Abstract: A blade cleaning apparatus, process, and reproducing machine are provided for removing residual particulate material such as toner from the surface of an electrostatic imaging member. Improved cleaning particularly with respect to developer side seal failures is obtained by rapidly vibrating the blade during cleaning. Means can be provided for selectively activating the vibration of the blade so that vibration may be applied only after the imaging member is stopped or during movement of the imaging member and for a short time after it has stopped. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the blade is vibrated so that the edge of the blade which contacts the surface of the imaging member has a vibrational velocity which is greater than the surface velocity of the imaging member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting an optical image into an electrostatographic image. A vacuum tube device has a source of electrons which can deposit electrostatic charge on an array of conductors coupling an exterior surface of the vacuum tube device with an exterior surface. A photoconducting electrode, interposed between the electron source and the conductor array, is charged by depositing electrons thereon in the absence of conductivity inducing radiation. The deposited electronic charge is selectively removed by applying an optical image to the photosensitive device, the removal of deposited charge being a function of the radiation intensity of related portions of the applied image. The conductor array is thereafter flooded with electrons, the amount of charge reaching the conductor array depending on the unremoved charge remaining on an associated region of the photosensitive electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting an optical image into an electrostatic image replica. A vacuum tube device includes a source of electrons for propagating electrons toward an array of conductors coupling an interior surface of the vacuum tube device with an exterior surface. The accumulation of electrons on the conductor array produces an electrostatic image. The electrostatic image is determined by modulating a diffuse beam of electrons by means of the charge stored on a control grid. The charge stored on the control grid is established by secondary emission of electrons from an insulating material associated with the control grid. The electrons producing the secondary emission from the control grid originate from a photoemissive cathode are produced by the photoemissive cathode in response to an optical image applied to the cathode. The optical image applied to the photoemissive cathode is the image for which an electrostatic replica is desired.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuously converting an optical image into an electrostatic image. A vacuum tube device has a source of electrons and associated elements for propagating electronic charge toward an array of conductors coupling an interior surface of the vacuum tube device with an exterior surface of the device. The array of conductors has an extent substantially greater in a first dimension as compared to a second dimension. A photosensitive electrode, interposed between the electron source and the array of conductors modulates the passage of electrons from the source to the array. The modulation results from the presence of stored electronic charge on the electrode, the stored charge of local portion of electrode controlling the passage of electrons through apertures associated with the local portion of the electrode. The charge distribution on the photosensitive electrode can be determined by an optical image, applied to the electrode under appropriate conditions.