Liquid Development Patents (Class 399/237)
  • Patent number: 6411793
    Abstract: A transfix member with a substrate, an optional adhesive intermediate layer, and thereover an outer haloelastomer having pendant hydrocarbon chains covalently bonded to a backbone of the haloelastomer, and a heating member associated with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Santokh S. Badesha, Edward L. Schlueter, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020076240
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, a developing device and a program recording medium capable of reducing short image density, background contamination and short image sharpness ascribable to the use of a developing liquid whose viscosity characteristic is dependent on a shearing force. Before an applicator roller included in a developing device starts rotating for developing a latent image formed on a photoconductive drum, screws disposed in a liquid storing portion start rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Obu, Noriyasu Takeuchi, Tsutomu Sasaki, Mie Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20020071695
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling a thickness (h) of a film of development fluid within the development nip of a liquid ink development (LID) machine. The apparatus includes a first moveable member having a first velocity (V1) and a path of movement defining a radius of curvature (R) for forming a long development nip. It also includes a second moveable member mounted partially about the first moveable member for forming the long development, and having a second velocity (V2) as well as a tension (T). The apparatus further includes a mechanism for introducing into the long development nip liquid development fluid having a viscosity (&mgr;), and a programmed controller connected to the first moveable member and the second moveable member, for controlling the first velocity (V1), the second velocity (V2), and the tension (T) so that h=K1R{K2&mgr;(V1+V2)]/T}2/3, where K1 and K2 are each a constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Vittorio Castelli
  • Patent number: 6405008
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, a developing device and a program recording medium capable of reducing short image density, background contamination and short image sharpness ascribable to the use of a developing liquid whose viscosity characteristic is dependent on a shearing force. Before an applicator roller included in a developing device starts rotating for developing a latent image formed on a photoconductive drum, screws disposed in a liquid storing portion start rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Obu, Noriyasu Takeuchi, Tsutomu Sasaki, Mie Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20020067931
    Abstract: Method of a liquid process type electrophotographic apparatus forming a multicolor visible image on a surface of a photosensitive drum, which prevents the visible image after the second color from disturbing, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Koichi Ishii, Haruhi Oooka
  • Publication number: 20020064398
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid electrophotographic developing apparatus including a developing unit and a plurality of air transport members. The developing unit has an elongated opening disposed adjacent to a moving image-bearing surface of a photoreceptor, and it is used for converting an electrostatic latent image into a toner image. The air transport member is provided around the elongated opening of the developing unit, and airflow therein has a predetermined air pressure to transport unused liquid developer away from the image-bearing surface while permitting toner particles in the liquid developer deposited on the image-bearing surface to be retained by the image-bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Yuji Hiraoka, Daisuke Hiraoka
  • Publication number: 20020064397
    Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging process includes the steps of
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Samsung
    Inventors: Truman F. Kellie, William D. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6397030
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit for forming an electrostatic image on an image carrier, by applying light from an exposure unit to the image carrier. The image forming apparatus also includes a developer unit for developing the electrostatic latent image by applying liquid toner to the image carrier, to form a toner image. The image forming apparatus further includes an image transferring unit for transferring the toner image to an intermediate transfer medium and to transfer the toner image from the intermediate transfer medium to a recording medium. The image forming apparatus also includes a cooling unit for maintaining a surface of the image carrier at a temperature lower than a glass transition temperature of the liquid toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6389256
    Abstract: A liquid electrophotographic color image forming apparatus includes a main charger for charging a surface of a photoreceptor web to a predetermined charging electric potential, an optical scanning unit for scanning light onto the photoreceptor web to form an electrostatic latent image, and developing rollers for yellow, cyan, magenta and black colors, sequentially installed in a direction that the photoreceptor web circulates, for developing the electrostatic latent image using developer for each color. Further included are auxiliary chargers for cyan, magenta and black colors, installed downstream of each of the developing rollers, for additionally charging the photoreceptor web, the electric potential of which is lowered after development for each of yellow, cyan and magenta colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-yong Song, Kyu-cheol Shin
