Abstract: A gloss treatment device includes an endless belt to convey a print medium in a conveyance direction, a heating roller to heat the print medium, a pressing roller to press the print medium and the endless belt against the heating roller at a nip position, and a charging device located upstream the nip position in the conveyance direction, to charge the print medium with an electrostatic charge.

Abstract: A document scanning device includes first and second image sensors spaced along a document path and positioned to scan first and second sides of an input document. A first driven belt is configured to receive the input document directly onto a first surface of the first driven belt and transports the document past the first image sensor, where a first side of the document is scanned. A second driven belt, horizontally spaced from the first driven belt, receives the document after it has been scanned by the second image sensor and transports the document to an output. The device is suited to scanning of a variety of substrates and document sizes, such as normal, small, rigid, or delicate documents as the document path can be substantially straight and provide support for the document during scanning allowing delicate, small or rigid documents to be scanned.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that carries a developer image, a carrying part that carries a medium; and a guide part that forms a carrying path to guide the medium carried by the carrying part toward a transfer position where the developer image carried by the image carrier is transferred to the medium. The guide part is configured to change a thickness of the carrying path according to a kind of the medium.

Abstract: A system and method are provided implementing advanced stripping of image receiving media substrates, including substrates involved in any cut-sheet image forming process in an image forming device that includes a pressure nip necessitating an ability to reliably remove the sheets of image receiving media substrate from a conformable belt and/or roller surface. An appropriate peel force is applied to and opposite side of the image receiving media substrate that effectively peels an image receiving media substrate and image combination from an intermediate transfer belt downstream of a conformable transfer nip. A relatively small diameter stripper roller is positioned downstream of, and in close proximity to, the conformable transfer nip as an apparatus by which to effect application of the appropriate peel force. The small diameter stripper roller has a contact surface formed of an appropriately tacky material, including certain silicone materials, to apply the peel force.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an endless belt member; a drive unit moving the endless belt member; a first detecting unit detecting a rotating speed of the drive unit; a second detecting unit detecting an endless transport speed of the endless belt member; and a control unit controlling the rotating speed of the drive unit based on a first detection signal from the first detecting unit or a second detection signal from the second detecting unit selectively depending on a selection condition. Upon selection of the first detection signal in accordance with the selection condition, the control unit corrects the rotating speed of the drive unit using the second detection signal such that an average value of the endless transport speed of the endless belt member approaches a target average value.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a protective sheet including: a protective portion that can be inserted between a charging member which is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of a latent image carrier and the latent image carrier, and that can cover an image forming area formed on the outer peripheral surface of the latent image carrier; and a high friction portion that is connected to an end portion of the protective portion, that can be inserted between a pressing portion for being pressed against a background area formed on the outer peripheral surface of the latent image carrier and the background area of the latent image carrier, and whose dynamic frictional force when pulled out from the latent image carrier is higher than that of the protective portion.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a protective sheet including: a protective portion that can be inserted between a charging member which is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of a latent image carrier and the latent image carrier, and that can cover an image forming area formed on the outer peripheral surface of the latent image carrier; and a high friction portion that is connected to an end portion of the protective portion, that can be inserted between a pressing portion for being pressed against a background area formed on the outer peripheral surface of the latent image carrier and the background area of the latent image carrier, and whose dynamic frictional force when pulled out from the latent image carrier is higher than that of the protective portion.

Abstract: An imaging belt comprises a substrate layer, an outer image layer and an inner anti-curl backing layer. The inner anti-curl backing layer, in turn, includes one or more carbon nanotubes disposed therein, together with an exposed backing layer surface. An image forming device includes the imaging belt. The image forming device is arranged to conductively couple the backing layer surface to an included ground source by means of one or more included conducting backer bars, one or more included grounding brushes, or any combination of included conducting backer bars and grounding brushes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus composed of a combination of multi-layered electrophotographic photoreceptor wherein an undercoat layer is made of at least fine titanium oxide particles and a binder resin and has a thickness of 3 ?m or less and the fine titanium oxide particles are surface treated with alumina and silica and have a number average primary particle size of 20 nm or less, and exposing means by LED exposure. Thus, an electrophotographic photoreceptor having good balance between dispersibility of titanium oxide and electrical insulation properties is obtained and image fog does not occur under high temperature and high humidity environment and also excellent image quality can be maintained during continuous printing under low temperature and low humidity environment.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing unit which develops toner to form an image, a transfer unit which transfers the image onto a printing medium, and a fusing unit to fuse the image transferred onto the printing medium, wherein the transfer unit includes a belt, a plurality of rollers which rotatably supports the belt, and a belt tension applying unit which moves a first roller of the plurality of rollers between a belt tension release position at which a tension of the belt releases and a belt tension applying position at which the tension of the belt applies by the interlocking motion between the belt tension applying unit and a second roller of the plurality of rollers.

