This class provides for electrophotographically reproducing
an original (e.g., document) by the action of light directly from
the original to a photoconductive member whose electrical conductivity,
electrical charge, magnetic condition, or electrical emissivity
of a photoconductive medium is selectively altered by the action
of light to produce an electrostatic latent image which persists
after imaging based upon differences in such electrical property.
The latent image is made visible by development; and the developed
image may be made permanent by transfer and fixing, or fixing. This
class provides for the subcombinations directed to charging, developing,
transferring, fixing, cleaning, or sheet feeding for an electrophotographic
apparatus whether or not the imaging light is directly from the
original. This class also provides for methods and means for perfecting
the apparatus provided above (e.g., control of electrophotographic
process, diagnostics, operator interface, etc.).
(1)
Note. The apparatus herein classified generally involves
the application of a uniform electrostatic charge to a photoresponsive medium
comprising a conductive support coated with a photoconductive insulator. Latent
electrostatic images are formed by exposure of an original directly
onto the photoresponsive medium through an optical lens system.
The charge applied to the light sensitive medium is selectively
discharged by exposure and remains only on selected portions of
the photoresponsive medium (i.e., those areas which correspond to
the original image). The photoresponsive medium is moved to a developing
station where toner is applied to the charged areas of the photoresponsive
medium forming a visible image thereupon. The photoresponsive medium
is then moved to a transfer station where the toned image is transferred to
a copy substrate (e.g., a piece of paper). The toned substrate is
then fed to a fixing station where the toner is permanently affixed
to the paper, usually by heat or pressure. The photoresponsive medium
is then moved to a cleaning station where untransferred toner and
any leftover electrical charge are removed so another copy cycle
can begin.
(2)
Note. The use of the limitation "directly" above
excludes image formation systems in which an image of an original
is detected and converted to electrical signals which are subsequently
utilized to generate further illumination signals to optically form
an image of the original on the medium. This excluded subject matter
may be found, for example, in Class 347, subclasses 112+, and
in Class 358, subclasses 400-304 and more specifically 401. However,
the nominal recitation of a light image to an electrical signal
or an equivalent statement would not serve to exclude subject matter
from Class 399. Also, Electrophotography has no modification of
converted electrical signals.
OTHER CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
Each subclass definition may contain an OTHER CLASSIFICATION
SYSTEMS listing that is to be used for informational purposes only.
These classification listings may change at any time after their
publication and are therefore not guaranteed to be current. In
addition, the classification listing does not necessarily indicate
the sole relationship between the U.S. Patent Classification System
and foreign classifications. Even where a single classification
is listed for a single U.S. subclass, a one-to-one correlation should
not be inferred. As a result, information contained therein is considered
to be only a guide to related subject matter.
Types of other classification systems may include IPC6 which
indicates an International Patent Classification (sixth edition) of
the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), JPO/FI
which indicates the Japanese Patent Office and its File Index (FI
is a subdivision of the IPC with related subject matter) classifications,
or the European Patent Classification (EPC) which indicates the
European Patent Office"s classification and also further
subdivides the IPC into related subject matter.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY APPARATUS CLASSIFIED ELSEWHERE
In Class 250, Radiant Energy, subclass 315.3 provides for
xerographic copying methods and apparatus which utilize invisible
radiation, subclass 317.1 provides for infrared or thermal image
document pattern copying methods or apparatus, and subclasses 582
and 583 provides for methods and apparatus to expose by radiant energy
a recording detector. Copying methods are classified in Class 430,
Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition, or Product Thereof.
ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY APPARATUS COMBINED WITH ANOTHER STRUCTURE
OR STRUCTURES AND CLASSIFIED ELSEWHERE
Claims which recite apparatus for photographing something
other than an original or carrier as herein defined and also for
copying an original or carrier are classified in Class 396, Photography,
especially subclasses 310+, 322+, and 429+,
or Class 346, Recorders. Class 386, Television Signal Processing
for Dynamic Recording or Reproducing, subclasses 30, 42, 43, 128+,
and 130+ provide for the photocopying which includes forming
a television image where a cathode-ray tube is recited. Class 396,
Photography, subclasses 429+, provides for patents where
only a nominal cathode-ray tube is recited. The combination of
a detailed register with a broadly or specifically claimed copier
is classified in Class 235, Registers. (See the first paragraph
of the Class 235 class definition.)
Class 226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, especially
subclasses 52+, provides for film advancing mechanisms
where no more than a nominal optical or photocopying element is
claimed. Photographic lights and projection lights, per se, are
in Class 362, Illumination, subclasses 3+ and 257+.
Class 271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering, provides for sheet feeding or
delivering means where no specific electrophotographic structure
is recited. Class 359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication)
and Elements, provides for lenses in subclasses 642+, reflectors
in subclasses 838+, and optical absorption filters in subclasses
885+.
Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, for devices for merely cleaning the photosensitive medium,
particularly
subclasses 1.51+ for electrostatic cleaning.
Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, for devices for treating a coating, including fusing
or coalescing a particulate coating by solvent vapor treatment,
per se.
Coating Apparatus, for apparatus for producing configured coatings applied
to a support material under the control or direction of electrical,
magnetic, or radiant energy applied to the coating material in a
predetermined pattern; for applying a light sensitive coating to
a support material; for development or transfer, by a coating operation,
of images made by electric photography, or for applying protective
coatings to the developed or transferred image; also any or all
of these combined with aftertreatment of the developed image or
cleaning of the light sensitive medium, especially
subclasses 51 , 58+, 72+, 200+, 308+,
620+, 720+, and 722+.
Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for methods of cleaning the photosensitive medium, particularly
subclasses 1+ for cleaning including the application of electrical,
radiant, or wave energy.
Fluid Handling, appropriate subclasses for generic fluid handling
apparatus which may be used to apply liquid toner to a latent image
to make it visible.
Clutches and Power-Stop Control,
subclasses 116.5+ for generic stop mechanisms which may be used for
power stop control of electrophotographic movable platen scanners.
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, appropriate subclasses for methods and apparatus
for forming or developing an image by electrolysis, electro-osmosis,
electrophoresis, or cathode sputtering, and combinations of electric
photographic apparatus therewith.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, especially
subclasses 52+ for film advancing means in a copier where no more
than one optical element is claimed and where no detailed optics
are recited, and appropriate subclasses for means to advance, for
example, photoresponsive electrophotographic copy paper on rolls.
Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
subclasses 44+ for means to control the humidity of paper used
in an electrophotographic copier or the atmosphere within the copier,
for example.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
subclasses 159+ and 324+ for apparatus used to wind or unwind
rolls of photoresponsive electrographic material, reeling and unreeling
means of the type employed in still picture apparatus and for the
type used in motion picture devices, for subject matter where no
cooperation between an optical element and reeling mechanism is recited,
where no detailed optical element is set forth, and where only one
nominally claimed optical element is present.
Radiant Energy,
subclass 315.3 for methods and apparatus for xerographic copying
by use of invisible radiation, subclass 316.1 for related electrostatic
recorders using infrared or thermal radiation to form the latent
image of an original which is copied by electrophotography, subclasses
317.1+ for document copies relying upon infrared or thermal
patterns of the document transferred to the copy paper, and subclasses
582 and 583 for an apparatus to expose, by invisible radiation generally,
a recording detector generally.
Compositions, for subject matter, especially
subclass 501.1 photosensitive electrically conductive or emissive
compounds, used as electrophotographic photoresponsive media, as well
as for other compositions used in electrophotographic devices.
Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus,
subclasses 75+ for generic apparatus which places a document or
item to be developed in contact with liquid developer or vice versa.
Recorders,
subclasses 74.2+ for related magnetographic recording devices, subclasses
107.1+ for light or beam recording, and subclasses 150.1+ for
related electrostatic recording apparatus and processes.
Incremental Printing and Symbolic Information,
subclasses 1 through 109for ink jets, particularly subclass 55 for applying
an electric field ejection intermittently; subclasses 111 through
170 for electric marking, particularly subclass 158 for delivering
to the recording medium visible particles to develop a latent image;
subclasses 171 through 223 for thermal printers; and subclasses
224 through 264 for light (i.e., ROS scanners).
Optics: Image Projectors, appropriate subclasses for picture carriers, projection
printing of composite images, and for editing or auxiliary viewing
devices associated with image projectors.
Optics: Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for optical measurement and
test instruments used in diagnostic testing of an electrophotographic
copier.
Facsimile and Static Presentation Processing,
subclasses 1.1 through 1.18for static presentation processing (e.g., processing
data for printer, etc.) and subclass 300 for electrostatic or electrolytic
facsimile recording apparatus which may be combined with electrophotographic
copiers. Class 399, Electrophotography, has no modification of converted electrical
signals.
Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and
Elements, appropriate subclasses for optical elements of an electrophotographic
copier"s illumination and image formation system, especially
subclasses 642+ for lenses, in subclasses 838+ for reflectors,
and subclasses 885+ for optical absorption filters.
Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
subclasses 212+ for means to discharge or prevent accumulation
of static electric charge and subclasses 225+ for electric
charge generating or conducting means.
Illumination,
subclasses 3+ and 257+ for photographic and projection
light source subcombinations which may include condenser lenses having
no other photocopying structure, and subclasses 227+ for
plural sources of illumination.
Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift
Registers: Circuits and Systems,
subclasses 1+ for applications of counters, including subclass
8 for counting flat articles (e.g., sheets).
Television Signal Processing for Dynamic Recording
or Reproducing,
subclass 30 , 42, 43, 128+, and 130 for a photographic
recorder in combination with detailed television means for first
transmitting an image of the original to the surface of a cathode-ray
tube and then photographing that image.
Photography, especially
subclasses 310+ , 322+, and 429+ for photocopying
in combination with photographing of an object other than a sheet
or film strip and also for copying a sheet or film strip by first
transmitting an image of the original to the surface of a nominally
claimed cathode-ray tube and then photographing the image on the
surface of the cathode-ray tube.
Coating Processes, especially
subclasses 458+ for related subject matter involving the direct application
of electrical, magnetic, or wave energy to form, cure, or otherwise
affect electrophotographic coatings.
Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition,
or Product Thereof, appropriate subclasses for radiation imagery chemistry,
process, composition, or product, especially
subclasses 31+ for related electrophotographic processes; for
purposes of classification, Class 430, subclasses 31+,
controls over Class 399; where the process claimed is expressed
in terms of Class 399 apparatus or subcombinations thereof, placement
is appropriate in Class 399.
Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components, appropriate subclasses for generic systems and components
which may be used to drive electrophotographic, photoresponsive,
endless webs or belts.
Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, appropriate subclasses for computer data processing
for measuring, calibrating, or testing that may include photographic
devices.
Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Support,
subclasses 182 through 186for system access control based on cryptographic
user identification.
Error Detection/Correction and Fault
Detection/Recovery, appropriate subclasses for generic diagnostic testing
involving data processing.
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
ELECTROSTATOGRAPHY
The formation and utilization of latent electrostatic charge
patterns for recording or reproducing patterns in viewable form,
for example: reproducing information from an original or carrier
by selectively exposing a photoconductive member to an electrical
or magnetic condition that produces a latent image whereby the image
is developed to a visible image, then transferred and fixed from
the photoconductive member to a medium.
LIGHT SOURCE
The source of illumination for the copier. The light source
includes filters, reflectors, screens, and other light modifiers
used to affect the spectral distribution, spatial distribution,
and intensity of the illumination.
IMAGE
The representation of an object (e.g.,original, carrier) produced
by the transmission or reflection of light incident upon the original.
IMAGE-BEARING MEMBER
A substrate for holding an electrostatic charge pattern
or a toner image.
IMAGE, LATENT
The invisible image produced by the action of light alone
or with other electrostatic charge-producing means on, or in, a
photoreceptor. A latent image may be made visible by development.
IMAGING
Forming an image that is a reproduction of an original.
MACHINE
A complete unit, in itself, for imaging an original or
carrier onto a receiver. It may also include means for developing,
transferring, and fixing the image, as well as means for handling
the record carrier on which the image is fixed.
MASTER
(a) The negative or positive original from which reproductions
are made, (b) a microform copy used for the production of copies,
or (c) a copy from which additional reproductions are made.
NEGATIVE
A visible image on a copy material in which the dark portions
of an original appear light and the light portions appear dark.
ORIGINAL
Any object (generally two-dimensional) from which a copy
is made by forming an image thereof on a photoconductor.
PHOTOCONDUCTIVE MATERIAL
A material that is an insulator in the dark and conducts electricity
in proportion to the amount of impinging light or actinic radiation.
This is usually provided as a layer of electrically conductive
material on a conductive support. During use, the electrical conductor
is charged (sensitized) in the dark, and light (in image configuration)
allows or causes the electrically conductive layer to conduct so
that the charge leaks through to the conductive layer leaving a
charge pattern corresponding to the original image (electrostatic
latent image).
PHOTOCONDUCTIVE MEMBER
A medium whose electrical conductivity, electrical charge,
magnetic condition, or electrical emissivity is selectively altered
by the action of electromagnetic radiation during imaging.
PLATEN
A flat or curved piece of rigid material on or against which
an original is placed for imaging the original onto a photoconductive
member.