  • Patent number: 6389242
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus of this invention includes an exposure unit for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum with a developing solution obtained by dispersing developer particles in a solvent, thereby forming a visible image, an intermediate transfer medium abutted against the photosensitive drum to transfer the visible image on the photosensitive drum thereto, a transfer unit having a backup member abutted against the intermediate transfer medium, the backup member urging a sheet against the intermediate transfer medium, thereby transferring a toner image on the intermediate transfer medium to the sheet, a detection unit for determining a type of the sheet to which the toner image is to be transferred by the transfer unit, and a control device for variably controlling a pressing force applied by the backup member to the sheet in accordance with the type of the sheet determined by the det
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6385421
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent image forming mechanism for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member, and a developing device for supplying a developing liquid containing at least toner and a carrier liquid, to the photosensitive member on which the latent image is formed, thereby to develop the latent image. The image forming apparatus also includes a removing device for removing an excessive portion of the developing liquid supplied by the developing device, whereby the excessive portion of the developing liquid remains on the photosensitive member after development. The image forming apparatus further includes a returning mechanism for returning the excessive portion of the developing liquid, which is removed by the removing device, into a casing of a developing liquid supply unit for supplying the developing liquid to the developing device, and a reserve flow-in section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Imamiya, Yuka Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6385424
    Abstract: An electrophotographic printing apparatus having a structure so that differences between surface energies of components of the electrophotographic printing apparatus contributing to image transfer are maintained within predetermined ranges, and an image transferring method thereof. The electrophotographic printing apparatus includes a photosensitive medium, developing units, a drying roller and a transfer unit having a transfer roller, whereby the peeling force (PFD) of the drying roller is in a range of 0 gram force per inch (gf/inch)≦PFD≦300 gram force per inch (gf/inch), the peeling force (PFO) of the photosensitive medium is in a range of 0 gram force per inch (gf/inch)≦PFO≦80 gram force per inch (gf/inch), and the peeling force (PFT) of the transfer roller is in a range of 200 gram force per inch (gf/inch)≦PFT≦500 gram force per inch (gf/inch), respectively, when the peeling forces are measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-hyung Lee, Kyu-cheol Shin, Hyung-jin Ahn
  • Publication number: 20020034402
    Abstract: Image forming apparatus which uses a liquid developer containing toner particles and a solvent to form an image on a rotatable latent image forming unit and transfer the image to a paper receptor. In one embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a developing unit disposed adjacent to the latent image forming unit and configured to apply the liquid developer to a latent image on the latent image forming unit, a solvent reducing unit disposed adjacent to the developing unit and configured to reduce the solvent content of a developed image formed on the latent image forming unit, a transfer unit facing the latent image forming unit, an inner case including a frame having a opening arranged adjacent to the transfer unit, and an out case housing the inner case. The inner case supports the latent image retaining body, the latent image forming unit, the developing unit, and the solvent reducing unit inside of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: KABUSHHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Masahiro Hosoya, Hideki Nukada, Masaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6353721
    Abstract: Liquid developer of different colors capable of being formed in a film shape are used to form developed images on a plurality of photosensitive drums 10. The developed images are successively transferred from the photosensitive drums 10 onto an image carrier belt 1 so as to be overlaid on one another while applying an electrostatic force. In the color developed image formed on the image carrier belt 1, the solid component ratio of the liquid developer is increased to form the color developed image into a film shape, which is transferred and fixed to a recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiseki Yamaguchi, Kazunori Shindo, Ryosuke Uematsu
  • Publication number: 20020025182
    Abstract: An ink pollution prevention device in a wet electrophotographic printer, for preventing a developer from polluting a photoreceptor and peripheral devices by flowing out at the ends of a development roller, a squeegee roller, and a cleaning roller, is provided with a pair of ink stoppers mounted around a shaft of each roller in a symmetrical manner with each other. Each ink stopper has a plurality of peaks and recesses which form a continuous helical shape in an opposite helical direction from the other ink stopper. The helical direction of the ink stopper is formed to permit the ink in the ink stopper to flow toward the center of the rollers when the rollers are rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Woo-Yong Park
  • Publication number: 20020021918
