Duplicating process utilizing ion modulating means as the image generating source

Abstract

An ion modulator such as a three-layered structure, formed by sandwiching a photoconductor between a metal screen and an insulating layer, which is used as an image source. The apparatus includes an optical system for projecting an image of a graphic original onto the modulator and creating a charge distribution system thereon that can be retained for long periods of time. As part of the apparatus there is included a special drum formed by adhering a resilient-rubber like layer having a compliance that produces a displacement from the normal surface in the range of 1/16 to 3/32 inch when placed under 25 - 75 pounds of force per lineal inch, and a thickness of about 0.60 inches. Over the compliant layer is next applied an insulating or dielectric layer having a resistivity of at least 10.sup.14 ohm-centimeters and a thickness of about 0.5 mils. The special drum, which is the image generating medium, receives the charge pattern resulting from collecting the ion particles on the dielectric layer. The charge pattern is developed and the transferrable images produced thereon are transferred to plain paper under the condition where the resiliency of the image generating medium is responsible for producing images of high integrity. Various types of reproductions can be made on plain paper such as ink images or toner powder images fused onto the impression paper.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.