Patent ID: 6754466
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An improved toner removal apparatus for a reproducing machine of the type having a moving photoreceptor, comprising:an electrically biased, cylindrical brush having a conductive sleeve with fibers radially extending therefrom and an axial shaft, said brush being mounted for rotation about the shaft in a housing; said housing having an opening through which the brush fibers extend into interfering contact with a surface of the moving photoreceptor containing toner thereon and where air may enter, the housing having a slot through which air may exit; air generating means connected to the housing slot for generating an air flow through the housing and brush fibers; and a pair of different sized bars, each bar of said pair of bars being located on opposing sides of the housing slot, the bars being parallel to each other and the brush shaft, said pair of bars extending into the housing and into contact with the brush fibers, one bar of said pair of bars compressing and subsequently releasing the brush fibers as the brush is rotated therepast to flick or throw toner collected from the photoreceptor towards the housing slot, and the other bar being smaller and contacting the brush fibers without compressing and releasing the brush fibers, in order to provide an air seal that causes the air to flow through said brush fibers being contacted by both of said bars without substantially increasing air flow impedance.