US3868181A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for driving photosensitive element in electrophotographic copier of image transfer type
Assignee: Minolta Co Ltd
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Filing: 1973-02-22
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Granted: 1975-02-25
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Expires: 1993-02-22
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus comprises a sheet of photosensitive element in the form of an endless belt, a drive roller for driving the photosensitive sheet in one direction, a suction box for sucking in a loop portion of the photosensitive sheet supported on the roller and pressure reducing means for imparting a sucking force to the suction box. The suction box regulates the direction of advance of the photosensitive sheet to prevent zigzag movement thereof and is provided with means for protecting and cleaning the photosensitive surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Susumu Tanaka
- 👤 Yuji Enoguchi
- 👤 Takao Fujiwara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:40
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/22; G03G15/28; G03G15/283
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
186 words
In an electrophotographic copier of the image transfer type, a drive roller rotatable about a transverse axis, a suction box extending longitudinally relative to said drive roller and having in an end thereof proximate said drive roller an opening longitudinally spaced from and facing said drive roller, exhaust means communicating with said suction box at a point in said box spaced longitudinally inwardly of said end opening, and an endless belt having a photosensitive outer face and constrained to move in a path having longitudinal forward and return runs joined at opposite ends by respective first and second longitudinally spaced transverse end runs, said first transverse end run extending around said drive roller and said second transverse end run and a part of said longitudinal forward and return runs being disposed in said suction box so that the belt is tensioned under the influence of the reduced pressure therein, said suction box including opposite walls extending along the outer faces of said belt longitudinal runs and said walls having their inside faces lined with relatively soft webs engaging said belt outer faces in said suction box.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
186 words
In an electrophotographic copier of the image transfer type, a drive roller rotatable about a transverse axis, a suction box extending longitudinally relative to said drive roller and having in an end thereof proximate said drive roller an opening longitudinally spaced from and facing said drive roller, exhaust means communicating with said suction box at a point in said box spaced longitudinally inwardly of said end opening, and an endless belt having a photosensitive outer face and constrained to move in a path having longitudinal forward and return runs joined at opposite ends by respective first and second longitudinally spaced transverse end runs, said first transverse end run extending around said drive roller and said second transverse end run and a part of said longitudinal forward and return runs being disposed in said suction box so that the belt is tensioned under the influence of the reduced pressure therein, said suction box including opposite walls extending along the outer faces of said belt longitudinal runs and said walls having their inside faces lined with relatively soft webs engaging said belt outer faces in said suction box.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
178 words
An image transfer type electrophotographic copier apparatus including charging, exposing and transferring stations comprising: a drive roller; a photosensitive element in the form of an endless belt constrained To move in a path having longitudinal runs and a first looped end adjacent to said drive roller and an opposite second looped end, said belt in said first looped end coacting with said drive roller which drives the belt; pressure reducing means; a suction box in covering relation to a portion of said belt including a sucking path leading to said pressure reducing means; said belt with said driver roller at said first looped end being driven while said pressure reducing means is in operation causing said belt to rotate in the form of an endless belt without the presence of a roller at the second looped end; and said suction box including opposite walls extending along the outer faces of said longitudinal runs of said belt path and said walls having their inside faces lined with relatively soft webs engaging said belt outer faces in said suction box.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
178 words
An image transfer type electrophotographic copier apparatus including charging, exposing and transferring stations comprising: a drive roller; a photosensitive element in the form of an endless belt constrained To move in a path having longitudinal runs and a first looped end adjacent to said drive roller and an opposite second looped end, said belt in said first looped end coacting with said drive roller which drives the belt; pressure reducing means; a suction box in covering relation to a portion of said belt including a sucking path leading to said pressure reducing means; said belt with said driver roller at said first looped end being driven while said pressure reducing means is in operation causing said belt to rotate in the form of an endless belt without the presence of a roller at the second looped end; and said suction box including opposite walls extending along the outer faces of said longitudinal runs of said belt path and said walls having their inside faces lined with relatively soft webs engaging said belt outer faces in said suction box.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said suction box means covers both the upper and lower surfaces of said belt except for the area where said belt traverses said charging, exposing and transferring stations.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the width of said suction box covering said belt is essentially equal to the width of said belt for preventing the meandering of said belt.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said suction box is formed with a protecting means for cleaning said photosensitive element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 including a powder collecting means discharged from said pressure reducing means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-08-26 | 1979-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-24 | 1982-08-26 | 1983-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-24 | 1986-08-26 | 1987-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |