Abstract: The surface of a photosensitive body is charged by a scorotron charger including a discharge electrode, a back plate having an aperture on the bottom face, and a grid. Air is passed along the back plate for ventilation. The back plate also has a vent aperture on the side face. The aperture rate of the aperture on the bottom face of the part corresponding to the vent aperture is set lower than that on the bottom face of the other part, in the axial direction of the charger.

Abstract: A wire tensioning mechanism for tensioning a wire having an end one and an end two in a machine in which the wire has a means for attachment on end two and is fixed to the machine at end one, comprises a slide block, and a spring. The slide block is slidably mounted to the machine at end two of the wire, such that the slide block slides parallel to the wire. The slide block has a slot which is wider than the wire but narrower than the means for attachment, such that when the slide block is mounted on the machine, the wire end two can be slid into the slot such that pulling the slide block in the direction away from the wire forces the means for attachment against the slot, but does not allow the means for attachment to pass through. The slot is lined up with the wire such that when the wire is in tension, there are no side loads on the means for attachment.

Abstract: A corona discharge device is adapted to be used in conjunction with a printing press. The device includes a cabinet housing an on-board power supply associated with a high voltage transformer. A rear end plate and a front end plate spaced apart in parallel relationship from the rear end plate both depend from the cabinet. An electrode support tube is fixedly mounted to the cabinet and has an electrode magazine slidably mounted on the support tube between an operative position and an inoperative position, the magazine including a series of parallel electrodes. A grounded treater roll is rotatably mounted on a first shaft between the rear end plate and the front end plate and below the support tube. A pair of spaced idler rolls is rotatably mounted on respective second and third shafts between the rear end plate and the front end plate below the treater roll such that a flexible web is guided upwardly by the idler rolls and wound about the treater roll beneath the electrodes.

Abstract: A dangerous substance detecting apparatus comprises an oven for accommodating a wiping member stuck with a sample derived from a dangerous substance, a light source for emitting infrared rays for heating the sample, an ion source for ionizing the sample evaporated in the oven, a mass analyzer for performing a mass analysis on ions, a data processing unit for processing an output signal from the mass analyzer to determine the presence or absence of a dangerous substance, an operation panel for displaying the result of the determination, an alarm unit for generating an alarm based on the result of the determination, and a control unit for controlling the respective components of the apparatus based on operating conditions entered from the operation panel and specified for the respective components of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodynamic energy converters for use in electrical, chemical and gas industry, in cryogenic and refrigerating engineering for cooling a working medium and for moving dielectric liquids and gases. The electrodynamic converter comprises a corona discharge working chamber part for making corona discharge therein, for converting an electric energy into a fluid energy of a working medium, wherein the corona discharge working chamber part includes a plurality of corona discharge working chambers disposed parallel with a flow direction of the working medium, and the plurality of corona discharge working chambers are isolated from one another.

Abstract: A corona generating device, includes a conductor; a grid having a curved surface; and a frame for supporting the grid.

Abstract: In a high speed color printer wherein color images are produced by superposing a developed image atop another developed image, the improvement including a charging system for charging a surface, including: at least two coronodes; a housing with the at least two coronodes spaced from each other; a grid interposed between the surface and the at least two coronodes; a shield, interposed between the housing and the at least two coronodes; a first power supply for biasing the grid and shield; a second power supply for energizing each of the at least two coronodes; and a phase controller connected to the second power supply and adapted to control energizing of the at least two coronodes such that each of the at least two coronodes is charged at a phase difference.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring thickness in super-thin films consists of a special resonator unit in the form of an open-bottom cylinder which is connected to a microwave swept frequency microwave source via a decoupler and a matching unit installed in a waveguide that connects the resonator unit with the microwave source. The apparatus operates on the principle that thin metal film F, the thickness of which is to be measured, does not contact the end face of the open bottom of the cylindrical resonator sensor unit and functions as a bottom of the cylindrical body. The design of the resonator excludes generation of modes other than the resonance mode and provides the highest possible Q-factor. As the conductivity directly related to the film thickness, it is understood that measurement of the film thickness is reduced to measurement of the resonance peak amplitudes.

