Abstract: An amalgam fluorescent lamp is designed to operate with minimum axial illumination variations when changing from an off to an on state. This is accomplished by incorporating at least three amalgam patches internal to the lamp. Two patches are located at opposite ends of the lamp, and at least a third patch is centrally located. Each patch has an associated thermistor ands external heater sleeve. The patch temperature which correlates wiht the optimum lamp operating temperature is continuously monitored and adjustments are made to the heater sleeve elements to maintain the patches at desired optimum temperature.

Abstract: The output of a segmented filament lamp is smoothed and made more uniform by placing a reflector assembly adjacent the lamp, the reflector assembly comprising a plurality of joined specular hybrid cylindrical/roof mirror segments. Each segment is located so as to reflect light from a portion of each filament back into the filament plane to form an image of each filament in interfilament space. The lamp output thus appears as a uniform and constant source. This type of improved filament lamp is especially useful in conjunction with an imaging system which requires a very uniform light level at a projection lens or at the surface of a document platen.

Abstract: A transparent, generally wedge-shaped linear illuminator is used to provide a uniform level of illumination suitable for performing various functions in a reproduction device. One function is to provide uniform illumunination of a charged surface so as to selectively erase charge on said surface. Another is to illuminate a document in an illumination plane. In a specific embodiment, the illuminator consists of a glass or plastic body having a first sector formed with parallel sides and a second sector having a wedge-shaped configuration. Light is introduced into the first sector and is coupled along the length of the second sector by internal reflection. As the distance between the slope and base surfaces of the wedge sector decreases in the direction of the wedge end, the angles of incidence of the incident light decrease proportionately.

Abstract: A photocopying machine wherein a reflected light pattern is projected along an optical path and on to a photoreceptor surface by moving a document supported on a transport belt past a stationary illumination source and reflecting mirror structure. The light pattern impinges on the photoreceptor in a predetermined area thereof, which is provided with a uniform electrostatic charge capable of being discharged in accordance with the light pattern. The present invention is characterized by the provision of a multi-faceted reflector which is supported to one side of a document carrying belt such that illumination from the source can be reflected along the optical path to thereby discharge the photoreceptor adjacent the area struck by the light pattern.

Abstract: A photocopying machine wherein a reflected light pattern is projected along an optical path and onto a photoreceptor surface by scanning a document with an illumination source and reflecting mirror arrangement. Thus, a latent electrostatic image remains on the photoreceptor in a predetermined area thereof. The present invention is characterized by the provision of a multi-facetted reflector built into a platen cover such that it overlies the document from which the light image is reflected when the platen cover is closed. Light rays impinge upon those facets of the reflector which extend beyond the edges of the document and are reflected along the optical path to thereby discharge the photoreceptor adjacent said predetermined area to thereby prevent subsequent development thereof.