Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for recording information by deformation on a recording material having a photoconductive thermoplastic layer supported by a flexible transparent backing layer, characterized by the provision of electrostatic attraction means for stabilizing the recording material against lateral displacement during the continuous transport of the recording material through an exposure station. To this end, there are provided corona means for electrostatically charging the recording material prior to the transport thereof through the exposure station, and a stationary conductive layer of a given potential is arranged beneath the recording material opposite the charging and exposure stations, whereby the charged recording material is attracted to the conductive layer. A further conductive layer of given potential may be provided for stabilizing the charged recording medium during transport through a read-out station.

Abstract: A system for altering the deformation of a cyclic imaging member is disclosed. After a surface of the cyclic imaging member has been deformed at the beginning of a cycle, the system alters the deformation of the surface in response to a measurement of the extent of deformation of the surface.

Abstract: A deformation imaging system including an imaging member comprising a layer of a surface deformable material, a layer of an elastomer material, and means for establishing an imagewise electrical field across at least the surface deformable material layer and/or the elastomer layer. Embodiments wherein the surface deformable material layer and the elastomer layer are adjacent each other and embodiments wherein these layers are separated from each other are described. Various techniques for subjecting the imaging members to an electrical field and imaging methods utilizing the imaging members are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively erasing information formed on the surface of image recording device which deforms when illuminated in the presence of an electrostatic field applied thereacross. The image recording device, comprising a layered structure consisting of a conductive transparent substrate, a photoconductive layer, a deformable elastomer layer and a deformable electrode, is initially raster scanned by information containing light on the photoconductor layer with voltage applied between the conductive electrodes whereby the elastomer and deformable electrode are deformed in accordance with the input information. For selective erasure, the voltage is removed and the device is short-circuited. With the device shorted, the area to be erased is scanned with the spot of light. The short is then removed and the voltage reapplied, the remainder of the information except for the area erased, being restored. Additional information can be written in the erased area if desired.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film is used to record data in the form of variations in molecular orientation of the polar molecules. The film is softened by heating and the data recorded, after which the film is cooled to retain the recorded molecular orientation.