Abstract: A method and apparatus for dry cleaning a semiconductor wafer storage and transport pod. After the pod is located with respect to the cleaning chamber and opened to expose the interior surfaces of the pod to the cleaning chamber, the pod is conditioned in preparation for the cleaning process. The conditioning of the pod includes purging the pod and cleaning chamber with an ionized nitrogen gas to rid the pod and cleaning chamber of airborne contaminants and to neutralize static electrical charges on the pod surfaces. The conditioning process further includes heating the pod surfaces to prevent condensation of moisture and organic contaminants thereon. After the conditioning process, the pod is cleaned with a dry aerosol sprayed onto the pod surfaces. The aerosol spray is comprised of an ionized carbon dioxide/nitrogen (CO.sub.2 /N.sub.2) gas and fine particles of CO.sub.2.

Abstract: An apparatus for detoning a cleaner brush by providing multiple opportunities for fiber detoning to take place. A screen detoning element located in the cleaner housing causes multiple interferences with the brush fibers bringing about a high degree of detoning of the cleaner brush.

Abstract: A detoning cleaner subsystem for a xerographic machine includes a housing having a longitudinal opening extending on one side thereof and a longitudinally extending rotating brush located therein which cleans toner particles from a moving photoreceptor surface moving past the opening. A longitudinally extending air manifold is located within the housing substantially adjacent the longitudinal opening, near one of first and second air gaps located between the photoreceptor surface and the manifold. The air manifold defines an air channel extending longitudinally substantially the length of the brush. The air channel is in communication with the longitudinal opening. A vacuum source in communication with the air channel provides a longitudinal air flow therethrough for maintaining the dispersed particles aloft and removing the particles. A flicker bar is preferably located between the brush and the air manifold to remove toner accumulation from the brush.

Abstract: An apparatus which cleans a moving imaging surface with a cleaning blade and automatically detects a failure of the cleaning blade. A failure sensing mechanism detects the cleaning blade failure and activates a blade indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism removes the failed cleaning blade and positions a new cleaning blade in a wiping or doctoring mode frictional contact with the imaging surface for cleaning. A brush positioned upstream of the cleaning blade, in the direction of movement of the imaging surface, disturbs the particles thereon.

Abstract: A cleaning brush electrically biased with an alternating current removes discharged particles from an imaging surface. The particles on the imaging surface are discharged by a corona generating device. A second cleaning device including an insulative brush, a conductive brush or a blade, located upstream of the first mentioned brush, in the direction of movement of the imaging surface, further removes redeposited particles therefrom.

Abstract: An insulative belt having a conductive pattern. A potential difference is applied to the conductive pattern on the insulative belt creating an attractive force that is exerted on the small particles of paper debris. This attractive force holds the paper fibers and paper dust on the insulative belt for subsequent removal, while allowing the cleaned paper sheet to move on through the electrophotographic system.