Abstract: Electrophotographic charging devices and methods for charging a receptor with a solid state charging device are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the solid state charging device can include a dielectric layer, a first electrode disposed adjacent to a first surface of the dielectric layer, and a second electrode having a first surface disposed adjacent to a second surface of the dielectric layer. The solid state charging device can further include a plurality of nanostructures each having an end in electrical contact with a second surface of the second electrode. The exemplary solid state charging devices including the nanostructures can use less voltage than conventional charging devices, produce a reduced amount of oxidizing agents, such as, ozone and NOx, and/or operate at a lower temperature.

Abstract: A charger is opposed to a charging subject member and charges the charging subject member by generating corona discharge. The charger includes: a discharge electrode; and a pair of facing electrodes that are disposed to face with each other being the discharge electrode interposed therebetween and arranged to be distant from the discharge electrode, wherein the facing electrodes are arranged that an interval between the facing electrodes gradually decreases towards the charging subject member.

Abstract: An electrically conductive latex/antioxidant coating for a corona charging device that is capable of absorbing effluents created during the electrostatographic or xerographic process, a method for making the coating, and applying the coating are described herein.

Abstract: A charge generating device comprising a discharge electrode; and a conductive shield comprising a nonconductive substrate coated with one or more materials selected from the group including gold, platinum, lead, titanium and alloys thereof.

Abstract: A photoconductive drum unit includes a frame, a photoconductive drum, and a scorotron charging unit. The charging unit includes a pair of mounting members, a discharging electrode filament, a shield casing, a grid, and a connecting member. The mounting members are mounted and fixed at both end portions of the frame. The discharging electrode filament extends between the mounting members in a tensioned state. The shield casing is supported by being connected between the mounting members and covers the discharging electrode filament. The grid extends between the mounting members in a tensioned state and is arranged in an opening of the shield casing. The connecting member connects the mounting members and the shield casing in a state in which a slight displacement is permitted between the mounting members and the shield casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a substantially cylindrical body and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer circumference of the body. The body has an outer diameter larger at a middle portion of a latent image forming area than at end portions of the latent image forming area in the axial direction. The electrophotographic photosensitive member may further include a heating member accommodated within the body and extending along the axial direction of the body, for heating the latent image forming area of the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A xerographic printing device, including a charging device having a shield. In some embodiments of the shield of the charging device in the xerographic printing device, a plurality of holes are provided in an evenly spaced linear fashion extending nearly a full length of the charging device shield on a downstream process side of the charging device shield. The charge device can be a corotron, a dicorotron, a scorotron, a discorotron, a pin corotron, a pin scorotron, or any other known or later developed charging device of that type.

Abstract: A charging device including a coronode having a wire composite including a core having a dielectric material and a coating layer of conduct material thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing contamination of an image transfer surface in an image transfer device includes a charging device for charging the image transfer surface. An airflow control system ventilates the charging device and restricts airflow adjacent the image transfer surface.

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

Abstract: A scorotron used in xerography is connected to a voltage source within a printing apparatus through a pin. The pin is anchored in an insulative end block which defines channels therein, each channel enclosing a portion of a corona member which extends the length of the scorotron. Each corona member defines a specially-shaped opening, the openings of a plurality of corona members being aligned to accept the pin therethrough. A cover block is placed over the end block to complete the enclosure of the portions of the corona member. The cover block also defines a collar which surrounds a portion of the pin, and lugs on which a screen of the scorotron is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention drives cleaning member moving devices for moving cleaning members of a plurality of chargers at the same time by a single cleaning motor to miniaturize an image forming apparatus and reduce the cost. Further, at the end time of cleaning, all the cleaning members are shifted to a predetermined area by the cleaning member moving devices, and the cleaning motor is stopped, thus the cleaning members remain in a charging area, and uneven charging is prevented.

