Abstract: An oxidation catalyst unit for a wet-type electrophotographic image forming apparatus which oxidizes a carrier vapor generated in a fusing unit and method for controlling the same are provided. The wet-type electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a photoconductive medium, a laser scanning unit scans a laser beam onto the photoconductive medium, a developing unit develops a developer on the photoconductive medium, a transfer unit transfers the developer on the photoconductive medium to a recording medium, a fusing unit fixes the developer on the recording medium, and an oxidation catalyst unit oxidizes and resolves a carrier vapor generated in the fusing unit. The oxidation catalyst unit comprises a duct connected to the fusing unit to guide the carrier vapor generated in the fusing unit into the oxidation catalyst unit, a fan for guiding the carrier vapor into the duct, and a controller for varying a velocity of the fan according to data.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst unit for a wet-type electrophotographic image forming apparatus which filters a vapor produced at a fusing unit and a method thereof are provided. The oxidation catalyst unit and method includes a duct for guiding the carrier vapor produced at the fusing unit into the oxidation catalyst unit, a heater for heating the carrier vapor being guided along the duct, an oxidation catalyst carrying medium disposed behind the heater for catalyzing an oxidation reaction of the carrier vapor guided along the duct, and an absorbent filter for preventing entry of the carrier vapor into the oxidation catalyst in the form of liquid drops.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, comprises an image carrier for carrying a toner image, a charging device for charging the carrier, wherein the charging device includes a discharge member and a grid which is arranged between this discharge member and the image carrier and has at least a surface made of gold; and a discharge product removing device for removing discharge products generated by the charging device from a portion of the image carrier to where the charging device is located to face.

Abstract: A system is provided within an electrophotographic imaging environment that removes or decomposes airborne hydrocarbons (as vapor and/or droplets), at least some of which are provided from evaporation or airborne dispersal of hydrocarbon carrier from electrophotographic toners or inks during and imaging process. The system has a catalyst that assists in the oxidation or decomposition of hydrocarbons and a (catalyst and vapor phase) heating and oxygen-providing components including a chemical oxygen-generator. The chemical reaction that occurs in the oxygen generation provides both a) immediate and significant amounts of heat that heats both the catalyst and the gas phase containing the hydrocarbon and the oxygen and b) oxygen to assist in the decomposition and/or oxidation of the hydrocarbon and other airborne materials.

Abstract: A charged particles cleaning apparatus for cleaning and removing charged particles from a surface includes (a) a housing; (b) a surface scrubbing member mounted within the housing for contacting the surface and frictionally removing charged particles therefrom; (c) an air blower for pulling an air stream out of the housing; (d) a manifold connecting the housing to the air blower for directing the air stream and charged particles therein out of the housing, the manifold including manifold walls having inside surfaces defining a duct passage for the air stream; and (e) at least one biasing source connected to the inside surfaces of the manifold walls for biasing the inside surfaces to prevent build up of charged particles on the inside surfaces, thereby reducing costs of periodic cleaning of the manifold walls.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst device for a wet-type electrophotographic image forming apparatus and method of controlling the same are provided. The oxidation catalyst device includes a duct for guiding air inside a fixation device to the outside of the fixation device. The oxidation catalyst device further includes a fan for forcibly discharging the air inside of the fixation device, a heater for heating the air discharged from the fixation device, and an oxidation catalyst device-carrying body for facilitating oxidation resolution reaction of the carrier vapors entrained in the discharged air. The fan is driven at a first rotational speed of N1, during which the oxidation catalyst carrying body is warmed up, and a second rotational speed of N2, during which carrier vapors are heated and resolved.

Abstract: A printer system using inks, toners or developers with solvents therein is provided with a detector for volatile organic compounds assists in reducing potential accidents in the printer. The detector may be able to identify at least a threshold level of volatile organic in a gas phase in the printer, or may be able to identify various levels or a continuous metered level of volatile organic compounds (VOC's). An automatic warning, automatic signal, or even automatic cutoff function may be associated with the detector. The detector may be inside the printer or associated with a vent or generally positioned on or near the printer. One mode of detection operation described in detail is identification of changes in dielectric constant in a vapor phase or vapor stream that can be associated with changed levels of VOC in that phase or stream.

