Abstract: A corona charging method of charging a chargeable material by corona charging in an ozone-generation hindering atmosphere including a non-ozone-generating gas, such as carbon dioxide. The corona charging method can be used, for example, in an image formation apparatus, in at least in one of a charging process, an image transfer process, or a charge quenching process for use therein.

Abstract: A multi-detector system receives incident radiation through a subject includes a gaseous microstrip detector, which has alternating anodes and cathodes on a substrate opposite a voltage source, is positioned adjacent a semiconductor detector. In a dual energy environment, electric fields are applied to both detectors as the incident radiation is directed therethrough. Accordingly, the detectors generate corresponding signals which are compared to generate a contrasted signal of the subject. These signals may be generated for imaging, radiation monitoring, radiation measuring and the like. The direction of incident radiation and the orientation of the electric fields may be adjusted according to the particular application. Additionally, the system can be utilized in a single-energy environment where two images of the same incident radiation energy will be formed from the different detector media. By utilizing various processing techniques enhanced contrast between the images can be obtained.

Abstract: The specification discloses an electrophotographic image forming system. The system includes a photoconductor connected to a first electric potential constituting substantially an elongated cylindrical drum provided for rotating around an axis along an elongated direction of the cylindrical drum having an external charging surface disposed thereon. The electrophotographic system further includes a non-contact charger which includes a plurality of mutually insulated conductive films each having a sharp edge pointing perpendicularly to the charging surface. The non-contact charger further includes a packaging frame for securely attaching to and supporting the plurality of mutually insulated conductive films thereon. The plurality of mutually insulated conductive films are connected to a second electric potential different from the first electric potential for activating an electric discharge between the sharp edges of the conductive film and the charging surface.

Abstract: A charge unit 26 includes a charge wire 71. The wire 71 has a wire body 71A and a layer 82 coated on the outer peripheral surface of the wire body 71A. The layer 82 is formed from a cellulose resin binder 81 in which is dispersed particles of electrically conductive molybdenum disulfide. The charge unit 26 is used for forming a uniform charge on the surface of a photosensitive drum 25 in a process unit 7 of a laser printer 1.

Abstract: A unitary removable shield, serving the same function as a film or coating of electrically conductive material applied over the conductive cavity of a universally adaptable corona generating or charging device, is inserted into the cavity to adsorb and desorb nitrogen oxide species produced by negative corona. The unitary removable shield has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration which fits within the cavity. The shield may be retained in the housing by engaging and conforming to the shape of the conductive cavity in a tight frictional fit so as to make electrical contact with the conductive cavity. The shield may also be retained in the housing by tabs or pressure-loadable clips which engage portions of the housing.

Abstract: A conductive slit screen is placed between a corona gun and the surface of a semiconductor wafer. The charge deposited on the wafer by the gun is controlled by a potential applied to the screen. A chuck orients the wafer in close proximity to the screen. A desired charge is applied to the wafer by depositing alternating polarity corona charge until the potential of the wafer equals the potential of the screen.

Abstract: A corona charger and method and apparatus for corona charging features an insulative shield and an electrically biased grid electrode spaced from the shield. One or more substantially bare corona wires are located between the grid electrode and the shield. The corona wires are electrically biased with an AC voltage. An electrically biased highly conductive buried floor electrode forms a part of the charger and has a surface located between the one or more corona wires and the shield. An insulating layer is located between the corona wires and the surface of the buried floor electrode so that there is no exposure of the buried floor electrode in a direct line of sight from a corona wire.

Abstract: In an electrostatographic imaging apparatus employing at least one charging device, in an electrostatic charge process involving the creation of latent electrostatic images, A method for controlling corona current generation by said at least one charging device is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of: generating an AC current and an AC voltage with a power supply; measuring the steady state negative half cycle of current, filtering capacitive current spikes from said negative half cycle current measurement and generating a corona current feedback signal in response to said filtering step; and dynamically adjusting the AC voltage in response to the corona current feedback signal so that the steady state negative half cycle of current measured in said measuring step remains constant.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for preparing a silver complex diffusion transfer reversal material comprising a grained and anodized aluminum foil as support and a photosensitive silver halide emulsion coating, characterized in that said grained and anodized aluminum foil is corona treated in a corona station comprising a roller and at least one electrode, that has been coated with a dielectric coating before said foil is coated by a photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A support mounting supports the corona generating electrode of a corona generating device. A corona generating assembly includes a corona generating electrode member having an elongated length defining a plurality of support openings spaced along the length of the corona generating electrode member, a primary support member having integral, outwardly extending support projections for supporting the corona generating electrode member, with the integral support projections arranged on the primary support member at positions corresponding to the support openings formed in the corona generating electrode member for cooperative engagement therewith, and a secondary support member adapted to define support projection receiving openings corresponding to the support projections of the primary support member for interlocking engagement therewith, such that said corona generating electrode member is sandwiched between the primary support member and the secondary support member.