    Abstract: A developing unit using a developing liquid and an image forming apparatus including the same are disclosed. The developing unit includes a developing roller made up or a core formed of metal or similar conductive material and a roller portion formed of silicone rubber, urethane rubber or similar elastic material. The roller portion has a volume resistivity ranging from 0 &OHgr;·cm to 107 &OHgr;·cm. The developing roller with this configuration reduces irregular development.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mie Yoshino
  • Patent number: 6349186
    Abstract: There are provided a method for controlling the mode of a developing station of a liquid electrophotographic printer and a development roller driving apparatus therefor. In the controlling method, a printing mode, a drip line removal mode and a home mode are sequentially performed, and a development roller is subjected to racing in the home mode to be cleaned. Since the development roller is cleaned in the home mode in which the development roller is spaced apart from a photosensitive belt, the photosensitive belt is not contaminated by the development roller while cleaning the development roller. Also, the cleaning of the development roller is performed after completing a drip line removal mode, so sufficient cleaning time can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo-yong Park, Kwang-ho No
  • Patent number: 6349190
    Abstract: A low cost process multicolor image reproduction machine includes a rotatable endless toner image receiving and transfer member for cyclically building up a multicolor image from a plural number of received color separation toner images; a sheet handling system including a back up roller defining a toner image transfer nip against the rotatable endless toner image receiving and transfer member; a rotatable photoreceptor member forming a contact electrostatic printing (CEP) nip with the rotatable endless toner image receiving and transfer member for separating toner image areas from toner background areas of a color separation toner image formed on the photoreceptor member; imaging devices for cyclically forming a plural number of color separation toner images on the photoreceptor member, and a controller for controlling formation of, and build up into a multicolor toner image, of the plural number of color separation images, as well as, transfer of the multicolor toner image onto a copy sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Chu-heng Liu, Weizhong Zhao
  • Patent number: 6341208
    Abstract: The efficient contact transfer of liquid toner images is obtained by using an absorbent coating material over an image bearing member. The absorbent coating material absorbs carrier fluid from a developed image. By absorbing carrier fluid from the developed image the internal cohesiveness of the image increases and the adhesion of the image to the next substrate increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Chu-heng Liu, Weizhong Zhao
  • Patent number: 6341209
    Abstract: A method of controlling an ink agitator of a wet-type electrophotography printer. The method includes the steps of checking and determining the extent of the printer non-usage time during the printer initialization operation, selecting the driving time of the ink agitator according to the extent of the non-usage time from the first step, and driving the ink agitator according to the ink agitator driving time selected at the second step. Here, the printer non-usage time determining step determines whether the non-usage time is a first selection time, a second selection time, or a third selection time and sets a first, second and third ink agitator driving time according to the length of the non-usage time. Accordingly, because the ink agitator is driven according to the non-usage time of the printer, it is able to completely dissolve deposition and lumps of ink even when the non-usage time is substantially long.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Sasung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-woo Kim, Hyong-gu Lee
  • Patent number: 6337963
    Abstract: A wet image-forming apparatus including a developing roller for developing latent images on a photoreceptor with a liquid developer, a developing blade for removing toner particles adhering to the surface of the developing roller, a brush roller for removing the toner particles from the developing blade, and a reservoir which stores the liquid developer, wherein substantially the same voltages as a developing voltage applied to the developing roller are applied to the brush roller and the reservoir. Since substantially the same voltages are applied at least to the brush roller, the reservoir and the developing roller, the apparatus of the present invention does not generate the accumulation of the toner particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiya Kusayanagi
  • Patent number: 6337959
    Abstract: A liquid level detector includes an electrode portion including a substrate, a first electrode plate separated a predetermined distance from the substrate, a hollow second electrode plate extending from the substrate to the first electrode plate and having an opening corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the first electrode plate, and a liquid level detecting portion which detects the presence of the liquid at the detection position from a change in electrostatic capacity measured by the first and second electrode plates. Thus, the level of liquid stored in the container can be detected from outside of the container in a non-contact manner, simplifying the structure of the apparatus and preventing the generation of an error in measuring the liquid level due to ink adhering to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-guk Kwak, Hyong-gu Lee
  • Publication number: 20010046392