TONER
Charged material (e.g., finely divided powder; i.e.,
usually thermoplastic or pigmented polymer particles), ink, or magnetic
particles used in electrostatic processes to make visible a latent
image and which may be treated (e.g., fused, dried, etc.) to render
the image permanent. Toner can be charged by triboelectric action,
by the direct application of charge (e.g., corona), or by inducing
the charge through the action of the electrostatic latent image.
The material may include or exclude a carrier element and may also
be called "marking particles" or "developer
material."
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein an electrophotographic device is
combined with another art device or structure having an added purpose
or independent utility other than to perfect an electrophotographic
device and which combination is not provided for elsewhere.
Telegraphy,
subclasses 77+ for an electrophotographic copier combined with
means for electronically sending a copy of the original from the
copier as well as making a copy thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
forming an image by an apparatus other than that provided for in
this class.
(1)
Note. This subject matter, for example, may include an electrophotographic device
that is combined with a raster output scanner used as an alternative
exposure unit.
(2)
Note. Diverse subject matter may have techniques of image
formation using an embossing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter wherein the diverse image is formed by a
charge pattern deposited onto or discharged from a medium forming
a latent image.
Incremental Printing of Symbolic Information,
subclasses 112+ wherein an image is formed by depositing an electrostatic
charge on or removing an electrostatic charge from a medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein a common optical component or light
source is used for the image formation of this class and the diverse
image.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein an image produced by diverse imaging
apparatus is combined with an image that is produced by the action
of light directly from an original.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein an image source, other than an original
provided for in this class, is used in addition to or in place of
the original.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
transmitting or receiving data about a condition of an electrophotographic
device or component thereof to an external location.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
detecting or analyzing (a) a condition that is outside the normal
operating condition or (b) a malfunction or potential malfunction
of an electrophotographic device or component thereof.
(1)
Note. For example, this subject matter may include detection
of an access door not being closed.
Electricity: Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 452+ for testing a material property using electrostatic
phenomenon (this type of test may be employed to determine the humidity or
electrical insulating properties of copy paper, a photosensitive
material, etc.) and subclasses 457+ which employ means
to measure an electrostatic field, such a field being an integral
property of the electrophotographic process.
Optics: Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 445+ for testing the reflectivity of the copy paper,
for example, to determine proper exposure, toner concentration,
etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein data is recorded or stored (e.g.,
in memory) of an analyzed performance, a malfunction, or a series
of abnormal events of an electrophotographic device or component.
(1)
Note. For example, this subject matter may include printing
of status.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
detecting or distinguishing an attachable or replaceable part of
a particular type or color or manufacturer or condition.
(1)
Note. For example, this subject matter may include a product
identification of a replacement part that would otherwise be physically
attachable to the apparatus (e.g., toner cartridges for different
colors).
(2)
Note. For example, this subject matter may include determining
if a component is new or used.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
distinguishing whether or not a component is either present or properly attached
in an operative manner.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
determining that an acceptable copy cannot be produced because of
the condition or nature of the original or an unsuitable feature
selection or a machine default condition.
OTHER CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS:
Type:
Class/Subclass:
Group:
Description:
IPC6
G03G
15/00
for an electrographic process using a charge pattern.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
analyzing a movement of a sheet medium through a traveled path of
an electrophotographic device or component; or for analyzing the
presence or absence of a sheet or recording medium, or holder therefor.
(1)
Note. For example, this subject matter may include forms
of movement such as feeding, inverting, stacking, sorting, collating,
and conveying.
Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
subclasses 44+ for means to control the humidity of paper used in
an electrophotographic copier, or the atmosphere within the copier
to improve performance of the apparatus.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, appropriate subclasses for subject matter related
to winding and unwinding electrophotographic photoresponsive webs,
etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the electrophotographic device performs
a corrective operation in addition to or beyond displaying a warning
or shuts down in response to the document handling abnormality.
(1)
Note. This subject matter may include, for example, performing
a cleaning operation in response to a jam or the automatic displacement
of parts.
OTHER CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS:
Type:
Class/Subclass:
Group:
Description:
IPC6
G03G
15/00
for an electrographic process using a charge pattern.
EPC
G03G
15/00C3
for machine control (e.g., microprocessor control).
This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
completing a job run in progress or accounting for lost copies after
an interruption or shutdown.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
analyzing whether or not a sheet medium is traveling normally through
a path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
detecting whether or not the copy medium has failed to separate
from an imaging or fixing member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
determining the need for replacement of copy medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein a means or method is provided for
determining the usable lifespan or exhaustion of a component or
perishable material.
(1)
Note. For example, this subject matter may also include maintenance
counters.
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