Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording on a recording medium has a plurality of recording elements, heat generation driver for driving the plurality of recording elements for heat generation by block unit, and control unit for controlling the plurality of recording elements so as to be successively driven for heat generation by block unit during the suspension of the heat generation driving for recording.

Abstract: An ink comprising a composition containing a pigment, a water-soluble resin and a liquid medium, wherein the pigment and the water-soluble resin are contained in said composition in a proportion of the weight Wr of the latter to the weight Wp of the former, Wr/Wp, that satisfies the expression (I) ##EQU1## wherein DAR denotes a value represented by the expression (II) ##EQU2##

Abstract: In the embodiment of the hot melt ink supply unit described in the specification, a block of solid hot melt ink has a peripheral surface formed with a key configuration and a handle is removably connected to the block by a threaded projection. After insertion of the block into a correspondingly keyed opening in a heated reservoir, the handle is turned to separate the handle portion from the block of solid ink. A container provided with a removable seal encloses the block of solid ink and handle to protect the ink from contamination.

Abstract: A drop-on-demand ink jet has an ink chamber coupled to a source of ink, and an ink drop orifice with an outlet. An acoustic driver produces a pressure wave in the ink and causes the ink to pass outwardly through the ink drop orifice and outlet. The driver is driven with bipolar drive pulses having a refill pulse component and an eject pulse component of a polarity which is opposite to the refull pulse component. The refill and eject pulse components are separated by a wait period. The drive pulses may be adjusted to minimize their energy content at a frequency corresponding to the dominant acoustic resonance frequency of the ink jet. This will accelerate drop breakoff, optimize drop shape and minimize drop speed variations over the range of drop printing rates. The ink jet printer of the present invention may be used to print with a wide variety of inks, including phase change inks to achieve high print quality at high print rates.

Abstract: Provided is an ink comprising at least water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and a dye, the dye comprising a compound represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are respectively hydrogen or SO.sub.3 M; R.sub.4 is hydrogen, OCH.sub.3, NH.sub.2, NHCONH.sub.2, or SO.sub.3 M; R.sub.5 is hydrogen or SO.sub.3 M; R.sub.6 is hydrogen or NH.sub.2 ; R.sub.7 is hydrogen, CH.sub.3, or OCH.sub.3 ; R.sub.8 is hydrogen, COOM, or SO.sub.3 M; R.sub.5 is hydrogen and R.sub.8 is COOM when both of R.sub.4 and R.sub.6 are respectively NH.sub.2 ; M is an alkali metal, ammonium, or organic ammonium; and m is 0 or 1, or a compound represented by the general formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, CH.sub.3, COOM, or SO.sub.3 M; R.sub.2 is hydrogen, CH.sub.3, or COOM; R.sub.3 is hydrogen, chlorine, COOM, or SO.sub.3 M; R.sub.4 is hydrogen, OCH.sub.3, NH.sub.2, NHCONH.sub.2, or SO.sub.3 M; R.sub.5 is hydrogen or SO.sub.3 M; R.sub.6 is hydrogen or NH.sub.2 ; R.sub.

Abstract: An ink jet pen has two modes of operation, a normal speed mode and a high speed mode. In the normal speed mode, the pen's ink reservoir is maintained at a desired below-atmospheric pressure by a bubble generator orifice that introduces air from an atmospherically vented chamber into the reservoir to relieve the partial vacuum caused by ejection of ink. In the high speed mode, a heater heats air trapped in the ink reservoir. As the air tries to expand, it pressurizes the ink and causes it more quickly to refill the pen's ink-ejecting nozzle after firing. The pen can thus be fired at a faster rate. The bubble generator orifice is blocked during the high speed mode by the first droplet of ink expelled through the orifice, which acts to wet and seal a vent tube.

Abstract: This document discloses a method and apparatus for real-time control of the temperature of thermal ink jet printheads and thermal printheads through the use of nonprinting pulses. A closed-loop system produces nonprinting pulses in response to a difference between a reference temperature signal and a printhead temperature signal produced by a temperature sensor on the printhead so that the printhead operates at a constant elevated temperature. The reference temperature signal can specify an operating temperature anywhere between 10.degree. C. and 100.degree. C. above room temperature. The closed-loop system can have multiple loops with different response times so that complex nonlinear responses to changes in the printhead temperature can be obtained. The open-loop system transmits nonprinting pulses to the printhead for each printing interval that the printer does not eject a drop. Also, this document discloses a method for measuring the energy transfer characteristics of a printhead.