Abstract: In a tandem type image forming apparatus of this invention provided with image forming units arranged under an intermediate transfer medium and further, an exposure device arranged under the image forming units, developing devices are arranged so that exposure positions of image carriers and developing rollers come to the opposite sides with toner stirring mixers put between them. Further, there are guides extending under cleaning blades below the cleaning blades to receive falling toners. Further, suction ducts are provided to suck in the air around the developing devices. A slit area formed by the guides and an area of a laser beam projecting unit of the exposure device are arranged while they are shifted. Formed images are exposed at a sufficient exposure light intensity by preventing the laser beam injection unit of the exposure device from being stained and a toner image of high quality is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for oxidizing volatile organic compounds from an electrographic printer may comprising a) a printer system that vents a gas stream containing volatile organic compounds to a first inlet; b) a first mast transfer element transmitting the gas stream to a catalytic treatment system, c) The catalytic treatment system comprising separate contact sections for an unsupported catalyst and a supported catalyst; a diverter system that can direct the gas stream along paths selected from the group consisting of to the unsupported catalyst only, to the supported catalyst only, first the unsupported catalyst and then the supported catalyst, and the supported catalyst and then the unsupported catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing contamination of an image transfer surface in an image transfer device includes a charging device for charging the image transfer surface. An airflow control system ventilates the charging device and restricts airflow adjacent the image transfer surface.

Abstract: A method and developing apparatus are provided. The method and apparatus comprise a developing carrier, spaced apart from an image carrier at a predetermined interval, for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier during rotation; and a rotational member, rotatably installed adjacent to the image carrier, for generating an air stream reverse to that generated by rotation of both the image carrier and the developer carrier, thereby inhibiting a developer from being scattered.

Abstract: An exhaust system of a liquid electrophotography printer includes: an exhaust line to discharge air inside an engine cell to an outside thereof; at least one exhaust fan, which is installed inside the exhaust line to generate and move the air inside the engine cell; a heating coil to heat the air to be discharged through the exhaust line to ignite impurities contained in the air; and an oxidative catalyst filter to filter and deodorize the impurities. The heating coil may be installed inside the exhaust line and coated with platinum on the outer surface. The oxidative catalyst filter may be installed inside the exhaust line, and may be a metallic honeycomb carrier coated with a catalyst mixture, or a non-woven heating mat coated with a catalyst mixture. The heating coil and the oxidative catalyst filter are typically sequentially installed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, including: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a cleaning member for removing developer adhering to the photosensitive drum; a removed developer containing portion for containing the developer removed by the cleaning member; a filter member mounted to the removed developer containing portion for allowing ventilation between the interior and exterior of the removed developer containing portion; a recess provided on the removed developer containing portion and covered with the filter member; and a communicating portion provided on the removed developer containing portion for communicating between the interior of the removed developer containing portion and the recess to ventilate therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiments herein comprise a compact dust abatement apparatus that includes at least one manifold shaped to fit next to a belt or drum of a printing engine, at least one blower/fan positioned within the manifold, and at least one air duct connected to the manifold. The manifold has a vacuum opening adjacent the belt or drum and an exit opening where the air duct connects to the manifold. The blower is positioned inside the manifold, between the vacuum opening and the exit opening, such that the blower draws air and particles from the vacuum opening toward the exit opening. Thus, the blower creates a vacuum at the vacuum opening. The air duct directs air and particles from the manifold to a location away from the sensitive components. The inclusion of the blower inside the vacuum manifold provides for compactness without sacrificing performance.

Abstract: A delivery unit and method for removing carrier vapor in a wet-type printer. The delivery unit includes a delivery guide, delivery rollers and a duct for collecting carrier vapor generated from a paper by the latent heat on the paper passing through the delivery guide in order to prevent the carrier vapor from leaking outside of the printer. The carrier vapor collection duct includes upper and lower housings connected to each other to form a predetermined space therein. The upper housing has a vent on one side thereof and an air inlet on the opposite side. A fan is mounted on the vent. The carrier vapor is collected in the duct of the delivery unit and then sent to the catalyst unit by the fan to be oxidized. Accordingly, the delivery unit can prevent the white carrier vapor generated from the paper passing through the delivery unit from leaking outside the printer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods reduce, and preferably prevent, contamination of a surface or component to be charged or acted upon by a corona generating device. When a voltage is applied to the corona generating device, corona winds having a plurality of corona vortices are formed. Air is pulled via at least one drawing port of the corona generating device. At least one substantially continuous air curtain is formed along a side of the corona generating device when air is pulled via the drawing port of the corona generating device. The formation of the continuous air curtain is not dependent on air being pushed into the corona generating device. Preferably the substantially continuous air curtain extends from substantially one end of the corona generating device, at least a distance equivalent to a greatest continuous total length of the plurality of corona vortices and any portion of the corona generating device situated therebetween.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst device is provided with a duct, a fan, a heater, an oxidation catalyst carrying element, and a heat-radiating duct. The duct is connected to a fixation device of the wet-type electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The fan, the heater and the oxidation catalyst carrying element are provided in the duct. The heat-radiating duct is installed to surround the duct and an airflow passage is formed between the outer wall of the duct and the inner wall of the heat-radiating duct.

Abstract: A wet type electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive medium, a light exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fuser device, an oxidation catalyst device, a temperature sensor, a power supply device and a control device. The oxidation catalyst device includes an oxidation catalyst carrying body and a heater, and removes vapor of developer solution from the fuser device by utilizing oxidation decomposition. The control device receives data about the temperature detected from the temperature sensor, and variably controls the temperature of the oxidation catalyst device in accordance operational modes such as warm-up mode, standby mode and print mode. Considering the fact that the oxidation catalyst device has higher efficiency at optimum activation temperature, appropriate temperature control can guarantee increased oxidation efficiency of the oxidation catalyst device.

Abstract: A corona charger is provided with a back plate which defines a first space which surrounds a discharge electrode while opening a side that the discharge electrode faces an image carrier. The back plate is formed with a first opening. A storage has a second space which stores waste toner generated in the image forming apparatus. The storage is formed with a second opening. A filter causes ozone to pass through but blocks toner. The filter is disposed between the corona charger and the second space. The first space and the second space are communicated by way of the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus may comprise a suction section, fitted onto the air vent, for sucking toner particles scattered in the image forming apparatus, including an intermediate duct in which the toner particles accumulate and which is detachable from the suction section, and an exhaust fan for sucking air including the toner particles, through the intermediate air duct, and discharging air outside the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A wet-type electrophotographic printer having a photocatalystic filter includes a discharge passage through which air inside a printer body is discharged out, at least one discharge fan positioned inside the discharge passage to guide the air inside the printer body, and a photocatalystic filter positioned inside the discharge passage and having a photocatalystic body coated with a photocatalyst, a plasma electrode and a plasma generator to filter and deodorize the air inside the printer body. Accordingly, a bad smell and air pollution from evaporation of a liquid carrier can be solved, and an excellent printing quality is provided.

Abstract: A gas exhausting apparatus for use in a wet electrophotographic image forming device includes an exhaust duct, an exhaust fan, and an air purification unit. The exhaust duct forms an air flow passage from an inside of a device to an outside of the device. The exhaust fan inhales air from the inside of the device through the exhaust duct and exhausting the air through the exhaust duct to the outside of the device. The air purification unit removes impurities included in the air inhaled by the exhaust fan.

Abstract: At least one developing device applies toner onto a latent image formed on an image supporter to form a toner image thereon. A belt member is stretched and circulated by a plurality of roller members. The toner image, which is to be secondarily transferred onto a recording medium, is primarily transferred onto the belt member. A fixing device heats the recording medium to fix the secondary transferred toner image thereon. A casing accommodates the image supporter, the developing device, the roller members, the belt member and the fixing device, such that the developing device and the fixing device are partitioned by the belt member, and such that one of the roller members is located at a corner portion of the casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to control the atmosphere inside of a xerographic control module of an image forming device so that a dew point condition is not reached. The parameters of the atmosphere within the xerographic chamber which are controlled include pressure, temperature and humidity.

