Patent ID: 7708377

Claim:
A blade engagement apparatus providing blade engagement with an associated image forming machine having an associated moving surface comprising: an elongated blade holder removably connected to the associated image forming machine having a pivot axis disposed a fixed distance from the associated moving surface; a first elastomeric blade extending from the blade holder having a first blade tip extending transversely across the associated moving surface; a second elastomeric blade extending from the blade holder angularly spaced apart from the first blade having a second blade tip extending transversely across the associated moving surface; and an actuator connected to the blade holder providing actuation forces rotating the blade holder in a first rotational direction about the pivot axis moving the first blade from a retracted standby position spaced apart from the associated moving surface wherein the first tip extends towards the associated moving surface to a deflected working position generating a blade load against the associated moving surface at the first tip to a suspended position spaced apart from the associated moving surface wherein the first tip extends away from the associated moving surface, the actuator providing actuation forces rotating the blade holder in a second rotational direction about the pivot axis opposite the first rotational direction moving the first blade from the working position to the retracted standby position.