Abstract: A protective layer setting unit includes a protective agent, and an application unit for applying the protective agent on an image carrying member. An attenuated total reflection (ATR) method is used for detecting a surface condition of the image carrying member after applying the protective agent. A peak Pa at a given wavenumber, attributed to the image carrying member, has a peak area Sa in an infrared spectrum observed after applying the protective agent. A peak Pb at a given wavenumber, attributed to the protective agent, has a peak area Sb in the infrared spectrum observed after applying the protective agent. A peak area ratio of Sb/Sa is used for evaluating the protective layer setting unit. The protective layer setting unit is accepted when the Sb/Sa is set to a given range after applying the protective agent to the image carrying member for a given time period.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus which can, by uniformly leveling the particles which are non-uniformly adhered to the surface of the photoconductor by using a leveling means having a predetermined shape, and can maintain the excellent image characteristics for a long period even when a contact charging method is adopted as a charging means and an image forming method which uses the image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus which sequentially arranges a charging means, a developing means, a transferring means and a charge eliminating means around an electrophotographic photoconductor, the charging means is constituted of a contact-type charging means, and a leveling means which levels particles on a surface of the electrophotographic photoconductor is arranged between the transferring means and the charge eliminating means.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including a photoconductor, an exposure device to expose the photoconductor, a dustproofing member arranged more upstream than an exposure position of the exposure device in a moving direction of the photoconductor, and a cover which supports the exposure device and dustproofing member, wherein said cover opens around a pivot shaft which is arranged more upstream than the exposure device in the moving direction of the photoconductor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes detecting means for detecting a toner image formed on an image carrier, and transport means for transporting a sheet. The detecting means is disposed on an inner side in a width of the image carrier, and on an outer side of a contact region with the transport means and the sheet, in a direction perpendicular to a transporting direction of the sheet.

Abstract: A blocking disk formed with a notched part is disposed between a density sensor and a belt. The exposure/blocking of the density sensor relative to the belt is switched by rotating the blocking disk. In one example, a disk-supporting axel gear is formed on a disk-supporting axel that is the axis of rotation of the blocking disk, where the disk-driving gear is supported on a sensor frame so as to be able to rotate and so as to mesh with this disk-supporting axel gear. In one example, the disk-driving gear is connected to a driving force transmission mechanism for rotationally driving a belt-driving roller, where, when the belt-driving roller is driven rotationally, the blocking disk is constantly rotated by a disk-driving gear.

Abstract: Cleaning of contamination in a printer, especially contamination by the use of a fixing aid, in which the contamination is determined by evaluating the register of a print of the printing machine. In the case that the register error is larger than a given amount, a cleaning run is performed. A control device is provided for evaluation of the register for determining contamination of the printer, especially by a fixing aid.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a rotating image carrier including a central portion and tip portions, and a rotating developing element for contacting the rotating image carrier and applying a developer to a latent image, wherein an axial direction is parallel to an axial direction of the rotating image carrier, and the element includes tip portions at ends in the axial direction. Also, the apparatus includes a member for removing dust from the central portion of the rotating image carrier, a width of the member being less than a width of the rotating developing element and a width of the rotating image carrier in the axial direction of the rotating image carrier, and a dust collector for collecting dust removed by the member, and having a width greater than the width of the rotating developing element in the axial direction of the rotating image carrier.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes: a supply port through which a liquid is supplied to an optical path space of exposure light; and a supply passage in which the liquid flows and which is in fluid communication with the supply port. An amount of a predetermined substance mixed into the liquid in the supply passage is set to be not greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A toner recovery device, capable of preventing toner from spilling out of the space between protruding sections and an inner wall of a toner-conveying pipe, and process cartridge and image forming apparatus having this device. Residual toner after transfer, which is carried into a carry-in section of the toner-conveying pipe, is held by the protruding sections of a toner-conveying belt and a bottom surface of the toner-conveying pipe, and conveyed to a carry-out section. Accordingly, the residual toner after transfer can be prevented from oscillating while being conveyed to the carry-out section. Therefore, the residual toner after transfer is prevented from spilling out of the space between the protruding sections and the inner wall of the toner-conveying pipe, and the amount of residual toner after transfer to be conveyed to the carry-out section can be prevented from being reduced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image bearing member, on which an electrostatic image is formed; a development unit which is provided with a developer bearing member for bearing and conveying a developer, so as to develop the electrostatic image; a storage place which can store therein the developer spattering from the development unit; a shielding member which is disposed in a region outside of a development region in the storage place; and a foreign material collecting member which is disposed in a region farther outside of the shielding member in the storage place.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image bearing member; an exposure unit, disposed below the image bearing member, including a transmitting portion for transmitting a laser beam to which the image bearing member is exposed; a developing unit disposed above the exposure unit for developing, with toner, a electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member; and a toner supply opening for supplying toner into the developing unit above the exposure unit, wherein the toner supply opening is in a range, with respect to a rotation axial direction of image bearing member, inside an end of the exposure unit and outside the transmission portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a photoreceptor; a charger that electrically charges the photoreceptor; an exposing unit having an LED printing head that forms a latent image on the photoreceptor; a developing unit that develops a toner image corresponding to the latent image on the photoreceptor; a blower unit that sends air to a space between the photoreceptor and the LED printing head; a first shielding member provided on the charger, which intercepts the air coming from the blower unit to enter inside the charger; and a second shielding member provided on the developing unit, which intercepts the air coming from the blower unit to enter inside the developing unit.