Abstract: In an intermediate transfer part (100), a bead 107 is formed on an inner side of an intermediate transfer belt (102), which is rotated by an intermediate transfer belt drive roller (101). Driven roller bearings (104a, 104b) support an intermediate transfer belt driven roller (103). The intermediate transfer belt driven roller (103) is movable in a thrust direction. Ends of the intermediate transfer belt driven roller (101) and the intermediate transfer belt driven roller (103) interfere with a bead (107) so as to restrict a deflection of the intermediate transfer belt in the thrust direction. The intermediate transfer belt driven roller (103) is movable in the thrust direction against a deflection of the intermediate transfer belt (102).

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing particulate material from a moving web in an electrographic printer/copier includes a customer-replaceable web-cleaner device with a support bracket/backup shoe assembly. A quick disconnect feature enables the cleaner cover to be de-coupled from the cleaner body to allow the debris to be easily removed with replacing the web-cleaner. The cleaner has a cleaner sump that is spring loaded to force contact of four strategically placed stops in the sump with a stationary back up shoe assembly allowing for higher precision of blade engagement with a transport web or a photoconductor. The web-cleaner has two wiper blades that are locked into the cleaner sump by springs, to facilitate dumping of material removed from the web without removing the cleaning blades.

Abstract: In a device and method for inking of a charge image with toner material in a printer or copier, the charge image corresponding to a print image to be generated is generated on a surface of a photoconductor element comprising a photoconductive layer. At least one layer made up of toner particles is applied on a region of a surface of an applicator element. The surface of the photoconductor element is contacted by at least one part of the toner particles applied on the surface of the applicator element.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus such as a color laser printer wherein a toner image is transferred onto a continuous paper, one or more of a exposure timing of each exposure device, a rotation speed of each image carrier device, a transfer bias voltage applied to each transfer device, and a wrap amount of each wrap device are controlled based on a coverage of a toner image formed on each image carrier device, thereby preventing a color-to-color registration state which tends to be caused due to a variation in the transport speed of the continuous paper in a transfer process.

Abstract: A belt photoreceptor in a xerographic printer is entrained on a roller formed from a set of discs. Each disc defines an outer circumference and a flexible main portion. The outer circumferences of a set of discs effectively form a single outer surface of the roller. The discs are flexible and can move against each other, to allow stabilization of the photoreceptor belt, but are in sufficient contact with one another to enable heat to be distributed evenly across the roller.

Abstract: Pulleys 29a, 29b are provided on both ends of the driven roller 28 as separate components from the driven roller 28, and on both edges in the width direction of the transfer belt 24, ribs 24a, 24b that can be engaged with the outer sides in the axial direction of the pulleys 29a, 29b are provided. If the transfer belt 24 becomes inclined to the left side during movement, the rib 24a on the right edge of the transfer belt 24 will be restricted by the outer side in the axial direction of the pulley 29a provided on the right side end of the driven roller 28, thereby correcting meandering to the left at the position of the driven roller 28.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a belt supporting frame for supporting an intermediate transfer belt is provided. The belt supporting frame may be separable into a plurality of unit bodies. Separation of the plurality of unit bodies may be regulated by a bending mechanism, wherein the plurality of unit bodies may be separable in a direction orthogonal to the transporting direction of the intermediate transfer belt. The plurality of unit bodies may also be regulated by a variable length mechanism capable of expanding and contracting the plurality of unit bodies in a direction parallel to the transporting direction of the intermediate transfer belt. Separation of the belt supporting frame into a plurality of unit bodies may allow for a circumference area smaller than that of the intermediate transfer belt to be formed so as to provide for simplified mounting, removal and maintenance of the intermediate transfer belt on the belt supporting frame.

Abstract: An endless belt including an endless body having opposite side edges and an interior surface, and a pair of spaced apart parallel guides bonded to the interior surface of the endless body at positions adjacent to the side edges thereof and extending longitudinally along the side edges, wherein each of the guides is made of an elastic material and has inside and/or outside surfaces having specific roughness.

