Abstract: An improved color printing method and the apparatus for employing the method are provided for continuously superimposing a plurality of separate color toner images onto a common conductive intermediate transfer belt from a plurality of developing drums across a liquid filled gap to form a single full color image. The separate colors have masters mounted to the developing drums and the superimposed full color image is contact transferred with the aid of heat and pressure from the conductive intermediate transfer belt to the final receiving paper substrate after all of the liquid has been removed from the superimposed full color image.

Abstract: An improved intermediate transfer surface employing a conductive fluoropolymer material and preferably a conductive material dispersed in a fluoroelastomer layer is provided for use in electrostatic color image transfers. The intermediate fluoropolymer transfer surface is heat and solvent resistant and retains its electrical conductivity upon exposure to both heat and solvent, while exhibiting excellent thermal release characteristics for contact transfers of dried liquid color toners. A method of xeroprinting a color image onto a receiving substrate using a first electrostatic transfer through a liquid-filled gap to the conductive intermediate transfer surface and then a second contact transfer from the conductive intermediate fluoropolymer transfer surface to a final receiving surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved color printing method and the apparatus for employing the method are provided for continuously superimposing a plurality of separate color toner images onto a common conductive intermediate transfer belt from a plurality of developing drums across a liquid filled gap to form a single full color image. The separate colors have masters mounted to the developing drums and the superimposed full color image is contact transferred with the aid of heat and pressure from the conductive intermediate transfer belt to the final receiving paper substrate after all of the liquid has been removed from the superimposed full color image.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to transfer a liquid toned image from a first master surface to a final receiving surface via two intermediate transfer surfaces is disclosed. The liquid developed image is transferred three times, the initial transfer from the master surface being a non-contact transfer and the next two transfers being contact transfers. The second intermediate transfer surface is tacky or adhesive to remove all of the dried toner image from the first intermediate transfer surface.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system for use in an electrostatic transfer apparatus is provided to permit a developed image to be transferred from a first surface to a second receiving surface so that the dimensional integrity of the transferred image is ensured. The cable tensioning system is connected to a web or belt material that receives the transferred image as an intermediate transfer surface by a transfer roller traversing the length of the web bringing one surface of the web into close proximity with the developed image to permit it to be transferred to the web. The tensioning system prevents the web from becoming slack.

Abstract: an improved intermediate transfer surface employing a conductive material dispersed in a fluorosilicone layer is provided for use in electrostatic color image transfers. The intermediate transfer surface is heat and solvent resistant and retains its electrical conductivity upon exposure to both heat and solvent, while exhibiting excellent thermal release characteristics for contact transfers of dried liquid color toners. A method of xeroprinting a color image onto a receiving substrate using a first electrostatic transfer through a liquid-filled gap to the conductive intermediate transfer surface and then a second contact transfer from the conductive intermediate transfer surface to a final receiving surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus to perform the electrostatic transfer of a developed image from a master having a permanent latent image therein to a receiving surface in which the master is moved between a first position remote from said receiving surface to a second position in overlying relation with said receiving surface for image transfer. A wicking station is moveable between a first position and a second position to deposit an insulating solvent on said receiving surface and return to its first position at a slower speed than the speed of the master returning to its first position. Gap spacer strips are provided which are played out over the receiving surface as the wicking station moves to its second position. The gap spacer strips in combination with a drive motor serve to return the wicking station to its first position.

Abstract: A method of using a liquid electrophotographic toner with a permanent master to electrostatically transfer a electrophotographically developed electrostatic image via a reversal photographic process from the permanent master to a receiving surface is disclosed. The permanent master is made from a multilayer plate of a photopolymer material and a protective overcoated material whose surface is hard, low friction and acts as a physical and chemical barrier.

Abstract: An improved developing system for an electrophotographic color imaging apparatus is disclosed which selectively moves multiple individual developing units from a plurality of first storage positions to the same working or operating position in a processing path to color develop the latent image. The developing system stores the individual developing units remotely from the processing path. The individual toner developing units move in both horizontal and vertical directions as they move from the first storage positions to the second working or operating position. The working position is the same distance and time from the charging and depressant coronas in the process path that is followed to produce a colored image.

Abstract: A method of preparing a permanent photopolymer master with a permanent latent image for use in electrostatic image transfer to a receiving substrate is provided in which the photopolymer master is first flood pre-exposed to increase the resistivity of the entire photopolymer material and then is selectively exposed for a second time to form the permanent latent image in areas of high resistivity and to leave the background areas of the photopolymer with lower resistivity.

Abstract: A method and the apparatus to perform the electrostatic transfer of a developed image from a permanent master to a receiving surface are provided whereby in a first generally horizontal direction the image is charged and developed and in an opposing second direction the developed image is transferred to a receiving surface and the master is cleaned. The master is electrostatically picked up and retained on flexible carrier means which are first moved in the first direction prior to the image transfer and then traversed by a transfer roller moving in the opposing second direction to effect the electrostatic pickup.

Abstract: Apparatus for the electrostatic transfer of a developed latent image from a master to an electrically chargeable receiving surface is provided and utilizes a transfer roller that traverses the carrier web to bring the master that is attached to the web adjacent to, but not in contact with, the receiving surface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a toned pattern on an isolated nonabsorbent receiving surface is disclosed wherein a charged electrostatic latent image area is established on an electrostatically imageable surface, and is transferred to the receiving surface across a gap of between about 1 mil and about 20 mils filled with a liquid formed at least partially of a nonpolar insulating solvent in which are suspended charged toner particles.

Abstract: A method of using a dry powder electrophotographic toner with a permanent master to electrostatically transfer a electrophotographically developed electrostatic image via a reversal photographic process from the permanent master to a receiving surface is disclosed. The permanent master is made from a photopolymer material and is protected by a transparent overcoated material whose surface is hard and low friction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrostatic transfer of a developed image from a master to a receiving surface, there is provided a movable backing plate for the flexible carrier support for the master. The movable backing plate supports the transfer roller during development and ensures uniform distance between the master and the charging, developing and cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for precisely registering a flexible web to a stationary rigid support station to accurately and repeatably electrostatically transfer a developed image from a master on the flexible web to a receiving surface on the rigid support station.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of using that apparatus to electrostatically pickup and retain a master onto a dielectric substrate is provided. The dielectric substrate can be a flexible web with a conductive coating applied to one surface on which the master is retained. The master has an exposed permanent latent image therein.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a toned pattern on an isolated nonabsorbent conductive receiving surface is disclosed wherein a charged electrostatic latent image area is established on an electrostatically imageable surface, and is transferred to the conductive receiving surface across a gap of between about 1 mil and about 20 mils filled with a liquid formed at least partially of a nonpolar insulating solvent in which are suspended charged toner particles.

Abstract: Apparatus for the electrostatic transfer of a developed latent image from a master to a conductive receiving surface is provided and utilizes a transfer roller that traverses the carrier web to bring the master that is attached to the web adjacent to, but not in contact with, the conductive receiving surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic latent image in a desired pattern is formed on an electrostatically imageable surface and toned with a liquid toner to form a toner image on the surface. The toner image is then transferred while still wet to a transfer sheet and then to the surface of a conductor, or the toner image may be transferred directly to the surface of a conductor without a transfer sheet, such direct transfer being preferred. The toner image is then fused to the conductor surface to provide an etch resist pattern of high resolution on the conductor surface. The conductor may then be etched to form a high density printed circuit. In the direct transfer method a nonpolar insulating solvent-carrier is applied to the surface of the conductor and the electrostatically imageable surface.