Abstract: An printer, such as a state of the art a high performance, electro-photographic printer. The printer includes at least one smart material sensor enclosed in the printer enclosure that monitors for the presence of a contaminant (e.g., toner or developer) above a selected threshold. Each smart material sensor is coupled to a control unit by a sensor driver coupling. When a smart material sensor finds that a contaminant is present the control unit may indicate the finding on a printer display and/or change operating mode.

Abstract: An image developing apparatus includes an upper case, and a lower case having an opening and containing a developing agent on a lower side of the upper case. A photoconductive drum in the upper case forms an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof. A charging roller charges the photoconductive drum. A developing roller having one part is exposed through the opening of the lower case to cooperate with the photoconductive drum for developing the electrostatic latent image. A scattering preventing unit disposed between the photoconductive drum and the developing roller, to prevent scattering of the developing agent. The scattering preventing unit includes a blocking curtain covering part of the opening and one side in contact with the outer circumference of the photoconductive drum.

Abstract: A process cartridge is disclosed which is detachably mounted on an apparatus for forming an image using toner, and which has a process cartridge housing. The process cartridge housing includes: a smoothed surface portion including an inner face and an outer face; at least one protruding portion formed on the smoothed surface portion so as to protrude therefrom; and a structure having a surface configured for physically facilitating removal of the toner from the process cartridge housing, once attached thereto.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a paper dust removal unit that removes paper dust from a photosensitive member. The paper dust removal unit includes a brush-shaped member affixed to a plate by a two-sided tape. The brush-shaped member is peeled off from the plate so as to re-use the plate and the like of the paper dust removal unit. The tensile strength of the two-sided tape is greater than the shear adhesive strength between the two-sided tape and the plate, so that the two-sided tape is prevented from tearing partway when the brush-shaped member is peeled off.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes a developer container for storing a developer which contains toner, a rotary member for stirring and conveying the developer, and a bearing member to hold the rotary member in the developer container. At least one of the bearing member and the rotary member has a plurality of protrusions on a portion of the bearing member which holds the rotary member, or on a portion of the rotary member which is held by the bearing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a transfer belt that is formed of an endless belt; a plurality of image forming units that are so arranged as to be aligned in a transfer belt conveyance direction; a plurality of toner supply containers that are detachably fitted, on one end side in the direction orthogonal to the transfer belt conveyance direction, in correspondence with the plurality of image forming units; an optical sensor that is provided in opposition to the transfer belt; and a cleaning member that is biased toward the one end side in the direction orthogonal to the transfer belt conveyance direction and that cleans a detection surface of the optical sensor in conjunction with replacement operation for one particular toner supply container among the plurality of toner supply containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a developer collecting apparatus capable of preventing a developer collected from a photoconductive medium from clotting while being supplied to a developing unit. The developer collecting apparatus includes a developer collecting container including an inlet for inflow of a developer removed from a photoconductive medium by a cleaning member, and an outlet for discharge of the developer. The developer collecting apparatus also includes a developer storing container connected to the developer collecting container through a transport pipe and a vibration unit for preventing the developer from clotting and accumulating at the outlet of the developer collecting container and in the transport pipe.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier that carries a latent image; an exposure device, which includes a light source and an optical member, for focusing, on the image carrier, light emitted by the light source that is used to form a latent image on the image carrier; and a developing device, for developing the latent image. A dust prevention member that contacts the image carrier is arranged for the exposure device.

Abstract: A shield may be provided over a printer developer roll, adjacent to a doctor blade, to reduce toner dusting and toner accumulations. The shield may slightly conform to the curvature of the developer roll in some embodiments. As a result, toner accumulations on surfaces which the customer must touch may be reduced.

Abstract: A shield may be provided over a printer developer roll, adjacent to a doctor blade, to reduce toner dusting and toner accumulations. The shield may slightly conform to the curvature of the developer roll in some embodiments. As a result, toner accumulations on surface which the customer must touch may be reduced.

Abstract: An optical writing unit for use in an image forming apparatus, wherein the optical writing unit includes an optical system which generates a light beam to write an electrostatic latent image on an image carrying member of the image forming apparatus, and a casing which encases the optical system. The casing includes an opening portion and a transparent member which externally seals the opening portion and has a top surface higher than a surface of the casing with a predetermined height and an optical writing area through which the light beam emits.

Abstract: An airborne toner collection manifold for an electrostatographic printer for coupling in fluid flow communication with a vacuum source includes an inlet, a collection duct, a first exhaust duct and a second exhaust duct. The inlet defines a gap slot extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The collection duct is adjacent to the inlet and has a first end extending longitudinally at least to the first end of the gap slot of the inlet and a second end extending longitudinally at least to the second end of the gap slot of the inlet. The collection duct defines a cavity in fluid flow communication with the gap slot. The first exhaust duct is in fluid flow communication with the cavity of the collection duct and is configured to be coupled for fluid flow communication with the vacuum source. The second exhaust duct is in fluid flow communication with the cavity of the collection duct and is configured to be coupled for fluid flow communication with the vacuum source.

Abstract: A cleaning member for mounting around a support in an electrophotographic machine, the support being located peripherally adjacent at least one electrophotographic process device having a surface cleanable by the cleaning member, the cleaning member including a substrate supporting a cleaning agency. The cleaning member is activatable to clean via motion, which can include longitudinal movement and/or rotary movement around the support's longitudinal axis. The cleaning agency can include one or more cleaning agents selected from the following categories: brush, pad, blade, woven material, fabric, cloth, rubber, sponge, and foam. A surface cleanable by the cleaning member can be located on one or more of the following: lens array of a LED writer, charger grid, corona wire, blade, erase lamp, developer pickup scavenger device, densitometer or electrometer sensor, or retractable rotatable process device adjacent the support.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a paper-dust collecting roller, a paper-dust removing member, a conveying roller, and an urging member. The paper-dust collecting roller is rotatably supported at a fixed position in the main casing so as to confront a conveying path of a recording medium. The paper-dust collecting roller is configured to collect paper dusts adhering to the recording medium. The paper-dust removing member removes the paper dusts collected by the paper-dust collecting roller. The conveying roller is supported at a position in confrontation with the paper-dust collecting roller across the conveying path. The conveying roller is configured to remove relative to the paper-dust collecting roller. The urging member urges the conveying roller toward the paper-dust collecting roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to image forming equipment, e.g. a laser printer of the type which includes a photoconductive (PC) drum and an associated charge roller. The invention is disclosed in exemplary embodiment as a laser printer incorporating a cleaner element with an electrical potential to sufficiently charge contamination particles on the PC drum to electrically repel from a charged surface, such as the charge roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent-image carrier, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a cleaning unit, a recovered-toner supply unit, and a foreign-matter collecting unit. The developing unit carries a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image on the latent-image carrier with the toner. The transfer unit transfers the toner developed on the latent-image carrier to a recording material directly or via an intermediate transfer body. The cleaning unit removes a toner remaining on at least one of the latent-image carrier and the intermediate transfer medium after the transfer. The recovered-toner supply unit supplies a toner removed by the cleaning unit to the developing unit again. The foreign-matter collecting unit collects a foreign matter, which is mixed into the toner supplied from the recovered-toner supply unit and moved onto the latent-image carrier by the developing unit, before the transfer by the transfer unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of image forming includes an optical writing device and an image carrier. The optical writing device includes a housing, a dustproof member, a light source, and a shield. The housing is provided with an opening. The dustproof member is light permeable and closes the opening. The light source is installed in the housing and irradiates the image carrier with a light beam through the dustproof member. The shield is movable between a first position to cover the dustproof member and a second position to uncover the dustproof member. The optical writing device also includes a cleaner attached to the shield and contact the dustproof member. The optical writing device also includes a driver for moving the shield. The optical writing device further includes a positioning mechanism for positioning the shield to the first position by using the driver.

