Abstract: An imaging system, or unit of an imaging system, and a method of imaging employing a single imaging member to form a liquid-toned image, to condition the image, and to transfuse it to a print-receiving medium. The member moves through three sections, with the image formed in the first section, then changing state in each successive section. In a preferred embodiment, a heat exchanger uses heat from the third section to extract the liquid carrier from the toned image while it is in the second section. Condensed carrier replenishes toner, cooling the first section. Multicolor printing is effected by employing several such units, one for each color, to transfuse colored images in succession onto a receiving member.

Abstract: Fusing apparatus for an electrographic printer, includes an abhesive belt for carrying and contacting a recorded image, a low temperature heater to fuse the image, and an assembly for synchronously moving a sheet in contact with the belt past the heater for an extended dwell time so that the toned image attains a fusing temperature as it resides in thermal contact with the heater along an extended transport path. The belt has a release coating of low surface free energy. Image transfer or fusing may be accomplished at sufficiently low belt temperatures that a single belt may be employed to effect imaging, toning, image transfer and fusing steps without impairing heat-sensitive toning assemblies, photoconducting elements, or other temperature-sensitive parts of the printer.

Abstract: A printing system forms a first electrostatic latent image on a dielectric member and tones the image with a first toner. The toned image is then consolidated on the dielectric member, and one or more additional toners are applied to form a multiply-toned image which is then fused and transferred to a sheet. At intermediate stages of forming the multiply-toned image, the previously applied toner is melted and cooled to consolidate it. A dielectric belt with a fast thermal response time allows the multicolor image to be efficiently formed on the belt and all colors transferred to a paper sheet which is fed once through the machine. The belt may receive latent images from a photosensitive imaging drum of conventional type, or may itself be a photosensitive belt which directly receives an optical image. Preferably, however, the electrostatic latent images are deposited on the belt by one or more electronically controlled printhead arrays.

Abstract: Sheet turnover apparatus of particular utility in the document-delivery system of a high speed printer, copier, or the like. Documents are serially routed through an infeed nip of a three-roller assembly, and received by a narrow, angularly-profiled chute. The chute includes a recoil assembly at its far end, which causes the document to reverse its travel within the chute to be directed toward the outfeed nip of the roller assembly. A paddle or flipper assembly mounted to the central roller of the roller triad directs the trailing edge of the document from infeed nip to outfeed nip, where it becomes the document's leading edge.

Abstract: Electrostatic transfer printing in which a latent electrostatic image is formed on a cylindrical dielectrical member by means of a glow discharge ion source. The image is then toned and pressure-transferred to a receptor, such as a sheet of paper, which is passed between the cylindrical dielectric member and a transfer roller. Scraper blades may be included to remove residual toner from the cylindrical dielectric member and the transfer roller. Means may also be included to erase any latent residual electrostatic image on the cylindrical dielectric member.

Abstract: Electrostatic transfer printing in which a latent electrostatic image is formed on a cylindrical dielectrical member by means of a remote glow discharge ion source. The image is then toned and pressure-transferred to a receptor, such as a sheet of paper, which is passed between the cylindrical dielectric member and a transfer roller. Scraper blades may be included to remove residual toner from the cylindrical dielectric member and the transfer roller. Means may also be included to erase any latent residual electrostatic image on the cylindrical dielectric member.

Abstract: An electrophotographic system employing double image transfer. A photoconductive member is charged and exposed to form a latent electrostatic image, which is then transferred to a drum with a durable dielectric coating. The latent electrostatic image is subsequently toned and transferred by pressure to a recording medium, with or without simultaneous pressure fixing.

Abstract: Generation of charged particles by extracting them from a high density source provided by an electrical gas breakdown in an electrical field between two conducting electrodes separated by a solid insulator, subject to the influence of a third electrode. The ions are generated by a high frequency alternating potential between a "driver" electrode and a "control" electrode. The ions are employed in charging a dielectric member to form a latent electrostatic charge image. A "screen" electrode between the control electrode and dielectric member isolates the potential on the dielectric member from the ion generating means, and provides an electrostatic lensing action.

Abstract: Generation of charged particles, e.g. ions, by extracting them from a high density source provided by an electrical gas breakdown in an electric field between two conducting electrodes separated by an insulator. When a high frequency electric field is applied, surprisingly high ion current densities can be obtained, providing numerous advantages over conventional ion forming techniques for use in electrostatic printing and office copying, as well as in electrostatic discharging, precipitation, separation, and coating.