Resonating assembly having a plurality of discrete resonator elements

Abstract

A resonating assembly, generally for use in electrostatographic applications for enhancing transfer of toner from an image bearing member, with the resonating assembly positioned along a longitudinal axis generally transverse to the process direction of movement of the image bearing member, for applying uniform vibratory energy thereto. The resonating assembly includes a plurality of discrete individual resonator elements, each including a vibratory energy producing segment, such as a piezoelectric transducer, for generating vibratory energy and a waveguide segment coupled to the vibratory energy producing segment for directing the vibratory energy to the image bearing member. An alignment rod is provided for extending the length of the entire resonating assembly, along a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the alignment rod facilitates critical alignment specifications for the resonating assembly. The alignment rod is cooperatively engaged with each discrete resonator element in a manner that permits each resonator element to function independent of each other.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.