Imaging apparatuses and image forming methods

Imaging apparatus comprising:

• an image forming surface for forming thereon a latent electrostatic image;
• a plurality of developer surfaces adapted for operative engagement with the image forming surface at a first development region which is fixed in a spatial position, said developer surfaces being capable of having formed thereon a layer of liquid toner;
• a plurality of developers each comprising one of the developer surfaces, which transfer the toner from the respective developer surface to the image forming surface to form a developed image on the image forming surface;
• wherein the plurality of developers are linearly arranged when disengaged and adapted to move with respect to the image forming surface to sequentially bring each of the plurality of developer surfaces into operative engagement with the image forming surface, at the first development region;
• and
• wherein any two or more of the developers are adapted for simultaneous movement.

An imaging apparatus comprising:

• a photoconductor comprising an image forming surface configured to receive a latent image;
• a plurality of developers individually configured to provide a marking agent to the image forming surface to develop the latent image, wherein one of the developers is configured to move in a first direction with respect to the image forming surface to implement development of the latent image by the one of the developers and an other of the developers is configured to move in a second direction different than the first direction to implement development of the latent image by the other of the developers;
• and
• wherein the photoconductor is configured to provide a developed image corresponding to the latent image for transfer to media after the development of the latent image by the one and other developers.

An image forming method comprising:

• providing a latent image upon an image forming surface of a photoconductor;
• developing the latent image using a plurality of developers providing a developed image, and wherein, for an individual one of the developers, the developing comprises moving the individual developer in a first direction towards the image forming surface of the photoconductor to develop the latent image, and moving the individual developer in a second direction different than the first direction away from the image forming surface;
• and
• transferring the developed image to media.