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: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming portions, each of which has a photosensitive member and a developing device for developing an electrostatic image on the photosensitive member, and an exposure unit disposed beneath the image forming portions for exposing the plurality of photosensitive members. The exposure unit has a frame member that accommodates an optical member. The frame member includes an upper frame portion opposed to the image forming portions. The upper frame portion has a plurality of recessed portions corresponding to the image forming portions respectively.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus in which positioned below a development unit for accommodating a toner is an exposure unit that writes to a photosensitive drum by exposing an electrostatic latent image, an aperture portion on an upper surface of an exposure unit case positioned in an optical path of light from the exposure unit is provided so as to not become an impediment to the optical path of the light and a glass plate is inclined and provided on the aperture portion. An inclination angle of the glass plate is set to an angle inclined 40° with respect to a horizontal line so as to be greater than a repose angle of the toner when the toner has poor fluidity under a condition of high temperature and high humidity.

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: A sensor cleaning mechanism is arranged on a transport/transfer belt unit having a photosensor mounted thereon. The transport/transfer belt unit is detachably arranged on a main body of an image forming device. The sensor cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning arm that is pivotably mounted on a frame of the transport/transfer belt unit, and a cleaning member that is arranged on the cleaning arm and capable of cleaning the surface of the photosensor. With the transport/transfer belt unit mounted in the main body of the image forming device, the cleaning member of the cleaning arm will placed in a stowed position away from the surface of the photosensor, and when a user removes the transport/transfer belt unit from the main portion of the image forming device, the cleaning member of the cleaning arm will pivot to a position that covers the surface of the photosensor and cleans the same.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member configured to bear a visible image including a toner charged with a predetermined polarity, an intermediate transfer member configured to receive the visible image from the image bearing member during a primary transfer process before the visible image is transferred onto a transfer medium during a secondary transfer process, a sensor configured to detect a density of the visible image, and a supporting member configured to support the intermediate transfer member and to generate an electric field having a polarity opposite to the predetermined polarity of the toner, in which the supporting member is held in contact with the intermediate transfer member and facing the sensor with the intermediate transfer member interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a transportation path, a transportation roller and a foreign particle collecting mechanism. The transportation path extends approximately upward from a paper feed cassette which sequentially feeds paper for printing an image. The transportation path transports the paper from the paper feed cassette via an image forming unit, which prints a desired image onto the paper, to a paper discharge tray. The transportation roller is provided at the transportation path upstream of the image forming unit. The foreign particle collecting mechanism removes a foreign particle adhered to a roller surface of the transportation roller. The paper feed cassette includes a container for receiving a foreign particle dropped off from the foreign particle collecting mechanism.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an image forming section, a plurality of recording-medium supply units, a transportation guide forming a plurality of transportation paths, a full-width cleaning member, a plurality of recording-medium separating members, and at least one partial cleaning member provided for each recording-medium separating member. The plurality of transportation paths joins together to provide a single main transportation path reaching the image forming section. The full-width cleaning member is disposed in the single main transportation path. The full-width cleaning member has a full-width cleaning portion wider than a recording medium. Each partial cleaning member has a partial cleaning portion wider than is the corresponding recording-medium separating member.

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 developing device includes a developing agent carrying member and a latent image carrying member agent. A casing having a developing agent storing space for storing developing agent has an opening whereby a portion of the surface of the developing agent carrying member faces the latent image carrying member. A restricting member is provided within the casing to restrict the amount of developing agent supplied to the developing region. A magnetic field is provided so that the developing agent forms a magnetic brush closing off the space between the surface of the developing agent carrying member and the inner wall of the casing. A gas exhaust path is provided in an upstream space of the developing region between the surface of the developing agent carrying member and the inner wall of the casing to exhaust gas generated in the upstream space.

Abstract: An improved multi-function office machine having a paper-discharging space cover at an opening of a paper-discharging space, to prevent inflow of foreign substances into the multi-function office machine though the paper-discharging space. The multi-function office machine comprises a main body, a flat bed disposed at an upper portion of the main body to set a document, a flat bed cover with one end hinged to the main body to open and close the upper surface of the flat bed, a paper-discharging space disposed at a rear side of the main body to receive a printed paper, and having an opening at a top, and a paper-discharging space cover hinged to the rear side of the main body to open and close the opening.