Abstract: A printing system operating in a charged area development environmental utilizes a high resolution image print bar in cooperation with a low resolution image discharge bar to expose a charged surface of a photoreceptor with a minimum of stress being applied to the high resolution bar. The high resolution bar is addressed from an image data source so as to expose areas of the photoreceptor which correspond to informational areas of the image being printed. The low resolution bar is addressed from the same data source so as to discharge the photoreceptor surface in non-informational areas such as background areas and interimage areas. In a preferred embodiment, both the high and the low resolution bars are LED arrays located in a common exposure station.

Abstract: A recording apparatus having a recording head provided with plural ink discharging outlets for discharging ink includes a detector for detecting temperature distribution in the recording head relating to recording operation of the recording head; and a controller responsive to an output of the detector to control a recording speed of the recording head.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image of the present invention comprises an image medium which is made of a heat-sensitive material in and from whcih an image can be thermally recordded and erased. The image medium has at least two display regions having different colors in the same face and having different thermal transition temperatures between a transparent state and a scattering state. A thermal signal applying member is employed for forming an image by thermally scanning said image medium which is characterized by applying to said medium a temperature controlled so that at least two differnt colors are displayed in a one-signal period of thermal scanning. The present invention also provides a method of forming an image using the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink composition which comprises an aqueous liquid vehicle, a colorant, and a phosphate ester. The ink is particularly suitable for ink jet printing processes, especially thermal ink jet printing processes. The inks exhibit low viscosities and rapid drying times, particularly on plain paper. Also disclosed is a process for generating images onto a substrate which comprises incorporating an ink composition which comprises an aqueous liquid vehicle, a colorant, and a phosphate ester into an ink jet printing apparatus and causing droplets of the ink composition to be ejected in an imagewise pattern onto the substrate.

Abstract: An ink jet head is provided with testing or inspection to facilitate efficient testing of the circuitry to determine whether any short-circuit or open circuits exist.The ink jet head includes plural ejection outlets for ejecting ink; a corresponding number of heat generating resistors disposed corresponding to the ejection outlets; heat generating resistors corresponding to the ejection outlets; electrodes connected to the respective heat generating resistors. The inspection resistors connect adjacent electrodes to permit inspection of electric connections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink-jet ejection device which is capable of ejection or ink (including hot melt ink) jet frequencies greater than 50,000 Hz. A cantilevered beam of selected shape is mounted at its base to a piezoelectric element which oscillates the base. The beam is shaped so that its moment of inertia is reduced toward its free end. The element is activated by an oscillating electrical signal the frequency of which is equal to or close to a natural frequency of oscillation of the beam. In the preferred embodiment herein a third or higher modal frequency is utilized. Because of the structural configuration of the cantilevered beam and the selected frequency of oscillation thereof, the tip of the beam oscillates over an amplitude which is significantly greater than the oscillation amplitude of the base. The beam is highly damped and made of low density material so that the tip amplitude is extremely responsive to variations in the base amplitude.

Abstract: A process of producing an ink jet recording head of the type that has an electro-thermal converting element which forms a heating surface in the ink channel, comprises preparing a substrate having the heating surface formed thereon, forming a cover film on the heating surface so as to cover at least the heating surface, forming the ink channel on the substrate and removing the cover film through the ink channel. Disclosed also are an ink jet recording head produced by the process, and an ink jet recording apparatus incorporating the ink jet recording head.

Abstract: A thermal head in a printer, which has an array of heating elements along a main scanning direction, the heating elements being drivable by a pulse signal is driven for two-dimensionally scanning a heat-sensitive medium which is moved in an auxiliary scanning direction normal to the main scanning direction, thereby recording image information on the heat-sensitive medium. The temperature of the thermal head is detected, and a change in the detected temperature is calculated per predetermined time. Thereafter, the pulse duration of a pulse supplied to the heating elements is gradually increased or reduced. Depending on the calculated change in the temperature, per each of main scanning lines within a predetermined length in the auxiliary scanning direction.

