Abstract: An electricity conducting wheel includes a wheel body, and an electricity conducting plate; the wheel body includes a bearing, a frame, and a conducting tire around the frame; the conducting plate is joined in the wheel body, with the bearing being held in a middle fitting hole thereof; the conducting plate has several conducting parts extending outwards from its fitting hole; the frame is directly joined on the bearing and the conducting parts of the conducting plate in an injection molding process thereof; the conducting plate has several fastening sections protruding from an outward end of each of the conducting parts; the fastening sections bend so that an angle exists between each of the conducting parts and each of the fastening sections; the tire is directly joined on the frame and the fastening sections of the conducting plate in another injection molding process, whereby the tire is formed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus (40) to neutralize the charge on a moving web (42) by splitting the field present on the web (42). One portion of the field is removed by a grounded element (55a, 55) proximate to, and optionally contacting, one side of the web (42). Proximate the opposite side of the web, the apparatus includes an ion source (57a, 57b, 57c), which provides ions to the web (42) to neutralize the charge remaining on the web (42), and a second grounded element (50a, 50b, 50c) positioned between the ion source (57a, 57b,57c) and the web (42). The methods provide a web (42) that is net neutralized and is also dual-side or bipolar neutralized.

Abstract: A roller apparatus includes a rotating roller, a bushing frictionally supporting the rotating roller, a frame having a bushing hole into which a bushing is inserted and supporting the bushing, and a grounding member interposed between the bushing and the frame and grounding the bushing by press contacting with the bushing when the bushing is inserted into the bushing hole. Thus, the roller apparatus effectively grounds a bushing.

Abstract: A flexible conductive static control brush assembly includes first and second brushes disposed on a common backing strip. Each brush includes a plurality of filaments disposed inwardly from opposite edges of the backing strip. Bands overlie outer end portions of the filaments adjacent edges of the backing strip, with the bands covering only a portion of each filament length. The backing strip includes parting lines for tearing to remove an intermediate portion of the backing strip between the brushes to expose the filaments.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image carrying member, on a surface of which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a charging roll that is in contact with the image carrying member to charge the surface of the image carrying member to a prescribed potential. The charging roll has, in non-image forming areas in both end parts in an axial direction of the charging roll, large diameter parts having a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of a center part of the charging roll, and small diameter parts having a smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of the center part inside the large diameter parts in the axial direction. Differences in outer diameter of the large diameter part and the small diameter part from the outer diameter of the center part each is approximately 0.25% or less of the outer diameter of the center part.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a latent image supporting body configured by a substrate and a covering layer provided on the substrate; and a charging device which is a rotating body configured by an axis member and a charging member provided on the axis member, and which charges the latent image supporting body facing the charging member. In this image forming apparatus, a value, which is obtained by dividing a capacitance [pF] between the axis member in the rotating body and the substrate in the latent image supporting body by the length [mm] in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the surface migration of the charging member, is set to be at least 0.35 [pF/mm], the capacitance being obtained when, instead of the latent image supporting body, the substrate in the latent image supporting body is caused to face the charging member.

Abstract: A cable management panel having a grounding arrangement. The grounding arrangement including a rolling ground strap interconnected to each of a drawer and a chassis of the cable management panel. The rolling ground strap being arranged to include a loop that rolls along the length of the ground strap.

Abstract: A charging unit available in a process unit detachably attached to an image forming apparatus includes a charging member configured to uniformly charge a surface of an image carrying member while contacting the image carrying member, and a charge bias applying unit configured to apply a charge bias superimposing a direct current voltage on an alternating current voltage to the charging member. The alternating current voltage satisfies a relational expression of “Vpp×0.4/t?8.8×103”, “Vpp” representing a peak-to-peak voltage of the alternating current voltage in the charge bias, and “t” representing a time period from a first point of a swing of a wave component starting to swing by a large amount to a same polarity as the direct current voltage of the charge bias to a second point of the swing of the wave component reaching approximately 80% of an amplitude of the wave component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an electrostatic brush for an electrical device or a hand-held tool; and, the electrostatic brush can be eaily fabricated and contains electrostatic lines to be used with ease.

Abstract: A method for directing a current generated by a lightning striking a wind turbine is described. The method includes directing the current from a main shaft of the wind turbine to a brake disc attached to the shaft, and directing the current from the brake disc to one of a spark gap and a roller mechanism coupled to a down-conductor at a ground voltage.