Abstract: A method of achieving pure tone noise control in a charging system of a copier/printer. The method includes the steps of first providing a plurality of individual charging devices and providing a plurality of power supplies for charging the plurality of individual charging devices. Next, charging at least one of the plurality of individual charging devices with a first of the plurality of power supplies at a predetermined frequency and charging at least one of the plurality of individual charging devices with a second of the plurality of power supplies at a frequency different from, but within a band width of, the predetermined frequency; and, lastly, charging at least one of the plurality of individual charging devices with a third of the plurality of power supplies at a frequency different from that of the first and second power supplies and within the band width of the first power supply frequency.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a charge retentive surface is provided. The charging apparatus is operably electrically connectable to a power supply for supplying an electrical bias to the charging apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing and an electrode mounted to the housing and positioned adjacent the surface in a non-contact relationship therewith. The apparatus also includes a shield connected to the housing and at least partially surrounding the electrode. The apparatus also includes an electrical connector, electrically connected to the shield and electrically connectable to the power supply for providing an electrical bias to the shield. The electrical connector extends from the shield and is integral therewith.

Abstract: A microliter-sized metastable ionization device with a cavity, a sample gas inlet, a corona gas inlet and a gas outlet. A first electrode has a hollow and disposed in the cavity and is in fluid communication with the sample gas inlet. A second electrode is in fluid communication with the corona gas inlet and is disposed around the first electrode adjacent the hollow end thereof. A gap forming means forms a corona gap between the first and second electrodes. A first power supply is connected to the first electrode and the second power supply is connected to the second electrode for generating a corona discharge across the corona gap. A collector has a hollow end portion disposed in the cavity which is in fluid communications with the gas outlet for the outgassing and detection of ionized gases. The first electrode can be a tubular member aligned concentrically with a cylindrical second electrode. The gap forming means can be in annular disc projecting radially inwardly from the cylindrical second electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a substantially consistent current to voltage relationship in a corona charging device having an electrode energized by an AC voltage biased by a first DC offset voltage which is modified by a second DC voltage, and a control surface energized by a third DC voltage which is also varied by the second DC voltage. The apparatus includes a system for monitoring a portion of the AC voltage, and for superimposing the first DC voltage on the monitored voltage to generate a control voltage having an AC component and a DC component, and for further superimposing the second DC voltage on the control voltage to vary the control voltage in response to changes in the second DC voltage. The control voltage is then applied to the electrode of the corona charging device. The apparatus provides a constant DC offset coronode voltage tracking circuit that maintains a substantially consistent current to voltage relationship in a scorotron-type corona charging device.

Abstract: A setup method for a corona charger device used in an electrophotographic recording apparatus. The setup method includes operating the corona charger device in a calibration mode so that charge of a first polarity is output by the device and deposited upon a photoconductive recording member. The level of charge deposited upon the member is sensed and a position of the charger device relative to the member is adjusted so that the level of charge deposited upon the member is at a target level. The charge of the first polarity output for setup is opposite to that of charge output during the production run.

Abstract: An electrostatographic member for use in electrostatographic processes is prepared by directly applying an elastomeric layer to a metal support (or core) that has been treated with corona discharge without primers or intermediate treatments. Adhesion of the elastomeric layer directly to the treated metal support is excellent. One or more such fuser members can be used in combination in an electrostatographic fuser system, such as the combination of a fuser roller and a pressure roller. Intermediate transfer members can also be prepared in this manner.

Abstract: A corona discharge reactor which has a central electrode in the form of a metal rod with radial projections and a cylindrical outer electrode surrounding the inner electrode.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a charge retentive surface is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and an array of pin electrodes supported by the housing and positioned adjacent the surface in a non-contact relationship. The apparatus also includes a generally U shaped shield connected to the housing and at least partially surrounding the array of pin electrodes. The apparatus also includes a grid positioned across distal ends of the shield. The grid defines an effective charge length and an effective grid width. The apparatus also includes a power supply operatively coupled to the pin electrodes for supplying a predetermined current to each of the pin electrode. The power supply provides a predetermined voltage to the grid.