Abstract: Calibration apparatus for an ink jet printer of the type having a rotary drum which has a cylindrical surface and which rotates about an axis, and a print head which is movable parallel to that axis in an axial direction along the drum surface and between a head home position and a position beyond one end of the drum, the head projecting an ink jet comprised of ink droplets towards the drum surface. The apparatus comprises a needle-like ink jet sensor having a needle tip positioned at a selected distance in the axial direction beyond the one end of the drum and with its axis perpendicular to the drum axis. The sensor is movable in the direction of its axis between a sensor home position at a selected location relative to the drum and a position in which the sensor can intercept the ink jet and the sensor produces a sensor signal when it does intercept the ink jet.

Abstract: In an ink jet printer, a printhead assembly comprising a printhead and an ink reservoir is mounted on a scanning carriage for movement across a recording medium. During printing, droplets of ink are expelled from ink channels within the printhead and the channels are replenished with ink which is drawn in from the reservoir. The reservoir is connected by supply and return lines to an ink source, and a pump is provided to deliver ink from the source along the supply line to prime the printhead and reservoir. To ensure that the reservoir is filled with ink during the priming operation, the outlet from the reservoir to the return line incorporates a flow restriction equal to, or greater than, that of the printhead.

Abstract: Apparatus for pattern generation on a dielectric substrate having first and second surfaces and including:apparatus for applying a voltage to a first surface of the dielectric substrate; andapparatus for applying a flow of charges to the second surface of the dielectric substate, whereby following application of such charges, the second surface retains a charge corresponding to the voltage applied to the first surfaces.

Abstract: Laser-induced color printing with means with which the printing color of a micro-capsule to be impinged by the laser beam (12) is identified. These means are a fluorescence transformer material as a constituent of the content of the micro-capsules (3) or an additional white light ray with which the printing color of an individual micro-capsule (3) can likewise be identified.The printing ensues given coincidence of a printing instruction provided for a defined location with color specification and of the momentary incidence of the scanning laser beam (12) on a micro-capsule (3) for which this printing color has been identified as being present.

Abstract: A unique method/system for simultaneously creating and transferring a contrasting pattern of intelligence on and from an ablation-transfer imaging medium to a receptor element in contiguous registration therewith is not dependent upon contrast imaging materials that must absorb the imaging radiation and is well adopted for such applications as, e.g., color proofing and printing, the security coding of various documents and the production of masks for the graphic arts and printed circuit industries; the ablation-transfer imaging medium, per se, comprises a support substrate and an imaging radiation-, preferably a laser radiation-ablative topcoat essentially coextensive therewith, such ablative topcoat having a non-imaging ablation sensitizer and an imaging amount of a non-ablation sensitizing contrast imaging material contained therein.

Abstract: An identification card for an individual contains textual data regarding the individual, a reproduction of the individual's signature and a photograph of the individual. The photograph has superimposed thereon a duplicate of the individual's signature as it appears elsewhere on the card. Through this modification of the photograph on the card with information that appears elsewhere, an unauthorized user is inhibited from tampering with the card by substituting one photograph for another.

Abstract: A recording head has a plurality of arranged recording elements, wherein the recording elements are selectively supplied with driving signals and driven by electrical energy. The head includes a dividing unit for dividing a plurality of arranged recording elements into at least two blocks each simultaneously operable, and correcting unit for correcting the characteristics of the recording elements in accordance with electrical energy at respective blocks, whereby the recording head's life is prolonged and a high quality picture image can be obtained.

Abstract: The service station provides components for wiping and capping the orifice plate of an ink-jet pen that is installed in a printer that can carry more than one pen-type. Certain service station components are dedicated for use with only one type of pen and other components are dedicated for use with another type of pen, thereby avoiding ink contamination that may occur, where, for example, a single wiper is used to wipe pens of both type.

Abstract: A print head, formed with spaced linear subheads of jet nozzles, prints all of the lines or image element rows on a print medium such as a sheet of paper by scanning along the face of the sheet. The head is advanced between scans by an equivalent number of lines generally equal to the number of nozzles in the head, whereby all print lines are addressed only once. Apparatus for printing includes the use of pointers in registers to keep track of head structure and location on a print medium for calculating print addresses. A partial page memory is used which wraps around to the beginning from the end. An edge sequence control logic circuit modifies the print data so that nozzles not over the image area do not print. A positive printer carriage position encoder uses an index marker located in the middle of a strip of incremental markers. Sensing of the index marker resets an up/down counter with a value that gives a positive value for all count conditions.

