device may further include a plurality of electrodes and shrouds spaced laterally along an elongate housing, and a high pressure plenum to distribute gas at a plurality of locations to the low pressure plenum. A plurality of mounting bars connect each of the electrodes to wiring inside the low-pressure plenum, the wiring routed to a high voltage power supply. The outside of the housing is formed of smooth concave-shaped surfaces to avoid interfering with existing room-air flow. The air-ionizing device is low maintenance and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Corona generating devices, and printing machines which use such devices, which include a shell, a plurality of corona wires within the shell, and a power source which outputs first and second alternating voltages which are out-of-phase with each other. The plurality of corona wires are interconnected so as to form two groups of wires. The wires in the first group are operatively connected to the first alternating voltage and the wires in the second group are operatively connected to the second alternating voltage. The corona wires are located within the shell such that wires of the first group are adjacent wires of the second group, and such that wires of the second group are adjacent wires of the first group. The corona generating device beneficially includes a metallic screen which acts as a grid and which controls the corona flow from the corona generating device.

Abstract: An air ionizing device that minimizes interference with existing room-air flow and lighting, comprising a narrow enclosed housing of an insulating material having intake openings and vent openings. Disposed inside the housing is a fan that takes room-air axially through the openings in the housing, and disperses the air radially. The room-air collects inside the housing until the capacity is reached, and then flows downwardly in a laminar fashion sufficiently near a plurality of electrodes to be ionized. The ionized air exits through vents in the housing and is directed towards the workbench. The housing may be extruded to many different lengths, and include a plurality of fans. Sections of the housing may be attached together to span across a long workstation. A conductive rail runs the length of the housing to electrically connect the electrodes. The outside of the housing is formed of smooth concave-shaped surfaces to avoid interfering with existing room-air flow.

Abstract: Grid wires arranged in an axial direction of a photoconductive drum have a positional relation with projecting electrodes arranged at regular intervals in an axial direction of the photoconductive drum at a position opposite to the surface of the photoconductive drum wherein the grid wires and the projecting electrodes positioned adjacent to each other are equally arranged in distance to uniformly discharge an electric charge to the surface of the photoconductive drum from each of the projecting electrodes so that uniform charging can be accomplished in an axial direction of the photoconductive drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for corona-charging a charge-receiving member having image frames used in recording, such as in electrostatographic recording. In the method and apparatus there is synchronizing movement of the charge-receiving member with the application of different voltages to the corona-charging apparatus. Thus, during a transition period when a region of the charge-receiving member that is adjacent a leading edge of an image frame is aligned with the charging apparatus, an element of the charging apparatus is provided with an overcharge voltage level substantially higher than a voltage level suitable for achieving on the image frame an aim point voltage level to which the image frame is to be charged to provide a relatively rapid rate of charge deposition on the charge-receiving member. The voltage on the element is thereafter adjusted to a lower voltage level suitable for achieving an aim point voltage level on the image frame. The element is preferably a grid but may be a corona-charging wire.

Abstract: A charging apparatus is structured so as to charge the photoreceptive member without contacting it by providing electrode on at least one part of a solid electrolyte having an electric conductivity provided by oxygen ions, ionizing oxygen existing in the air surrounding the solid electrolyte by supplying a current to the electrode, removing the ions from the surface of the solid electrolyte and transferring them to the photoreceptive member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having both an image data carrying member for carrying and forwarding image data rendered into a visible image by a developer and a device requiring high voltage in the form of a unit separable from a body of the image forming apparatus, wherein, inside the separable unit are a high voltage generator for the device and an electrically conductive member, the high voltage generator being disposed within the image data carrying member, the electrically conductive member being interposed between the image data carrying member and the high voltage generator and between the device and the high voltage generator, insulating members being interposed between the electrically conductive member and the image data carrying member and between the electrically conductive member and the device, the electrically conductive member being grounded.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a photosensitive member; a charger including a corona ion generator and a grid electrode provided between the photosensitive member and the corona ion generator, and adapted for charging the surface of the photosensitive member while regulating the surface potential of the photosensitive member by the grid electrode; a current supply circuit connected to the charger and capable of supplying to the charger a first current not lower than a specified level for charging the surface of the photosensitive member at a first voltage at which an image of high contrast can be formed and a second current lower than the specified level for charging the surface of the photosensitive member at a second voltage at which an image having an intermediate gradation thereof emphasized is formed, the second voltage being lower than the first voltage; and a current switch circuit for switching the level of the current to be supplied to the charger means according to needs.