Abstract: Latent charge images are provided on a photoconductor element having a photoconductive layer with a conductive stripe. This process is performed by charging the photoconductive layer with a charge having a particular vector to form a uniform charge on the photoconductive layer; and subsequently charging the conductive stripe with a charge having a vector that is opposite the vector of the charge on the photoconductive layer to lower the charge content in the photoconductive layer. The first charge may be provided by a first corona charging device and the subsequent charge may be applied by a second corona discharge device focused on a conductive stripe.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the force of a tension spring returning to its original position is utilized to vibrate or impact a conductive member using a predetermined timing, one end of the conductive member being fixed and the other end of the conductive member being connected to a knob via a tension spring. This serves to remove attachments adhering to the tips of the conductive member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to self-regenerative, polymeric coatings and methods of using the coatings in xerography to increase the life and effectiveness of catalytic surfaces, such as, for example, charging device surfaces, by neutralizing ozone and nitrogen oxide species.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of electrographic printers (including copiers). More specifically this invention relates to a corona charging device used to charge the surface of a photoconductor. At least one wire in a corona charger in an electrographic printer is damped by contacting the wire with a damping pad. In one preferred embodiment, the damping pad is a foamed silicone elastomer.

Abstract: A charging device has a discharging electrode, a stabilizer plate having a rectangular section and accommodating the discharging electrode, and a grid arranged in a opening of the stabilizer plate, and at least one member of the discharging electrode, the stabilizer plate and the grid is made of an electrically conductive material containing 30% or more of nickel by weight or is plated with nickel or platinum at a rate from 30% to 80% by weight with respect to whole weight of the plated member. An image forming apparatus employs the charging device.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a corotron having a wire is used to apply a charge to a photoreceptor. The wire is cleaned by a motorized shuttle which travels in two directions along the wires. The shuttle is controlled by detection of an increased current consumption associated with the motor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier (1), a corona charger (5) in which a discharge electrode (11) is arranged in a conductive shield (9) having an open face on a side facing the image carrier (1) and a face in which a first ventilation opening (10) is formed, and a duct (6) arranged adjacent to the corona charger (5), has an airflow opening (7). The conductive shield is provided with a wall member (22) at an end thereof on the downstream side in the direction of airflow created through the first ventilation opening and is provided with a second ventilation opening (23) in a face on the downstream side in the rotational direction of an image carrier and the duct has a third ventilation opening (24) facing the second ventilation opening and a fourth ventilation opening (25) in a face of the duct.

Abstract: A surface of a photosensitive body is charged and exposed to light to form an electrostatic latent image that is developed with toner having the same polarity as the surface. The toner image is transferred to a transfer material. During non-image forming periods a first step of applying a first voltage having the same polarity as that of the surface of the photosensitive body and an absolute value larger than the electric image forming potential of the transfer member is performed for a first period of time. In addition, a second step of applying a second voltage having an absolute value smaller than the absolute value of the electric potential of the surface of the photosensitive body to the transfer member for a second period of time not shorter than the first period of time is performed alternately with the first step.

Abstract: A discharge wire usable in an electrification device includes a tungsten wire subjected to mirror finish processing and an oxidized layer formed by heating the surface of the tungsten wire at a temperature in the range 400 to 600° C., wherein the film has a thickness in the range of 0.01 to 0.3 ?m.

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

Abstract: In a high speed color printer wherein color images are produced by superposing a developed image atop another developed image, the improvement including a charging system for charging a surface, including: at least two coronodes; a housing with the at least two coronodes spaced from each other; a grid interposed between the surface and the at least two coronodes; a shield, interposed between the housing and the at least two coronodes; a first power supply for biasing the grid and shield; a second power supply for energizing each of the at least two coronodes; and a phase controller connected to the second power supply and adapted to control energizing of the at least two coronodes such that each of the at least two coronodes is charged at a phase difference.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a charger of a non-contact type opposed to a photosensitive body coated with a photosensitive layer by dipping for charging a surface of the photosensitive body and an interval between the surface of the photosensitive body and the charger is narrowed on a dip upper portion side of the photosensitive body and widened on a dip lower portion side thereof. When the charger is a scorotron charger having a discharge electrode and a grid, an interval between the grid and the surface of the photosensitive body is narrowed on the dip upper portion side of the photosensitive body and widened on the dip lower portion side.

Abstract: A charging device assembly used within a reprographic machine having a hollow shell containing the charging device, an attachment mechanism that retains the charging device relative to the hollow shell in a predetermined position, a pair of end covers at either end of the hollow shell and an electrical connector on the shell coupled to the charging device. The hollow shell can be conductive or insulative and is formed with features that facilitate easy mounting and removing of the elements of the charging device assembly.