Abstract: A corona charger for depositing an electrostatic charge on a charge retentive surface, without the creation of sheeting defects, the charger includes a coronode, and a power supply operating in cycles and providing in each of the cycles electrical power to the coronode to produce a net positive charging current with voltage to the coronode from the power supply operating in a portion of each cycle with a positive polarity to generate positive corona emissions. The power supply operates so that an AC component of the voltage provided by the power supply has a positive polarity in the range of about 60% to about 85% of each cycle. When operating in a broader range of greater than 50% but less than 100%, DC equivalent current to the coronode is controlled below a value causing sheeting.

Abstract: A lightweight easily installed shield for a corona generating device. A frame to support the end blocks and provide a structural member for a corona generating device is provided. The shield for the corona generating device is made of a lightweight, thin conductive material such as stainless steel and are formed so that they have a generally bowed out cross section prior to installation in the frame. To install the shield in the frame it is squeezed together and inserted in the frame. Once released the resilient bias of the steel causes the shield to be restrained within the frame and can be accurately located and retained by using a locating pin or ridge formed in the frame. The shield described allows easy and accurate assembly of the corona generating device.

Abstract: A charging device is designed in the following manner. Firstly, an optimization of the shape and size of an MC case is performed based on a film thickness and process speed of a photoreceptor (S1). Then, optimization of grid conditions (S2), saw-tooth conditions (S3), a distribution ratio of discharge current (S4) and a grid voltage (S5) are performed respectively, and a minimization of the discharge current is performed (S6). Lastly, surrounding conditions are taken into consideration (S7). The order of performing the processes in S1.about.S6 is not specified. By designing the charging device so as to have at least one feature obtained by the processes in S2.about.S7, a stable discharging operation, a uniform charging operation on the surface of the photoreceptor, reduction in amount of ozone generated when discharging, and reduced size and cost of the charging device can be achieved, and the charging device can be designed effectively in a short period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a generator of ions in gaseous medium comprising at least one emissive needle (Ag) disposed in a system of plates (P.sub.2, P.sub.4, P.sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving optimum noise control of multiple coronode wires in a copier/printer involves optimizing phase relationships of the voltage on the wires in such a way so as to steer the maximum part of the noise distribution profile in the direction best suited for absorption or dissipation. In a two corotron charging system, the coronodes are preferably charged to where the phase angle, charge frequency and spacing between wires are optimized. If desired, a sound absorption material could be added to the charging system.

Abstract: An improved process for manufacturing glass coated wire, for example, a corona generating electrode having a dielectric coating layer of the type used in electrostatographic printing applications, wherein predetermined stresses are induced along the axial, radial, and hoop stress vectors present in the dielectric coating.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a sawtooth AC charger (10) in which an AC voltage signal applied to sawtooth blades (12) has a duty cycle greater than 50%. Duty cycles above about 70% increase the uniformity of negative charging without significantly increasing the peak voltage to the sawtooth blades.

Abstract: An electrophotographing method using a corona charging device having areas with and without a grid. Prior to at least a second exposure step, a charging step is effected using both areas relative to the grid. A voltage applied to the grid in the second charging is lower than that in the first charging, and lower than a potential of a non-image region of the photosensitive body.

Abstract: A corona generating device with light blocking ability in order to prevent premature exposure of film includes a dielectric support substrate, a corona producing member attached to a surface of the dielectric support member, a low voltage DC source connected to the corona producing member, a blocking electrode positioned above a surface of the dielectric support substrate opposite from the surface having the corona producing member attached thereto with the blocking electrode being adapted to block light produced by ions emitted from said corona producing member from reaching the area of the film being charged, and a high voltage AC source coupled to the corona producing member for energizing the corona producing member to emit ions therefrom.

Abstract: A device for handling corona charger wires in order to facilitate the placement of wires within the housing of the corona charger. The corona wire handling device includes a substantially rectangular frame, the frame having opposed long side members and opposed short side members. The long side members of the rectangular frame are readily separable from the short side members thereof. A mechanism, associated with the rectangular frame, is provided for supporting an intermediate portion of at least one corona wire on the frame. Further, a mechanism is provided for controlling tension on the corona wire induced by the corona wire intermediate support mechanism.

Abstract: A corona-discharging type charging device for charging a photoreceptor includes saw tooth-shaped electrodes facing the photoreceptor; side plates applied with a DC bias voltage Vs and provided on both sides of the saw tooth-shaped electrodes; and a control grid applied with a DC bias voltage Vg and provided between the saw tooth-shaped electrodes and the photoreceptor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an electrostatic latent image carrier, and a charging device which includes an electric discharge electrode having a plurality of projection and a grid electrode located between the electric discharge electrode and the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. A grid electrode electric current Ig passing through the grid electrode and an image carrier electric current Ip passing through the conductive base of electrostatic latent image carrier satisfy the following relationship:1.5.ltoreq.Ig/Ip.ltoreq.4.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an opening portion that opens toward a photosensitive body and has a stagnant portion in which discharge products produced by a discharging means stagnate. A partition member is disposed in the vicinity of an opening of the opening portion, the opening opposing a photosensitive body, the partition member preventing discharge products that fall from the stagnant portion from falling directly into contact with the photosensitive body.