Abstract: A drop-on-demand ink jet print head (9) has an ink pressure chamber (22) coupled to a source of ink (11) and an ink drop ejecting orifice (103) with an ink drop ejection orifice outlet (14). An acoustic driver (36), in response to a driver signal (100), produces a pressure wave in the ink and causes the ink to pass outwardly through the ink drop ejecting orifice (103) and the ink jet ejection orifice outlet (14) of the ink jet print head (9). In accordance with the present invention, controlling the operation of the ink jet print head (9) with a particular drive signal reduces print quality degradation resulting from rectified diffusion, which is the growth of air bubbles dissolved in the ink from the repeated application of pressure pulses to the ink residing within the ink pressure chamber (22) of the ink jet print head (9), such pressure pulses causing the application of pressures below ambient pressure.

Abstract: A self-contained alcohol purging and cleaning system for direct writing type trace recorders utilizes a source of compressed air, a tank of R-22 refrigerant and a tank of isopropyl alcohol. A main supply line tube may have its inlet port end selectively connected to either the source of the compressed air or the R-22 tank. The outlet port end of the main supply line tube is connected to the inlet port of the alcohol tank. A first elongated tubing member has its one end connected to the outlet port of the alcohol tank and its free output port end may be detachably connected to inlet end of an output hose whose outlet end is detachably connected to the ink supply manifold of a direct writing type trace recorder. By opening various valves of the system, pressurized gas passing through the main supply line tube forces the isopropyl alcohol into the ink supply manifold and out through its outlet ports until thickened ink is purged and the isopropyl alcohol flowing therefrom is reasonably clear.

Abstract: A laser beam printer is provided with a sensor for controlling the timing of inscribing image data on a photosensitive member by means of a laser beam scanning the surface of the photosensitive member. The output signal of this sensor rises when the laser beam reaches a prescribed position and falls when the laser beam passes the prescribed position. The time between the rising time and the falling time is used as the standard. Inscription of image data in each scanning line is started after elapse of a prescribed time following the standard time. The standard time remains unchanged in spite of a possible change in the sensor output. On the photosensitive member, the position for starting inscription of each scanning line can be set at the fixed position with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing including the use of a pyroelectric material in a novel fashion to directly mark an image on a print substrate. The image is produced by initially coating a poled pyroelectric material with a uniform coating of charged marking particles and subsequently thermally exposing the pyroelectric material in a localized fashion, thus reversing the polarity of the charge which repels the particles from the surface of the pyroelectric material, and in the direction of the surface of a print substrate placed in close proximity thereto. Subsequently, the image formed by the transferred marking particles is fixed to the substrate by a thermal or other well known fusing treatment.

Abstract: A method for transferring a viscous substance, including the steps of: providing a viscous substance capable of changing its adhesiveness corresponding to the polarity of a voltage applied thereto; disposing the viscous substance between a first electrode and a second electrode; and applying a voltage to the viscous substance plural times, thereby to reduce the adhesiveness of the viscous substance to the first electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus which develops an electrostatic image with marking particles. The apparatus includes a developer roller for transporting the marking particles to a position adjacent an electrostatic image for the purpose of developing the image. During deposition of the marking particles on the image, the apparatus senses the charge thereon and in response to the sensed charge, additional marking particles are dispensed into the developer roll housing for use by the developer roller. The apparatus further includes an impoved method for periodically determining the actual concentration of the marking particles within the developer housing in order to modify the rate at which the marking particles are replenished, thereby maintaining an equilibrium concentration of marking particles within the developer housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquid-jet recording comprises an electro-thermal transducer and discharge openings for jetting a liquid by thermal action of the electrothermal transducer. The electro-thermal transducer is connected directly to a lower potential side of a power source and is connected to a higher potential side of the power source through a switch element. Thermal action of the thermal transducer occurs upon the application of a positive voltage of a high potential from the power source through the switch element.