Abstract: A carrier vapor diluting unit of a liquid printer dilutes and exhausts carrier vapor generated in a fusing apparatus. The unit includes a housing to surround the thermal roller and the pressing roller, a duct which is connected to an inside and an outside of the housing and forms a path through which a mixed gas in which the carrier vapor is mixed with the air is drawn and exhausted, and a fan which forcibly transfers the mixed gas via the duct.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus that is capable of reducing noise ascribable to wind noise of fans by performing control of the rotation speed of each cooling fan even during a print process. After power-on at timing T0, when a fixing temperature reaches a waiting temperature (timing T1) or after a print process is finished (timings T3, T6, and T9), a laser printer 1 enters a ready mode and a sub-fan and a power supply fan are driven to rotate at middle speed. From the start of a print process performed for the first time (timing T2), until timing T5 at which a counter X has counted four minutes, each fan is driven to rotate at middle speed during the print process (timings T2 to T3 and T4 to T5). After the, each fan is driven to rotate at high speed (timings T5 to T6 and T8 to T9). Then, when a counter Y has counted a time period set for the ready mode and then a counter Z has counted a time period set for a sleep mode, the counter X is reset.

Abstract: Hard imaging device vapor removal systems, hard imaging devices, and hard imaging methods are described. According to one embodiment, a hard imaging device vapor removal system includes a supply path configured to supply air to an imaging region of a hard imaging device configured to use a liquid ink marking agent to form a plurality of hard images using media, wherein the air of the supply path is supplied to remove a carrier vapor of the liquid ink marking agent resulting from imaging operations of the hard imaging device, an exhaust path configured to remove at least some of the carrier vapor externally of the imaging region using the supplied air, and a bypass path configured to supply supplemental air to the supplied air exhausting the carrier vapor of the liquid ink marking agent.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a casing, an image forming unit, and an air conditioning device. The image forming unit includes a case accommodating at least a photoconductive element therein and formed with an opening for image transfer via which the photoconductive element is partly exposed to the outside. The opening is the only opening that might allow substances harmful to image formation into the case when the image forming unit is mounted to the casing. The air conditioning device removes the harmful substances flowing into the image forming unit from the outside.

Abstract: A flash fixing apparatus effectively collect vapor gas produced at the time of fixation while fixing a toner image of medium by means off flashlight. In the flash fixation unit, vapor gas produced in flash fixation flows toward the medium transportation direction. Utilizing this phenomenon, a gas suction face is provided in a gas collector so as to receive the vapor gas flowing toward the medium transportation direction. Otherwise, a gas blast portion is provided at the rear stage of the gas collector. The vapor gas flows to the gas suction face naturally, bringing about improved gas collection efficiency.

Abstract: An air quality management apparatus for use in a modular electrostatographic color printer. For air quality management a non-air-conditioned open-loop portion is provided for managing quality of air in a first interior volume, and an air-conditioned recirculation portion is provided for managing quality of air in a second interior volume. The first interior volume includes a fusing station for fusing color images on receiver members. The second interior volume includes a number of tandemly arranged image-forming modules, as well as an auxiliary chamber associated with, yet isolated from, each module, such that air-conditioned air flowing through each module does not mix with air-conditioned air supplied to the modules and to devices within the modules. The second interior volume is differentiated from the first interior volume by at least one separating member. The air-conditioning device is for controlling temperature and relative humidity of air included in the second interior volume.

Abstract: An exhaust system of a liquid electrophotography printer includes: an exhaust line to discharge air inside an engine cell to an outside thereof; at least one exhaust fan, which is installed inside the exhaust line to generate and move the air inside the engine cell; a heating coil to heat the air to be discharged through the exhaust line to ignite impurities contained in the air; and an oxidative catalyst filter to filter and deodorize the impurities. The heating coil may be installed inside the exhaust line and coated with platinum on the outer surface. The oxidative catalyst filter may be installed inside the exhaust line, and may be a metallic honeycomb carrier coated with a catalyst mixture, or a non-woven heating mat coated with a catalyst mixture. The heating coil and the oxidative catalyst filter are typically sequentially installed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A gas exhausting apparatus for use in a wet electrophotographic image forming device includes an exhaust duct, an exhaust fan, and an air purification unit. The exhaust duct forms an air flow passage from an inside of a device to an outside of the device. The exhaust fan inhales air from the inside of the device through the exhaust duct and exhausting the air through the exhaust duct to the outside of the device. The air purification unit removes impurities included in the air inhaled by the exhaust fan.

