Abstract: A system for transporting and selectively sorting particles includes a first wall and a traveling wave grid extending along the first wall. The system includes a second wall having a passage extending therethrough and a gate operatively associated with the passage. A controller is adapted to output a multi-phase electrical signal. The controller is in communication with the traveling wave grid and the gate. A method of using the system is also provided.

Abstract: Various configurations and applications of traveling wave grids are disclosed. Systems for transporting particles to feed apertures, and/or for transporting particles from storage reservoirs are described. The systems are particularly useful for transporting toner particles in printing systems.

Abstract: Various particle reservoir systems are described which utilize one or more traveling wave grids within a reservoir to selectively transport particles to a reservoir exit. The reservoir systems are uniquely adapted for use with a variety of print head configurations.

Abstract: An electrostatic gating assembly utilizing at least three electrodes is disclosed. The assembly is particularly well suited for controlled administration of small particles.

Abstract: Various systems and techniques are disclosed for stopping, selectively controlling, and optimizing a flow of particles in a flowing stream. The systems and techniques utilize a multi-electrode assembly and various voltage waveforms applied to those electrodes. The particles flow past or near the electrode assembly and their flow is controlled by the configuration and arrangement of the electrodes and the voltage waveforms applied thereto. An additional strategy for countering particle leakage flow is also described.

Abstract: A transfer belt apparatus, system and method are provided to prevent image blooming. For example, an ink jet printing apparatus may include a grounded print head, a counter-electrode opposite the ground print head, and a bi-layer transfer belt provided between a print head and a counter-electrode and at least partially supported by two or more transfer bias rollers. A method may include applying a voltage between a print head and a counter-electrode to accelerate ink drops coming out of the print head toward a transfer belt, and evacuating charge accumulated on the transfer belt with a time constant smaller than a drop ejection frequency of the print head.

Abstract: A toner gating apparatus for supplying toner through an aperture to a gas channel having a propellant stream. The toner gating apparatus has a traveling wave grid having electrodes. A first gating electrode is located proximate a first side of the aperture. A second gating electrode is located proximate a second side of the aperture. A third gating electrode is located in the gas channel. A first voltage source having a first phase is connected to both the first gating electrode and a first electrode of the travelling wave grid. A second voltage source having a second phase is connected to both the second gating electrode and a second electrode of the travelling wave grid. A third voltage source having a third phase is connected to both the third gating electrode and a third electrode of the travelling wave grid.

Abstract: A system for transporting and selectively sorting particles includes a first wall and a traveling wave grid extending along the first wall. The system includes a second wall having a passage extending therethrough and a gate operatively associated with the passage. A controller is adapted to output a multi-phase electrical signal. The controller is in communication with the traveling wave grid and the gate. A method of using the system is also provided.