Abstract: An image reader includes a first image reading unit that reads first image data by scanning one surface of a document at a first resolution corresponding to a magnification ratio and a predetermined first scan cycle; and a second image reading unit that accumulates light radiated from a light source and reads second image data by scanning other surface of the document at a fixed second resolution and a second scan cycle corresponding to the magnification ratio, wherein the second image reading unit controls light accumulation time of the light radiated from the light source to be constant.

Abstract: A cleaner includes a rectangle elastic blade contacting a surface-moving object in a counter direction to remove an extraneous matter adhering to the surface of the object. An apical surface of the elastic blade in a longitudinal direction comprises a fluorine atom in an amount not less than 16.3% by atom when measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Abstract: A toner for electrostatic latent image development of the present invention includes toner particles containing toner mother particles and an external additive. The external additive contains fatty acid metal salt particles, and a volume based particle diameter (size) distribution of the fatty acid metal salt particles has two peaks on a side of smaller size and a side of larger size, respectively. A volume based mean particle diameter of the fatty acid metal salt particles having the peak on the side of smaller size is 3.0 ?m or smaller and a volume based mean particle diameter of the fatty acid metal salt particles having the peak on the side of larger size is larger than a volume based mean particle diameter of the toner mother particles.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming method, in which excellent cleaning properties are obtained for a long period of time even when the process is employed to an image forming apparatus with a charging roller for charging a photoreceptor, and a favorable image can be formed while inhibiting occurrence of a black spots-like image defect even in a high temperature and high humidity environment. In the image forming method, charging of a photoreceptor in a charging step is performed by a charging roller. A toner for electrostatic image development includes toner base particles added with an external additive. The external additive contains at least first external additive particles composed of a polytetrafluoroethylene and second external additive particles composed of at least one selected from a fatty acid metal salt and an amide wax.

Abstract: A photoreceptor includes an electroconductive substrate, and a laminate structure formed of at least a charge generating layer and a charge transport layer and provided overlying the electroconductive substrate, wherein the charge transport layer contains a charge transport material, a compound represented by the following formula 1 and a compound represented by the following formula 2: in the formula 1, R1 and R2 each independently represent substituted or non-substituted alkyl groups or aromatic hydrocarbon groups and one of R1 and R2 represents a substituted or non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, R1 and R2 bonded to the same nitrogen atom may be bonded together to form a substituted or non-substituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, and Ar represents a substituted or non-substituted hydrocarbon group; in the formula 2, R3 and R4 each independently represent substituted or non-substituted alkyl groups or aromatic hydrocarbon groups.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital, apparatuses. Embodiments pertain to an improved electrophotographic imaging member comprising a very thin outer layer on the imaging member surface, where the outer layer comprises healing materials that act as a barrier against moisture and/or surface contaminants. The improved imaging member exhibits improved xerographic performance, such as reduced wear and deletions in high humidity conditions. Embodiments also pertain to methods for making the improved electrophotographic imaging member.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital apparatuses. Embodiments pertain to an improved electrophotographic imaging member used in customer replaceable units (CRU) comprising a very thin outer layer on the imaging member surface, where the outer layer comprises healing materials that act as a barrier against moisture and/or surface contaminants. The improved imaging member exhibits improved xerographic performance, such as reduced wear and deletions in high humidity conditions.

Abstract: An image forming method is disclosed, which includes steps of cleaning toner remaining on a photoreceptor surface by a cleaning blade which is arranged on counter direction to rotation direction of the photoreceptor, supplying a fatty acid metal salt onto the photoreceptor surface after the cleaning, spreading the supplied fatty acid metal salt on the photoreceptor surface by using a spreading blade which is arranged on trail direction to rotation direction of the photoreceptor, charging the photoreceptor by a charging member, exposing the photoreceptor to form a latent image, developing the latent image by a developer to form a toner image on the photoreceptor, and transferring the toner image onto an image receiving member by a transfer roller facing to the photoreceptor through the image receiving material, in which the toner comprises a binder resin and a colorant, in which the toner has a glass transition point of from 20 to 45° C.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner having the transfer efficiency and the cleanability in combination, exhibiting excellent stress resistance, and ensuring the low-temperature fixing. A toner characterized in that the average circularity of the above-described toner is 0.960 or more, and 0.985 or less, where the average circularity is analyzed by dividing particles having a circle equivalent diameter of 1.98 ?m or more, and 200.00 ?m or less, the number A of toners having a circularity of 0.990 or more, and 1.000 or less is 25.0 percent by the number or less, and the percentage of the number of particles B having a circle equivalent diameter of 0.50 ?m or more, and 1.98 ?m or less relative to the total particles of 0.50 ?m or more, and 200.00 ?m or less is 10.0 percent by the number or less.

Abstract: An image-bearing member protecting agent including: a hydrophobic organic compound (A); an inorganic lubricant (B); and inorganic fine particles (C), wherein each of the inorganic fine particles (C) has a specific surface area of 2.0 m2/g to 6.5 m2/g.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming method employing an apparatus comprising a plurality of toner image forming units, which forms a plurality of toner images and transfer them onto an intermediate transferring member in sequence, and the transferred images is transferred onto a recording sheet. The developer is a non-magnetic single component toner and turbidity of toners of each color is less than 60; and the maximum turbidity difference among the toners is 5-45.

Abstract: A toner for developing electrostatic latent images, including a binder resin; and a colorant, wherein the toner further includes propyleneglycolmonomethylether in an amount of from 30 to 200 ppm.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises an image carrier, a lubricant application device that applies a first lubricant to the image carrier surface, and a developing device that houses a developer to which a second lubricant is added and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier. Here, the pure water contact angle ?1 of the first lubricant and the pure water contact angle ?2 of the second lubricant have the following relationship, ?1??2. Furthermore, a frictional coefficient of the second lubricant may be larger than a frictional coefficient of the first lubricant.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor and image processing method, the photoreceptor including an electroconductive substrate; an undercoat layer overlying the electroconductive substrate; and a photosensitive layer overlying the undercoat layer, wherein the undercoat layer includes a titanium oxide; an oil-free alkyd resin; a block isocyanate compound; and a metal oxide different from the titanium oxide, having an average particle diameter smaller than an average particle diameter thereof.

Abstract: In an image forming method in which a toner image, which is visualized via an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photoreceptor, employing a developer incorporating toner, is transferred onto a recording material followed by fixing, and any residual toner remaining on the electrophotographic photoreceptor is removed, an image forming method in which an electrophotographic photoreceptor and a toner which satisfy specified requirements are employed and image formation is carried out while feeding a surface energy lowering agent from the developer onto the aforesaid electrophotographic photoreceptor, and an image forming apparatus employing the same.