Abstract: An electric charging apparatus charges a surface of a charging object. The electric charging apparatus includes an electric field forming device including two electrodes facing each other that form an electric field therebetween. An electron discharging member is provided at a portion of one of the two electrodes that faces the other electrode and discharges electrons into the electric field. The electric charging apparatus also includes a voltage applying controller that controls a voltage applied to the two electrodes. The voltage applying controller selects two or more nonzero intensities of the electric field.

Abstract: A development device includes a developer carrier configured to carry developer and disposed in a development case, partly exposed from an opening of the development case facing an image carrier, a developer-transporting member configured to transport the developer to the developer carrier, and a discharging member housing a discharging space including a communicating path connecting to an area where the developer carrier faces the developer-transporting member, from which air is discharged into the discharging space, and a discharging port that opens in a longitudinal direction of the developer-transporting member, from which air is discharged from the discharging space.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, includes: an image forming section which forms the image on the sheet; a fixing device which fixes the image onto the sheet; a first duct which covers the fixing device and ventilates air heated by the fixing device; a second duct, which covers the first duct and ventilates cool air introduced from outside; and an exhaust fan which exhausts the air that has passed through each of the first duct and the second duct.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes plural image holding members that hold toner images, a belt unit, an apparatus side portion, and a fan unit. The belt unit includes a belt member disposed facing the plural image holding members. The apparatus side portion is disposed on an outer side of the belt unit in an axial direction of rotating shafts of the plural image holding members. The fan unit is disposed between the apparatus side portion and the belt unit and aerates end portions of the belt unit in the axial direction of the rotating shafts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include improving print quality of a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic (EP) device, such as a laser printer or copy machine, according to ambient pressure in which operated. A moving galvanometer or oscillator reflects a laser beam to create scan lines of a latent image in opposite directions. A damping of the motion occurs per air density implicated by temperature and pressure, where the pressure changes occurring especially from altitude changes. During use, a drive signal, such as a pulse train, moves the galvanometer or oscillator at or near its resonant frequency. Based on a parameter of the drive signal, such as pulse width, the ambient pressure can be made known. In general, a high-pressure environment requires a relatively longer pulse width to resonate the galvanometer or oscillator in comparison to a shorter pulse width for a low-pressure environment. Corrections to print quality stem from the determined ambient pressure.

Abstract: A light emitting device that forms a latent image by irradiating light onto a charged surface of an image carrier. The light emitting device includes an electro-optical substrate that forms an optical image, a focusing lens array that focuses light from the electro-optical substrate to form an erect image of the corresponding optical image on the charged surface, and a frame in which the focusing lens array is fixed. A position determining member, which is formed of resin, is disposed on the frame, comes in contact with a supporting body that supports the image carrier, and determines a distance between the focusing lens array and the image carrier by its own height.

Abstract: A developing device facing an image carrier and including a developer carrier, a developer flying control member, and a development-noise control member. The developing device develops an electrostatic image formed on the image carrier by causing the developer to fly from the developer carrier to the image carrier upon an application of an alternating-current bias to the developer carrier. Noise produced by the development-noise control member vibrated by an oscillating electric field of the alternating-current bias is smaller than a noise produced by the developer flying control member vibrated by the oscillating electric field.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a frame as an interior member is provided so as to oppose an exterior cover as an exterior member for controlling noise from an apparatus main body. An opening that is made up of a number of aperture regions is provided for allowing sound that is radiated to the exterior cover and reflected, to transmit toward the apparatus main body. By providing an opening in the frame or the like, it is possible to reduce noise energy radiated outside the apparatus in a simple manner.

Abstract: In a sheet conveying mechanism, a first bulging space and a second bulging space are provided on a downstream side and an upstream side, respectively, of a conveying path. The second bulging space has a length L1 along the conveying path. The conveying path between the first and second bunging spaces is defined to have a length L2. The lengths L1 and L2 are set to satisfy a predetermined relationship with a frequency of noise propagating through the conveying path. The sheet conveying mechanism can inexpensively reduce noise generated inside the conveying path during sheet conveyance without hindering the conveyance of the sheet.

Abstract: An printer, such as a state of the art a high performance, electro-photographic printer. The printer includes at least one smart material sensor enclosed in the printer enclosure that monitors for the presence of a contaminant (e.g., toner or developer) above a selected threshold. Each smart material sensor is coupled to a control unit by a sensor driver coupling. When a smart material sensor finds that a contaminant is present the control unit may indicate the finding on a printer display and/or change operating mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device for fixing a toner image formed on a recording material by heat and an outer cover, and the outer cover is configured to be the multi-layer of an intermediate layer having a metal made wall and an acoustic absorption member for absorbing a sound, and the intermediate layer is provided with the outer cover configured to have an heat conductive member higher in heat conductivity than the acoustic absorption member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reciprocally movable carriage, an image forming unit, a first drive source, a vibration suppressor, and a vibration-suppression controller. The reciprocally movable carriage moves in a main scan direction. The image forming unit is mounted on the carriage. The first drive source moves the carriage. The vibration suppressor suppresses vibration caused by movement of the carriage, and includes a vibration suppression member having a mass smaller than a mass of the carriage and a second drive source independent of the first drive source to move the vibration suppression member. The vibration-suppression controller drives the second drive source to cause the vibration suppressor to perform vibration suppression operation during at least one of an acceleration period and a deceleration period of the carriage, and stops movement of the vibration suppression member during a constant-speed period of the carriage.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including an image forming section which forms image on a recording sheet based on image data, plural trays which accommodate the sheets to be supplied to the image forming section, a humidity detecting unit which detects humidity inside the paper tray, a dehumidifying device which dehumidify inside the paper tray, and a control section which controls the dehumidifying device and management of jobs, and controls the image forming section to execute the jobs, wherein if the humidity inside the paper tray to be used for a first priority job is higher than a predetermined value, the control section suspends execution of the first priority job, and the control section controls the image forming section to execute a reserved job which is executable from among reserved jobs with low priority order, before executing the first priority job.

Abstract: A separator hanger has a body with forward and rearward portions and a central portion interconnecting the forward and rearward portions. The rearward portion has side wing sections extending laterally in opposite directions beyond opposite side edges of the central portion with respective elements thereon adapted to extend through first slots in a packaging insert. The rearward portion also has a tail section between the side wing sections with an element thereon adapted to extend through a second slot in the packaging insert located between and offset from the first slots. Such elements provide the rearward portion in a threaded relationship with the packaging insert so as to detachably attach the rearward portion thereto. The forward portion is adapted to anchor the body to one portion of a device so as to thereby constrain the packaging insert to a position clear of another portion of the device located nearby the packaging insert.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus and an image forming device having the cooling apparatus are provided. The cooling apparatus includes an induction opening formed at an outer frame to draw the air into the image forming device, an air duct disposed adjacent to a fixing roller in a longitudinal direction thereof, the fixing roller being heated by a heating source therein, and a blower disposed between the induction opening and the air duct to send the air into the air duct from the induction opening. The cooling apparatus moves the air longitudinally along a jam cover disposed adjacent to the fixing roller, and discharges it to the outside. Accordingly, temperatures in the image forming device and of the components therein can be prevented from overheating and being abnormally increased due to a heat emitted from the heating source.

Abstract: A recording apparatus, in which a recording medium is fed from one side of the recording apparatus, and the recording medium that has been recorded is ejected from the one side of the recording apparatus, is capable of making its size when not in use smaller than the size when in use and also achieving a reduction in the depth dimension of the recording apparatus as compared with the case where a feed tray and a discharge tray are rotary storage trays. The recording apparatus includes a feed tray on which a recording medium is stacked and which is rotated to move between an in-use position and a stowed position, and an eject tray on which the recording medium that has been recorded is stacked and which moves between an in-use position and a stowed position in a discharge direction of the recording medium.

Abstract: A smoke detecting device including: a light-emitting portion that emits light; a light-receiving portion that receives scattered light resulting from the light which the light-emitting portion emits being scattered by smoke generated from a recording medium on which flash-light is irradiated from a flash fusing device; and a judging section that acquires a light amount signal of the received light, from the light-receiving portion, and that judges, on the basis of the light amount signal, whether or not smoke has been generated from the recording medium on which flash-light is irradiated from the flash fusing device, the light that the light-emitting portion emits passing through a space between the flash fusing device and the recording medium, is provided.

Abstract: A copying machine (image forming apparatus) including an operation displaying portion, a fan and a middle discharging portion. The operation displaying portion includes a color liquid crystal which can be rotated with respect to a main body of the copying machine displaying panel and is adapted to display information concerning the copying machine. The fan is provided in the operation displaying portion and is adapted to cool the operation displaying portion. The middle discharging portion is provided in a back of the operation displaying portion, and a recording sheet is discharged therein. Further, the operation displaying portion includes a back surface casing having an air hole, and the fan is capable of sending air through the air hole of the operation displaying portion toward a recording sheet which is discharged in the middle discharging portion.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a frame as an interior member is provided so as to oppose an exterior cover as an exterior member for controlling noise from an apparatus main body. An opening that is made up of a number of aperture regions is provided for allowing sound that is radiated to the exterior cover and reflected, to transmit toward the apparatus main body. By providing an opening in the frame or the like, it is possible to reduce noise energy radiated outside the apparatus in a simple manner.

Abstract: In a printer or copier at least one printing unit is provided that generates at least one toner image on at least one page of a carrier material. The printer or copier also has at least one fixing unit that fixes the toner image on the carrier material with aid of a heat generated by the fixing unit. The printer or copier also has a refrigerator to which is supplied at least a part of the heat generated in the fixing unit. The refrigerator uses at least a part of the supplied heat for generation of cold.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus such as a copier and an air conditioner communicate with one another in a network. The air conditioner provides information regarding ambient temperature and/or humidity to the image forming apparatus. Based upon this information, the image forming apparatus selectively activates systems within the apparatus that regulate its internal temperature and humidity levels, to thereby achieve power savings. The image forming apparatus provides information regarding its operation state to the air conditioner. The air conditioner uses this information to adjust its heating or cooling operations to compensate for the heat generated by the image forming apparatus when it is operating.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a frame, a photoconductive drum disposed in the frame, and an air conditioning device for removing moisture around the drum inside the frame. The drum has a wear-resistant, durable surface layer that wears by an amount of 0.05 ?m to 0.5 ?m for 100,000 rotations.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device that forms a toner image on a recording medium, a heat fixing device provided adjacent to the image forming device to fix the toner image onto the recording medium by heat, and a heat shielding device that shields the image forming device from the heat radiated from the heat fixing device. The heat shielding device includes a heat shielding member interposed between the image forming device and the heat fixing device to receive the heat radiated from the heat fixing device, a heat transferring member attached to the heat shielding member to transfer the heat received by the heat shielding member to one end portion thereof, a heat radiating fin device provided at the one end portion of the heat transferring member to radiate the transferred heat, and a fan that supplies air to the heat radiating fin device.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes a transfer part that transfers a toner image to a sheet; a fixing part that heats a sheet to which a toner image is transferred by the transfer part to a temperature at which the toner on the sheet melts, and ejects the sheet; a vibrating part that vibrates a member positioned near and/or above the fixing part at a frequency higher than audible frequencies.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member which bears a toner image; a transfer unit which transfers the toner image on the image bearing member to a transfer portion when applied with transfer voltage; a recording material feeding unit which includes a stacking portion where recording materials are stacked and an air blowing device for blowing air to the recording material stacked in the stacking portion, and feeds the recording material to the transfer portion; and a transfer bias control portion which controls the transfer bias according to at least one of air received time per one sheet by the air blowing unit, air pressure and air temperature is provided.

Abstract: A discomfort index, S, is calculated with an equation, S=0.3135×(Loudness value)+3.4824×(Tonality value)?3.1460. This equation uses a loudness value and a tonality value, both psychoacoustic parameters obtained from a sound from the image forming apparatus at a location 1.00 m±0.03 m apart from an end of the image forming apparatus. A sound caused at the time of charging an image carrier is improved so that the discomfort index S satisfies S<?0.5.

Abstract: A printer system using inks, toners or developers with solvents therein is provided with a detector for volatile organic compounds assists in reducing potential accidents in the printer. The detector may be able to identify at least a threshold level of volatile organic in a gas phase in the printer, or may be able to identify various levels or a continuous metered level of volatile organic compounds (VOC's). An automatic warning, automatic signal, or even automatic cutoff function may be associated with the detector. The detector may be inside the printer or associated with a vent or generally positioned on or near the printer. One mode of detection operation described in detail is identification of changes in dielectric constant in a vapor phase or vapor stream that can be associated with changed levels of VOC in that phase or stream.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image forming section configured to develop a latent image to thereby produce a corresponding toner image. An endless image transfer body directly or indirectly supports the toner image and conveys it while a fixing unit fixing the toner image. A module frame covers part of the image transfer body to thereby prevent heat generated by the fixing unit from being transferred to the image transfer body.