Abstract: In a high speed color printer wherein color images are produce by superposing a developed image atop another developed image, the improvement comprising a charging system for charging a surface, including: at least two coronodes; a housing with at least two coronodes spaced from each other; a grid interposed between the surface and said at least two coronodes; a shield, interposed between the housing and said at least two coronodes; a first power supply for biasing the grid and shield; a second power supply for energizing each of said at least two coronodes; and a phase control connected to the power supply and adapted to control energizing of said at least two coronodes such that each of said at least two coronodes is charged at a phase difference.

Abstract: A charging device assembly used within a reprographic machine having a hollow shell containing the charging device, an attachment mechanism that fastens the charging device to the hollow shell in a predetermined position, a pair of end covers at either end of the hollow shell and an electrical connector on the shell that is coupled to the charging device. The shell can be conductive or insulative and is formed with features that facilitate easy mounting and removing of the charging device assembly.

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

Abstract: An image formation apparatus using an elecrophotographic process for obtaining a high quality image with tone value R2 of equal to or more than 0.98 is provided. The resolution for light-writing is equal to or more than 1200 dpi and/or light-writing is performed based on image data formed by applying halftone processing at a line frequency of equal to or more than 200 lpi. Light-writing means is accomplished with a laser light beam with a beam diameter equal to or more than 35 &mgr;m. The photoconductor includes a charge generating layer containing a charge generating material and a charge transfer layer containing a charge transfer material laminated on a conductive support. The ionization potential of the charge generating material Ip(CG) and ionization potential of the charge transfer material Ip(CT) satisfy the relationship of Ip(CG)≧Ip(CT).

Abstract: A combined charge/recharge xerographic power supply is provided that utilizes one power supply to drive the charge pin scorotron and recharge discorotron grids of a electrophotographic or xerographic system. The power supply uses recycled power from the pin scorotron grid to drive the discorotron grid. In particular, the power supply uses power that is dissipated in the traditional shunt regulator attached to the pin scorotron grid terminal to drive and provide active current to the discorotron grid through a series-pass regulation circuit. Thereby providing reduced electromagnetic emissions and reduced unit manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A parameter which is a function of ionization voltage of a first ionization device is displayed and/or used to control the ionization voltage of a second ionization device in accordance with altitude, pressure, or humidity. The first device can be a DC ionization device, e.g., a scorotron, while the second device can be an AC ionization device, e.g., a discorotron or a dicorotron. A third ionization device can also have its ionization voltage controlled by the first device ionization voltage. The invention can be used in a xerographic apparatus.

Abstract: A control circuit of a digital copying machine sets a total current to a charger at a high level in a printing operation, sets the total current to the charger at a low level when turn-off of power to the digital copying machine has been instructed to initiate a finishing operation, and turns off the total current to the charger when the finishing operation has been completed.

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

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

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

Abstract: In a corona discharging apparatus for use in an electrophotographic printing apparatus, a wire spring-like member having the torque limiter function is used for the cleaning member to conduct the power transmission of the screw shaft, and by releasing the load larger than a predetermined value, the deformation of the gear and deviation of the shaft are eliminated, and the lock of the motor is prevented from being generated.

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

Abstract: An improved dircorotron shield for use in an electrophotographic photorecptor printer. The improved dicorotron shield uses titanium or a titanium alloy to form the dicorotron shield, thereby eliminating the need for a base layer or coating to neutralize the production of deteriorative acids that impair or weaken the surface of the photoreceptor. The use of titanium or a titanium alloy limits the production of unstable ozone O3 otherwise occurring due to the high energy agitation of atmospheric oxygen O2 caused by the charging of the corona device the dicorotron shield surrounds. By reducing the production of ozone O3, the formation of acids is reduced as well. As a result of the reduced acids formed, the titanium or titanium alloy dicorotron shield requires less cleaning or maintenance or replacement.

Abstract: A corona generator including a body and a first support secured to the body is provided. The corona generator also includes a second support secured to the body and spaced from the first support. The corona generator also includes an electrode mounted to the first support and to the second support.

Abstract: A support and tensioning device for an elongated corona generating electrode includes a corona charger shield member that includes a first set of wall members for serving as a shield for a corona generating electrode. The shield member includes a second set of wall members shaped to define a recess formed at one end of the shield member for receiving therein a plunger member and a spring. The recess includes an inner positioned land for engaging a head end of the spring. The second set of wall members define the recess and include walls located to define a key slot opening which extends in a longitudinal direction of the shield member. A spring resides in the recess and engages the land to restrict movement of the spring within the recess. A hollow plunger member has a generally cylindrical sidewall for supporting the plunger for rotational movement in the recess and a land on or near a head end portion of the plunger member engages a tail end of the spring.