Abstract: An improved wire corona charging apparatus and processes for treating webs and films, to improve surface wettability characteristics and other surface properties, and to create permanently charged electrets. Corona produced by wires results in more evenly distributed ion flux under a high level of control, than possible with commonly used bar chargers. Wire chargers are not used in applications that involve webs and films of large width, since at these widths wires can slacken and break, resulting in possible electric shorting that can be a safety hazard in most non-batch processes. The embodiments disclosed overcome these reliability and safety issues.

Abstract: Printing machines and systems which incorporate recharging stations comprised of two corona generating devices which act together to recharge a previously developed photoreceptor to a predetermined potential. The first corona generating device recharges the photoreceptor's surface to a greater absolute potential than a predetermined potential which the surface is to have after being recharged. The second corona generating device reduces the photoreceptor's surface to the potential that it is to have. The second corona generating device is comprised of a plurality of spaced apart coronodes which each can impress charges on the photoreceptor's surface. The second corona generating device receives electrical inputs and applies DC potentials to the coronodes such that adjacent coronodes have opposite polarities.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus which does not unfavorably influence its surrounding environment when in use and is excellent in durability of use and safety is provided. In the image-forming apparatus, a photosensitive layer is disposed on the outer surface of a closed-loop substrate drum, while a charge device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a cleaning device are provided around the substrate drum. The substrate drum is made of a light element. The charge device is constituted by a charging X-ray generation member, which is disposed within the substrate drum and emits an X-ray through the substrate drum and photosensitive layer so as to electrolytically dissociate the air on the surface of the photosensitive layer, and an electric-field application member which guides, by means of an electric field, a gaseous ion formed by this electrolytic dissociation to the surface of the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a corona wire in a toner supply and a toner cartridge employing the apparatus and method for cleaning a corona wire. The apparatus and method allow a user to free the corona wire from debris or excess toner without interrupting the use of a printer for long periods of time. The apparatus includes toner cartridge, a housing for the corona wire, and a compact cleaning cartridge tool. The cartridge cleaning tool further includes a cleaning support element, a cleaning element, a handle and a hook element.

Abstract: A conductive screen is placed between a corona gun and the surface of a semiconductor wafer. The charge deposited on the wafer by the gun is controlled by a potential applied to the screen. A chuck orients the wafer in close proximity to the screen. A desired charge is applied to the wafer by first applying a surplus of one charge to the wafer and then depositing an opposite polarity charge until the potential of the wafer equals the potential of the screen.

Abstract: A scorotron charging unit for charging Verde film residing on the inner surface of an imagesetter drum has a charging region that encompasses a 270.degree. sector of the drum. The scorotron is fashioned by attaching a metallic strip coronode having a sawtooth edge around a section of pipe. Each tooth of the sawtooth strip is bent to an angle of about 90.degree. with respect to the surface of the pipe. This pipe is slipped inside another pipe that includes a slit for the passage of ions in the direction of the Verde film, thus forming a scorotron. The scorotron while sliding through the drum holding this film, charges the film to sensitize it for imaging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the charge line of the transfer charger before copying process in an electrostatic apparatus. The cleaning apparatus comprises cleaning member, such as brush, light-blocking plate, driving motor, a pair of pulleys, wire, positon sensors and control member. Motor driving program is recorded on the the controller for applying power and cleaning the charge line automatically, whereby a dim or unclear image does not appear on copy sheets.

Abstract: A printing machine adapted to print an image on a plurality of different predefined sized sheets, including an imaging member adapted to receive the image on a plurality of predefined image areas on the surface of the imaging member. A selector is provided for selecting one of the plurality of different predefined sized sheets to be printed on. And, a corona generating device is provided for charging only one of the plurality of different predefined image areas associated with the one of the plurality of different predefined sized sheets selected.