Abstract: A duct is installed in an apparatus housing. The duct has an outside inlet, a first discharge opening, a second discharge opening, and an air filter. Outside air is taken into the duct from the outside inlet through the air filter. The air filter filters the outside air to prevent dust from getting into the duct. A cooling axial flow fan disposed in the vicinity of each of the first and second discharge openings. The cooling axial flow fans blow the filtered outside air into fixing devices to be cooled. Gaps are formed between the cooling axial flow fan and the first discharge opening, and between the other cooling axial flow fan and the second discharge opening, as inside inlets. When the air filter clogs, air in the housing is supplied to the cooling axial flow fans through the gaps, to circulate the air inside the housing.

Abstract: A wet-type electrophotographic printer having a photocatalystic filter includes a discharge passage through which air inside a printer body is discharged out, at least one discharge fan positioned inside the discharge passage to guide the air inside the printer body, and a photocatalystic filter positioned inside the discharge passage and having a photocatalystic body coated with a photocatalyst, a plasma electrode and a plasma generator to filter and deodorize the air inside the printer body. Accordingly, a bad smell and air pollution from evaporation of a liquid carrier can be solved, and an excellent printing quality is provided.

Abstract: A wet type electrophotographic printer having a catalyst oxidation filter therein includes a discharge passage to discharge air inside of a printer body to the outside, a blower in the discharge passage to guide the air inside of the printer body, and a catalyst oxidation filter arranged in the discharge passage. The catalyst oxidation filter includes a matrix coated with an oxidation catalyst, to deodorize the air which is guided to the discharge passage as the air is passed therethrough.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, includes: a developer container; and a pressure regulating device for regulating the air pressure in the developer container. The pressure regulating device includes a hollow portion having a vent and an elastic filter being compressed into the hollow.

Abstract: A carrier vapor diluting unit of a liquid printer dilutes and exhausts carrier vapor generated in a fusing apparatus. The unit includes a housing to surround the thermal roller and the pressing roller, a duct which is connected to an inside and an outside of the housing and forms a path through which a mixed gas in which the carrier vapor is mixed with the air is drawn and exhausted, and a fan which forcibly transfers the mixed gas via the duct.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, developing the electrostatic latent image and forming a developed image, and transferring the developed image to a recording medium to thereby form an image, the image forming apparatus including, a temperature sensor for detecting temperature in the image forming apparatus, and a controller for controlling a printing speed for forming the image so as to be reduced when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is a predetermined temperature T1 or higher.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the status or condition of a filter element for an imaging device which employs an optical sensing device to monitor a concentration of toner particles. In one embodiment, the optical sensing device monitors a concentration of toner particles captured in a filter element within an electrostatic imaging device. The optical sensing device is connected to an imaging device controller. An output connected to the controller displays data representative of a degree to which the filter element is clogged by toner particulate.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus that is capable of detecting an outside air temperature with high precision, which is capable of controlling the setting of an image forming condition to improve an image quality. A suction fan 10 and a thermistor 14 in the vicinity of an outside air (outside air intake) are disposed, and an enforced convection due to the fan 10 is utilized to detect the outside air temperature with high precision (high accuracy and high response), thereby being capable of obtaining that information.

Abstract: Duplex printing apparatus for printing on two sides of a sheet, the apparatus comprising: an impression roller on which the sheet is held during printing; an imager which prints an image on a first side of the sheet while it is being held on the impression roller; and a sheet inverter which removes the sheet from the impression roller, inverts the sheet and returns it to the impression roller for printing on a second side of the sheet by the imager, wherein the sheet is held on said impression roller referenced to a first edge thereof during the printing of the first side thereof and is also held on the impression roller referenced to said first edge during printing of the second side thereof.

Abstract: A toner scatter preventing device of the present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus of the type developing a latent image formed on an image carrier with toner stored in a developing device. The device includes an exhausting device for discharging air present in the developing device via an exhaust passage. A toner collecting device collects the toner entrained by air discharged by the exhausting device. A toner storing device is positioned upstream of the toner collecting device in the direction of air flow for storing the toner collected by the toner collecting device without causing it to drop into the toner present in the developing device. The developer is a toner and carrier mixture in which carrier grains have a weight mean grain size of 65 &mgr;m or below.

Abstract: A flash fixing apparatus effectively collect vapor gas produced at the time of fixation while fixing a toner image of medium by means off flashlight. In the flash fixation unit, vapor gas produced in flash fixation flows toward the medium transportation direction. Utilizing this phenomenon, a gas suction face is provided in a gas collector so as to receive the vapor gas flowing toward the medium transportation direction. Otherwise, a gas blast portion is provided at the rear stage of the gas collector. The vapor gas flows to the gas suction face naturally, bringing about improved gas collection efficiency.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the status or condition of a filter assembly for an imaging device which employs an optical sensing device to monitor a concentration of toner particles. In one embodiment, the optical sensing device monitors a concentration of toner particles captured in a filter assembly within an electrostatic imaging device. The optical sensing device is connected to an imaging device controller. An output connected to the controller displays data representative of a degree to which the filter element is clogged by toner particulate.

Abstract: A catalytic converter unit for neutralizing objectionable gas present in a gas discharge, such as the ozone-laden gas discharge from an electrographic copy machine, uniformly and at a high velocity or flow rate. The unit has a cylindrical housing having an upper cap with a central inlet for admitting the gas discharge, and a lower base having a central outlet for releasing the neutralized gas. A cylindrical catalyst element is removably attached to the lower base and centered within the housing to provide a uniform annular inlet chamber therebetween. The catalyst element is a cylindrical bed of gas neutralizing catalyst, such as ozone-neutralizing granular catalyst, forming a gas-permeable wall surrounding a central gas-discharge chamber opening to the outlet for releasing neutralized gas.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic image is formed; a developing device for developing the electrostatic image by a magnetic toner serving as a visualizing material carried by a developing sleeve, said developing device being located below the center of said photosensitive drum; and a toner spatter prevention sheet provided near said photosensitive drum, having an ozone remover for removing ozone by absorbing and/or decomposing ozone.

Abstract: An air quality management apparatus for use in a modular electrostatographic color printer. For air quality management a non-air-conditioned open-loop portion is provided for managing quality of air in a first interior volume, and an air-conditioned recirculation portion is provided for managing quality of air in a second interior volume. The first interior volume includes a fusing station for fusing color images on receiver members. The second interior volume includes a number of tandemly arranged image-forming modules, as well as an auxiliary chamber associated with, yet isolated from, each module, such that air-conditioned air flowing through each module does not mix with air-conditioned air supplied to the modules and to devices within the modules. The second interior volume is differentiated from the first interior volume by at least one separating member. The air-conditioning device is for controlling temperature and relative humidity of air included in the second interior volume.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a casing, an image forming unit, and an air conditioning device. The image forming unit includes a case accommodating at least a photoconductive element therein and formed with an opening for image transfer via which the photoconductive element is partly exposed to the outside. The opening is the only opening that might allow substances harmful to image formation into the case when the image forming unit is mounted to the casing. The air conditioning device removes the harmful substances flowing into the image forming unit from the outside.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrophotographic printing apparatus for printing an image on a print medium with use of a liquid developer which contains a liquid carrier and a toner being dispersed in the liquid carrier. It has an image printing system comprising an imaging surface on which a toner image is formed from the liquid developer, and transferring the toner image from the imaging surface to the print medium, and an air treatment system having a cleaning member. The cleaning member has a holding member having a plurality of passages in rows, and a particulate material which is capable of absorbing or adsorbing vapor of the liquid carrier and which is held in the passage with room for the particulate material to move in the passages.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an outer housing having an external communication opening, a transfer unit for transferring a recording medium from a lower portion of the housing to an upper portion thereof, an image forming unit, having a corona discharge member, for forming an image on the recording medium transferred with the transfer unit, a passage body extending from the vicinity of the image forming unit to the communication opening of the housing, and having an air inlet port opened in the vicinity of the image forming unit and an air ejection port opened at the communication opening, and an air transferring device provided in the passage body for sucking air into the passage body through the air inlet port and ejecting air to the external communication opening of the housing from the air ejection port of the passage body.