Abstract: A material for a liquid ejection ink-jet recording apparatus that is contactable with a recording liquid wherein the material is formed by a cured substance made from cyclic aliphatic epoxy resin and acid anhydride. The material is used in producing a liquid ejection recording head. The head is included in a liquid recording apparatus.

Abstract: An ink jet recording method is disclosed by which, the temperature of the ink droplet discharged from the discharge opening by a discharge signal becomes 60.degree. C. or higher at the printing position of a recording medium, and the volume of the ink droplet when discharged is no greater than 40 pl.

Abstract: A method for surface treatment of an ink jet recording head, having the step of transferring a surface treating agent provided on a support to the ink discharging opening surface having ink discharging openings of an ink jet recording head formed thereon from the support.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet recording apparatus includes a plurality of heating elements which serve as pressure generating members spaced apart from a plurality of nozzles. A reservoir, which stores ink prior to ejection through the nozzles, is formed between a nozzle plate and the pressure generating members and has a first cross-sectional area. A gap formed between a pair of substrates upon which the pressure generating members are disposed has a second cross-sectional area. An additional reservoir for storing ink is in fluid communication with the gap and has a third cross-sectional area. The first cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area is smaller than the third cross-sectional area for promoting capillary action in ejecting droplets of ink through the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A method of controlling printed density in thermal transfer recording, comprising the steps of: obtaining from first data representing, for each of a plurality of densities, a sum of absolute values of differences between a reference density corresponding to each of the densities and actual printed densities of the respective heating resistors, in response to input of gradational transfer data at a transfer density selected from one of the densities, fourth data representing the sum of absolute values at the density of the inputted gradational transfer data; multiplying third data representing the differences between a reference density corresponding to each of the densities and actual printed densities of the respective heating resistors at a specific one of the densities by a ratio of the fourth data to second data representing the first data at the specific one of the densities so as to obtain amounts of density correction for the heating resistors, respectively at the transfer density; and correcting the

Abstract: Transparent image-recording elements that contain ink-receptive layers that can be imaged by the application of liquid ink dots. The ink-receptive layers contain a combination of:(i) a vinyl pyrrolidone;(ii) particles of a polyester, namely a poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene-co-xylylene terephthalate-co-malonate-co-sodioiminobis(sulfonylbenzoate));(iii) a homopolymer or a copolymer of an alkylene oxide containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms;(iv) a polyvinyl alcohol;(v) a compound or a mixture of compounds having the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 4 or a phenyl group, and n is an integer of 1 to 10; and(vi) inert particles.A printing method which employs the transparent image-recording elements also is described.

Abstract: A method of resistive sheet transfer recording is disclosed, in which the thermal diffusion coefficient of a resistive sheet (1) in the range of 1 to 100.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s is combined with that of an electrode head (2) in the range of 0.1 to 50.times.10.sup.6 m.sup.2 /s, thereby making it possible to form a high-quality image at high sensitivity and high speed.

Abstract: An ink jet record apparatus for driving a drop-on-demand ink jet head with a piezoelectric element in a printing apparatus. The ink jet record apparatus includes a first drive part for driving and operating the ink jet head in a first operation mode, a second drive part for driving and operating the ink jet head in a second operation mode, a selection part for changing an operation of the ink jet head from the first operation mode to the second operation mode or vice versa, and a control part for supplying a drive signal to the selection part in accordance with input image information, thus allowing a size of ink dots on paper to be adjusted through selection of either the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

Abstract: A thermosensitive recording method comprising the steps of superimposing a sublimation-type thermosensitive image transfer recording medium on an image receiving sheet, and applying heat imagewise to the recording medium while moving the recording medium and the image receiving sheet in such a manner that the running speed of the image receiving sheet is greater than that of the recording medium. The recording medium for use with the above method comprises an ink layer containing a sublimable dye and one or more organic binder agents in which the sublimable dye is dispersed in the form of granules.

Abstract: According to a method of controlling a head in an image recording apparatus, a valve body made of a diaphragm is brought into tight contact with a valve seat having a nozzle hole. Pressurized ink is supplied to a contact portion between the valve body and the valve seat. A gap formed between the valve body and the valve seat upon supply of the pressurized ink is controlled by an actuator. The pressurized ink is discharged from the nozzle hole through the gap controlled by the actuator.

