Liquid-development electrophotographic apparatus
US6745002B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/1695
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A liquid-development electrophotographic apparatus utilizes a nonvolatile, high-viscosity, high-concentration liquid toner as a liquid developer. A developing section is in contact with photosensitive drums 11-14, on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, so that the liquid developer is supplied onto photosensitive drums 11-14. Toner particles contained in the liquid developer adhere to the photosensitive drums 11-14 according to an electric field established between the developing section and the photosensitive drums 11-14 to form toner images. The toner images are transferred from the photosensitive drums 11-14 to an intermediate transfer section. A transfer-and-fixation section includes a heater to melt-transfer the toner images onto the printing medium. A development section is disposed at a lower portion of the apparatus to prevent smudging of the printing medium and the intermediate transfer section even when the liquid toner spills.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.