Abstract: A compact multi-blade cleaning system for a photoreceptor device, such as a belt or a drum used in the electrostatographic printing process includes a block of thermoplastic material. The block has a plurality of parallel cuts extending partially therethrough so as to form a plurality of cleaning blades. Each of these has a cleaning edge, adapted for contact with a surface of the photoreceptor device and an opposed securing edge. An uncut portion of the block forms a connecting member for connecting the plurality of cleaning blades at their securing edges so that they move in unison. A mechanism is provided for advancing the plurality of cleaning blades, one by one, into contact with the photoreceptor device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cleaning residual toner and paper fiber residue from an electrophotographic imaging member using an elastomeric cleaning blade. Reduced friction between the blade and the imaging member and enhanced cleaning without degrading image reproduction quality results from appropriate texturing of the imaging member. The texturing is impressed upon an overcoat layer formed on the photosensitive layer of the imaging member such that a uniform pattern of at least 20 very fine parallel grooves per centimeter are disposed parallel to the direction of process movement and extend along the entire circumference of the imaging member. The very fine parallel grooves have a depth and lateral width sufficiently shallow/narrow to prevent individual particles of toner material from lodging in the grooves and also to ensure copy quality is not degraded.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor is mounted on the cleaning blade and/or the blade support member of a blade cleaning apparatus contained within a electrostatic copying machine. The piezoelectric sensor generates a waveform indicative of the wear characteristics of the cleaning blade and pressure loading of the cleaning blade against the photosensitive surface. A detection circuit monitors the waveform generated by the piezoelectric sensor to predict the imminent failure of the cleaning blade due to wear and damage. The detection circuit also monitors the waveform to detect a build up of frictional and adhesional forces between the cleaning blade and the photosensitive surface and adjusts the pressure loading through a feedback loop to extend the usable life-span of the cleaning blade. Thus, unscheduled maintenance due to sudden and unpredictable failure of the cleaning blade can be avoided and the usable life-span of the cleaning blade can be extended.

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: An apparatus for detecting cleaning system failure having a trapping enclosure for particles cleaned from the imaging surface. The failure detector signals a failure in the cleaning apparatus when the level of trapped particles exceeds a preselected quantity.

Abstract: A lubricant slurry made from a combination of a polymer alcohol wax and a toner in isopropyl alcohol or the like. This lubricant slurry is applied to the cleaning blade prior to assembly of the cleaning blade into the printing machine to reduce the frictional forces between the photoreceptor and the cleaning blade edge at start-up. The triboelectrical properties of the lubricant slurry provide strong adhesion to the cleaner blade edge.

Abstract: An image write bar has a plurality of LEDs arranged in a linear array. The output of the LEDs is optimized by controlling current flow through each LED via a distributed or discrete resistive network. The current flow through each LED is dependent upon whether the LED is in isolation or in combination with original LEDs. The resistor network ensures that the inactivated LED output are all at a constant level.

Abstract: A lamp system which erases selected portions of an electrically charged photoconductive member. The lamp has a transparent housing defining a chamber filled with a gaseous medium. A charge is induced across a selected region of the gaseous medium. This causes the gaseous medium to ionize in the selected region so as to emit light rays thereat. The light rays illuminate the electrically charged photoconductive member in the selected region to discharge the charge thereat.