Abstract: Systems consistent with the present invention provide an electrophotographic printing apparatus that includes a group of developing units, a photoreceptor belt having an outer surface, and a group of support members operably disposed to support the movement of the photoreceptor belt along a path. The photoreceptor belt has a shape defined, at least in part, by the support members. The shape of the photoreceptor belt has at least two sides meeting at a transfer point. The first of the two sides extends at a first angle from the outer surface of the photoreceptor belt to a horizontal axis of the apparatus at the transfer point and the second of the two sides extends at a second angle from the outer surface of the photoreceptor belt to the horizontal axis such that the first and the second angles are each less than 90°. Each developing unit is disposed adjacent to the first or the second sides of the shape of the photoreceptor belt.

Abstract: An endless belt including an endless body having opposite side edges and an interior surface, and a pair of spaced apart parallel guides bonded to the interior surface of the endless body at positions adjacent to the side edges thereof and extending longitudinally along the side edges, wherein each of the guides is made of an elastic material and has inside and/or outside surfaces having specific roughness.

Abstract: A precision partially cylindrical web guide member for use as a backer bar in electrophotographic printers or as a similar web guide in an apparatus with moving webs. In a novel process of the invention, multiple web guide members may be manufactured from arc segments of a tube wherein the finished radial dimensions of the web guide members are formed in a turning process. The bottom surface of the web guide member need not be machined or finished.

Abstract: A backer bar assembly for supporting a photoreceptor belt, including a substantially rigid first backer bar having first and second ends and a second developer backer bar having first and second ends. The first and second ends of the first backer bar are substantially fixed, the first end of the lower developer backer bar is substantially fixed, and the second end of the lower developer backer bar is free to travel a short distance in response to an externally applied force.

Abstract: A precision partially cylindrical web guide member for use as a backer bar in electrophotographic printers or as a similar web guide in an apparatus with moving webs. In a novel process of the invention, multiple web guide members may be manufactured from arc segments of a tube wherein the finished radial dimensions of the web guide members are formed in a turning process. The bottom surface of the web guide member need not be machined or finished.

Abstract: Systems consistent with the present invention provide an electrophotographic printing apparatus that includes a group of developing units, a photoreceptor belt having an outer surface, and a group of support members operably disposed to support the movement of the photoreceptor belt along a path. The photoreceptor belt has a shape defined, at least in part, by the support members. The shape of the photoreceptor belt has at least two sides meeting at a transfer point. The first of the two sides extends at a first angle from the outer surface of the photoreceptor belt to a horizontal axis of the apparatus at the transfer point and the second of the two sides extends at a second angle from the outer surface of the photoreceptor belt to the horizontal axis such that the first and the second angles are each less than 90°. Each developing unit is disposed adjacent to the first or the second sides of the shape of the photoreceptor belt.

Abstract: A photoconductive sleeved primary image-forming member roller for use in an electrophotographic machine comprising a central member including a rigid cylindrical core member and a compliant layer formed on the core member; and a flexible, replaceable, removable, photoconductive sleeve member in the form of an endless tubular belt that surrounds and nonadhesively intimately contacts the central member.

Abstract: A photoconductive sleeved primary image-forming member roller for use in an electrophotographic machine comprising a central member including a rigid cylindrical core member and a compliant layer formed on the core member; and a flexible replaceable removable photoconductive sleeve member in the form of an endless tubular belt that surrounds and non-adhesively intimately contacts the central member.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that has a photosensitive belt and developing rollers for developing images by bringing the photosensitive belt in contact with the developing rollers when developing images, supporting members are provided for supporting the photosensitive belt in the state it is oscillated according to the contacting force of the photosensitive belt with the developing rollers. Thus, a large pressure applied to the nip portion between the photosensitive belt and the developing rollers is prevented and further, the tensile force applied to the photosensitive belt is prevented from largely fluctuating when the developing rollers contact the photosensitive belt by intruding into it.

Abstract: A belt drive module and a corresponding method includes or employs a belt that moves along a path, at least one support roller or other structure that supports the belt as it moves along the path, a drive roller that effects movement of the belt along the path, a tension roller that applies a tension force to the belt in order to maintain engagement of the belt with the drive and/or support rollers, at least one processing station (e.g., an image processing station) disposed along the path that performs a process relative to a predetermined position of the belt, and a torque assist drive that applies a torque assist force Td at a location between the drive roller and the tension roller. Torque assist may be provided by a current limited DC motor or by a constant torque friction clutch applied to a roller, e.g., a stripper roller of an electrophotographic imaging system. Advantageously, the torque assist force Td facilitates accurate positioning of the belt (e.g.

