Abstract: A toner image formed on the photosensitive body (21) is transferred to printing paper by applying a voltage from a transfer roller (25) in an image transfer section of an image forming device (1). The transfer roller (25) is provided with a transfer voltage generating circuit (31) connected to a control unit (30). Information about an optimum transfer voltage is gathered from a look-up table (34) provided in a memory (33), in accordance with environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity in the device (1) which are detected by a sensor (35). The voltage to be applied to the transfer roller (25) is determined by the control unit (30). The voltage applied to the transfer roller between sheets of printing paper is also changed in accordance with the detected environmental conditions.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a rotatably driven transfer drum is provided. The transfer drum includes a main body and a dynamic vibration reducer. The dynamic vibration reducer includes an inertia pipe having an inertial moment, and at least one element connecting the inertia pipe to the interior of the main body so as to provide a spring-like property and a damping property therebetween. The apparatus dynamically reduces vibrations in a predetermined frequency band, such as that of the natural frequency of a specific gear, or the natural frequencies of an entire drive mechanism. In particular, the apparatus reduces vibratory peaks generated during the operation of the image forming apparatus.

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 transfer device including a transfer electrode to which a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of a charged toner is applied, and an insulating support member which makes pressure contact with the image bearing body and supports the transfer electrode in a manner such that the transfer electrode is out of contact with the image bearing body and in contact with a copy sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cleaning of an intermediate transfer member of an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image formed on a photosensitive member onto the intermediate transfer member and then transferring the toner image onto a transfer material. An effective cleaning width of a cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on the photosensitive member in a width-wise direction of the photosensitive drum is selected to become greater than a longitudinal dimension of the intermediate transfer member, the longitudinal dimension of the intermediate transfer member is selected to become greater than a width of a transfer electrode for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer member, and the longitudinal dimension of the intermediate transfer member is selected to become greater than a charge width of an electrode for charging the residual toner on the intermediate transfer member to return the toner to the photosensitive member.

Abstract: An engine unit for an image forming apparatus transfers a toner image without corona discharge by adjusting a quantity of light radiated from pre-transfer lamps (PTLs). In the engine unit, a charge roller forms a uniform charge on an organic photoconductive (OPC) drum, and an exposure unit exposes the OPC drum to a light beam to form an electrostatic latent image. The PTLs apply a predetermined intensity of light to a non-image area on the OPC drum to change a potential of the non-image area to a value similar to a potential of an image area on the OPC drum, by adjusting a resistance value of resistors connected to the PTLs, so as to prevent a toner from remaining at a border between the image area and the non-image area. A transfer roller transfers the toner attached to the OPC drum to a recording sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image holding device for holding on its surface an image developed with liquid developer; a record medium transporting device for transporting a record medium from a supply position to a transfer position for transferring the image developed on the image holding device onto a surface of the record medium; and a transfer agent supply device for supplying a transfer agent for providing a good transferred image onto the above surface of the record medium during transportation between the supply position and the transfer position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for electrostatically bearing a toner image; a dielectric member movable along an endless path through a transfer position of the image bearing member; an electroconductive member in contact with the dielectric member at a side remote from the image bearing member, wherein the electroconductive member is supplied with a voltage having a polarity opposite from that of a charge polarity of the toner image to transfer the toner image from the image bearing member onto the dielectric member at the transfer position; wherein the electroconductive member is electrically grounded to generate an electric field for transferring the toner from the dielectric member to the image bearing member at the transfer position.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member is formed by disposing a photosensitive layer and a protective layer in this order on a support. The protective layer comprises an applied and cured product of the following solution (A) or (B); (A) a solution comprising a curable resin component and a polymerization initiator having a polymeric recurring structure, or (B) a solution comprising a curable resin component, a polymerization initiator free from a polymeric recurring structure and a polymerization initiator aid having a polymeric recurring structure. Because of the polymerization initiator or polymerization initiator aid having a polymeric recurring structure used for constituting the protective layer, the resultant photosensitive member can exhibit improved durability as well as good electrophotographic performances.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image bearing member, an image forming unit for forming a toner image on the image bearing member and having a first charge member for charging the image bearing member, a rotatable intermediate transfer member onto which the toner image on the image bearing member is transferred at a first transfer position, the toner image on the intermediate transfer member being transferred onto a transfer material at a second transfer position, and a second charge member for charging residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member, the second charge member charging the residual toner on the intermediate transfer member with polarity opposite to charging polarity of the first charge member for charging the image bearing member, after the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer member to the transfer material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus which includes a movable image bearing member for bearing a toner image, a movable intermediate transfer member to which the toner image on the image bearing member is electrostatically transferred at a first transfer position, and a charger for charging residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the toner image on the intermediate transfer member has been electrostatically transferred onto a transfer material at a second transfer position with polarity opposite to charging polarity of the normal toner on the image bearing member. An electric field is formed so that the residual toner charged by the charger from the intermediate transfer member onto the image bearing member and a transfer of a next toner image from the image bearing member onto the intermediate transfer member are simultaneously performed at the first transfer position.