    Abstract: A developer circulation system includes a storage tank which stores a developer, a development device, a developer supply passage through which the developer is supplied to the development device from the storage tank, a developer return passage through which the developer is returned to the storage tank from the development device, a circulation pump, and an agitation member which agitates the developer in the storage tank. An outlet of the developer return passage and an opening of the developer supply passage are located in the storage tank, so as to promote a flow of the developer generated by the rotation of the agitation member, at positions furthest from each other along a flow of the developer from the outlet of the developer return passage and the opening of the developer supply passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Shindo
  • Patent number: 6324367
    Abstract: A reversible pump including a case having an intake through which fluid is taken in, a first outlet for discharging internal fluid to the outside, and a second outlet for discharging internal fluid to the outside, an impeller rotatably installed within the case which is capable of rotating in normal and reverse directions, the impeller having a plurality of blades the right and left sides of which are symmetrical to each other in the radial direction of the impeller so that the rotational loads in both the forward and reverse directions are substantially the same, and a motor for rotating the impeller, wherein the fluid is discharged to either the first or second outlet according to the rotating direction of the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Antoun I. Ateya, Jung-woo Kim
  • Patent number: 6321053
    Abstract: A liquid developing apparatus including a photosensitive element forming an electrostatic latent image thereon, a developing roller for supplying a developer to the photosensitive element, a squeezing roller for squeezing the photosensitive element, and a regulatory roller for preventing the spread of the surplus developer. By employing the liquid developing apparatus, most of the developer on the photosensitive element can be maintained thereon and properly discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Shindo
  • Patent number: 6314253
    Abstract: Disclosed is image forming apparatus, including a photoconductor, a charger charging the surface of the photoconductor, a light source exposing the charged surface of the photoconductor to light to form a latent image, a developing unit supplying a liquid developing agent containing a liquid component and a solid component onto the photoconductor so as to convert the latent image into a visible image, a liquid component adjusting unit for adjusting the weight of the liquid component of the liquid developing agent on the surface of the photoconductor to meet the relationship of 0.1≦Ml/Ms≦4.0, where Ms represents the weight of the solid component of the developing agent supplied onto the photoconductor, and Ml represents the weight of the Liquid component of the developing agent, and a transfer unit transferring the visible image onto an image carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masahiro Hosoya, Hitoshi Yagi, Takeshi Watanabe, Yasushi Shinjo, Haruhi Oh-oka
  • Patent number: 6314259
    Abstract: A photoreceptor web for a liquid electrophotographic printer on which a predetermined image is developed at a development unit and the developed image is transferred to a transfer unit to be printed on a sheet of paper, in which a total length of the photoreceptor web is 32±0.25 inches. The total length of the photoreceptor web is set to include a plurality of image zones in which an image to be printed on a sheet of paper is developed, an interval zone provided between the image zones as allowance zone, a drip line removing zone provided to avoid frictional contact with a squeegee roller of the development unit when the drip line is removed, a seam portion formed by combining both end portions of the photoreceptor web for forming a closed path, and a mark zone where a mark for detecting the seam portion is provided. Thus, the photoreceptor web does not occupy excess installation space in the printer and development, transfer and drip line removing operations are performed smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kee-son Chang, Jin-geun Kwak
  • Patent number: 6308033
    Abstract: When developing an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image support by use of mist-like charged particles, a developing electrode is provided at a space from the electrostatic latent image support to extend substantially in parallel to the surface of the electrostatic latent image support on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. A gap control member is provided on the perimeter of the developing electrode to extend toward the surface of the electrostatic latent image support from the periphery of the developing electrode so that the space between the gap control member and the surface of the electrostatic latent image support is smaller than the space between the developing electrode and the surface of the electrostatic latent image support. Thus a developing space defined by the electrostatic latent image support, the developing electrode and the gap control member is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keishi Kato
  • Publication number: 20010031157
    Abstract: A liquid electrophotographic developing apparatus capable of preventing image drift and reducing the load in the squeezing process is disclosed. A developing roller faces a photoreceptor belt with a predetermined spacing to supply a liquid developer to the photoreceptor belt while rotating at a peripheral velocity in the opposite direction to that of the photoreceptor belt in a developing region thereon. A peripheral velocity ratio of the peripheral velocity to a moving velocity of the photoreceptor belt is determined so as to maximize a solid component ratio of a developed toner layer on the photoreceptor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Yoshii, Yasuhiro Funayama, Jun Koyatsu, Tsutomu Uezono