Abstract: An electrostatic receiving mechanism of an electronic indicating device installed on the electronic indicating device and electrically connected to a grounding circuit of a circuit board is provided. The electrostatic receiving mechanism mainly includes a frame, a roller mechanism, and a supporting beam. The roller mechanism is assembled onto the frame and the frame and the roller mechanism may slide relative to each other along the guide rails of the frame, and the supporting beam is made of a metallic conductive material and electrically connected to the grounding circuit. The supporting beam has an extension arm extending towards and close to an outer edge of the roller mechanism, thereby forming an electrostatic receiving mechanism.

Abstract: An electricity-conducting roller includes a hub joined to a lower end of a frame of a vehicle, and an electricity-conducting roller module; a wheel of the vehicle is fitted on the hub, and the electricity-conducting roller module is fitted to a bottom of the hub, and comprises a fixed supporting member secured to the bottom of the hub, an electricity-conducting roller, a swinging support member pivoted on the fixed support member for holding the electricity-conducting roller in position, and an elastic element to bias the swinging support member downwards in order for the electricity-conducting roller to be in constant touch with the floor; the swinging support member will swing up and down while the vehicle is moving on an uneven floor, thus preventing the electricity-conducting roller from being obstructed by bumps and holes on the uneven floor.

Abstract: A static eliminator comprises at least one discharge needle for generating ions to eliminate static charge. A first hollow cylinder includes at least one opening for ions generated by the discharge needle to be emitted outside and provided with brushes for cleaning the discharge needle. A second hollow cylinder is provided with the discharge needle and rotatably disposed inside the first hollow cylinder. A discharge needle rotating mechanism is provided for causing to rotate the second hollow cylinder around the axis thereof to clean the discharge needle by wiping the discharge needle with the brushes.

Abstract: An electrical conductive member is configured to prevent a shape distortion in gap retaining members caused by that the gap retaining members are fitted to an end surface of an electric resistance adjusting layer, and to be able to maintain a gap between the electric residence adjusting layer and an image carrier for a long-term in a constant state with a high accuracy.

Abstract: A grounding device for a roll-out electrical component is provided. The grounding device includes an actuation assembly, a static grounding contact assembly, and a biasing device. The actuation assembly structured to be engaged/disengaged by a roll-out electrical component. The static grounding contact assembly has at least one static grounding contact member that is structured to move between a first position, wherein the static grounding contact member does not contact a roll-out electrical component at least one contact, and a second position, wherein the static grounding contact member contacts, and is in electrical communication with, the roll-out electrical component at least one contact. The static grounding contact assembly is coupled to the actuation assembly and responsive to the position of the roll-out electrical component. The biasing device is structured to bias the actuation assembly and the static grounding contact member to their respective first positions.

Abstract: A multiple electricity conducting wheel is fitted to a vehicle and interposed between two wheel bodies of a wheel of the vehicle, and includes first and second holding members, and a small-diameter electricity conducting roller with an axle supported with the second holding member; the first holding member contains the second holding member, and has two opposing slots, through which the axle of the roller is passed; the second holding member is biased downwards by a spring so as to ensure that the electricity conducting roller will be constantly in contact with the floor; the spring is positioned around a rod part, which is passed through tops of the first and the second holding members, and joined to a metallic hub of the vehicle wheel; thus, static electricity carried on the vehicle can travel to the floor through the electricity conducting wheel.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a charge roller, a charge erasing device and a preliminary voltage-applying member disposed around a rotationally movable photosensitive member. The charge roller subjects a surface of the photosensitive member to a charge process while contacting the surface of the photosensitive member. The charge erasing device is on an upstream side of the photosensitive member relative to the charge roller and erases the charged area in the photosensitive member. The preliminary voltage-applying member is on an upstream side of photosensitive member relative to the charge erasing device and applies to the surface of the photosensitive member a voltage of the same polarity as the voltage applied from the charge roller to the surface, while contacting the surface. The preliminary voltage-applying member is reciprocated along the surface of the photosensitive member and in a direction orthogonal to the movement direction of the surface.

