Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning residual toner from a photoconductive surface. Toner is temporarily removed from the surface by a conductive fiber brush wherein it is stored for a period of time dependent on the image area coverage and the transfer efficiency of the transfer device used. When the brush reaches its toner holding capacity, the toner is deposited back onto the surface and it is transported to the development system where it is recycled back into the developer housing for reuse. In one embodiment, the brush initially has a d.c. voltage applied to it of a polarity so as to attract toner to the brush after which a d.c. voltage of the opposite polarity is applied to the brush in order to detone the brush and thereby deposite it on the photoconductive surface. A charging device of the printing apparatus has a switch for temporarily inactivating the charging device to allow repelled toner to pass thereby unaltered.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for charge retentive surfaces. Travelling waves are generated by an electrode array and power source therefor which waves both remove toner particles from a cleaning brush and transport them to a remote location where they are collected for disposal. The cleaning brush which removes the toner particles from the charge retentive surface has a bias voltage applied thereto to enhance such toner removal.

Abstract: Electrostatic printing apparatus including structure for delivering developer or toner particles to a printhead forming an integral part of the printing device. Alternatively, the toner particles can be delivered to a charge retentive surface containing latent images. The developer or toner delivery system is adapted to deliver toner containing a minimum quantity of wrong sign and size toner. To this end, the developer delivery system includes a pair of charged toner conveyors which are supported in face-to-face relation. A bias voltage is applied across the two conveyors to cause toner of one charge polarity to be attracted to one of the conveyors while toner of the opposite is attracted to the other conveyor.In another embodiment, a single charged toner conveyor is supplied by a pair of three-phase generators which are biased by a dc source which causes toner of one polarity to travel in one direction on the electrode array while toner of the opposite polarity travels generally in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Highly efficient, long life blade cleaning apparatus for removing residual toner particles from a flexible photoreceptor supported for movement in an endless path. The cleaning blade is supported for pressure engagement with a flexible belt such that the belt is deflected. A backing member is supported in contact with the reverse side of the belt for controlling the degree of belt deflection and thereby the force required by the blade for efficient cleaning to a minimum and effect substantially uniform contact between the blade and the charge retentive member. The support is positioned downstream of the blade a predetermined distance which minimizes the required cleaning force and also allows the belt to twist to thereby conform to the blade edge resulting in substantially uniform contact between the blade and belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming images on a charge-retentive surface including uncharged toner particles which are applied to electrostatic latent images formed on the surface. The latent image is formed on the charge-retentive surface by exposing a charged surface to a light pattern of an image to be reproduced. Prior to image exposure, the charge pattern comprises a periodic line screen pattern which is formed by means of a conductive charging brush having a suitable bias voltage applied thereto at a frequency suitable for forming the line screen pattern. By using such an arrangement charging and screening of the charge-retentive surface occur simultaneously.

Abstract: A magnetic brush apparatus which minimizes the escape of toner and/or carrier particles by means of a magnetic field shaping device which minimizes the presence of magnetic lines of force projecting axially outward from the magnetic brush rollers. Examples of magnetic field shaping devices are a piece of ferro-magnetic material and a magnetic field shaping magnet.

Abstract: A magnetic brush cleaning apparatus which includes a magnetic brush roll having a plurality of magnets mounted therein, a reservoir for carrier particles closely spaced from the magnetic brush roll, a pickoff for removing a part of the carrier particles constituting the magnetic brush during the rotation of the magnetic brush roll, and an exit at the lower end of the reservoir for directing the carrier particles onto the magnetic roll, so that the reservoir, the pickoff, the exit and the magnets cooperate to cause the circulation of carrier particles between the magnetic brush roll and the reservoir whereby a portion of the magnetic brush is continuously removed and reformed during the rotation of the magnetic brush roll. In another embodiment, the reservoir, the pickoff and the exit are used only during servicing of the cleaning device.

Abstract: An improved electrostatographic process wherein the imaging surface of the imaging member is treated with a lubricating effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of ortho-, meta-, para-phthalic acid, their corresponding metal or ammonium salts, and mixtures thereof. Controlled treatment of the imaging surfaces of the imaging member with the above compound(s) facilitates transfer of the developed image from the imaging member to a receiving sheet and removal of toner residues from the imaging surface upon cleaning. The imaging member element of the apparatus used in carrying out this process is covered with a thin film of lubricant over substantially all of its imaging surface thereby greatly improving toner transfer and removal.

Abstract: An improved electrostatographic process wherein the imaging surface of the imaging member is treated with a lubricating effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of ortho-, meta-, para-phthalic acid, their corresponding metal or ammonium salts, and mixtures thereof. Controlled treatment of the imaging surfaces of the imaging member with the above compound(s) facilitates transfer of the developed image from the imaging member to a receiving sheet and removal of toner residues from the imaging surface upon cleaning. The imaging member element of the apparatus used in carrying out this process is covered with a thin film of lubricant over substantially all of its imaging surface thereby greatly improving toner transfer and removal.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for cleaning the surface of an electrostatographic imaging member and an electrostatographic reproducing machine utilizing the cleaning apparatus. A device is provided for impinging a gas flow against the imaging surface for removing residual material therefrom and for applying suction to the surface to provide a suction flow for collecting the gas and the residual material and transporting them away from the imaging surface. Apparatus is provided for supporting the impingement device and the suction device close to the imaging surface including a device for forming a supporting gas cushion. In accordance with an alternative embodiment apparatus is provided for positioning the impingement and suction devices close to the imaging surface during operation of the cleaning system and away from the surface after the cleaning system has ceased to operate.

Abstract: An electrophotographic developer composition is provided with a lubricating component comprising particulate, cross-linked polyvinylidene fluoride. The polyvinylidene fluoride is cross-linked by exposure to a small dosage of high energy radiation.

Abstract: A plurality of abrasion resistant particles are embedded in the layer of photoconductive material on the conductive substrate of a conventional electrostatographic photoreceptor so that generally hemispherical portions of the particles protrude to a height of from 0.5 to 5 microns above the surface of the photoreceptor. The improved photoreceptor is readily adaptable to cleaning by applying a flexible doctor blade to its surface and providing relative motion therebetween.

Abstract: A cleaning blade is provided for cleaning residual toner particles and other contaminants from an electrostatic imaging surface comprising a surface having rigid spherical protuberances adapted to be pressed against the imaging surface to form a seal between the blade and imaging surface which retards flow of particles between the blade and imaging surface.

Abstract: An improved electrostatographic process wherein the imaging surface of the imaging member is treated with a lubricating effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of ortho-, meta-, para-phthalic acid, their corresponding metal or ammonium salts, and mixtures thereof. Controlled treatment of the imaging surfaces of the imaging member with the above compound(s) facilitates transfer of the developed image from the imaging member to a receiving sheet and removal of toner residues from the imaging surface upon cleaning. The imaging member element of the apparatus used in carrying out this process is covered with a thin film of lubricant over substantially all of its imaging surface thereby greatly improving toner transfer and removal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to a conventional electrostatographic photoreceptor comprised of a conductive substrate having a layer of a photoconductive material on its surface. The improvement involves a plurality of abrasion resistant particles embedded in the layer of photoconductive material so that generally hemispherical portions of the particles protrude to a height of from 0.5 to 5 microns above the surface of the photoreceptor. The improved photoreceptor is readily adaptable to cleaning by applying a flexible doctor blade to its surface and providing relative motion therebetween.