  • Publication number: 20010031156
    Abstract: In a printing apparatus including a drying roller for absorbing a liquid carrier remaining on a photosensitive medium, a transfer roller for transferring an image on the photosensitive medium to a recording paper sheet, and a carrier supply unit for supplying liquid carrier to the drying roller, the transfer roller, and the photosensitive medium, a printing operation is carried out such that the carrier is supplied to the drying roller, the transfer roller, and the photosensitive medium to wet them so that carrier absorption and discharge between the transfer roller, the drying roller, and the photosensitive medium can reach equilibrium states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Seong-joon Chae, Joong-gwang Shin, Dong-hwan Kang, Hyun-gu Woo
  • Publication number: 20010026704
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wet electrophotographic apparatus, including a temperature measuring device configured to measure the temperature of the image holding surface of an electrophotographic photoconductor and/or the temperature of a liquid developer in a reservoir, a cooler configured to cool the liquid developer in the reservoir, and a controller. The controller controls the operation of the cooler based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Hideki Nukada
  • Publication number: 20010026711
    Abstract: An imaging system for effecting electrostatic printing of an image, wherein the imaging system includes at least one contact electrostatic printing engine operable in a novel fashion upon a copy substrate, for imaging and development of a latent image representative of the image, and subsequent transfer of the developed image to the copy substrate. The developed image is created by separating and selectively transferring portions of a high solids content secondary toner cake layer in correspondence with the image and non-image regions of the latent image. A toner cake layer delivery apparatus draws from a supply of high solids content liquid developing material to form a primary toner cake layer on a receiving surface of a receiving member. The primary toner cake layer is subject to uniform charging to a first polarity followed by an induced charge of a second, opposing polarity to a selectable depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Weizhong Zhao, Chu-heng Liu
  • Publication number: 20010026712
    Abstract: A liquid electrophotographic color image forming apparatus includes a main charger for charging a surface of a photoreceptor web to a predetermined charging electric potential, an optical scanning unit for scanning light onto the photoreceptor web to form an electrostatic latent image, and developing rollers for yellow, cyan, magenta and black colors, sequentially installed in a direction that the photoreceptor web circulates, for developing the electrostatic latent image using developer for each color. Further included are auxiliary chargers for cyan, magenta and black colors, installed downstream of each of the developing rollers, for additionally charging the photoreceptor web, the electric potential of which is lowered after development for each of yellow, cyan and magenta colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: In-Yong Song, Kyu-Cheol Shin
  • Publication number: 20010022901
    Abstract: A liquid developing device comprises a storage tank, a concentration sensor, a level sensor, a concentrated-ink supply pump, a carrier supply pump, an ink discharge pump, and a controller. The storage tank stores ink, including toner and carrier, for developing a photoconductor. The concentration sensor measures a concentration of ink to be supplied to the photoconductor. The level sensor measures the amount of ink stored in the storage tank. The concentrated-ink supply pump sends concentrated ink to the storage tank. The carrier supply pump sends carrier to the storage tank. The ink discharge pump discharges excessive ink from the storage tank. Based on measurement value and amount from the concentration tank and the level sensor, the controller controlls the concentrated-ink supply pump, the carrier supply pump, and the ink discharge pump, so that the concentration and amount of ink stored in the storage tank is retained at a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Suetsugu
  • Publication number: 20010021323
    Abstract: A developing device of the type using a developing liquid and applicable to an image forming apparatus includes a developing roller and a sweep roller. The developing roller is pressed against a photoconductive drum to thereby form a nip. The sweep roller is positioned downstream of the nip in the direction of rotation of the drum and pressed against the drum in such a manner as to sandwich a developed toner layer. The surface of the sweep roller moves at substantially the same speed as the surface of the drum. A bias voltage (250 V) close to the surface potential (100 V to 200 V) of the toner layer formed on the drum is applied to the sweep roller. The bias causes the sweep roller to attract stray excess toner present on the background of the drum after development, thereby preventing a toner image from being blurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Itaya, Tsutomu Sasaki, Yusuke Takeda, Mie Yoshino
  • Patent number: 6289192
