US Patent 7846279 Low profile passive static control device

A static control device suitable for printers, copiers and the like is disclosed with a manufacturing method therefor. A carrier strip of non-metallic, electrically conductive material, such as plastic, is provided with a plurality of spaced bundles of electrically conductive filaments. The bundles extend beyond the carrier strip, in close proximity to media transported along a media path. In the presence of electrical fields, the filaments induce ionization, and establish a conductive path for charges on the media to the carrier strip for grounding. A strand is attached across the bundles, for improving the structural integrity of the device.