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

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

Abstract: An image forming machine comprising image bearing means, charging means, exposure means, reversal development means, transfer means, and cleaning means. The transfer means includes a rotationally driven transfer belt, and transfer voltage applicator means for applying a transfer voltage to the back side of the transfer belt. The transfer voltage applicator means applies the transfer voltage to the transfer belt over a predetermined effective transfer width. The face side of the transfer belt is brought into contact with the image bearing means via an image receiving member and directly over a predetermined effective contact width. The effective contact width is larger than an effective charging width and larger than the effective transfer width.

Abstract: A corona generator including a body and a first support secured to the body is provided. The corona generator also includes a second support secured to the body and spaced from the first support. The corona generator also includes an electrode mounted to the first support and to the second support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus in which maximum potential difference &Dgr;VD (volt) in a potential of a dark portion of the electrostatic image in the longitudinal direction, maximum potential difference &Dgr;VL in a potential of a light portion of the electrostatic image in the longitudinal direction, a value a (1/volt) represented by (variation amount in density, in the longitudinal direction, in the image formed by developing the light portion with the developing means)/(the maximum potential difference &Dgr;VD) and a value b (1/volt) represented by (variation amount in density, in the longitudinal direction, in the image formed by developing the light portion with the developing means)/(the maximum potential difference &Dgr;VL) satisfy a relation: 0.3≦a×&Dgr;VD+b×&Dgr;VL≦0.3 in which 100≧|&Dgr;VD|≧20 and 100≧|&Dgr;VL|≧20.

Abstract: A corona generator including a body and a first support secured to the body is provided. The corona generator also includes a second support secured to the body and spaced from the first support. The corona generator also includes an electrode mounted to the first support and to the second support.

Abstract: A charging device which has a grid disposed between a discharge element and the photosensitive drum. The grid is formed of a regulating portion having a mesh configuration for the range opposing the image area on the photosensitive drum and non-regulating portions with openings for the range opposing the non-image area. The flow of ions discharged from the discharge element is regulated as to their passage through the grid thereby so as to be uniform and charge the image area on the photosensitive drum uniformly. The flow of ions reaches the non-image area without being shaded by the grid, so as to enhance the surface potential for prevention against toner adherence.

Abstract: A corona charger and integral latch member device includes a corona charger having a longitudinally ending wall and a corona generating electrode extending generally parallel with the longitudinally extending wall and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. A latch member has a portion integrally molded with the wall proximate one end of the charger to define part of a bearing surface for engaging a first axially directed member of a roller. The bearing surface is spaced from the wall so as to determine a location of the corona-generating electrode relative to the axially directed member.

Abstract: An AC corona charging arrangement includes a corona generating device connected through a capacitive connection to an AC voltage source and partially surrounded by a conductive shield connected to DC voltage source. In one embodiment the corona generating device is a wire having a diameter of about 50 microns and in another embodiment the corona generating device is a row of pins connected through corresponding capacitance to the AC voltage source. The presence of a capacitance between the AC voltage source and the corona generating device provides a curve representing the relationship between the current between the charging device and an adjacent conductive plate and the shield voltage which is concave downwardly, resulting in a high charging rate and greater uniformity of charging of a photoreceptor surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus in which maximum potential difference &Dgr;VD (volt) in a potential of a dark portion of the electrostatic image in the longitudinal direction, maximum potential difference &Dgr;VL in a potential of a light portion of the electrostatic image in the longitudinal direction, a value a (1/volt) represented by (variation amount in density, in the longitudinal direction, in the image formed by developing the light portion with the developing means)/(the maximum potential difference &Dgr;VD) and a value b (1/volt) represented by (variation amount in density, in the longitudinal direction, in the image formed by developing the light portion with the developing means)/(the maximum potential difference &Dgr;VL) satisfy a relation: 0.3≦a×&Dgr;VD+b×&Dgr;VL≦0.3 in which 100≧|&Dgr;VD|≧20 and 100≧|&Dgr;VL|≧20.