Abstract: An image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum as an image holding member for converting an optical image formed via an optical system into a latent image and subsequently depositing a developing material thereon to hold the image. The apparatus also includes a developing roller as a developing portion for supplying the developing material to develop the latent image held on the photosensitive drum to the image with the developing material. The apparatus further includes a gap regulating mechanism for setting bearings, disposed on both ends of a rotation drive shaft of the photosensitive drum, for rotatably fixing the photosensitive drum to a system main body frame and bearings, disposed on both ends of the developing roller, for rotatably supporting a rotation drive shaft of the developing roller by a developing portion main body. With such a unit, a peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum always maintains a constant gap from the peripheral surface of the developing roller.

Abstract: A “drelt” photoreceptor particularly for use in high speed production color printers employing a lightweight porous machinable mandrel made of a foam material as a means of mounting a flexible belt photoreceptor on a rigid and lightweight cylindrical base. This porous foam—like cylinder is provided with means to temporarily decrease its circumference in order to mount the flexible belt on it. The foam material can be any material that can be formed into a foam type solid structure and then machined to certain precision. Examples of such foam material include a metal foam, a polymer foam, a ceramic foam or a carbon foam.

Abstract: A spherical silicone additive is selected and introduced into a contact region between a photoreceptor's anti-curl layer and an electrophotographic system's backer bar, and into a bulk material of the electrophotographic system's spots blade. The additive reduces frictional drag and wear at the contact region between the anti-curl layer and the backer bar and at a contact region between a photoreceptor's outermost surface and the system's spots blade. The reduction of photoreceptor drag and wear at the above contact regions reduces photoreceptor surface irregularities, excessive backer bar wear, excessive spots blade wear, belt ripple and belt contamination. As a result, system drive torque requirements may be minimized, the life of the contacting system components may be extended and system performance may be improved.

Abstract: In the embodiment disclosed in the specification, an electrophotographic exposure and development arrangement has a flexible transparent photoreceptor belt driven between two support rollers and along four printing stations at each of which the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor is charged, exposed to a light image corresponding to a selected color, and developed with toner of the corresponding color to produce a composite multicolor image which is transferred to a substrate and subsequently fixed on the substrate. At each printing station an exposure unit has a curved belt support surface which is engaged by the photoreceptor belt passing through the printing station between the exposure location and a development location with a curvature and length selected to minimize the effect of ripples or irregularities in the position of the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptive belt resulting from a set taken by the photoreceptor belt when held stationery against a supporting number.

Abstract: A photoreceptor for mounting on a drum comprising: a photoreceptor sheet comprising a backing layer, a conductive layer and a photoconductive layer; and an underlayer comprising a layer of cloth.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus using a liquid developer, which can be used for a long time without considering a swelling of a photoconductor material caused by the liquid developer and a heating characteristic of the photo-conductor material, is provided.

Abstract: A drive module for a photoreceptor in an electrophotographic printing machine. The drive module has retractable features that allow the insertion and removal of the xerographic CRU without causing damage to the photoreceptor and other critical subsystems. The unit further has many locating members for other subsystems so that critical tolerances are maintained. A single handle assembly retracts/unlocks and extends/locks the drive module and the associated CRU subsystems into an operative position. The drive module also has electrical and drive connections for the cleaning system, the charging system and transfer/detack.

Abstract: A laser printer which includes a photosensitive belt of a loop type having a seam at a portion where the ends overlap. The photosensitive belt circulates around a driving roller, a steering roller and a transfer backing roller, as well as passes between the transfer backing roller and a transfer roller. The laser printer also includes a distance controller which moves the transfer backing roller toward and away from the transfer roller.

Abstract: A transverse-type image forming apparatus in which a toner image carried on an endless toner image carrying belt is transferred to a printing paper by a transfer facing roller provided inside the toner image carrying belt and caused to move along the printing paper. A transfer bias voltage is applied to a transfer plate, on which the printing paper is set, during the backward movement of, or during both the forward and backward movements of, the transfer facing roller, so as to cause the toner image to be electrostatically attracted to the printing paper. The uneven transfer of the toner image is reduced.

Abstract: A developer backer bar having a surface having a plurality of radii for interfacing with a noncontact developer member. The backer bar is arranged so that it can be retracted for clearance purposes when removing or inserting a xerographic CRU. Upon installation of the CRU, the backer bar is biased into position to maintain a development zone within predetermined parameters. The multiple radii surface eliminates or minimizes errors that may result from slight variations in axial alignment between the backer bar and the developer member while additionally providing low drag forces on the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A plurality of electrostatic images are formed on a moving tensioned belt formed with an electrically conductive base having a non-conductive image-carrying surface layer. The images are developed by passing the belt through toner development stations, each of which includes a development unit including a magnetic roller and a backing member, in opposed position to the magnetic roller, over which the belt passes. Under non-ideal conditions, the image quality in terms of image density and uniformity of image density and rendition of sharp image transitions, is substantially improved by applying an alternating electrical field between the magnetic roller and the belt, with a peak-to-peak voltage greater than 800 volts.

Abstract: A developer backer bar having a substantially flat surface for interfacing with a noncontact developer member. The backer bar is arranged so that it can be retracted for clearance purposes when removing or inserting a xerographic CRU. Upon installation of the CRU, the backer bar is biased into position to maintain a development zone within predetermined parameters. The substantially flat surface eliminates or minimizes errors that may result from slight variations in axial alignment between the backer bar and the developer member.

Abstract: A device for encoding the position of a moving web, particularly a continuous photoreceptor belt in an electrophotographic printing apparatus, incorporates an encoding wheel for engaging an edge portion of the web, in combination with a long support member for supporting the remaining span of the web. Because the wheel is of a small width, the composite runout may be kept within acceptable limits for a lower cost compared to the long rollers of the prior art. The support member may include another roller for supporting the remaining span of the web or it may include a skid plate. The wheel can be manufactured within the required eccentricity and composite runout tolerances at a lower cost compared to prior art devices. The wheel can also be made with a larger diameter while the support roller can be of a compact construction to facilitate placement within the limited space in the printing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning particles from a surface using a floating backer and cleaning or spots blade mounted to allow freedom to follow the location of the imaging surface. The cleaning or spots blade controls tolerances when the blade and the floating backer are mounted to a frame pivoted from a fixed photoreceptor backer. This freedom allows a minimization of the tolerances in blade load against the surface or photoreceptor, the blade angle to the photoreceptor and in the location of the blade relative to the backer. This floating backer and blade mount also minimizes the wrap required on the photoreceptor backers adjacent to the blade.

Abstract: A customer replaceable unit includes a cover and support structure for supporting a photoreceptor belt while it is packaged, shipped and inserted over drive and idler rolls in a machine. It prevents a machine operator from having to handle the belt itself and provides protection from extrinsic damage.

Abstract: A color image-forming apparatus includes an endless belt-like photosensitive member stretched between and wound around a drive roller and a driven roller, and a plurality of developing rollers making contact with an outer surface of the photosensitive member. At least one flexure correction shaft is held in contact with an inner surface of the photosensitive member on the side remote from the developing rollers. With this construction, the condition of contact between each developing roller and the photosensitive member is made stable and uniform, and the developing conditions for all the colors become uniform so that a high-quality image can be obtained.

Abstract: A photoreceptive sheet within an imaging apparatus is repeatedly transportable through a transport path and capable of capturing and transferring images. In addition, the photoreceptive sheet is repeatedly transportable for capturing and transferring a number of images. A transport path of the photoreceptive sheet can be a transport loop having a loop distance which can be greater than the length of the photoreceptive sheet. Excess ink or toner can be removed from the photoreceptive sheet by directing the excess to the resulting gap between a first end and the second end of the photoreceptive sheet and into a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent image recorded in a surface of a flexible photoconductive member. The apparatus includes a developer unit having a developer roll and a backing member. The roll is positioned opposed from the surface of the flexible photoconductive member and is used for developing the latent image with developer material. The backing member has an arcuate surface in engagement with a surface of the flexible photoconductive member opposed from the surface having the latent image recorded thereon. The flexible photoconductive member is wrapped about at least a portion of the arcuate surface of the backing member to form a negative wrap angle opposed from the developer unit. The centerpoint of the developer roll, the centerpoint of the backing member and the centerpoint of the arcuate surface are colinear.

Abstract: Pulleys 29a, 29b are provided on both ends of the driven roller 28 as separate components from the driven roller 28, and on both edges in the width direction of the transfer belt 24, ribs 24a, 24b that can be engaged with the outer sides in the axial direction of the pulleys 29a, 29b are provided. If the transfer belt 24 becomes inclined to the left side during movement, the rib 24a on the right edge of the transfer belt 24 will be restricted by the outer side in the axial direction of the pulley 29a provided on the right side end of the driven roller 28, thereby correcting meandering to the left at the position of the driven roller 28.