Patent ID: 6681094
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A single-pass color electrophotographic printer comprising:at least two imaging stations disposed to define a generally linear path, each imaging station including an image bearing member; an intermediate transfer member comprising a belt disposed to travel in an endless loop and to sequentially pass the plurality of imaging stations along the generally linear path, the belt supported by at least a first roller and a second roller disposed at opposite ends of the generally linear path, the belt further supported by a third roller located off the generally linear path; a plurality of electrically biased first transfer rollers, each first transfer roller associated with and disposed on an opposite side of the belt from each imaging station and operative to transfer developed images from the image bearing members to the intermediate transfer member belt, the intermediate transfer member belt passing through a nip between each first transfer roller and associated imaging station; an electrically biased second transfer roller operative to transfer developed images from the intermediate transfer member to media substrates, the second transfer member disposed on an opposite side of the belt from the third roller, the intermediate transfer member belt passing through a first nip between the second transfer roller and the third roller; and a cleaning station disposed on an opposite side of the belt from said third roller at a location different than said second transfer roller, the intermediate transfer member belt passing through a second nip between the cleaning station and the third roller, said cleaning station operative to remove from said transfer belt at least a portion of image forming material which remains after passing through said first nip between the second transfer roller and the third roller; wherein said third roller performs two separate mechanical functions: (a) to act as a backup roller for said second transfer roller; and (b) to act as a backup roller for said cleaning station.