Abstract: In a color electrophotographic printing system using a transfer belt, residual toner remains on the surface of the transfer belt after the printing of a page. To prevent print defects from occurring, the residual toner on the surface of the transfer belt must be removed. A transfer belt charge roller driven by a high voltage power supply is used to positively charge the residual toner to permit electrostatic transfer of the residual toner from the surface of the transfer belt to the surface of a photoconductor drum for removal by a cleaning blade. By applying an AC waveform and a positive DC offset, the residual toner is effectively positively charged for electrostatic removal from the transfer belt.

Abstract: Carbonless papers manufactured as grain-short paper and wherein the grain direction is parallel to the direction of feed when a toner image is transferred upon in electrophotographic copiers, copier/duplicators, and laser printers results in reduced paper jams, reduced paper curl, and allows the use of lower basis weight papers and the use of non-xerographic grade papers than that normally used in electrophotography.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which utilizes an intermediate transfer member. Plural toner images, for example of different colors, can be superimposed on the intermediate transfer member, and then can be transferred to a paper sheet. A discharging device is provided for discharging a charge applied to the intermediate transfer member. Further, a value of a voltage provided by this discharging device and/or a voltage provided for a transfer bias is proportional to an actual surface potential on the intermediate transfer member, which is proportional to the number of times toner images have been formed on the intermediate transfer member prior to transfer to the paper sheet.

Abstract: A toner image onto a print form by pressing a photosensitive material belt against a transfer plate through movement of a transfer opposite roller. The photosensitive material belt running in a direction orthogonal to the supply direction of the print form on a transfer plate. The photosensitive material belt is stably maintained at a region completed for transfer in an attitude following the upper surface of the print form.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the type capable of forming a plurality of images in separate areas of an intermediate transfer body is disclosed. When a paper or similar recording medium to which a toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body should be transferred is absent, the transfer of a toner image from the image carrier to the intermediate transfer body is interrupted. At the same time, toner left on the intermediate transfer body is removed by a particular method different from a usual method and capable of enhancing a cleaning ability. The apparatus is therefore capable of fully removing the toner and thereby obviating defective images.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an intermediate toner transfer member includes a substrate and an outer surface layer that includes a ceramer comprising a polyurethane silicate hybrid organic-inorganic network. The ceramer is formed by a crosslinking reaction between a polyurethane with reactive alkoxysilane terminal moieties and a tetraalkoxysilane. The silane-terminated polyurethane is the reaction product of one or more aliphatic polyols with terminal hydroxyl groups and an alkoxysilane-substituted alkyl isocyanate compound. Further in accordance with the present invention is a process for forming an intermediate toner transfer member having an outer surface layer comprising a polyurethane silicate hybrid organic-inorganic network.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and method are provided that effectively remove inversely charged toner and normally charged toner attached to a transfer medium by employing two cleaning modes of operation. In a first cleaning operational mode, in which a transfer belt is brought into contact with a non-charged photosensitive body and a transfer bias is applied thereto from a bias roller, the inversely charged toner attached to the transfer belt is fully transferred onto the photosensitive body. Furthermore, in a second cleaning mode of operation, the transfer belt is brought into contact with the non-charged photosensitive body and the transfer bias is not applied hereto, as a consequence the normally charged toner attached to the transfer belt is fully transferred onto the photosensitive body.

Abstract: In a multicolor image forming apparatus, an intermediate transfer belt is moved at a first speed. A secondary transfer roll is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt at the time of secondary transfer in order to secondarily transfer a multicolor toner image on the intermediate transfer belt onto recording paper. The secondary transfer roll is rotated by a driving unit including a gear unit at a peripheral speed higher than the first speed. A torque limiter limits the driving torque of the secondary transfer roll pressed against the intermediate transfer belt to the load torque of the secondary transfer roll separated from the intermediate transfer belt. Consequently, the secondary transfer roll is rotated at a speed equal to or slightly higher than the speed of the intermediate transfer belt and the load of the secondary transfer roll applied to the intermediate transfer belt never exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An image display unit including an endless transfer belt that is tensioned by a plurality of rollers. A toner image carrier is tensioned in a direction orthogonal to the rotational direction of the transfer belt. An image formation system provides a toner image carrier with a toner image. A transfer roller disposed inside the toner image carrier permits transfer of the toner image to the transfer belt by orthogonal rotation as compared to the rotational direction of the transfer belt. The transferred image is displayed, then erased by a cleaning blade.

Abstract: An electrophotographic apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging device, an image exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, and a control device. The control device stops rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after a region of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, which region opposes the transfer device at the time when operation of the transfer device is stopped while the rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is not stopped, passes, by at least one revolution, a position opposing the charging device which is running. The electrophotographic apparatus requires no idle rotation, makes high speed processing possible, suppresses negative and positive ghosting, and suppresses variations in electric characteristics and in image densities between first and second copying operations, thereby enabling images of high quality to be prepared quickly and simply.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member has a support and a photosensitive layer provided on the support. The photosensitive layer containing a polysilane compound which has a structural unit represented by the following Formula (1) and has as a terminal group of the polymer chain a group selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkoxy and aryloxy ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aralkyl group; R.sub.2 represents an ethyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a vinyl group, or an alkyl group or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms, whose carbon atom directly bonded to the phenyl group is a primary carbon atom or a secondary carbon atom.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction apparatus and method for cleaning remnant toner and carrier particles. An intermediate transfer member (ITM) is in transfer relation to a primary image-forming member to transfer the toner image from the primary image-forming member to the ITM. The ITM then transfers the image to a receiver sheet . A fiber cleaning brush includes plural individual conductive brush fibers in engagement with the ITM to remove residual toner and carrier particles from the ITM. A detoning member includes an electrically conductive surface that contacts the brush fibers and is electrically biased to electrostatically remove toner particles from the fiber brush. The detoning member includes magnets for attracting remnant carrier to the detoning roller and for attracting a skive blade of magnetic material into engagement with the detoning roller.

Abstract: An electrostatographic method and apparatus of forming a toner image on a receiver. In order to improve transfer of a pigmented toner image to a receiver, a clear toner layer is applied to a support member. The pigmented toner image is applied over the clear toner layer. The pigmented toner image is sintered and the sintered pigmented toner image is then transferred to a receiver sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which utilizes an intermediate transfer belt. A cleaning device is provided to remove residual toner, etc., from the intermediate transfer belt and the cleaning device includes a cleaning blade, a bias roller, and a bias roller cleaning blade. The bias roller rotates in a same direction as that of the image transfer belt. Further, the cleaning blade and the bias roller cleaning blade can be of a same length and can be mounted to a same holder. The positioning of the bias roller and the bias roller cleaning blade can be offset towards a front portion of the image forming device relative to the image transfer belt cleaning blade, to ensure that toner which deposits on a front end of the image transfer belt, even if outside of an effective image area on the image transfer belt, is removed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image carrier, an image data storing device for storing image data, a latent image forming device for forming a first latent image on the image carrier in a state of negative image of said image data and for forming a second latent image on a copy sheet or the like in a state of a positive and mirror image of the image data. The image forming apparatus further includes a developing device for negatively developing the first latent image with toner, a feeding device for synchronously feeding the sheet with rotation of the image carrier toward a toner transfer station of the image carrier and a toner image transfer device for transferring the toner image onto the second latent image carried on the sheet or the like at the toner transfer station to superimpose the toner image on the second latent image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which transfers a toner image formed on an image carrier to a recording medium with a transfer device and separates the recording medium from the image carrier by discharging the recording medium with a discharging device. The image forming apparatus includes a support member which supports the transfer device and which includes a first support element pivotally mounted to a main body of the apparatus and a second support element. The second support element is pivotally mounted to the first support element at one end and unattached at the other end. The second support element may be solely supported by the first support element. The first support element is supported from below and by pivoting a support member out from under the first support element, the transfer device moves between a working position facing a surface of the image carrier and a recessed position separated from the image carrier by a larger distance than when the transfer device is in the working position.