Abstract: The corotron wire of a corotron device is introduced with a retainer element, such as in a printer or copier. At least one corotron wire is held by the retainer element and the carrier material for a latent image residing there opposite is conducted past the corotron wire. The carrier material and the corotron wire lie in planes arranged substantially parallel to one another. The retainer element lies on bearings at at least two bearing points, the bearings being rigidly connected to the guide element and pressed onto the bearings with a spring power. A method is also provided for introducing the corotron wire of a corotron device with assistance of the retainer element.

Abstract: A negative ion emitting method and an apparatus therefor capable of emitting negative ions with increased efficiency without generating ozone and positive ions while being simplified in structure. The apparatus includes a DC high-voltage power supply section and a discharge electrode section, between which a load resistance section is arranged so as to restrict flowing of electrons from the power supply section to the discharge electrode section.

Abstract: A xerographic charging device corona current is determined by forming a first signal across a sense resistor in series with the charging device power supply, forming a second signal using a resistive voltage divider network across the power supply, and forming a third signal using a resistor-capacitor charging circuit across the power supply, and then processing the first, second and third signals to form an output signal that is based on the corona current.

Abstract: A wire tensioning apparatus and method tensions one or more wires by moving the tensioning function from a wire module to an apparatus external to the wire module. Within the wire module, the wire is placed between a movable member and a stationary member. Tension is placed on the wire and adjusted until the desired tension and/or vibrational frequency is met. Once the desired tension and/or vibrational frequency is met, the wire is clamped between the movable and stationary members within the wire module in order to maintain the achieved tension and/or vibrational frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for generating ions in a gaseous medium, the apparatus comprising one or more needles (40) each presenting a shank (40.1) and an emitter end (40.2), a sheath (42) of composite material comprising glass fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester surrounding the shank (40.1) of each needle, and means (44, 46, 80) for applying a voltage between two portions of the shank of each needle.

Abstract: A charging device assembly used within a reprographic machine having a hollow shell containing the charging device, an attachment mechanism that fastens the charging device to the hollow shell in a predetermined position, a pair of end covers at either end of the hollow shell and an electrical connector on the shell that is coupled to the charging device. The shell can be conductive or insulative and is formed with features that facilitate easy mounting and removing of the charging device assembly.

Abstract: An ion source using a corona discharge for ionizing a sample at high efficient is provided. In the corona discharge generated at a tip end of a needle electrode by application of high voltage thereto, the direction in which the sample is introduced to the region of corona discharge and the direction in which ions are drawn out of the corona discharge region are substantially opposed to each other to improve the efficiency of ionization and to maintain a stable discharge for a long period of time.

Abstract: In an ion generating apparatus, an electric field for generating ion is obtained between an electrode needle 3 and a counter electrode plate 4. A surface discharge path A (passing through an air discharge port 13a) which has the shortest distance between the electrode needle 3 and the counter electrode plate 4 and a surface discharge path B (not passing through the air discharge port 13a) are created. Distances of the surface discharge paths A and B are substantially enlarged by means of two flanges 17 provided on a sleeve 906 and a flange 19 provided on an end of an outer cylindrical portion of an electrode unit 8.

Abstract: An electrostatic charging device is provided according to which an edged electrode plate can be inserted into and removed from the charging device easily merely by sliding the edged electrode member and cleaning of the electrode edges formed on the edged electrode plate can be cleaned easily. A discharging electrode assembly having a number of tooth-like electrode edges disposed in array is slidable along a guide groove formed in a discharge stabilizing shielding case of an electrostatic charging device. The electrode edges are arranged above a control grid when charging a photosensitive OPC. During maintenance, the discharging electrode assembly is moved sliding along the guide groove by means of an insulating attachment which is then engaged with the edged electrode plate.

Abstract: A corona treating apparatus has an electrically conductive electrode housing with a downwardly opening channel, within which are adjustably positioned a number of conductive electrode segments. Each segment has a stem which extends into the channel, and a foot which extends below the channel and which overlies an electrically conductive electrode roller, over which the material to be treated travels. Top springs extend into bores in the top of the electrode segments, and ball detents extend through the housing to urge against slots on one side of the segments. Each electrode segment stem has a first lip which engages with an upper ledge when the segment is in a retracted position, and a second lip which engages with a lower ledge on the opposite wall when the segment is in an active position. Pushing upwardly on one sideward flange of an electrode foot readily changes the position of each segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating paper web materials with a plasma, said apparatus comprising a dark space generated by a treatment electrode in a treatment zone. There is a counter electrode having a surface area in said treatment zone which is not greater than a surface area of said counter electrode. A power supply is included for driving either said treatment electrode or said counter electrode with an oscillating high voltage at a frequency less than about 2 MHz and greater than 1/tc where tc is the charging time of a web surface exposed to a rms ion current in the plasma.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically cleaning the surface of a corona wire within a corona charger is described, wherein the a cleaning assembly includes a cleaning pad mounted within a pad holder, the cleaning pad wrapped around a substantial portion of a circumference of the corona wire for wiping the surface of the corona wire. The cleaning mechanism also includes means for holding the cleaning assembly within the corona charger in association with the corona wire, means, associated with the holding means, for moving the holding means linearly along the length of the corona wire, and means for automatically selectively activating the moving means to move the holding means such that the cleaning assembly is moved to clean the corona wire. In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly includes at least one finishing stone mounted to a stone holder, wherein the finishing stone engages the surface of the corona wire.

Abstract: A single piece control grid electrode for a corona charging device for charging a curvilinear shaped dielectric support member with improved charging uniformity and consistency and with lower assembly and service cost. The single piece control grid is formed by a plurality of integral planar segments angularly oriented with respect to each other so that each segment may be equally spaced from the curvilinear shaped dielectric support member.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating paper web materials with a plasma, said apparatus comprising a dark space generated by a treatment electrode in a treatment zone. There is a counter electrode having a surface area in said treatment zone which is not greater than a surface area of said counter electrode. A power supply is included for driving either said treatment electrode or said counter electrode with an oscillating high voltage at a frequency less than about 2 MHz and greater than 1/tc where tc is the charging time of a web surface exposed to a rms ion current in the plasma.

Abstract: A mechanism and a method for generating a corona discharge by a wire-shaped corona discharge electrode provides that the corona discharge electrode is stretched between two end blocks that respectively contain a space for the acceptance of a respective electrode holder insert. The electrode holder insert has a rotational-symmetrical electrode receptacle element with an axially parallel electrode receptacle channel in the generated surface as well as a further electrode receptacle channel in an end face, the further channel adjoining the axially parallel channel and residing perpendicularly thereon, and also has an annular cap element that, proceeding from the end face containing the further electrode receptacle channel, can be pressed onto the electrode receptacle element with the corona discharge electrode guided in the electrode receptacle channels.

Abstract: A charging device which charges a body to be charged. At least a pair of linear electrodes is provided on a substrate so as to be close to each other. Walls are provided near the linear electrodes. Each of the walls has a height larger than a line width of each of the linear electrodes. The linear electrodes are surrounded by the walls and the substrate. The charging device alternatively includes a plurality of dielectrics and electrodes disposed along a first direction facing a drum so that the plurality of dielectrics sandwich the plurality of electrodes along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the dielectrics have a height larger than a height of the electrodes along the first direction, and at least two neighboring electrodes have different shapes.

Abstract: A corona cartridge for charging a photoreceptor in high-speed electrophotographic applications may include a comb-like corona charging device electronically connected to operate with the photoreceptor, and one or more excess comb-like corona charging devices stored on a shaft or in a dispenser that may be advanced automatically to replace the electronically connected corona charging device when it wears out. The number of excess comb-like corona charging devices (including the electronically connected corona charging device) may be tailored to last as long as the photoreceptor, which may run many months even in high-use operations. Accordingly, the high-speed electrophotographic applications may need to be serviced only when the photoreceptor wears out, thus significantly reducing the maintenance frequency without the side effect of increased ozone production, as in the case of wire-type corona charging devices.

