Abstract: A method for fixing a toner image contact-free on a substrate, which includes exposing the toner image to a hot gas containing a significant component of steam; and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supply means for magnetically attractive developing powder. The supply means includes a reservoir having an outflow opening for supplying a magnetically attractive developing powder from the reservoir to a developing unit. The reservoir is provided with two magnetic systems each rotatable about an axis of rotation and each at least partially being surrounded by a stationary enclosure over which the developing powder can be displaced under the influence of the rotating magnetic systems. The magnetic systems are disposed opposite to one another with the axes of rotation parallel to one another. The stationary enclosures of the two magnetic systems together form the outflow opening. While in a supply mode, the magnetic systems are adapted to effect transport of developing powder through the outflow opening by rotation and in a stationary mode the magnetic systems are adapted to prevent transport of developing powder through the outflow opening.

Abstract: A toner-carrying roller such as a developing roller having a surface gloss of 2 or above, with the surface gloss of the black glass standard plate having a reflective index of 1.567 (according to DIN 67 530) being 100. The toner-carrying roller provides high-quality images free of density variation and fogging owing to its surface characteristics specified by the surface gloss. In addition, it keeps its good performance without deterioration in image quality for a long period of use.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus capable of automatically changing a mode of recording operation to fit to a newly installed recording head unit, when at least one interchangeable recording head unit is replaced.

Abstract: Shield members 9b-1 and 9b-2 constituting a transfer unit 9 for a transfer apparatus are inserted from the bottom of a transfer holder 40 fabricated by integrating a pre-transfer guide 31 and a post-transfer guide 34 together with wire fixing portions 41a and 41b for fixing a corona discharge wire 9a into one. Thereafter the shield members 9b-1, 9b-2 are positioned with respect to the transfer holder 40, and the assembly of the transfer apparatus is completed. The transfer apparatus is thus easily assembled, and the pre/post-transfer guides 31 and 34 can be positioned more accurately with respect to the transfer unit 9 and the corona discharge wire.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging system including a combination erase and belt position detection system which may be employed for belt registration or image registration. In one embodiment, the system includes an erase bar having a pattern of light extending longitudinally across a photoconductor belt being moved in a first direction forming a transport path, wherein the erase bar is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A photodetector is disposed adjacent the photoconductor belt, wherein the photodetector is responsive to light from the erase bar and provides a belt position signal representative of the position of the photoconductor belt relative to the continuous transport path, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The belt position signal may be employed for belt steering or modulation of a laser beam representative of latent images to be scanned on the photoconductor belt.

Abstract: The invention is an electrostatographic printer and a method of printing with such a printer. The printer includes a transfer member that is driven along a continuous path, and a toner image depositor that deposits a toner image in powder form on the transfer member. A substrate is fed into contact with the transfer member, and the toner image on the transfer member is heated in advance of the transfer; the transfer member is cooled following the image transfer to a temperature below the glass transition temperature T.sub.g of the toner; then further toner images may be deposited on the transfer member. A controlling pressure roller is positioned in opposition to the transfer member to form a transfer nip, through which the substrate passes, the substrate wrapping partially around the pressure roller both in advance of and following the transfer nip.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. The position of the recording material is detected when the recording material is underway from a registration roller for correcting a skew of the recording material to an image forming position for the recording material, and the image is written based on the detected position signal. The image is thus formed at a proper position on the recording material.

Abstract: A developing device in an image forming apparatus is provided with: a developing roller opposed to a photosensitive body, on which an electro-static latent image is formed, for developing the electro-static latent image by using toner; a supplying roller for supplying the toner to the developing roller; a wall member prescribing a developing chamber, in which the developing roller and the supplying roller are disposed, and a toner supply port, through which the toner is supplied into the developing chamber; a pair of upper and lower augers disposed in the developing chamber at a vicinity of the toner supply port for carrying and circulating the toner supplied through the toner supply port, and adhering the toner onto the supplying roller; and an auger partition plate disposed between the upper and lower augers for restricting movement of the toner between the upper and lower augers.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes at least an image carrier and a contact type charging device. The image forming apparatus further includes a control control device that controls the contact type charging device so as to apply DC voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the image carrier to the image carrier at the same time that or before rotation of the image carrier begins and successively applies a voltage in which AC voltage is superimposed on the DC voltage at the same time that or after the DC voltage is applied and at the latest after the rotation of the image carrier begins. Therefore, according to the present invention, electrostatic memory in the image carrier is prevented, so that the occurrence of black stripe or the like corresponding to a contact point of the contact type charging device is prevented, thereby enabling formation of high quality images.

