Abstract A stripping apparatus for stripping copy sheets from the surface of the xerographic drum without destroying the developed latent electrostatic image on the copy sheet and without contacting the drum surface. A stripping finger is mounted on a linkage which is supported from the machine frame to position the finger in close proximity with the drum surface. The finger has a tip portion which protrudes slightly past the point of tangency of the finger with the drum surface. Small apertures are formed at the bottom of the finger which is hollow and is in communication with an air supply to cause an air cushion to be formed under the finger. The finger floats on an air cushion which is maintained at a predetermined distance from the drum surface. By virtue of the position of the tip with the drum surface, stripping of the leading edge of copy sheets to be stripped from the drum surface is accomplished without contacting the drum surface. A tiny channel formed in the forward surface of the tip is in communication with the air supply and provides sufficient pressure to blow developer material away from the tip to maintain it in clean condition. The linkage is arranged to exert a pressure biasing action on the finger in the direction normal to the direction of drum movement.
In a xerographic copying apparatus for producing multiple copies wherein each developed copy sheet is electrostatically tacked to a moving xerographic drum image bearing surface, an improved stripping apparatus for removing the tacked copy sheet with developed images thereon from the moving drum surface comprising: a frame, resilient linkage means arranged in parallelogram fashion pivotally supported on said frame against the action of spring bias means, a stripper finger member mounted on said resilient linkage means at a distance from a drum surface less than the thickness of each copy sheet to be stripped, said finger member having a tip portion extending in a linear direction slightly past a point of tangency with the drum surface, said finger member further having an array of apertures formed therein on one surface thereof facing the drum surface, and air supply means providing low pressure air in communication with the apertures to cause an air cushion to be formed between the finger member and the drum surface acting against said resilient linkage means and spring bias means to maintain uniform spacing therebetween during the stripping operation to enable stripping of the copy sheet with developed images thereon by said tip portion without contacting the drum surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
In a xerographic copying apparatus for producing multiple copies wherein each developed copy sheet is electrostatically tacked to a moving xerographic drum image bearing surface, an improved stripping apparatus for removing the tacked copy sheet with developed images thereon from the moving drum surface comprising: a frame, resilient linkage means arranged in parallelogram fashion pivotally supported on said frame against the action of spring bias means, a stripper finger member mounted on said resilient linkage means at a distance from a drum surface less than the thickness of each copy sheet to be stripped, said finger member having a tip portion extending in a linear direction slightly past a point of tangency with the drum surface, said finger member further having an array of apertures formed therein on one surface thereof facing the drum surface, and air supply means providing low pressure air in communication with the apertures to cause an air cushion to be formed between the finger member and the drum surface acting against said resilient linkage means and spring bias means to maintain uniform spacing therebetween during the stripping operation to enable stripping of the copy sheet with developed images thereon by said tip portion without contacting the drum surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said tip portion is formed with at least one channel in comMunication with the air supply means to prevent developer material from sticking thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said tip portion is maintained at a uniform distance from the drum surface ranging from about 0.0005 to about 0.0015 inches depending on copy sheet thickness.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said stripper finger is pivotally supported on conduit means communicating air thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said air pressure ranges from about 10 to about 12 psi.