Dual AC development system for controlling the spacing of a toner cloud
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorDan A. Hays
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A scavengeless/non-interactive development system for use in highlight color imaging. To control the developability of lines and the degree of interaction between the toner and receiver, the combination of an AC voltage on a developer donor roll with an AC voltage between toner cloud forming wires and donor roll enables efficient detachment of toner from the donor to form a toner cloud and position one end of the cloud in close proximity to the image receiver for optimum development of lines and solid areas without scavenging a previously toned image.
Claims32
Apparatus for forming images on an image receiving surface with developer, said apparatus comprising:
- a supply of developer;
- means for transporting developer from said supply to an area adjacent said image receiving surface;
- means for forming transported developer into a cloud of marking particles;
- means for controlling the spacing of said marking particle cloud relative to said image receiver without interacting with said image receiving surface;
- and
- means for establishing a development field between said transporting means and said image receiving surface for causing an image on said image receiving surface to be developed with marking particles.
In a method for forming images on an image receiving surface with developer, the steps including:
- providing a supply of developer;
- transporting developer from said supply to an area adjacent said image receiving surface;
- forming transported developer into a cloud of marking particles;
- controlling the spacing of said marking particle cloud relative to said image receiver without touching said image receiving surface, said controlling step being independent of said forming step;
- and
- establishing a development field between said transporting means and said image receiving surface for causing an image on said image receiving surface to be developed with marking particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.