Abstract: A charging unit is disclosed capable of reducing undue variation and fluctuation margin of a charging gap, and controlling accurately the proper gap durably over the change of environmental conditions, which is suitably incorporated into an image forming apparatus. The charging unit is configured to charge an image bearing member in a non-contact arrangement, including a charging roller provided with a core shaft, a charging member formed of electroconductive resin integrally disposed on the periphery of the core shaft, and gap holding members formed of insulating resin each disposed at respective ends of the charging member outside an image forming region. The control of the charging gap is feasible by either forming the gap with a charging member having such a materials condition as to satisfy the relation, |G30?G10|×5<G20, where G10, G20 and G30 are the gap averages at 10°, 20° and 30° C.

Abstract: A static eliminator comprises at least one discharge needle for generating ions to eliminate static charge. A first hollow cylinder includes at least one opening for ions generated by the discharge needle to be emitted outside and provided with brushes for cleaning the discharge needle. A second hollow cylinder is provided with the discharge needle and rotatably disposed inside the first hollow cylinder. A discharge needle rotating mechanism is provided for causing to rotate the second hollow cylinder around the axis thereof to clean the discharge needle by wiping the discharge needle with the brushes.

Abstract: A contact charging roller includes a support member and a conductive coating member. The conductive coating member is composed of a seamless tube that contains at least (1) a non-polar resin or a styrene-type thermoplastic elastomer excluding a poly(styrene-hydrogentaged butadiene-styrene) block terpolymer and (2) a polar resin or an elastomer having a polar functional group containing at least nitrogen or oxygen, and contains carbon black in an amount of 10% to 60% by mass with respect to the total mass of the non-polar resin or elastomer and the polar resin or elastomer.

Abstract: A grounding brush for mitigating static electric charge on a motor shaft includes a plurality of filaments secured to an annular frame around the shaft, with tips of the filaments disposed in a channel defined by the frame. Conductive powder can be provided in the channel to improve current flow from the shaft to the filaments.

Abstract: A static charge neutralizer for a moving component of an apparatus includes a plurality of filaments on a conductive strip, with tips of the filaments disposed adjacent but spaced from the moving component. The filaments induce ionization in the presence of an electrical field from the statically charged surface of the moving component.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a charging device including a charge roller formed with annular grooves at opposite end portions thereof and configured to charge an image carrier. Annular gap forming members each are fitted in the annular grooves for forming a gap between the charge roller and the image carrier. The gap forming members each have an area of 1.0×10?6 m2 to 3.0×10?6 m2 in a section containing the axis of the charge roller.

Abstract: An imaging device, including a reader adapted to receive a removable memory device, the reader having an opening through which to receive the removable memory device; and a static discharge device disposed proximate the opening such that the removable memory contacts the static discharge device prior to being received through the opening, the static discharge device being electrically grounded.

Abstract: A grounding method and apparatus for robustly grounding a photoreceptor assembly, including a conductive photoreceptor drum, in a xerographic image producing machine. The grounding apparatus includes (a) a flange including a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second and smaller diameter; (b) a conductive plating formed on said flange presenting a relatively large conductive surface area for contactably assembling against walls of the conductive photoreceptor drum; and (c) an electrical connector for electrically connecting the large conductive surface area of the conductive plating to an electrically conductive drive shaft of the xerographic image producing machine.

Abstract: An electro-conductive roll is provided that makes contact with a body to be charged in a state in which a voltage is applied thereto, and charges the body to be charged, a surface of the electro-conductive roll satisfying the following conditions (a) and (b): (a) the surface of the electro-conductive roll has a 10-point average roughness of 5 ?m or less; and (b) the surface of the electro-conductive roll has a dynamic ultra-microhardness in the range of 0.04 to 0.5.

Abstract: A contact charger for charging a charging target (e.g., a photosensitive member) includes a brush to be in contact with the charging target, and auxiliary charging particles to be interposed between the brush and the charging target. Fibers of the brush have a volume resistivity from 1×101 ?·cm to 1×108 ?·cm, a primary particle diameter of the auxiliary charging particles is in a range from 0.01 ?m to 10 ?m, and a push-in amount of the brush with respect to the charging target is in a range from 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm. The brush moves relatively to the charging target for charging the charging target. An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member to be charged by the charger.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a charging device including a charge roller formed with annular grooves at opposite end portions thereof and configured to charge an image carrier. Annular gap forming members each are fitted in the annular grooves for forming a gap between the charge roller and the image carrier. The gap forming members each have an area of 1.0×10?6 m2 to 3.0×10?6 m2 in a section containing the axis of the charge roller.

