Tank filled with developing liquid in electrophotographic apparatus

Claim 2

Apparatus for the liquid development of an electrostatic image-bearing sheet comprising: a. a tank containing developing liquid; b. a drum supported for rotation in said tank, the cylindrical surface of said drum including a first section providing for flow of said liquid between said tank and said drum and a second section of lesser diameter than said first section; c. means transporting said sheet through said tank in contacting relation with said drum surface including first means entering said sheet in said tank and second means providing reduced pressure within said drum thereby attracting said sheet to said drum surface and maintaining a contacting relation therebetween; and d. means removing said sheet from said drum surface including an elongate member having an end juxtaposed with said drum surface second section and engaging the leading edge of said sheet during rotation of said drum.

Claim 3

The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said reduced pressure providing means comprises a propeller supported for rotation in said drum and propeller drive means.

Claim 4

Apparatus for the development of an electrostatic image-bearing sheet comprising: a. a tank containing developing liquid; b. a drum supported for rotation in said tank, said drum having a hollow interior, the cylindrical surface of said drum having a first section incorporating apertures providing communication between said drum interior and said tank and a second section of lesser diameter than said first section; c. means transporting said sheet into said tank; d. means providing reduced pressure interiorly of said drum for drawing developing liquid through said drum surface first section and for providing contacting relation between said sheet and said drum surface; and e. means separating said sheet from said drum surface including an elongate member supported in said tank and having an end juxtaposed with said drum surface second section and engaging the leading edge of said sheet during rotation of said drum.

Claim 5

Apparatus for the development of an electrostatic image-bearing sheet comprising: a. a tank containing developing liquid; b. a drum supported for rotation in said tank, said drum having a hollow interior, the cylindrical surface of said drum having a first section incorporating apertures providing communication between said drum interior and said tank and a second section of lesser diameter than said first section; c. means transporting said sheet into said tank; d. means providing reduced pressure interiorly of said drum for drawing developing liquid through said drum surface first section and for providing contacting relation between said sheet and said drum surface; and e. means separating said sheet from said drum surface including an elongate member supported in said tank and having an end juxtaposed with said drum surface second section and engaging the leading edge of said sheet during rotation of said drum.

Claim 6

The apparatus claimed in claim 3 wherein said reduced pressure providing means comprises a propeller and a motor driving said propeller, said propeller being disposed interiorly of said drum.

Claim 7

The apparatus claimed in claim 3 wherein said drum surface comprises alternating ones of said first and second sections and wherein said sheet separating means comprises a plurality of said elongate members each extending intermediate a pair of said first sections.

Claim 8

The apparatus claimed in claim 3 wherein said drum surface is electrically conductive.

Claim 9

The apparatus claimed in claim 3 wherein said tank includes first and second intake ports respectively applying carrier solution and concentrated developing solution to said tank.