The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 15, 1979
Filed:
Jan. 24, 1978
Hidetoshi Tanaka, Musashino, JP;
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An air flow line system is disclosed which is operative effectively and advantageously in such type of image forming apparatus in which the photosensitive medium is in the form of a screen having therein a great number of fine openings. The air flow line system comprises first and second air flow channels or circuits. To switch over the direction of air flow, there is provided a switching device. In accordance with the operating condition of the apparatus, an air flow is directed selectively to the first channel or to the second channel through the switching device. The first channel includes therein the switching device and is defined by an air flow line extending between the vicinity of the screen type photosensitive medium and a pumping device functioning as an air blower or fan. The second channel the switching device and is defined by an air flow line extending between an air using mechanism operative with air flow and the pumping device. When a primary electrostatic latent image is formed on the screen type photosensitive medium, there is formed an air flow toward an ion source of the primary latent image forming means from the screen by the action of the switching device. After forming the primary latent image, the second channel is used to deliver an air flow up to the other operational part which requires such air flow. In this manner, air flow produced by one single pumping device is used for two or more different purposes in the same apparatus. With the air flow line system herein disclosed, a substantial improvement is attainable with respect to the durability of the above mentioned type of image forming apparatus and the quality of image produced thereby.