Abstract: A corona cartridge for charging a photoreceptor in high-speed electrophotographic applications may include a comb-like corona charging device electronically connected to operate with the photoreceptor, and one or more excess comb-like corona charging devices stored on a shaft or in a dispenser that may be advanced automatically to replace the electronically connected corona charging device when it wears out. The number of excess comb-like corona charging devices (including the electronically connected corona charging device) may be tailored to last as long as the photoreceptor, which may run many months even in high-use operations. Accordingly, the high-speed electrophotographic applications may need to be serviced only when the photoreceptor wears out, thus significantly reducing the maintenance frequency without the side effect of increased ozone production, as in the case of wire-type corona charging devices.

Abstract: A treater system includes a conductive roller electrode that supports a moving web that is to be treated. One or more active electrode assemblies mounted to support headers have a pair of active electrodes that are positioned to treat one surface of the web as the web passes over the roller electrode. Air or a gas/gas mixture can be selectively piped to a chamber adjacent the active electrodes and diffused along the length of the discharge surfaces to allow the treater to operate in three distinct modes: corona, chemical corona and atmospheric plasma. The active electrodes are cooled by passing air into and through tubular bodies of the active electrodes.

Abstract: A discharge ionization source, for use for example with an ion mobility spectrometer or atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry. The source uses two or more electrodes for ionization and control, and solid state circuitry for operation. Inductive coupling of the discharge gap to the electronics is not necessary. The source can be operated as a continuous dc discharge, or as a pulsed discharge. The two-electrode configuration provides an anode and cathode with an optional adjustable gap. One of the electrodes can be hollow to enhance ionization efficiency (e.g., hollow cathode) and/or to accept effluent from a gas or liquid (including electrophoresis) chromatographic column. The three-electrode configuration adds a third or control electrode to additionally stabilize the discharge. The third electrode may be biased at the potential of the anode through a ballast resistor, and be located near the cathode.

Abstract: An improved dircorotron shield for use in an electrophotographic photorecptor printer. The improved dicorotron shield uses titanium or a titanium alloy to form the dicorotron shield, thereby eliminating the need for a base layer or coating to neutralize the production of deteriorative acids that impair or weaken the surface of the photoreceptor. The use of titanium or a titanium alloy limits the production of unstable ozone O3 otherwise occurring due to the high energy agitation of atmospheric oxygen O2 caused by the charging of the corona device the dicorotron shield surrounds. By reducing the production of ozone O3, the formation of acids is reduced as well. As a result of the reduced acids formed, the titanium or titanium alloy dicorotron shield requires less cleaning or maintenance or replacement.

Abstract: A method of high efficiency generation of ions of desired polarity, which includes the steps of positioning a first electrode at a predetermined spacing from a second electrode having a closed shape configuration, applying to both electrodes a direct voltage of the same polarity, at the same time as applying the direct voltage, applying high voltage pulses to the first electrode only, thereby to cause ion generation in the vicinity of the first electrode and to set up a rapidly moving ion stream from the first to the second electrode along an electrical field therebetween, wherein the duration of the pulses is shorter than the time taken for the ion stream to reach the second electrode, and wherein ions in the ion stream have the same polarity as the second electrode, thereby to be repelled and concentrated as they flow through the second electrode.

Abstract: A corona discharge device is adapted to be used in conjunction with a printing press. The device includes a cabinet housing an on-board power supply associated with a high voltage transformer. A rear end plate and a front end plate spaced apart in parallel relationship from the rear end plate both depend from the cabinet. An electrode support tube is fixedly mounted to the cabinet and has an electrode magazine slidably mounted on the support tube between an operative position and an inoperative position, the magazine including a series of parallel electrodes. A grounded treater roll is rotatably mounted on a first shaft between the rear end plate and the front end plate and below the support tube. A pair of spaced idler rolls is rotatably mounted on respective second and third shafts between the rear end plate and the front end plate below the treater roll such that a flexible web is guided upwardly by the idler rolls and wound about the treater roll beneath the electrodes.

Abstract: In one corona charging arrangement described in the specification, a coronode supplied with AC voltage is contacted by an insulating member in the form of a mesh of insulating filaments or an imperforate dielectric insulating member or filaments wound around an insulating member and retaining the coronode in fixed position with respect to the insulating member. In another embodiment, the insulating member is a layer of dielectric material coated on a coronode in the form of a corona wire and a capacitor is connected between the AC voltage source and the coronode. By providing an insulating structure for a coronode and applying a DC biased AC voltage to the coronode, improved charging efficiency with respect to prior art arrangements is obtained while reducing generation of ozone and nitrates and increased charging currents are obtained to provide high charging rates without arcing.

Abstract: A mechanism and a method for generating a corona discharge by a wire-shaped corona discharge electrode provides that the corona discharge electrode is stretched between two end blocks that respectively contain a space for the acceptance of a respective electrode holder insert. The electrode holder insert has a rotational-symmetrical electrode receptacle element with an axially parallel electrode receptacle channel in the generated surface as well as a further electrode receptacle channel in an end face, the further channel adjoining the axially parallel channel and residing perpendicularly thereon, and also has an annular cap element that, proceeding from the end face containing the further electrode receptacle channel, can be pressed onto the electrode receptacle element with the corona discharge electrode guided in the electrode receptacle channels.

Abstract: A corona generator including a body and a first support secured to the body is provided. The corona generator also includes a second support secured to the body and spaced from the first support. The corona generator also includes an electrode mounted to the first support and to the second support.

Abstract: A charging device which has a grid disposed between a discharge element and the photosensitive drum. The grid is formed of a regulating portion having a mesh configuration for the range opposing the image area on the photosensitive drum and non-regulating portions with openings for the range opposing the non-image area. The flow of ions discharged from the discharge element is regulated as to their passage through the grid thereby so as to be uniform and charge the image area on the photosensitive drum uniformly. The flow of ions reaches the non-image area without being shaded by the grid, so as to enhance the surface potential for prevention against toner adherence.

Abstract: A shield for a detector or prism of a particle detection system has a body mountable on the detector or prism, divided into first and second compartments by an intermediate wall with a hole therethrough. Air diffuser units In the first compartment (adjacent the detector or prism) generate a stable column of air which prevents the particles contacting the beam window of the detector or prism.

Abstract: A wire tensioning apparatus and method tensions one or more wires by moving the tensioning function from a wire module to an apparatus external to the wire module. Within the wire module, the wire is placed between a movable member and a stationary member. Tension is placed on the wire and adjusted until the desired tension and/or vibrational frequency is met. Once the desired tension and/or vibrational frequency is met, the wire is clamped between the movable and stationary members within the wire module in order to maintain the achieved tension and/or vibrational frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: (i) a corona charger housing including at least two cavities; (ii) a corona wire strung across the housing, the corona wire having at least one end located in one of the cavities; and (iii) a pin at least partially located inside one of the cavities, the pin fixedly securing the end of corona wire inside the cavity. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes (i) a corona charger housing including at least two cavities; (ii) a corona wire having two ends, the corona wire being strung across the housing, the corona wire having each of its ends located in one of the cavities; (iii) pins at least partially located inside the cavities. The pins fixedly secure the ends of corona wire inside the cavities.

Abstract: A corona charger and integral latch member device includes a corona charger having a longitudinally ending wall and a corona generating electrode extending generally parallel with the longitudinally extending wall and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. A latch member has a portion integrally molded with the wall proximate one end of the charger to define part of a bearing surface for engaging a first axially directed member of a roller. The bearing surface is spaced from the wall so as to determine a location of the corona-generating electrode relative to the axially directed member.

Abstract: An apparatus for a corona wire housing comprising a continuous piece of corona wire mounted in a serpentine fashion around multiple pulleys with a single tension spring tensioning the continuous piece of corona wire and fixed terminals supporting the ends of the wire.

Abstract: A device for removing the gaseous laminar boundary layer from at least one of the two sides of a material web moved in transport direction preferably at high speed, for example said web being made of paper, characterized by at least one corona-charging electrode provided with at least one elongate tip, and connectable to a positive (+U) or negative high-voltage source, and characterized by at least one counterelectrode associated with the latter and connectable to a negative (−U) or positive high voltage or ground, with corona-charging electrode on the side of material web having the boundary layer to be removed, and the associated counterelectrode being located on the other side.

Abstract: A charging device comprises a housing defining a charging chamber. Two tensioning shafts are mounted on opposite ends of the housing. The charging device comprises a control grid attached to the grid tensioning shafts, thus substantially covering the chamber opening. The control grid is comprised of a conductive material capable of being stretched along its length. As a result, the grid becomes flat when opposing rotating forces are applied to the two tensioning shafts.