Abstract: Image density is detected by a B/W ratio detection integrator 30 via a video signal 11 from a video controller 40 when an image signal is inputted. When a latent image formed on a photosensitive body 7 in accordance with the image signal is transferred to a transfer material 12 by a transfer charging device 8, a transfer current of the transfer charging device 8 is controlled in a timely fashion by a CPU 20 in accordance with the image density detected from this image signal, thus ensuring optimum transfer efficiency. Even when the environment and printing pattern change for each part of a single-page image, this makes it possible to deal accurately with these changes to ensure stable transfer efficiency and good imaging.

Abstract: Stable attraction of the transfer paper and stable toner transfer are ensured by preventing an electrostatic attracting force of transfer paper from lowering as charge accumulated on the transfer paper moves through ends of a transfer drum thereby declining. The transfer drum provided in a transfer section is composed of a dielectric layer, a semi-conductive layer, and a conductive layer laminated in this order from a transfer paper side, and there are further provided a power source section for applying a predetermined voltage to the conductive layer, and a grounded conductive roller which comes into contact with a surface portion, on an upstream side to a transfer point, of the dielectric layer with the transfer paper therebetween. Further, an insulating material is applied to ends of at least one of the dielectric layer, the semi-conductive layer, and the conductive layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image forming apparatus with a transfer unit for transferring toner electrically to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor onto a copy sheet. The image forming apparatus has a transfer electrode charge supply means for supplying electric charges to a transfer electrode provided in the transfer unit to electrically attract the toner onto the copy sheet and control means for controlling the quantity of electric charges to be supplied to the photoreceptor via the transfer electrode from the transfer electrode charge supply means based on a photoreceptor inflow current flowing to the photoreceptor through the charge send/receive means and on a photoreceptor outflow current flowing out from the photoreceptor through a ground wire connecting the photoreceptor and the ground. The charge send/receive means, other than the transfer unit, sends and receives electric charges to and from the photoreceptor.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing images on generally cylindrical objects, such as cans, including: an image bearing surface having an image thereon; and an impression guide which is generally parallel to and spaced from the image bearing surface, which guide supports the cylindrical objects in rolling contact with the image bearing surface, whereby images are transferred from the image bearing surface to surfaces of the cylindrical objects in contact therewith.