Abstract: A second opening and closing door has a main body of the second opening and closing door, a sound absorbing member and a sound absorbing member cover. The sound absorbing member covers almost the entire surface of the main body of the second opening and closing door facing a guide member. The sound absorbing member cover is dyed black and made of an antistatic-treated cloth material which has air permeability, and is designed to cover almost the entire surface of the sound absorbing member facing the guide member. Further, the sound absorbing member cover is dyed with a dye which does not contain carbon, so that carbon-containing fibrous materials can be prevented from floating in an image forming apparatus while the light-shielding effect can be maintained.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an image forming apparatus includes evaluating, based on a pair comparison method, sounds generated when forming an image, carrying out a multiple linear regression analysis using a difference between scores of the evaluation as a target variable and a difference between psycho-acoustic parameter values as an explanatory variable, deriving formula concerning the difference in scores of sound quality from a result of the analysis, substituting an average of the psycho-acoustic parameter values used to derive the formula into the formula, defining discomfort of the sound when all the parameter values are average values as zero, and deriving a sound quality evaluation formula, and designing each unit of the apparatus based on the sound quality evaluation formula.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum of an image forming apparatus includes a drum main body having a hollow shape, and a vibration damping body spaced from an inner wall of the drum main body, having a hollow shape, formed with a plurality of slits, and expanding and closely contacting the inner wall of the drum main body while the drum main body rotates.

Abstract: To suppress spread of fire from a fixing chamber of a fixing station in an electrophotographic print or copy device, in the event of a fire, in order to partition a fixing chamber for a recording medium in a fireproof manner, arranged at the openings of the fixing chamber is a safety apparatus made of an elastic sealing element and a counter-element, between which the recording medium is guided through. The sealing element is comprised of a fiberglass tube, inside which an elastic filling material or an elastic spreading element is situated. When the sealing element is pressed on the counter-element, a clamp region for the recording medium is formed, via which the opening of the fixing chamber can be sealed and a burning segment of the recording medium can be extinguished. Additionally, ashes present on the recording medium can be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing contamination of an image transfer surface in an image transfer device includes a shield member configured to restrict airflow against the image transfer surface.

Abstract: Image forming devices, methods of operating an image forming device, and methods of monitoring an environment proximate to an image forming device are described. One aspect provides an image forming device including an image engine configured to form hard images; an environmental sensor configured to monitor at least one environmental condition proximate to the image forming device and to provide data indicative of the at least one environmental condition; and an interface configured to communicate the at least one environmental condition externally of the image forming device.

Abstract: An electrophotographic marking device includes a xerographic marking module and an environmental control module which controls temperature and relative humidity inside the marking module. The environmental module has a main plenum chamber and a divided or split plenum chamber to create and supply two air streams with different temperatures and/or different humidities and/or different airflow volumes and/or airflow rates to a marking engine. A primary air stream plenum chamber is closed loop controlled by input from one or more temperature and/or humidity sensors in the xerographic module. A secondary air stream plenum chamber is open loop controlled by means of one or more temperature and/or humidity sensors in one or mode developer housings. Heating of the secondary air stream is achieved by heat generated in the developer housing(s) and/or one or more heaters distinct from the developer unit elements. The system achieves balanced, thermodynamically adjusted, air flows.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image forming section configured to develop a latent image to thereby produce a corresponding toner image. An endless image transfer body directly or indirectly supports the toner image and conveys it while a fixing unit fixing the toner image. A module frame covers part of the image transfer body to thereby prevent heat generated by the fixing unit from being transferred to the image transfer body.

Abstract: A discomfort index of sound is obtained by an equation using the loudness value, sharpness value, tonality value and impulsiveness value of psychoacoustic parameters obtained from sounds at a position away from the end face of an image formation apparatus by 1 m. The discomfort index is decreased by reducing the high frequency component, charging noise, metallic impulsive sound and the like of the image formation apparatus, to thereby contribute to the improvement of the use environment.

Abstract: In an image formation apparatus, a discomfort probability P, calculated from an expression (a), fulfills a condition (b). Here, {circumflex over (P)}im=1/{1+exp [?z]}??(a) {circumflex over (P)}im?0.2725·ln(ppm)?0.6331??(b) where z=A×sound pressure level i+B×loudness i+C×sharpness i+D×tonality i+E×impulsiveness i+F, i=1, 2, 3, . . . , n, A, B, C, D, and E are regression coefficients of parameters, and F is intercept, and A, B, C, D, E, and F satisfy the inequalities 0.142?A?0.183, 0.300?B?0.389, 1.097?C?1.265, 9.818?D?11.516, 2.588?E?3.240, ?18.844?F?14.968, ppm is a printing speed per minute for A4 horizontal size paper.

