Electrophotographic copying process using two image areas

A method for operating an electrophotographic copier which includes a charging device, a developing device, an image transfer device, a cleaning device, and a photoreceptor having a surface with first and second image areas, the steps of the method comprising:

• (a) activating the charging device to apply an electrostatic charge to the photoreceptor as the first image area moves past the charging device;
• (b) exposing the charged first image area to a light image thereby producing an electrostatic image;
• (c) activating the developing device to apply toner to the photoreceptor as the first image area moves past the developing device;
• (d) continuing to move the first image area past the image transfer device which now is activated to transfer the toner onto paper, and then fusing the toner to the paper;
• and
• (e) if an another copy is to be made at the completion of step (d), moving the second image area past the charging device which now is activated to apply an electrostatic charge to the photoreceptor while moving the first image area past the cleaning device to remove toner from the photoreceptor, and thereafter repeating steps (b) through (d) with respect to the second image area instead of the first image area;
• otherwise moving the first image area past the cleaning device to remove toner from the photoreceptor.

An electrophotographic copying method for an apparatus having a photoreceptor with separate first and second image areas, the steps of a copying operation comprise:

• (a) electrostatically charging the first image area;
• (b) exposing the charged first image area to a light image thereby producing an electrostatic charge replica of the light image in the first image area;
• (c) then applying toner to the first image area of the photoreceptor;
• (d) transfering the toner applied to the first image area onto paper and fusing the toner to the paper;
• (e) thereafter removing residual toner from the first image area, while charging the second image area with a uniform charge;
• (f) exposing the charged second image area to another light image thereby producing an electrostatic charge replica of the other light image in the second image area;
• (g) then applying toner to the second image area of the photoreceptor;
• (h) transfering the toner applied to the second image area onto paper and fusing the toner to the paper;
• and
• (i) if an additional copy is desired, charging the first image area with a uniform charge while removing residual toner from the second image area, and then repeating at least steps (b) through (d).