Abstract: A printing system including a moving intermediate transfer member for transporting a developed image from a moving image bearing member to a moving copy substrate. The moving intermediate member includes an elastic belt adapted to receive the developed image from the moving image bearing member at a first nip formed between the moving image bearing member and the moving intermediate member, and further adapted to transfer the developed image from the moving intermediate member to the moving copy substrate at a second nip formed between the moving intermediate member and the moving copy substrate, wherein the moving image bearing member and the moving intermediate member are transported at a substantiality equivalent first velocity in the first nip and a second velocity, substantially different from the first velocity, in the second nip.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the type including a movable belt and a cleaning blade for cleaning the belt, a toner image in the form of an exclusive line is formed on an image carrier between sheets and then transferred to the belt so as to feed toner to the edge of the cleaning blade. The toner prevents the edge of the cleaning blade from being turned over by the belt. The toner is fed to the cleaning blade in amounts different in the widthwise direction of the belt and can therefore be controlled in amount in the above direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an endless belt, on both side end portions of the inner peripheral surface of which a pair of belt-shaped side stoppers are provided, includes a blade pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the belt and a backup roller. At both side end surfaces of the roller, assistant support rollers are provided to support the both side stoppers to prevent the both side end portions of the belt from moving inward to separate from the blade by a pressure applied from the blade. An image forming apparatus having such a belt cleaning apparatus includes a plurality of image carrying bodies arranged side by side along the belt, a plurality of toner image developer for developing images on the carrying bodies by toner, and a plurality of transfer units for transferring the developed toner images on the image carrying bodies to a paper sheet transferred by the belt.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of transverse transfer type, toner images, carried by a toner-image carrying member extended by a plurality of rollers in a direction perpendicular to a direction of feed of printing paper, are transferred by a transfer opposed roller to the printing paper in a direction perpendicular to the direction of feed of the printing paper to be fixed. Among the rollers extending the toner image-carrying member, at least one of those rollers except for the transfer opposed roller, which comes closest to the transfer opposed roller at starting and terminal ends of a longest path of movement of the transfer opposed roller, respectively, is provided at a position spaced from a transfer surface of the printing paper, to which the toner images are transferred, by a distance larger than a diameter of the transfer opposed roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image an bearing member or members; a movable recording material carrying member for carrying a recording material, with an image being transferred at a transfer position from the image bearing member or members onto a recording material carried on the recording material carrying member; and there are a plurality of recesses extending in a direction of movement of the recording material carrying member, provided on the surface of the recording material carrying member that carries the recording material.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus for forming an image includes an endless belt member and an inner face cleaning member which is provided on an inner face of the endless belt member. The cleaning member captures deposits deposited on the inner face of the endless belt member and holds the captured deposits. The inner face cleaning member includes fibers densely arranged and projecting radially outward from the inner face cleaning member. The inner face cleaning member is fixed in a contact state so that a contact face does not move while the endless belt is moving.

Abstract: A resistive transfer component having a fluorinated carbon filled fluoroelastomer, and in embodiments, the resistive transfer component with an optional polyimide substrate, and an optional outer silicone release layer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor drum on whose surface a toner image is formed, a transfer drum, including a dielectric layer, a pressure conductive layer whose volume resistivity falls by the application of pressure, and a conductive layer stacked in this order from a surface of the transfer drum, for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum onto a transfer sheet by electrically attracting and holding the transfer sheet onto a surface of the dielectric layer and by bringing the transfer sheet into contact with the photoconductor drum, power source section for applying a voltage to the conductive layer, and a grounded ground roller for coming into contact with the surface of the dielectric layer via the transfer sheet. This makes it possible to always maintain the amount of electric charge injected to the transfer material at an optimum value by adjusting a contact pressure between the transfer section and the contact and charge member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital printing blanket carcass for supporting a transfer layer having an outer surface which is capable of transferring electrostatic particles. This carcass includes an upper layer of a resilient material which can withstand a temperature of up to about 150.degree. C., such as silicone rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, an acrylic rubber or a fluoroelastomer; a compressible layer of an elastomeric matrix material having a plurality of open or closed cells therein; and a fabric layer of a fiber material which can withstand a temperature of up to about 150.degree. C., such as carbon, boron, a metal, fiberglass, a polyimide, or an aromatic polyamide.

Abstract: An apparatus which transfers a developed image from a charge retentive surface to a copy sheet. The apparatus includes a transfer roller that is overcoated with an insulator and charged by either a brush, roller or a blade. The biased transfer roller is brought into contact with the back of a copy sheet thereby transferring charges that migrate through the copy sheet to enable toner transfer from the photoconductive surface to the copy sheet. A metal blade can be used to simultaneously charge and clean the transfer roller.

