Michael L Szymanski

US Patent:

44563671, Jun 26, 1984

Filed:

Feb 16, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/348761

Inventors:

Michael J. Szymanski - Medford MA
Harold J. Weber - Sherborn MA
Manfred R. Kuehnle - New London NH
Kenneth D. Fraser - Scarborough, CA

Assignee:

Coulter Systems Corporation - Bedford MA

International Classification:

G03G 1510

US Classification:

355 10

Abstract:

A method and apparatus is provided for toning a latent electrostatic image on an exposed photoconductive surface of an electrophotographic member, using liquid toner comprising toner particles suspended in an electrically insulating liquid dispersant. Plural, generally identical, toner modules are arranged side by side at a first level, each module comprising a toner tray having a development electrode mounted on the upper surface thereof. The development electrode has a planar upper surface. A motor operates an articulated linkage which causes the tray to be elevated to a second level for toning, one of the modules being selected from the others. Antifriction bearing surfaces are mounted on the upper surface of the tray at opposite ends of the development electrode. The antifriction surfaces extend upwardly of the development electrode a short distance slightly above the upper surface thereof to define a gap between the development electrode and the surface to be toned. A toggle actuated control valve can be provided to direct the toner flow over the electrode in the direction of the movement of said surface, changing the direction of flow during the reciprocal movement of said surface.