Abstract: A grid electrode for attachment to a corona charger includes a series of substantially parallel grid wires extending in a longitudinal direction of the wires. A flat metallic plate member is formed integral with the wires at one of the longitudinal ends of the wires. A cap member is connected to the plate member. The cap member includes a cover segment having a surface that overlies and is in planar contact engagement with a substantial portion of a respective plate member with a thickness of at least 0.5 millimeters and the cover segment being formed of a material that is substantially electrically more resistive than the flat metallic plate member.

Abstract: Germanium needles as emitter electrodes for use in low particle generating gas ionizers in general and static eliminators in particular. They oxidize with minimal incorporation of nitrogen, and the negative polarity emitters oxidize at a greater rate than the positive polarity emitters. Negative polarity silicon emitters generate several orders of magnitude greater particle emissions than either positive or negative germanium electrodes. The mean particle size is about 0.015 &mgr;m. No particles were shed from these needles. Lowest particle generation is achieved when germanium electrodes are purged with dry air.

Abstract: An AC corona charging arrangement includes a corona generating device connected through a capacitive connection to an AC voltage source and partially surrounded by a conductive shield connected to DC voltage source. In one embodiment the corona generating device is a wire having a diameter of about 50 microns and in another embodiment the corona generating device is a row of pins connected through corresponding capacitance to the AC voltage source. The presence of a capacitance between the AC voltage source and the corona generating device provides a curve representing the relationship between the current between the charging device and an adjacent conductive plate and the shield voltage which is concave downwardly, resulting in a high charging rate and greater uniformity of charging of a photoreceptor surface.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a charge retentive surface is provided. There is also provided a housing; an array of pin electrodes supported by said housing and positioned adjacent said surface in a non-contact relationship; wherein each pin in said array being composed of austenitic stainless steel; a power supply operatively coupled to said pin electrodes for supplying a predetermined current to each of said pin electrode, wherein said predetermined current ranges from 5 &mgr;A/pin and which co-acts with a protruding distance of the pins from the housing so as to optimize the charge uniformity and to minimize the ozone generated within said charging apparatus.

Abstract: In an electrostatic image forming apparatus, including a corona discharger located so as to face an image carrier on which a toner image is to be formed. When a paper or similar recording medium is brought between the image carrier and the discharger, the discharger effects corona discharge at the rear of the recording medium so as to charge the medium to a polarity opposite to the polarity of the toner image. The toner image is then transferred from the image carrier to the recording medium. A polarity switcher allows a voltage of substantially the same polarity as the toner to be applied to a discharge wire included in the discharger, and environmental sensing device allows this voltage to be changed based on temperature and humidity conditions. The apparatus is free from defective discharge and defective image transfer ascribable to the deposition of free or isolated toner on the discharger.

Abstract: A corona generator including a body and a first support secured to the body is disclosed. The first support and the body include a plastic. The corona generator further includes an electrode and a second support secured to the body and spaced from the first support. The electrode is mounted to the first support and to the second support. The first support and the electrode are both operatively connected to the body by one or more welds.

Abstract: A corona charger includes a housing; a corona wire; and a wire replenisher located in the housing, the wire replenisher includes (i) a reversible motor; (ii) a rotatable shaft driven by the motor; (iii) a supply spool supporting a length of the corona wire; (iv) a tension mechanism tensioning corona wire supplied by the supply spool; and (v) a take-up spool located on the shaft.

Abstract: In an electrostatographic imaging apparatus employing at least one charging device, scorotron which consists of one or more fine wires supported on insulated blocks spaced between the photoconductive surface and a conductive or insulative surface parallel to it. A screen or grid is interposed between the corona wires and the photoconductive surface and the grid is maintained at a potential roughly equal to the potential desired on the photoconductive surface. The scorotrons geometry, the individual wires are from 1/2 to 11/2 inches apart and are spaced from the grid by about 3/4 of an inch. Field enhancement electrode(s) are placed on the screen and are biased at the same potential as the screen. The field enhancement electrode(s) enhance electrical performance.