Abstract: Preventing the imaging forming process of an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus having a plurality of imaging modules in tandem relative to a receiver transport belt moveable along a transport path from becoming contaminated with fuser release oil. A substantially uniform layer of the pigmented marking particles from the development subsystem of the image forming process is deposited onto the photoconductive member of the image forming process during any non-imaging cycles of the process, including cycle down, non-imaging skip frames, or recovery from a receiver jam. The substantially uniform layer of pigmented marking particles acts as a barrier to block fuser release oil from the photoconductive member and as a vehicle to carry away contaminating fuser release oil.

Abstract: An electro-photographic image forming apparatus preventing toner from scattering during a printing operation and a control method of the same. The electro-photographic image forming apparatus includes a scattering preventive member being disposed downstream of the developing roller at a predetermined distance from the photosensitive medium, and a voltage being applied, and a controller controlling the voltage that is applied to the scattering preventive member so as to transport the toner attached on the scattering preventive member to the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A developer scattering prevention unit used with an electrophotographic image forming device includes an air inlet/outlet pipe installed adjacent to an intermediate area between an image carrier and a developer and having a first air inlet/outlet port opened toward the intermediate area, and at least one vacuum source installed on at least one of the image carrier and the developer carrier to communicate with the air inlet/outlet pipe to control air to flow from the intermediate area through the first air inlet/outlet port. A developing device having this developer scattering prevention function becomes simplified in structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a depth of field adjustment device and method for an automatic document feeder. The automatic document feeder has a guiding groove for placing an object to be scanned. The guiding groove has a scanning window for providing image picking-up for an optical chassis. An adjustable suppressing mechanism located at the guiding groove in corresponding to the scanning window may drive the object to be scanned to pass through an optimal depth of field height of the scanning window. First, at least a part of the pre-scanned object is fed in to be located between the adjustable suppressing mechanism and the scanning window. The depth of field height is then adjusted and changed by the adjustable suppressing mechanism. And, the image of the pre-scanned object is compared with a pre-stored image. After the pre-scanned objected has been judged to be located at the optimal depth of field height, the adjustable suppressing mechanism is fixed and the pre-scanned object is sent out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing contamination of an image transfer surface in an image transfer device includes a shield member configured to restrict airflow against the image transfer surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling conditions in a printer that includes a print engine that is operative upon an article to print marks upon the article. Sensors are provided for detecting relative humidity and temperature within a moving air stream in the printer. A controller in the printer determines if the detected relative humidity within the apparatus falls within a range of acceptable relative humidities and the detected temperature within the apparatus falls within a range of acceptable temperatures. The range of acceptable relative humidities and acceptable temperatures defines a predetermined target area. When outside the range of the predetermined target area a determination is made of needed minimal adjustments to bring the temperature and humidity within the target area. Subject to such a determination, mist and/or heating of the air stream are provided to implement the needed adjustments.

Abstract: A contaminant removing member for removing contaminants adhering to the surface of the photoconductive member is contacted to and pressed against the surface of the photoconductive member by an engaging and disengaging mechanism only when a contaminant removing operation is performed. Accordingly, the contaminants adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum can be removed while damage to the surface of the photosensitive drum is minimized. Alternatively the contaminant removing operation can be performed by a contaminant removing member removably mounted to one of a toner container or a photosensitive member container.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus forms a toner image on a toner image bearing body and the toner image is transferred onto a recording medium. An image forming section forms the toner image on the toner image bearing body, which may be a transfer belt. A reading section optically reads the toner image formed on the image bearing body. A covering section is provided between the reading section and the toner image bearing body. The covering section can move between an opening position, where the covering section covers the reading section, and a closing position, where the covering section does not cover the reading section. A drive mechanism drives the covering section to move between the opening position and the closing position. An adjustment section adjusts the reading section when the covering section is at the closing position. The covering section includes a reflection member attached thereto.

Abstract: In a device and method for fixing toner images on a carrier web, rinsing chambers from which a mixture of solvent vapor and air is drawn off are located before and after a fixing chamber. The mixture is passed through a condenser, the discharge of which is re-supplied to the rinsing chambers.