Abstract: A charging apparatus has a movable image bearing member, a first charging member for charging the image bearing member, and a second charging member provided upstream of the first charging member with respect to the direction of movement of the image bearing member, the second charging member having an elastic rotary member rubbing against the image bearing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a charging device including a charge roller formed with annular grooves at opposite end portions thereof and configured to charge an image carrier. Annular gap forming members each are fitted in the annular grooves for forming a gap between the charge roller and the image carrier. The gap forming members each have an area of 1.0×10?6 m2 to 3.0×10?6 m2 in a section containing the axis of the charge roller.

Abstract: A brush charger for static-charging a photosensitive drum by a contact method has a charging brush roller. The charging brush roller has a brush of a large number of conductive fibers, and the brush is wound around a conductive support spirally. The conductive fibers are 1.5 to 4 deniers in thickness D, are 2 mm in length L and are planted at a density not less than 150,000 filaments/inch2, and the thickness D and the length L of the conductive fibers meet the condition, D?0.71L?1.61.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightning arrester. The lightning arrester safely discharges earth charge of a main electrode section and an auxiliary electrode section regardless of a variation of charge contained in air, so charge charged in a thundercloud is safely discharged into the earth even if the thundercloud is located far-remote from the earth.

Abstract: A charging apparatus has a movable image bearing member, a first charging member for charging the image bearing member, and a second charging member provided upstream of the first charging member with respect to the direction of movement of the image bearing member, the second charging member having an elastic rotary member rubbing against the image bearing member.

Abstract: In order to solve the problem, there is provided a charging device having: a roll-like charging member disposed in contact with a surface of a member to be charged and for charging the surface of the member to be charged; wherein: the charging member includes a conductive substrate, and at least an elastic layer and a surface layer applied sequentially onto a surface of the conductive substrate; and opposite end portions of the surface layer axially project beyond opposite end portions of the elastic layer respectively, while the opposite end portions of the surface layer are made to cover the elastic layer and made open.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: (1) an electrically conductive member including: a cylindrical base body; and electrically conductive powder sealed inside of the cylindrical base body in a substantially flowable state, or (2) an electrically conductive member including: a cylindrical base body; and electrically conductive powder sealed inside of the cylindrical base body so as not to completely fill the inner volume thereof, or (3) an electrically conductive member including: a cylindrical base body; and electrically conductive powder sealed inside of the cylindrical base body so as to fill only from 20 to 95% of the inner volume thereof. Moreover, the present invention discloses an image forming apparatus equipped with any of the electrically conductive members.

Abstract: In the charging device, a frequency f(Hz) is set so that a frequency f(Hz) of an AC voltage to be applied to a charging member and a movement rate v(mm/sec) of the surface of an image carrier satisfy f(Hz)≧40(1/mm)·v(mm/sec), the charging device positioned in a non-contact state with the surface of the image carrier.

Abstract: A charging contact plate is used for preventing a primary charge roller of a cartridge used in a printer from shifting in a longitudinal direction and for charging the primary charge roller. The charging contact plate includes a main plate, a semicircle plate and a contact portion. The main plate has an end fastened on the cartridge and connected with a power supply within the printer. The semicircle plate has an end disposed at another end of the main plate. And, the contact portion has an end disposed at another end of the semicircle plate and has another end contacting with the primary charge roller.

Abstract: A static controlling system is provided for effectively and economically controlling static charge build up on a driven web member moving in contact with support structures. The static controlling system includes (a) at least one resistive contact member for contacting the surface of the driven web member, and (b) a bias source coupled to the resistive contact member for biasing the resistive contact member to apply to the surface of the driven web member a neutralizing bias, having a selected polarity and potential level, thereby effectively neutralizing and controlling static charge build up on the driven web member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low tacky, conductive, soft urethane roller for use in a printer. The roller includes a metal salt evenly or homogeneously distributed in a copolymer formed of a diisocyanate, a reactive silicone containing an amine group; and a polyol or a polyamine. The roller can also have a volume resistivity of between about 1E5 ohm-cm and about 5E10 ohm-cm, and includes a metal salt solution in a copolymer formed of a diisocyanate, a reactive silicone containing a hydroxyl group and/or an amine group; and a polyol and/or a polyamine.

Abstract: A static electricity discharging loader for sheet materials is utilized discharging the static electricity on stacked sheet materials and the sheet materials are stacked on the static electricity discharging loader and the loader comprises a container to contain the sheet materials, a static electricity discharging device with a static electricity discharging brush and when the sheet materials is taken out the container, the sheet materials will contact the static electricity discharging brush and then remove the static electricity on it so that the sheet materials are taken out from the container smoothly.

