Imaging systems and methods
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorsRobert A. Moore, John F. Cooper, Richard A. Fotland
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Abstract
Imaging systems and methods are described. In one aspect, an ink layer having an electrorheological fluid composition including a suspension of colorant particles dispersed in an electrically insulating carrier fluid is formed on a surface. A charge image is projected onto the ink layer to selectively form charge-stiffened regions adhering to the electrically insulating layer and representing respective regions of the projected charge image. Non-charge-stiffened ink layer components are physically separated from the charge-stiffened regions. Portions of the ink layer are electrostatically transferred to a receptor substrate.
Claims40
An imaging method, comprising:
- forming on a surface an ink layer having an electrorheological fluid composition comprising a suspension of colorant particles dispersed in an electrically insulating carrier fluid;
- projecting a charge image onto the ink layer to selectively form charge-stiffened regions adhering to the surface;
- and
- physically separating non-charge-stiffened ink layer components from the charge-stiffened regions;
- and
- performing an electrostatic transfer of at least a portion of the ink layer to a receptor substrate.
The method of claim, 17, further comprising delivering a diluent to the ink layer.
An imaging system, comprising:
- a surface;
- an inking system operable to form on the surface of one of either an electrically insulating or electrically conductive layer an ink layer having an electrorheological fluid composition comprising a suspension of colorant particles dispersed in an electrically insulating carrier fluid;
- a charge imaging print-head operable to project a charge image onto the ink layer to selectively form charge-stiffened regions adhering to the electrically insulating layer and representing respective regions of the projected charge image;
- a developer assembly operable to apply a shearing force to the ink layer to physically separate non-charge-stiffened ink layer components from the charge-stiffened regions;
- and
- a transfer assembly operable to electrostatically transfer at least a portion of the ink layer to a receptor substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.