Abstract: An element in a corona generating device having at least one conductive corona discharge electrode for depositing negative charge on an imaging surface in an electrostatographic imaging apparatus, the element being capable of adsorbing nitrogen oxide species generated when said corona generating device is energized and capable of desorbing nitrogen oxide species when the corona generating device is not energized, the element having an adhesion, promoting surface reclaimed from prior use in a similar capacity by immersion in an alkaline ultrasonic bath where the cavitation action of the bath is sufficient to remove any binder thereon and any metal, metallic compound and other solid particles as solid particles without metallic dissolution in the alkaline bath while at the same time providing a random microetched surface roughness to promote the subsequent coating and adherence of a substantially continuous thin conductive dry film of aluminum hydroxide containing graphite and powdered nickel, the reclaimed ele

Abstract: Corona generating devices, and printing machines which use such devices, which include a shell, a plurality of corona wires within the shell, and a power source which outputs first and second alternating voltages which are out-of-phase with each other. The plurality of corona wires are interconnected so as to form two groups of wires. The wires in the first group are operatively connected to the first alternating voltage and the wires in the second group are operatively connected to the second alternating voltage. The corona wires are located within the shell such that wires of the first group are adjacent wires of the second group, and such that wires of the second group are adjacent wires of the first group. The corona generating device beneficially includes a metallic screen which acts as a grid and which controls the corona flow from the corona generating device.

Abstract: A corona discharge device includes a plurality of discharge electrodes each having a pointed tip for concentrating electric field, a plurality of resistors and a common electrode, each of the plurality of resistors connects corresponding one of the plurality of discharge electrodes to the common electrode, and causes a prescribed voltage drop within a range of from 200 V to 2000 V.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for glow discharge treatment of opposite surfaces of a moving web such as a plastic film or metallic sheet. The web moves in a vacuum housing between two rows of elongated electrodes arranged in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the web. Coolant flows through an elongated hollow space in each electrode. The electrodes are fitted into a single common socket which is removably attached to the vacuum housing. A shielding member made of metallic material covers only the part of each electrode which is laterally offset to a side of the web. Each shielding member is connected to ground via a conductor and is spaced away from the outer peripheral surface of each electrode by a gap which is sufficiently small to prevent discharging of electricity from occurring in the gap when the web is subjected to glow discharging treatment.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for creation of corona over an area, and for treating electrically-conductive surfaces which might otherwise experience arcing from the electrode arrangement to the surface. The arrangement includes an electrode, and an electrically insulative shroud for the electrode. A source of nitrogen gas is provided for creating a non-arcing atmosphere. The electrode is stationary or rotatable with the shroud.

Abstract: A corona generating device including a housing for receiving a replaceable shield having a base shield element and a pair of side shield elements, wherein each of the shield elements are mounted in the housing in a configuration so as to partially enclose a corona generating electrode. The housing is provided with pivotable side panels which each further include a pair of lip elements forming a channel for slidably receiving a respective side shield element. The side panels are pivoted about a pivot axis for facilitating the service and replacement of the side shield elements to thereby prolong the operational life of the corona generating device.

Abstract: Cleaning of a product in strip or sheet form.The device is characterised in that:the electrode is enclosed in an insulating housing (20) connected to the said channel by an antihalo duct (30),the housing is swept by a weak flow of air, so as to carry away the ions on the moving strip.Application to unexposed photosensitive products.

Abstract: A corona generating device of the type having a conductive shield partially surrounding a corona discharge electrode is provided with heating element. The heating element raises the surface temperature of the conductive shield to reduce or eliminate the adsorption of corona effluents and thereby minimize or prevent copy quality defects.

Abstract: A device for humidifying and ionizing air includes a first chamber for humidifying the air, a second chamber, which is separate from the first chamber, for ionizing the air, and means for aspirating and expelling the air through the two chambers, keeping the streams of ionized air and of water vapor separate.

Abstract: A device for applying an electrical charge to a charge retentive surface by transporting ions in a fluid media and transferring the ions to the member to be charged across the fluid media/charge retentive surface interface. The fluid media is positioned in contact with a charge retentive surface for depositing ions onto the charge retentive surface. In one specific embodiment, the fluid media is a ferrofluid material wherein a magnet is utilized to control the position of the fluid media, which, in turn, can be utilized to selectively control the activation of the charging process.

Abstract: A corona generating device for depositing a negative charge on an imaging surface carried on a conductive substrate held at a reference potential comprising; at least one elongated conductive corona discharge electrode supported between insulating end blocks, means to connect said electrode to a corona generating potential source, at least one element adjacent said corona discharge electrode capable of adsorbing nitrogen oxide species generated when said corona discharge electrode is energized and capable of desorbing nitrogen oxide species when said electrode is not energized, said at least one element being coated with a substantially continuous, thin, uniform, electrically conductive, nonpermeable, substantially nonreactive and noncorroding film of a metal deposited in the amorphous state from the vapor state.