Abstract: An image forming device is disclosed which collects sounds in the vicinity of the image forming device, and then determines the characteristics of the collected sounds. The image forming device will then select an operation mode based upon the characteristics of the collected sounds, and will generate notification sounds and operate in accordance with the selected operation mode.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preventing damage inside a printing machine caused by the radiation of microwaves emanating from microwave mechanisms. Undesired effects of the microwave radiation are automatically detected and then limited by countermeasures. Special provision is made for detecting an electrical discharge, or smoldering or burning of a printing medium inside the microwave mechanism, and then initiating suitable countermeasures.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an image forming apparatus includes evaluating, based on a pair comparison method, sounds generated when forming an image, carrying out a multiple linear regression analysis using a difference between scores of the evaluation as a target variable and a difference between psycho-acoustic parameter values as an explanatory variable, deriving formula concerning the difference in scores of sound quality from a result of the analysis, substituting an average of the psycho-acoustic parameter values used to derive the formula into the formula, defining discomfort of the sound when all the parameter values are average values as zero, and deriving a sound quality evaluation formula, and designing each unit of the apparatus based on the sound quality evaluation formula.

Abstract: A damping member is fitted in the hollow cylindrical core of a photoconductive drum. The damping member is implemented as a hollow cylinder having one end thereof closed by an end wall. A jig is inserted into the damping member and caused to insert the damping member into the drum by pressing the end wall. The damping member is therefore easily fitted in the drum. The damping member is formed of an elastic material for damping vibration.

Abstract: A discomfort index of sound is obtained by an equation using the loudness value, sharpness value, tonality value and impulsiveness value of psychoacoustic parameters obtained from sounds at a position away from the end face of an image formation apparatus by 1m. The discomfort index is decreased by reducing the high frequency component, charging noise, metallic impulsive sound and the like of the image formation apparatus, to thereby contribute to the improvement of the use environment.

Abstract: In an image formation apparatus, a discomfort probability P, calculated from an expression (a), fulfills a condition (b).

Abstract: A discomfort index of sound is obtained by an equation using the loudness value, sharpness value, tonality value and impulsiveness value of psychoacoustic parameters obtained from sounds at a position away from the end face of an image formation apparatus by 1 m. The discomfort index is decreased by reducing the high frequency component, charging noise, metallic impulsive sound and the like of the image formation apparatus, to thereby contribute to the improvement of the use environment.

Abstract: An improved zero draft cylindrical noise attenuator for electrostatographic printers made of structural foam and having a cylindrical sidewall thicker than 4 mm throughout at least most of its circumference and a gap along the length of its long dimension. The improved attenuator more effectively dampens vibration and is less costly to make.

Abstract: A discomfort index of sound is obtained by an equation using the loudness value, sharpness value, tonality value and impulsiveness value of psychoacoustic parameters obtained from sounds at a position away from the end face of an image formation apparatus by 1 m. The discomfort index is decreased by reducing the high frequency component, charging noise, metallic impulsive sound and the like of the image formation apparatus, to thereby contribute to the improvement of the use environment.

Abstract: This invention provides a fuser station with a vented skive assembly for an image-forming machine. The image-forming machine may have a photoconductor, a primary charger, an exposure machine, a toning station, a transfer charger, and a vented fuser station. The fuser station may include a pressure roller, a fuser roller, and a skive assembly. The skive assembly has rib sections forming one or more slots, which are configured to provide an airflow pattern to reduce condensation. The skive assembly may have an insert protection device disposed in one or more of the slots.

Abstract: A noise-free silencer assembly is provided that is suitable for reducing self-vibration noises and screeching noises between a cleaning blade and the imaging member of an electrostatographic reproduction machine. The noise-free silencer assembly comprises a C-shaped cross-section elongate member having (a) a longitudinal axis, a wall defining an interior cavity for containing at least a partially compressed high density polymeric open cell foam, (b) a slot formed in the wall extending generally longitudinally and at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the C-shaped cross-section member, and (c) a hinge recess also formed in the wall extending generally longitudinally, for reducing self-vibration noises and screeching noises between a cleaning blade and an imaging member of an electrostatographic reproduction machine.

Abstract: A damping member is fitted in the hollow cylindrical core of a photoconductive drum. The damping member is implemented as a hollow cylinder having one end thereof closed by an end wall. A jig is inserted into the damping member and caused to insert the damping member into the drum by pressing the end wall. The damping member is therefore easily fitted in the drum. The damping member is formed of an elastic material for damping vibration.