US4344698A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrophotographic apparatus having improved grounding means
Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLC
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Filing: 1980-10-01
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Granted: 1982-08-17
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Expires: 2000-10-01
Abstract
Abstract Electrophotographic apparatus of the kind utilizing a flexible photoconductor film or web including a support and photoconductive layer sandwiching a conducting layer comprises a grounding member having an incising edge. The grounding member is electrically coupled to a reference potential and urged into a predetermined cutting position to incise the photoconductive layer and to effect contact of the conductive layer as film is moved therepast along the operative path of the apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E. Zeman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:51
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/75; G03G15/754; G03G15/22; G03G15/26; G03G15/263; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T83/00; Y10T83/02; Y10T83/0333; Y10T83/0348; Y10T83/647; Y10T83/6584
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
In electrophotographic apparatus of the type having means for feeding an imaging element, including an incisable photoconductive layer overlying a conductive layer on an insulative support, along an operative path for charging, exposure and development, an improved device for electrically coupling the conductive layer of such element to a reference potential, said device being particularly suitable for single-use, web or film type imaging elements and comprising: (a) electrically-conductive means located along said path for incising, along an edge portion of the imaging element fed thereby, into the conductive layer of such element; and (b) means for electrically connecting said electrically-conductive means to such reference potential.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
In electrophotographic apparatus of the type having means for feeding an imaging element, including an incisable photoconductive layer overlying a conductive layer on an insulative support, along an operative path for charging, exposure and development, an improved device for electrically coupling the conductive layer of such element to a reference potential, said device being particularly suitable for single-use, web or film type imaging elements and comprising: (a) electrically-conductive means located along said path for incising, along an edge portion of the imaging element fed thereby, into the conductive layer of such element; and (b) means for electrically connecting said electrically-conductive means to such reference potential.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said electrically-conductive means is mounted for movement toward and away from said path and includes means for urging it toward said path with a predetermined force.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention defined in claim 2 further including a compliant means, located across said path from said electrically-conductive means, for supporting the imaging element during its incision.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention defined in claim 2 wherein said electrically-conductive means is pivotally mounted at a location upstream from the zone of incision.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention defined in claim 4 wherein said electrically-conductive means is located above said path and said urging means comprises the weight of said electrically-conductive means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said electrically-conductive means has a razor-like edge.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said electrically-conductive means comprises an incising edge and means for controlling the depth of incision by said edge into the image element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention defined in claim 7 wherein said controlling means comprises flanges on said edge.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention defined in claim 1 further including means for sharpening said electrically-conductive means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said electrically-conductive means comprises a generally circular blade adapted for rotation to provide a relative velocity difference with incised film and means, contacting the periphery of said blade at a location spaced from said path, for sharpening said blade.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-08-16 | 1986-02-15 | 1986-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-08-16 | 1990-02-15 | 1990-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-08-16 | 1994-02-15 | 1994-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |