Patent US4174172A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4174172A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cleaning methods and apparatus for a photocopying device
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1977-10-26
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Granted: 1979-11-13
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Expires: 1997-10-26
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for cleaning a surface. The surface is moved in one direction relative to a cleaning blade in engagement therewith. Rest periods are provided of no relative motion wherein the blade is moved out of contact with the surface at a first position during the period of no relative motion. The blade is returned to the surface at a second position downstream of the first position. In accordance with a different embodiment the blade is removed from the surface after the surface has stopped, and is returned to the surface before relative motion commences.
Inventors
- 👤 John N. Lane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:30
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G21/00; G03G21/0005; G03G21/0011; G03G21/0029; G03G21/0088
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of cleaning a surface by moving the surface in one direction relative to a cleaning blade in engagement therewith with rest periods of no relative motion wherein said blade is moved out of contact with the surface at a first position during a said period of no relative motion and returned thereto at a second position downstream of said first position.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of cleaning a surface by moving the surface in one direction relative to a cleaning blade in engagement therewith with rest periods of no relative motion wherein said blade is moved out of contact with the surface at a first position during a said period of no relative motion and returned thereto at a second position downstream of said first position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, including reversing the relative motion between the blade and the surface with the blade still in engagement with the surface prior to a said rest period.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as claimed in claim 2, in which the blade is moved across the surface in the downstream direction before it is moved out of contact with the surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 3, in which the blade is pressed closer against the surface during said downstream movement than during cleaning.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as in claim 3, further including the steps of; forming a latent electrostatic image on said surface, developing the latent image with liquid developer, and transferring the developed image on to support material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
75 words
Apparatus for cleaning a surface including a cleaning blade engagable with said surface, drive means for moving the surface past the cleaning blade with rest periods of no relative motion, and blade translation means for moving the blade out of contact with the surface at a first position during a said period of no relative motion and for returning the blade into engagement with the surface at a second position downstream of said first position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
75 words
Apparatus for cleaning a surface including a cleaning blade engagable with said surface, drive means for moving the surface past the cleaning blade with rest periods of no relative motion, and blade translation means for moving the blade out of contact with the surface at a first position during a said period of no relative motion and for returning the blade into engagement with the surface at a second position downstream of said first position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the blade translation means comprises first means for moving the blade relative to the surface and second means for guiding the blade during movement.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which the guide means comprises a cam, and a mounting for the blade includes a follower which engages the cam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
80 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the cam is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends and the follower is biased against the cam such that the cam is urged to a first position in which the blade is engaged with the surface when the follower is to one side of the pivot and is urged to a second position in which the blade is disengaged from the surface when the follower is to the other side of the pivot.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, including a solenoid operative to move the cam into said first position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which the blade is a scraper blade.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which the blade is a wiper blade.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein said cleaning apparatus comprises part of an electrostatographic reproducing machine further incorporating means for forming a latent electrostatic image on said surface, means for developing the latent image with liquid developer and means for transferring the developed image onto a support material.
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) | 1982-11-12 | 1983-05-14 | 1983-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-11-12 | 1987-05-14 | 1987-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-11-12 | 1991-05-14 | 1991-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |