Image transfer device and image forming apparatus incorporating same

An image transfer device for transferring a toner image from an image bearing member defining an image bearing surface on which the toner image is created,

• the image transfer device comprising:
• a transfer member disposed opposite the image bearing member to form a transfer nip therebetween through which a recording medium is passed,
• the transfer member defining a first electrode to which a first electrical bias is applied to electrostatically transfer the toner image from the image bearing surface to the recording medium across the transfer nip;
• a media separator defining a second electrode downstream from the transfer nip to which a second electrical bias is applied to separate the recording medium from the image bearing surface after exiting the transfer nip;
• and
• an electrical bias applicator including a power supply connectable with each of the first and second electrodes to supply the first electrical bias to the first electrode and the second electrical bias to the second electrode.

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• means for defining an image bearing surface on which a toner image is created;
• means for forming a transfer nip through which a recording medium is passed while pressed against the image bearing surface;
• a first electrode, disposed facing the transfer nip, to which a first electrical bias is applied to electrostatically transfer the toner image from the image bearing surface to the recording medium;
• a second electrode, disposed downstream from the transfer nip, to which a second electrical bias is applied to separate the recording medium from the image bearing surface after exiting the transfer nip;
• and
• an electrical bias applicator including a power supply connectable with each of the first and second electrodes to supply the first electrical bias to the first electrode and the second electrical bias to the second electrode.