US4121947A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of cleaning a photoreceptor
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1977-07-05
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Granted: 1978-10-24
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Expires: 1997-07-05
Abstract
Abstract Charged residual toner is removed from a photoreceptor by simultaneously (1) exposing the photoconductive layer of the photoreceptor to light, (2) charging the photoconductive layer to the same polarity as that of the toner, (3) vibrating the photoreceptor to dislodge the toner by entraining the photoreceptor about a roller while rotating the roller about an eccentric axis, and (4) subjecting the toner to a force (e.g. vacuum or gravity) which draws the toner away from the photoreceptor.
Inventors
- 👤 Kent W. Hemphill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:12
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G21/00; G03G21/0005; G03G2221/00; G03G2221/0005; G03G2221/0021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
In a cleaning method for removing electrostatically charged residual toner from a photoreceptor having a substrate and a photoconductive layer, the improvement comprising the steps of: (a) electrostatically charging the photoconductive layer to the same polarity as that of the toner, (b) rotating a roller about an eccentric axis with the photoreceptor entrained about the roller to induce vibrations in the photoreceptor, (c) exposing the photoconductive layer to light, and (d) removing the toner from the photoreceptor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
In a cleaning method for removing electrostatically charged residual toner from a photoreceptor having a substrate and a photoconductive layer, the improvement comprising the steps of: (a) electrostatically charging the photoconductive layer to the same polarity as that of the toner, (b) rotating a roller about an eccentric axis with the photoreceptor entrained about the roller to induce vibrations in the photoreceptor, (c) exposing the photoconductive layer to light, and (d) removing the toner from the photoreceptor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method set forth in claim 1, wherein said step of exposing occurs during the charging step.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method set forth in claim 1, wherein the substrate is transparent, and said step of exposing includes transmitting light through the transparent substrate towards the photoconductive layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method set forth in claim 1, wherein all of the steps occur simultaneously.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method set forth in claim 3, wherein all of the steps occur simultaneously.
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) | 1981-10-23 | 1982-04-24 | 1982-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-10-23 | 1986-04-24 | 1986-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-10-23 | 1990-04-24 | 1990-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |