Abstract: An imaging process which comprises the formation of an image on an imaging member; subsequently developing the aforementioned image with an electrophoretic liquid developer composition comprised of an insulating suspending fluid with a resistivity of from about 10.sup.12 ohm-cm to about 10.sup.16 ohm-cm, pigment particles, a stabilizer component, and a charge control additive; and wherein the resulting ink has a resistivity of from about 10.sup.9 to about 10.sup.12 ohm-cm; applying the ink composition from an applicator roll, which roll transports the ink to the imaging member surface; and wherein the ink is attracted to the charged areas of the imaging member.

Abstract: A corona discharge device including a throw-away subassembly which is inexpensive and can therefore be discarded when it becomes ineffective for its intended purpose. The subassembly can be readily installed into the printing machine in which it is used. It comprises a generally rectangular-shaped insulative frame and a tungsten wire. When the subassembly is inserted into the machine, it cooperates with a generally U-shaped, conductive shield which is an integral part of the machine to form the corona discharge device.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a liquid image is transferred from a photoconductive member to a copy sheet. The liquid image, which includes a liquid carrier having toner particles dispersed therein, is attracted from the photoconductive member to an intermediate belt having a transfer liquid coated thereon. The transfer liquid has a higher viscosity than the viscosity of the liquid carrier. Liquid carrier is removed from the transfer liquid coated on the belt. Toner particles are transferred from the transfer liquid coated on the intermediate belt to the copy sheet in image configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a liquid image is transferred from a surface to a substantially electrically non-conductive, flexible copy sheet with the liquid image being charged to one polarity and the surface being charged to a polarity opposite to the polarity of the charge of the liquid image. A first charge is applied on the copy sheet. The first charge is of the same polarity as the polarity of the charge of the liquid image. This causes the copy sheet to adhere releasably to the surface with the liquid image being interposed therebetween. A second charge is applied on the copy sheet after the first charge has been applied thereon. The second charge is of an opposite polarity to the polarity of the charge of the liquid image. This causes the liquid image to be attracted to the copy sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a plurality of liquid images are transferred from a photoconductive member to a copy sheet. The liquid images, which include a liquid carrier having toner particles dispersed therein, are attracted from the photoconductive member to an intermediate web. A substantial amount of the liquid carrier is removed from the intermediate web and the toner particles are secured thereon. Thereafter, another liquid image having toner particles of a different color from the toner particles of the first liquid image, is attracted to the intermediate member. Once again, the liquid carrier material is removed from the web and the toner particles of the second liquid image are secured thereon. Thereafter, all of the toner particles are transferred from the intermediate member to the copy sheet, in image configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a plurality of liquid images are transferred from a photoconductive member to a copy sheet. The liquid images, which include a liquid carrier having toner particles dispersed therein, are attracted from the photoconductive member to an intermediate belt. Liquid carrier is moved from the intermediate belt and the toner particles are compacted thereon in image configuration. Thereafter, the toner particles are transferred from the intermediate belt to the copy sheet in image configuration.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproducing apparatus of the two cycle variety wherein a photoconductive belt is arranged to move in a recirculating path, includes a transparent viewing platen together with an optical scanning module positioned between the viewing platen and the photoconductive belt for scanning the viewing platen which includes copy sheet registration rolls which capture the lead edge of a copy sheet at the end of scan position returning the copy sheet to the transfer position near the beginning of scan position to feed the copy sheet in timed relation to the lead edge of the developed toner image on the photoconductive belt where the belt is supported by a support roll thereby providing a short transfer zone.

Abstract: Automatic reproducing apparatus frame assembly for mounting individual reproducing apparatus components thereto including a lower frame member having a plurality of mounting elements attached thereto for mounting at least one reproducing apparatus component thereto, the mounting elements being spaced from each other and arranged in parallel fashion in one direction from one side of the frame member to the opposite side of the frame member whereby components may be mounted to the frame member at one of the alternate mounting elements of the plurality of mounting elements to provide the assembly of automatic reproducing machines having one of a plurality of process widths corresponding to the distance from one side of the frame member to one of the alternate mounting elements. Preferably the lower frame member is a plastic molded frame and the plurality of mounting elements are integrally molded therein.

Abstract: An apparatus which develops a latent image with marking particles. The apparatus includes a developer roller which transports the marking particles closely adjacent to the latent image. As the marking particles are deposited on the latent image, the developer roller senses the charge thereon. In response to the sensed charge of the marking particles, additional marking particles are dispensed into the chamber of the housing for subsequent use by the developer roller.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine in which an original document is reproduced on a copy sheet. The printing machine includes a photoconductive belt arranged to move in a recirculating path. As the photoconductive belt moves through a first cycle, a combined charging-transferring unit charges at least a portion of the photoconductive belt, and a combined exposing-discharging unit focuses a light image of the original document thereon. This records an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive belt which is developed by a combined developing-cleaning unit. During the second cycle, the charging-transferring unit transfers the toner powder image to the copy sheet, and the combined developing-cleaning unit removes residual particles from the photoconductive belt. After cleaning, the combined exposing-discharging unit illuminates the photoconductive belt to eliminate any charge remaining thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for cleaning the surface of an electrostatographic imaging member and an electrostatographic reproducing machine utilizing the cleaning apparatus. A device is provided for impinging a gas flow against the imaging surface for removing residual material therefrom and for applying suction to the surface to provide a suction flow for collecting the gas and the residual material and transporting them away from the imaging surface. Apparatus is provided for supporting the impingement device and the suction device close to the imaging surface including a device for forming a supporting gas cushion. In accordance with an alternative embodiment apparatus is provided for positioning the impingement and suction devices close to the imaging surface during operation of the cleaning system and away from the surface after the cleaning system has ceased to operate.

Abstract: A plurality of abrasion resistant particles are embedded in the layer of photoconductive material on the conductive substrate of a conventional electrostatographic photoreceptor so that generally hemispherical portions of the particles protrude to a height of from 0.5 to 5 microns above the surface of the photoreceptor. The improved photoreceptor is readily adaptable to cleaning by applying a flexible doctor blade to its surface and providing relative motion therebetween.

Abstract: A cleaning blade is provided for cleaning residual toner particles and other contaminants from an electrostatic imaging surface comprising a surface having rigid spherical protuberances adapted to be pressed against the imaging surface to form a seal between the blade and imaging surface which retards flow of particles between the blade and imaging surface.

Abstract: In a photoelectrophoretic imaging system, a field established between first and second electrodes is modified in a manner for substantially reducing the field between these electrodes in an area in conformity with a desired border for an image being reproduced. In a particular arrangement, electrodes are arranged and positioned adjacent an insulating surface of the first electrode for discharging the charge accumulated at the surface and establishing the surface at a potential equal to the potential of the second electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to a conventional electrostatographic photoreceptor comprised of a conductive substrate having a layer of a photoconductive material on its surface. The improvement involves a plurality of abrasion resistant particles embedded in the layer of photoconductive material so that generally hemispherical portions of the particles protrude to a height of from 0.5 to 5 microns above the surface of the photoreceptor. The improved photoreceptor is readily adaptable to cleaning by applying a flexible doctor blade to its surface and providing relative motion therebetween.