Abstract:
An endless belt (10) for use in digital imaging systems is provided having uniform edge to edge flatness, and precise circumferential and edge to edge thickness. The layers comprising the belt may be tailored as desired for use in either latent image formation, image transfer or sheet transport operations. In one embodiment, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer (40), an intermediate polymer ply (42) over the base layer, and an outer elastomeric layer (44). Alternatively, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer (40) and an outer polymer layer (45). The belt (10) may further include reinforcing layers which may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric layer (48) and/or an elastomer-impregnated spun cord layer (46). The belt is preferably manufactured by building the layers on a workpiece and then curing the layers.
Abstract:
A method for forming electrographic imaging elements (10) comprising a uniform dielectric layer (16) is disclosed. The method comprises coating a conductive coating composition containing polymerizable precursors onto a base (12), curing the composition to form a conductive layer (14) and coating a dielectric layer on top of the conductive layer. The elements, with enhanced properties, are useful for forming large size colored images, such as required for posters, and may also comprise a backside conductive layer (18).
Abstract:
A electrographic element (10) having a base substrate (12), a conductive layer (14), a single, integral dielectric/adhesive/release layer (16) upon which an image is deposited, and an optional final substrate (20) and a method of making the electrographic element are disclosed. The single, integral dielectric/adhesive/release layer is preferably a co-polymer of polyvinylchloride and polyvinyl acetate. A method of making the electropraphic element is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Provided is a composite material comprising a carrier, a conductive layer formed on the carrier, and a dielectric layer containing spacer particles formed on the conductive layer. The dielectric layer has an abrasion factor less than about 0.3 determined by a brass shim abrasion method, and a substantially uniform distribution of spacer particles substantially free of flat spots greater than about 100 microns in the x-y direction and 1500 square microns in area on any part of the surface. The spacer particles of the dielectric layer of the composite material preferably are amorphous silica. The composite material is useful in electrostatic imaging technology and provides images substantially free of defects, including artifacts or flares, dropouts and nib writing. Also provided is a process which permits the creation of very stable dispersions of solid particles in a dispersing medium useful for both the dielectric and conductive layers of the composite material of the invention. A white or colored conductive ground plane is also provided.
Abstract:
A photosensitive member having an electrode on the front surface thereof and a photoconductive layer stacked on the electrode. The member faces an electrostatic data recording medium which comprises a charge-holding layer having an electrode on the back surface. The photosensitive member may be in contact with the recording medium. When a voltage is applied across the electrodes, an exposure is carried out to form an electrostatic charge pattern in the electrostatic data recording medium, the electrostatic charge pattern being in correspondence with the exposure pattern. The layer structure of the photosensitive member and the photoconductive layer and the method of forming the photoconductive layer are improved, enabling the recording of electrostatic data on the electrostatic data recording medium with high sensitivity. Further, the contrast in charges of data between the exposed portion and the unexposed portion can be improved.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for detecting an electrostatic charge on a flat panel imager pixel array. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an insulator layer and a flat panel pixel array coupled to a bottom surface of the insulator layer. Each pixel of the pixel array has a storage capacitance, and an electrostatic charge corresponding to a voltage applied through an electrode coupled to a top surface of the insulating layer may be detected from each storage capacitance.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the electrostatic printing of dry or wet toners using a novel tiered printing plate allows for superior and efficient transfer of toner from the plate to the printed item. The process for producing the printing plate uses photo polymer film resist with a positive photo tool which after developing yields trenches between ridges of hardened photo polymer which hold the toner in desired pattern.
Abstract:
The electrostatic data recording medium (110) of the invention comprises an electrode layer (113) and a charge-holding layer (111). The method of laminating the charge-holding layer (111) and the structure of the layer are improved. Further, the electrostatic data are converted into visible or positional data. Thereby, the medium has excellent characteristics of data holding, and the electrostatic data can be stored for a longer period of time. According to the electrostatic data recording method of the invention, the electrostatic data recording medium (110) is so disposed as to face a photosensitive member (1) having a photoconductive layer (9) on an electrode (7), image exposure is carried out while a voltage is applied across the electrodes (113) and (7), and electrostatic data corresponding to the image exposure are recorded in the electrostatic data recording medium (110). The electrostatic data recorded in the charge-holding layer (111) can be easily reproduced by reading the surface potentials, to amplify and output the signals, or by an electro-optical method, or by developing with toner. The electrostatic data recording medium (110) of the invention has storage capacity with a high data density of 8 x 10 bits/cm . The electrostatic data recording method which uses a photosensitive member makes it possible to accomplish two-dimensional data-recording, and to record analog, digital, picture, voice and (0, 1) data, and to realize the application electrostatic data recording cards, etc.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to an electrical charge storage device (ECSD) with enhanced power characteristics. More particularly, the present invention relates to enhancing the current density, voltage rating, power transfer characteristics, frequency response and charge storage density of various devices, such as capacitors, batteries, fuel cells and other electrical charge storage devices. For example, one aspect of the present invention is solid state and electrolytic capacitors where the conductor surface area is increased with smooth structures, thereby reducing the distance separating the conductors, and improving the effective dielectric characteristics by employing construction techniques an atomic, molecular, and macroscopic levels.
Abstract:
The invention is textured surface release layers for dielectric substrates used in liquid electrostatic imaging processes. The invention also includes means of providing textured release surfaces for dielectric substrates, and a method of liquid electrostatic imaging using textured dielectric substrates.