A reproducing apparatus including an image support surface such as a rotatable drum upon which an image may be formed and subsequently transferred to a transfer member such as paper is provided with a cleaner housing including a restrictor guide means positioned such that any transfer member remaining tacked to the image support surface as the image support surface enters the cleaner housing will be intercepted before it completely enters the cleaner housing. Preferably the restrictor guide means is used in conjunction with a blade cleaner for cleaning the image support surface and the blade cleaner and restrictor guide means together with the image support surface form a cavity within which a tacked transfer member is intercepted such that the trailing portion does not enter the cavity. With this apparatus fouling of the cleaner housing and unscheduled maintenance may be avoided.
Blade cleaner apparatus for removing residual toner from a charge-retentive surface including a cleaner housing having a cleaning blade disposed therein adjacent the top thereof. The apparatus is characterized by improved means for reducing the escape of toner particles from the housing. To this end, a shield is mounted behind the blade, out of contact from the blade and the surface to be cleaned. The shield directs toner propelled by the blade in a generally downward direction. A lower seal supported by the cleaner housing contacts the surface to be cleaned and insures that the toner stays in the cleaner housing. The lower seal is characterized by its ease of attachment to the cleaner housing. Accordingly, one end of the seal is bent so that an outer angle is formed. The material from which the seal is fabricated is flexible so that the end can be manipulated such as to reduce the acute angle to allow resuction into a recess in the housing.
