Removal of vapor and ultrafine particles from printing device

Abstract

A printing apparatus comprises a paper path adjacent a media supply. The paper path moves printing media from the media supply through the printing apparatus. Also, a marking engine is positioned adjacent the paper path, and the paper path supplies the printing media to said marking engine. The marking engine prints marking material on the printing media in a printing process, and the printing process generates vapors and ultrafine particles. The printing apparatus includes ducting adjacent the paper path and the marking engine. A fan is positioned within the ducting. The fan moves the vapors and ultrafine particles from around the paper path and the marking engine into the ducting. Further, at least one condensation unit is located within the ducting. The condensation unit is maintained at a temperature sufficient to condense and collect the vapors and ultrafine particles. The condensation unit comprises a base and poles extending from the base, the poles (which can comprise rods, pins, carbon nanotubes, etc.) are sized to maximize condensation and collection of the vapors and ultrafine particles.