Printing machine with charge neutralizing system

An electrophotographic printing machine for producing printed sheets comprising:

• a photoreceptor for receiving a latent image thereon in the form of a charge pattern;
• developer means for developing a toned image corresponding to the charge pattern on the photoreceptor;
• sheet feed means for feeding sheets to a transfer station;
• transfer means located at the transfer station including a corona discharge means for effecting transfer of the toned image to the sheet by forming a charge on the non-image receiving side of the sheet;
• and
• means for neutralizing the charge on the sheet including (a) a wire, connected to ground and located in proximity to but not touching the sheet, closely following the transfer station in the sheet feed direction, (b) a grounded projection to which a first end of the wire is secured, and (c) a tensioning arm to which the second end of the wire is secured.

An electrophotographic printing machine for producing printed sheets comprising:

• a photoreceptor for receiving a latent image thereon in the form of a charge pattern;
• developer means for developing a toned image corresponding to the charge pattern on the photoreceptor;
• sheet feed means for feeding sheets to a transfer station;
• transfer means located at the transfer station including a corona discharge means for effecting transfer of the toned image to the sheet by forming a charge on the non-image receiving side of the sheet;
• and
• means for neutralizing the charge on the sheet including;
• (a) a wire connected to ground and located in proximity to but not touching the sheet following the transfer station in the sheet feed direction;
• (b) a deflector for routing a sheet to a first exit path when located in a first position and to a second exit path when located in a second position;
• and
• (c) brush means having first and second brush ends mounted on said deflector and connected to ground, said first brush ends contacting the sheet when deflected along said first path and said second brush ends contacting the sheet when deflected along said second path.