Abstract: In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a toner image forming device, an image transfer device includes an image transfer roller for transferring the toner image to a sheet in an image transferring operation. At least two sheet feeding devices feed and convey a sheet to the image transfer device, at least one of the feeding devices having a sheet width sensor. A power supply applies a bias to the image transfer device and a control device controls the application of the bias so as to remove toner on said image transfer roller between image transferring operations. The control device applies the bias for a predetermined time, or with a predetermined voltage, when it has received a signal indicative of a width of the sheet conveyed to the image transfer device and applies the bias for a longer time, or with a higher voltage, when it has not received a signal indicative of a width of the sheet conveyed to the image transfer device.

Abstract: To assist transfer of toner images from a first transfer surface to a second transfer surface, the first transfer surface is actively cooled to prevent the toner sticking to it. Preferably, the cooling is accomplished by thermoelectric control device strips positioned in heat conducting relation with the first transfer surface. A thermoelectric control device can also be used to heat a second or receiving surface to which the toner is to be transferred to farther assist the transfer process.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a photoreceptor drum whereon a toner image is to be formed, a transfer drum for transferring the toner image to a transfer material by making the transfer material contact with the photoreceptor drum, the transfer drum having a dielectric layer, semiconducting layer and conducting layer laminated in this order from a surface which comes into contact with the transfer material, a power source section for applying any voltage to the conducting layer, and a grounded conducting roller which is located in an upstream section in a transfer material transporting direction with respect to a transfer position on a surface of the dielectric layer and comes into contact with the dielectric layer surface through the transfer material. The volume resistivity of the dielectric layer is not lower than 40 percent of the volume resistivity of the semiconducting layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus. The electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a support, a photosensitive layer provided on the support, and a surface layer provided on the photosensitive layer. The surface layer includes tantalum-doped tin oxide particles and a resin.

Abstract: A separating pawl is attached to a fixed portion around a rotatable member, and a separating end of the separating pawl extends from a fixed end of the separating pawl onto a circumferential surface of the rotatable member. A portion between the separating end and the fixed end of the separating pawl forms a convex arch in the same direction as that of the rotatable member. A pressing plate is attached to the fixed portion around the rotatable member, and is brought in contact with the convex side of the separating pawl so that the separating end of the separating pawl comes in contact with the rotatable member to press the separating pawl for performing a sheet separating operation.

Abstract: A plurality of apparatuses can execute an encrypting process on an image signal are connected. The encrypting processes which are executed in those apparatuses are independently performed, so that the connection of an improper apparatus is made impossible and, in this state, a more advanced signal process can be performed, thereby giving no disadvantage to the user. For this purpose, there is disclosed an image processing apparatus comprising a first encrypting circuit for encrypting the image data and supplying to a first apparatus and a second encrypting circuit for encrypting image data and supplying to a second apparatus different from the first apparatus, wherein the first and second encrypting means execute independently the encryption.

Abstract: A high-speed image forming method and apparatus is capable of directly controlling a toner by the force of an energy beam. Selected toner particles in a mass of toner adhering to the surface of a transparent drum are irradiated with a laser beam emitted by a laser disposed within the transparent drum and controlled for scanning according to image information. The laser beam separates the selected toner particles from the transparent drum by the force it produces on the particles, and then the separated toner particles are moved to a paper sheet by the force of an electric field produced by a developing electrode. Each toner particle need only be irradiated with the light for a comparatively short period of time, so that an image can be formed at high speed.

Abstract: Transfer of a toner image from an image member to either an intermediate member or a receiving sheet is improved by irradiating a photoconductive layer in the image member during transfer. Erasing radiation is allowed to fall on both the in-nip region and a pre-nip region but is baffled from a post-nip region. The erasing radiation increases the time constant of the system thereby slowing the build-up of the field in the pre-nip region inhibiting pre-nip ionization. The lack of erasing radiation in the post-nip region decreases the time constant thereby speeding the reduction in the field and also reducing ionization in that region.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a toner image, formed by developing an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor, is primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer member and is secondarily transferred to a recording sheet. The image forming apparatus is provided with a retractable transfer member, which secondarily transfers the toner image on the recording sheet, and a retractable cleaning member, which removes a residual toner on the intermediate transfer member after the secondary transfer. In the above apparatus, when the primary transfer and the secondary transfer are not being performed, the transfer member and the cleaning member are allowed to contact with or retract from the intermediate transfer member.