Abstract: In order to apply bias to a charging roller for charging a surface of a photoconductive drum uniformly, a power supply roller, which rotates while contacting with a surface of the charging roller, is provided. Brushes may be provided on the surface of the power supply roller. Further, by providing a member for removing a toner and sheet particles adhering to the surfaces of the charging roller and the power supply roller, the surface of the charging roller can be maintained in a clean condition and the surface of the photoconductive drum can be charged statically and uniformly.

Abstract: A grounding device includes flexible, insulative left and right sliding bodies and a conductive strip. Each sliding body has inner and outer abutment walls, and includes an urging tongue portion which has a distal end flush with the inner abutment wall when the latter abuts against an outer wall of an electric component module accommodated within a housing. The conductive strip has a contact end portion anchored on the urging tongue portion and clamped between the module and the urging tongue portion, a middle portion extending from the contact end portion into a mounting slot formed in a respective one of the sliding bodies, and a contact juncture protruding beyond the outer abutment wall to abut against an inner wall of the housing to thereby establish electrical contact between the module and the housing.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a lightning prevention system that prevents lightning strikes by draining the ambient static charge before the electrical potential reaches the electrical breakdown point of the atmosphere. This invention suppresses the radiation of a secondary incoming radio wave (IRW) by reducing the electromagnetic interaction of an incoming IRW with components of this invention. To this end, this invention consists of a static charge dissipater and a grounding line. The static charge dissipater is a conductive tube that contains a large number of small diameter conductive wires that are partially inside the conductive tube. The single grounding line consists of an application appropriate length of small gauge wire. To prevent the radiation of a secondary IRW, ferrite beads are spaced equally along the grounding line at an application appropriate distance.

Abstract: A broom type particle collector has a particle pick-up assembly joined to an elongated handle. The pick-up assembly has a non-electrical conductive foam plastic member accommodating a cathode for imparting negative charges or particles and an anode for collecting the charged particles. An electrical power supply located within the handle provides electric power to the cathode and anode.

Abstract: Static brushes suitable for handling electric charges so as to obtain static electricity control including static discharge in web handling devices such as printers, presses, xerographic copiers and other film and paper handling equipment is made of conductive thread wound in continuous turns around a mandrel and slit to form open-ended loops forming the brush bristles. A continuous element or elements, such as a wire or wires, may be placed on the mandrel and the turns are wound thereon. Strips of pressure-sensitive tape are adhered along the sides of said loops and encompass the element(s) so as to hold the loops and elements assembled as unitary brushes, which may readily be installed in equipment requiring static control by removing releasable paper over pressure-sensitive material on the outside of these strips. Double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape may be used in constructing the brushes.

Abstract: An electrically poorly conductive material for producing external glow-discharge protection for an electrical conductor, includes a base material which is provided with a conductive coating on at least one side. In order to ensure adequate external glow-discharge protection and cost-effective production of an insulating sleeve, even for high rated voltages, the conductive coating is produced essentially from carbon, which has microcrystalline and amorphous structures.

Abstract: A magnetic particle for charging is disclosed. The magnetic particle includes magnetic particles having particle diameters of 5 .mu.m or more. The magnetic particles having particle diameters of 5 .mu.m or more have a standard deviation of short-axis length/long-axis length of 0.08 or more, and a volume resistance value in the range of 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.9 .OMEGA.cm. Also, provided are a charging member, a charging device, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus, using the magnetic particle.

Abstract: A member for feeding sheets is provided with a core and a cover mounted on the core. The cover is made of a conductive material or one whose coefficient of friction is lower than that of the sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a web. The apparatus includes a charging electrode disposed on one side of the web and an insulating roller for supporting the web. The insulating roller is disposed on the other side of the web and is in contact with the web. A discharging electrode is provided in contact with the insulating roller for removing charge from a surface of the insulating roller as the roller rotates. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the charging electrode is held at a first constant potential, and the discharge electrode is held at a second constant potential.

Abstract: A charge roller has a steel shaft and conductive outer cylindrical body which is formed by curing with heat a blend comprised of epichlorohydrin rubber, mineral-oil-free zinc oxide dispersion, stearic acid as a lubricant, accelerators and a sulfur donor. The roller has a long useful life and does not express oil while inactive.