Abstract: A device for inking an electrostatic charge image with toner particles in a xerographic unit is disposed adjacent to an information carrier on which the electrostatic charge image is carried so as to form a developing gap above the charge image. The device has a toner feed channel and a toner discharge channel which are surrounded by an excitation layer for electrostatic charging of the toner particles by triboelectricity. A plurality of multiphase electrodes are disposed adjacent to the device in the area of the feed and discharge channels, the electrodes being supplied with multiphase alternating voltage for generating a nonhomogeneous self-propagating electric field for delivery and withdrawal of the toner particles. A single phase alternating voltage is applied in the area of the developing gap for generating an electric field which presses the toner particles against the information carrier.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for actuating printing elements, particularly in matrix printers, is provided. The printing elements undergo a deflection at their free end by electronic measures. At one of their ends the printing elements are driven by at least one stationary clamped drive element, while their free end undergoes a deflection which due to the configuration of the printing element is substantially greater than the deflection of the driven end. The deflection of the free end may be measured and the measured value may be used for the abated return. The drive element operates piezoelectrically or magnetostrictively. The stationary clamping may be effected by a bracing element. Each printing element exhibits a cross section tapering towards the free end. This free end may print directly, or may actuate a further printing unit element.

Abstract: A preheating saddle for elevating the temperature of a recording carrier upstream of a fixing station in an electrostatic copier or printer. The saddle has heating elements disposed therein in such a manner as to supply the greatest quantity of heat at the upstream end of the saddle while maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the saddle.