Abstract: A bar-shaped device for generating electrical charges by corona discharges comprises a high voltage cable surrounded by an insulating casing, extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device and adapted to be connected to a high voltage source, a plurality of needle electrodes connected to high voltage via the high voltage cable and arranged in at least one row along the longitudinal axis of the device, an insulating member accommodating the high voltage cable and the needle electrodes and an outer sheath surrounding the insulating member and having a longitudinal slot, wherein the needle electrodes penetrate the longitudinal slot and the edges of the longitudinal slot form counterelectrodes for the needle electrodes. The outer sheath consists of plastic and has grooves at the edges of its longitudinal slot parallel to the row of needle electrodes. A metal stranded wire provided with a casing made of pliable plastic is inserted into each of these grooves as counterelectrode.

Abstract: In an electrostatic device that uses a resistance film for electrifying a latent image holder in printing devices, such as a photo-copier or a facsimile, at least one electrode borders the resistance film. The electrostatic device confronts a latent image holder, having a cylindrical shape, across a narrow gap and along the length of the latent image holder. With this structure, applying D.C. voltage to the electrode electrifies the latent image holder via the resistance film. Since the resistance film and the electrode overlap each other, the potential on the latent image holder is dependent on the surface resistance rather than the volume resistance of the resistance film giving the electrostatic device an immunity from nonuniformity or flaws in the surface of the resistance film. In addition, an electrostatic device of this invention has a structural advantage over conventional scorotron devices.

Abstract: A charger or other corona generating source in an image forming apparatus is ventilated by free convection. A corona charger includes a shield partially enclosing it. The shield includes an opening into an air channel, which air channel includes a portion which has an upward or vertical direction. Air in the vertical portion of the channel is heated, which causes the air to rise to an exit followed by air through the opening in the shield to ventilate the charger.

Abstract: A corona generating device of the type in which a control screen adjacent a corona generating electrode regulates the charge flow. The control screen is coated with a substantially continuous layer of boron electroless nickel.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a discharger for discharging a surface of an photoreceptor, a shield case arranged opposite to the photoreceptor and having an opening opposite to the photoreceptor a corona wire electrode arranged in the shield case and connected to a high voltage power source, a charger arranged in the opening of the shield case and having a grid grounded through a constant potential element for charging the photoreceptor surface, and an electrode arranged opposite the photoreceptor between the discharger and the charger and having a sharp edge opposite the photoreceptor. The electrode is grounded through the constant potential element and generates an unbalanced electric field between the electrode and the photoreceptor, thereby discharging charges located on the photoreceptor surface and having a polarity different from that of the electrode.

Abstract: An ionizer having a pair of electrodes for generating ions by corona discharge when a pulsed DC voltage is applied thereto, wherein each electrode is covered with a microporous glass tube. Release of fine particles is thereby substantially eliminated, the generation of ions not being decreased.

Abstract: An electrophotographic charger of the type in which a plurality of corona wires extend in the axial direction adjacent to and separated from the surface of a photosensitive drum in order to charge the surface. A plate-like etching grid is interposed between the corona wires and the drum to ensure the charge is uniformly placed on the drum. The grid is divided into a number of individual removable grids so that the distance between each grid and the adjacent corona wire, and the distance between each grid and the drum surface is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus and method is disclosed for disbonding, removal and collection of undesired matter from product surfaces, particularly in controlled process environments. The apparatus includes a negatively chargeable staging surface for receipt thereat of a product having a surface or surfaces to be cleaned, a gas stream nozzle having an electron generation source, usually a negative ion source, adjacent to its outlet, and a positive electrostatic field generator having a collector surface spaced from the staging surface. The electrostatic field generator may optionally include pulse generating circuitry for generating pulsations of selected frequency within the positive electrostatic field. Controls are provided for selectively controlling negative charge at the staging surface, ion output, field strength and, when provided, field pulsation frequency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a corona discharging apparatus with an automatic cleaning mechanism for a corona wire comprising a plurality of sets of cleaning units, one of which having an L-shaped cleaning member made of elastic material. The cleaning members are abutted against a surface of the corona wire from different directions to effectively clean the corona wire.

Abstract: A copying apparatus which includes a filtering system defining an inlet and an outlet to the corotron cavity. Both the inlet and the outlet include filter material for filtering the air before it is delivered to the corotron cavity and filtering effluents generated during actuation of scorotron wires. The pathways to the inlet and the scorotron cavity are sealed to ensure little or no leakage of contaminated air which could be exposed to the scorotron wires. For this purpose two activated charcoal filters are doped with silver on a foam substrate, utilized both for the inlet and the outlet filters.

Abstract: A planar ion source, charging device includes a resistive comb pattern on a rigid planar dielectric support with the comb pattern extending to the edge(s) of one or more slots through the dielectric support.