Abstract: An image fixing device is disclosed comprising a heating roll installed with a heater, a pressure roll rotatably pressing against the heating roll, and a thermistor for sensing the surface temperature of the heating roll, wherein a CPU is provided for controlling the surface temperature of the heating roll to an initial fixing control temperature of 1.1 times a normal fixing temperature, when the surface temperature of the heating roll sensed by the thermistor is below one-third of the normal fixing temperature.

Abstract: There is described an image forming apparatus to form an image on a transfer sheet, in which an image bearing member, image exposing unit for forming a latent image, developing unit for developing the latent image, an intermediate image bearing member for bearing a toner image on its surface, first transfer member for transferring the toner image from the image bearing member to the intermediate image bearing member or the first side of the transfer sheet, second transfer member for transferring said toner image from the intermediate image bearing member to the second side of the transfer sheet, fixing unit for fixing the toner images on the both sides of the transfer sheet, detector for detecting a reference position on the intermediate image bearing member, and controller for controlling timing to start forming the latent image and/or timing to feed the transfer sheet to the first transfer member on the basis of the detection of the reference position on the intermediate image bearing member, are. included.

Abstract: A developer backer bar having a surface having a plurality of radii for interfacing with a noncontact developer member. The backer bar is arranged so that it can be retracted for clearance purposes when removing or inserting a xerographic CRU. Upon installation of the CRU, the backer bar is biased into position to maintain a development zone within predetermined parameters. The multiple radii surface eliminates or minimizes errors that may result from slight variations in axial alignment between the backer bar and the developer member while additionally providing low drag forces on the photoreceptor.

Abstract: An interlock/latch system for a machine cover, particularly for an electrophotographic printing machine. A cover latch is provided with a latching mechanism and a set of electrical contacts which are mechanically closed when the cover is closed and the latch engaged. A sensor such as a Hall-Effect sensor is mounted in close proximity to the latch. A magnet in the cover actuates the Hall-Effect sensor when the cover is closed and latched sending a signal to the machine controller. The machine controller prohibits operation of the machine until the signal is received.

Abstract: A fixing device having a peeling sheet capable of performing stable peeling without causing any damage to the image, the sheet or the fixing roller. The fixing device includes: a fixing roller having an elastic layer formed on its surface; a compression roller in contact with the fixing roller in a nip portion; and a plastic peeling sheet provided downstream of the nip portion, the peeling sheet having an end edge which comes into contact with the surface of the fixing roller to peel the sheet which has passed through the nip portion away from the surface of the fixing roller.

Abstract: A platen type scanner driving mechanism has a supporting structure which includes an upper casing and a lower casing. A fixed lever extends longitudinally with respect to the support structure between the upper casing and the lower casing. An optical module is slidable along the fixed lever and extends transversely to the fixed lever. A single pulling wire is fixed by two spaced apart locations proximal to the center of the optical module, and a driving unit which drives the single pulling wire. The single pulling wire drives the optical module which is in parallel motion with respect to the fixed lever. The relative disposition of the single pulling wire, driving unit, and the optical module, prevents the optical module from being swung during displacement, reduces loads applied to the driving mechanism and optimizes the driving unit's force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cleaning of an intermediate transfer member of an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image formed on a photosensitive member onto the intermediate transfer member and then transferring the toner image onto a transfer material. An effective cleaning width of a cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on the photosensitive member in a width-wise direction of the photosensitive drum is selected to become greater than a longitudinal dimension of the intermediate transfer member, the longitudinal dimension of the intermediate transfer member is selected to become greater than a width of a transfer electrode for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer member, and the longitudinal dimension of the intermediate transfer member is selected to become greater than a charge width of an electrode for charging the residual toner on the intermediate transfer member to return the toner to the photosensitive member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a blade for removing a developer left on a photoconductive drum. In addition, a low density pattern is formed on at least a part of the photoconductive drum based on a duration the photoconductive drum is driven.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a spots cleaning blade to remove residual agglomerations of particles from the imaging surface. The spots cleaning blade is made from a material that has a low coefficient of friction, low resilience and higher hardness than a standard spots blade. These properties enable the spots cleaning blade to provide a continuous slidable contact with the imaging surface to remove residual particles therefrom. Additionally, an electrically conductive surface can be added to the front or back surface of the blade to cause toner particles to be repelled from and cloud near the blade where they can be removed by a vacuum device or the like. The conductive surface may be direct negative, direct positive or A-C potential to provide the necessary repelling force.

Abstract: A flexible doctor blade having a radiused surface or nub for contacting a developer roll. The blade geometry which includes a cantilevered support for the nub provides lower torque in the developer, compliance to compensate for developer imperfections, and less tendency for streaking due to toner packing and filming.