    Abstract: An color image forming apparatus is disclosed which forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum with the use of a charger and laser beam for light exposure, develops the electrostatic latent image into a visible image by a developing unit with the use of a liquid developer with a coloring material of very fine particles mixed in an insulating solvent and transfers the visible image to a recording sheet with the use of a transfer roller with a heater reincorporated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushuki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideki Nukada, Masashi Hiroki, Kenichi Takahara
  • Patent number: 6282392
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus including an electrostatic latent image formation body, a latent image forming unit for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image formation body, and a belt-shaped image carrier with an inner surface in contact with the electrostatic latent image formation body for transferring the electrostatic latent image to the belt-shaped image carrier. A developing unit supplies a liquid developer containing toner particles and carrier liquid to a surface of the belt-shaped image carrier which is not in contact with the electrostatic latent image formation body. A solvent removal unit removes the carrier liquid from the developed image so as to form a toner-developed image. A transfer-fixation block transfers and fixes the toner-developed image from the belt-shaped image carrier onto a recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Chiseki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20010016128
    Abstract: An ink supply device that has a roller a part of which is submerged in ink and supplies ink from an ink container based on the rotation of the roller, wherein an object thereof is to prevent the solvent, the main ingredient of the ink, from evaporating and escaping from the container, and to supply ink in a stable fashion. To that end, the relationship (A/B) between the opening area A (the area of the opening 28 of the container) and the ink surface area B (the sum of the area of the ink surface other than the part thereof in which the roller is submerged and the area of the ink surface carried on the roller above the ink surface) is set to be smaller than 1 (<1) when an ink supply mode is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Utako Kitoba, Kosuke Sasai
  • Publication number: 20010016129
    Abstract: In a wet-type developing apparatus in which a latent image carrying member and a squeeze roller are moved in the opposite directions to each other while they are not brought into contact with each other at the closest position thereof, a liquid toner layer on the latent image carrying member which is smaller in thickness than the gap interval between the latent image carrying member and the squeeze roller is made to invade into the gap, and the liquid toner invading into the gap between the squeeze roller and the latent image carrying member are brought into contact with the squeeze roller by electrical attractive force based on electric field formed between the squeeze roller and the latent image carrying member, thereby forming meniscus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Tsutomu Uezono, Jyun Koyatsu, Ryouichi Yasuda, Tomoyuki Yoshii
  • Patent number: 6272304
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus with high release characteristic of a toner image, which can acquire a good imprint for a long time, is provided. In the image forming apparatus using the liquid development method, by giving release agent under the visible image formed by the liquid development, which forms release layer on latent image support before development, and is, the image forming apparatus with high release characteristic of a toner image, which can acquire good transfer characteristic for a long time, is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Mitsunaga Saito, Masahiro Hosoya, Yasushi Shinjo, Hitoshi Yagi, Koichi Ishii
  • Patent number: 6269232
    Abstract: A longitudinal wave propagates in ink toward an opening. The surface of the ink is positioned at the opening and is curved. A surface wave is excited from an end of the liquid surface owing to a restoring force caused by surface tension of the ink. Assuming that the wavelength of the surface wave is &lgr;c, the diameter of the opening is established to be not smaller than 2m &lgr;c. The surface wave is generated from an edge of the opening and rapidly decreases due to the longitudinal wave. The surface waves caused by the longitudinal wave do not interfere with each other at the opening provided that certain conditions are established. Therefore, no complicated interference wave occurs on the surface of the ink, and the surface of the ink vibrates with a large amplitude in the vicinity of the edge of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fukumoto, Jyunichi Aizawa, Yasuhiko Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6269233
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus using a liquid developer, which can be used for a long time without considering a swelling of a photoconductor material caused by the liquid developer and a heating characteristic of the photo-conductor material, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Chiseki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20010009623
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a latent image forming device for forming first and second latent images on the image bearing member; a developing device for developing the first latent image with first ink to form a first ink image, and developing the second latent image with second ink to form a second ink image; and a transferring device which transfers the first ink image onto a transfer member and then the second ink image onto the transfer member. The surface tension of the first ink is set higher than that of the second ink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Applicant: Minolta Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahito Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20010008585