Abstract: A heat transfer recording apparatus for transferring the ink of an ink sheet to a recording medium to thereby effect the recording of images on the recording medium has ink sheet conveying means for conveying the ink sheet, recording medium conveying means for conveying the recording medium, recording means for acting on the ink sheet to effect the recording of images on the recording medium, counting means for counting the number of bits of black information of image data recorded by the recording means, and control means for controlling so as to change the recording period by the recording means in conformity with the number of the bits of black information counted by the counting means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing identification markings on pipes in a pipe processing system including a print engine having a microcontroller connected to a host or main frame computer. The print engine is connected to a printing device having a printing head which is rotatable relative to a pipe being conveyed through the printing station. Rotation of the printing head facilitates altering the character height printed by the head within a continuous range of possible sizes.

Abstract: Process for the storage of information in an organic recording layer which, as the result of local treatment of its surface with an organic solvent in accordance with the shape of the information to be marked can alter its absorption spectrum and/or its photoconductivity in such a way that information is produced and stored respectively at the treated areas of this layer. The information thus stored can be read off visually, by means of a micro-reader or by means of an incorporated electrode system.

Abstract: A drive control method for a thermal transfer printer adapted to carry out printing by melting a thermofusible ink of an ink ribbon and transferring the molten ink onto a printing paper. The ink ribbon is formed with a blank portion coated with no ink, which blank portion is formed between an ink layer and a mark for indicating the ink layer. Under the condition where the thermal head is spaced from the printing paper, the ink ribbon is moved to bring the blank portion into opposition to the thermal head. At this position, the thermal head is pressed through the blank portion against the printing paper. Then, the thermal head is moved relative to the printing paper and the ink layer, and simultaneously the thermal head is heated to transfer the ink of the ink layer onto the printing paper.

Abstract: A method for producing a large scale color graphic that presents substantially the same spectral content to a viewer when the graphic is illuminated with front or back lighting includes applying an ink film on a first surface and a second ink film on a second surface wherein the ink film creates the desired colored graphic image and which images produced are in registry with one another. A light source located on the same side as an observer viewing the image passes light through the ink film in one direction and is reflected back through the ink in a substantially opposite direction so that light reaching the observer passes through the equivalent of two ink film thicknesses.

Abstract: A method for the continuous marking of elongated material (1) which is moved in its longitudinal direction, by which ring-shaped markings which are limited in axial direction are applied to the surface of the material (1) by means of ink jets (2). The ink jets (2) emerge under pressure from two nozzles (6, 7) which are arranged parallel to each other and swing continuously on a swing shaft (5). If only one nozzle (6) is to function, the other nozzle (7) is closed by a 3/2-way valve (20). At the same time, a bypass (18) is opened through which the quantity of ink intended for the disconnected nozzle (7) is conducted away. The ink jet (2) of the still functioning nozzle (6) is then retained without change.

Abstract: In an ink jet printer having a plurality of ink jet channels which are individually controllable to produce ink dots on a printing medium, crosstalk is reduced by activating each odd numbered channel in alternation with each even numbered channel, while offsetting the orifices of one group of channels from the other to compensate for the time difference between activations, and the voltage supplied to excite the channel transducers is varied as a function of the number of channels simultaneously exited to maintain a fixed excitation voltage across each transducer.

Abstract: Described is a nozzle configuration for an ink-jet printer in which the unshielded intervals between the drop-formation nozzle, the charging electrode and the deflection plates are chosen to be maximally 0.1-2 mm while further in the passage of the charging electrode a discharge aperture is present which connects to a channel for removing ink or other medium by suction.Also is described a process for operating said nozzle configuration in which during starting and/or stopping thereof medium is transported through the channels connecting to the charging electrode.The medium may be air and/or a protective fluid.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and method for forming an image includes a recording material which changes its adhesiveness in response to the polarity of the voltage applied thereto. Such a recording material can include negatively or positively changeable or inorganic particles, gas-generating solvents, a substance having a gel or sol state, and a dissociative electrolyte. The recording material is positioned between a pair of electrodes. At least one of the electrodes includes an electroconductive member and a pattern comprising an insulating material disposed on the electroconductive member. A voltage is then applied between the pair of electrodes to attach the recording material to one of the electrodes. Also provided is a pressure applicator for transferring to a transfer-receiving medium the recording material attached to the electrode.