Abstract An apparatus which develops the latent image recorded on a flexible member (10) with an insulating developer mater ial comprising at least carrier granules and insulating magnetic, toner particles. The developer material is transported closely adjacent to a flexible member having the latent image recorded thereon by means of a developer roller (40). In the development zone (74), the latent image attracts a portion of the toner particles thereto forming a powder image on the flexible member. The flexible member is maintained at a preselected tension and held partially wrapped around the developer roller (40) by means of idler rollers (42) so that the developer material being transported into contact therewith deflects the flexible member thereabout forming an extended development zone.
A development system for developing a latent image recorded on a flexible member (10), comprising a developer material and a development apparatus for applying the developer material to the latent image, the developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles, and the apparatus including means (40), positioned closely adjacent the flexible member to define a development zone (74) therebetween, for transporting the developer material into contact with the flexible member in the development zone so that the latent image attracts a portion of the toner particles thereto forming a powder image on the flexible member; and means (16, 42) for maintaining the flexible member at a preselected tension of sufficient magnitude so that the developer material being transported into contact therewith deflects the flexible member about said transporting means (40) to form an extended development zone, characterised in that the toner particles are insulating, magnetic particles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A development system for developing a latent image recorded on a flexible member (10), comprising a developer material and a development apparatus for applying the developer material to the latent image, the developer material comprising carrier granules and toner particles, and the apparatus including means (40), positioned closely adjacent the flexible member to define a development zone (74) therebetween, for transporting the developer material into contact with the flexible member in the development zone so that the latent image attracts a portion of the toner particles thereto forming a powder image on the flexible member; and means (16, 42) for maintaining the flexible member at a preselected tension of sufficient magnitude so that the developer material being transported into contact therewith deflects the flexible member about said transporting means (40) to form an extended development zone, characterised in that the toner particles are insulating, magnetic particles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein the flexible member (10) is a belt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system according to claim 2, wherein said transporting means (40) includes: a tubular member (76) journaled for rotary movement; and means (78) for attracting the developer material to said tubular member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 3, wherein said attracting means includes (7B) a magnet disposed interiorly of and spaced from said tubular member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 4, wherein said tubular member (76) is made from a non-magnetic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electrophotographic printing machine of the type having an electrostatic latent image recorded on a flexible photoconductive member, including the development system of any one of claims 1 to 5.
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