    Abstract: A concentration sensor 11y and a level sensor 12y measure the toner concentration and the volume of a developing solution in a storage tank 3y. A carrier feed pump 6 and a toner feed pump 7y are driven and controlled in real time based upon values detected by the sensors 11y and 12y during the printing operation, in order to feed a concentrated toner or a liquid carrier into the storage tank 3y to maintain the volume and the toner concentration of the developing solution in the storage tank 3y within predetermined ranges. The concentration and the volume are adjusted in real time during the printing operation which therefore needs not be interrupted for adjusting the developing solution. This makes it possible to continue the printing operation for extended periods of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 6263171
    Abstract: In response to a print end instruction from a controller, a development controller checks if the ink density is proper. If the ink density is out of proper range, a circulation path switching valve is turned on to continue ink density adjustment processing even after printing ends. The ink circulation path is switched to allow the ink to flow directly to an ink tank. The ink stored in a supply path from the valve to a developing unit and in the developing unit is returned to the ink tank. In this state, the ink density adjustment processing is performed. A transmission type density sensor senses the current density of X %, and sends the density to the development controller. The development controller retrieves proper density range data of N %-M % from a density adjustment table and compares the sensed density with the proper density range data. If X %>M %, L ml of diluted ink solution is supplied by a supply pump. If X %<N %, K ml of ink dye is supplied by the supply pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Oyamada
  • Patent number: 6256460
    Abstract: An automatic developing apparatus is provided with a developing tank, a reserve tank, a pump, a piping which connects the reserve tank and the pump and whose one end is disposed above the developing tank, a first electrode provided in the piping, a second electrode provided within the developing tank, and a sensor which is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryouei Nozawa, Akira Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6256468
    Abstract: An imaging system for effecting electrostatic printing of an image, wherein the imaging system includes at least one contact electrostatic printing engine operable in a novel fashion upon a copy substrate, for imaging and development of a latent image representative of the image, and subsequent transfer of the developed image to the copy substrate. The developed image is created by separating and selectively transferring portions of a high solids content toner cake layer in correspondence with the image and non-image regions of the latent image. A toner cake layer delivery apparatus draws from a supply of low solids content liquid developing material to apply a layer of the liquid developing material onto a carrier fluid separation (CFS) surface of a coating member. Rapid migration of the carrier fluid into the CFS surface causes a substantial reduction of the ratio of carrier fluid to toner solids, thus providing the desired high solids content toner cake layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Chu-heng Liu
  • Patent number: 6253051
    Abstract: A wet-type image forming apparatus which allows excess solvent to be effectively removed from the developed image is disclosed. A developing roller develops a latent image on the photoconductor member using the liquid developer composed of toner particles and a solvent. A squeezing roller squeezes excess solvent from a surface of a photoconductor member. A heater heats liquid developer existing on the photoconductor member to a temperature at which the solvent of the liquid developer is prone to vaporize. The heater is provided in one of the developing roller, the squeezing roller, and the liquid developer reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Iikura, Takeshi Hirano
  • Patent number: 6249655
    Abstract: An ink delivery system of a liquid electrophotographic color printer which supplies liquid developers of predetermined concentration, each of which is a mixture of a toner and a liquid carrier, to a plurality of respective developing units, and which recovers the carrier using a drying/condensing unit which absorbs and evaporates the carrier remaining on the photosensitive medium after development. A plurality of circulation tanks store respective developers to be supplied to a corresponding developing unit. Respective concentration measuring devices measure the concentration of the developers. A waste tank receives waste developer produced in the plurality of circulation tanks, and includes a waste developer agitating device for agitating the waste developer. A plurality of ink storage tanks store concentrated inks of predetermined colors to be supplied to the respective circulation tanks, and include respective ink agitators driven by a single driving source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-guk Baek, Jong-woo Kim, Seung-ho Hong
  • Patent number: 6243118
    Abstract: In an electrostatic recording apparatus, a recording medium is transported to a vaporized solvent supply unit where a vaporized organic solvent is given to the recording surface of the recording medium. Then, the recording medium is transported to an electrostatic recording head where an electrostatic latent image is formed on the recording medium. Next, the recording medium is transported to a development processing unit where the development process of the electrostatic latent image using a liquid toner is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Akichika, Toshiaki Ohira