US4697196A — Electrostatic recording method and apparatus

Claim 1

Independent Claim 251 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes to effect discharging to produce the ions; first bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said second electrode; and second bias voltage applying means for applying to said third electrode a bias voltage having the same polarity as that of the bias voltage applied to said second electrodes and having an absolute voltage which is smaller than that of the bias voltage applied to said second electrode; wherein parameters of said means are so determined that the ions produced by said recording head and moved to the recording surface are controlled so as to provide a high resolution image.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 251 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes to effect discharging to produce the ions; first bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said second electrode; and second bias voltage applying means for applying to said third electrode a bias voltage having the same polarity as that of the bias voltage applied to said second electrodes and having an absolute voltage which is smaller than that of the bias voltage applied to said second electrode; wherein parameters of said means are so determined that the ions produced by said recording head and moved to the recording surface are controlled so as to provide a high resolution image.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 23 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein number of occurrences of effective dischargeable voltages per one charge dot is not less than 10.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 72 words

An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode, the bias voltage Vs (V) to said third electrode, a maximum surface potential Vd (V) of the recording surface in the area opposed to said recording head satisfy the relationships, 2.5×10 3 ≦|Vs-Vd|/1, and 1≦0.25, wherein a diameter of the apertures of said third electrode is not more than 0.15 mm.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 52 words

An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein number n of time sharing for operating said first electrodes, a picture element density of recording p (dots/mm), a radius of curvature of the recording surface R (mm) and a distance m (mm) between adjacent first electrodes, satisfy a relationship, p×R 1/2 /m(n-1)]≧1.6.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 50 words

An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein number n of time sharing for operating said first electrodes, a picture element density of recording p (dots/mm), a radius of curvature of the recording surface R (mm) and a distance m (mm) between adjacent first electrodes, satisfy a relationship, p×R 1/2 /m(n-1)]≧1.6.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 169 words

An electrostatic recording method, comprising: providing a recording head including a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrode from said first electrode and having apertures for allowing ions to pass; applying an alternating voltage between selected one of said first electrodes and a selected one of said second electrodes to produce ions adjacent a crossing point of the matrix corresponding to the selection; providing a potential difference between said second electrodes and said third electrodes; providing a potential difference between said third electrode and a recording surface to control an electrostatic latent image to be formed on the recording surface with charge dots; controlling said first electrodes and said second electrodes between which said an alternating voltage is applied; wherein number of occurrences of effective dischargeable voltages per one charge dot is not less than 10.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 169 words

An electrostatic recording method, comprising: providing a recording head including a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrode from said first electrode and having apertures for allowing ions to pass; applying an alternating voltage between selected one of said first electrodes and a selected one of said second electrodes to produce ions adjacent a crossing point of the matrix corresponding to the selection; providing a potential difference between said second electrodes and said third electrodes; providing a potential difference between said third electrode and a recording surface to control an electrostatic latent image to be formed on the recording surface with charge dots; controlling said first electrodes and said second electrodes between which said an alternating voltage is applied; wherein number of occurrences of effective dischargeable voltages per one charge dot is not less than 10.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method according to claim 6, wherein number of occurrences of effective dischargeable voltages per one charge dot is not less than 15.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 93 words

A method according to claim 6, wherein a frequency of the alternating voltage f satisfies the relationship, f≧10/[1/(Vp×n×P)-Tr 1 -Tf 1 ] where Vp is a relative speed between the recording surface and said recording head, n is number of time sharing for operation of said first electrodes, Tr 1 is a time period required for the voltage to reach a dischargeable level for generating ions, Tf 1 is a time period required for the voltage to restore, and P is number of dots formed on the recording surface per unit length thereof.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 102 words

A method according to claim 6, wherein a frequency of the alternating voltage f satisfies the relationship, f≧10/[1/(Vp×n×P)-Tr 2 -Tf 2 ] where Vp is a relative speed between the recording surface and said recording head, n is number of time sharing for operation of said first electrodes, Tr 2 is a time period required for the alternating voltage to reach a stabilized state, Tf 2 is a time period required for the alternating voltage to reach to the state of 0 amplitude from the stabilized state, and P is number of dots formed on the recording surface per unit length thereof.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

A method according to claim 6, wherein said alternating voltage has a frequency not more than 5 MHz.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method according to claim 6, wherein an average particle diameter of the developer is not more than 10 microns.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 240 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes; first bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said second electrode; second bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said third electrode; developing means for developing with a developer the electrostatic latent image formed on the recording surface by electric charge dots; means for transferring a developed image developed by said developing means onto a recording material; and means for fixing an image transferred by said transferring means on the recording material; wherein number of occurrences of effective dischargeable voltages is not less than 10.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 240 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes; first bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said second electrode; second bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said third electrode; developing means for developing with a developer the electrostatic latent image formed on the recording surface by electric charge dots; means for transferring a developed image developed by said developing means onto a recording material; and means for fixing an image transferred by said transferring means on the recording material; wherein number of occurrences of effective dischargeable voltages is not less than 10.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 23 words

An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein number of occurrences of effective dischargeable voltages per one charge dot is not less than 15.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 102 words

An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a frequency of the alternating voltage f satisfies the relationship, f≧10/[1/(Vp×n×P)-Tr 2 -Tf 2 ] where Vp is a relative speed between the recording surface and said recording head, n is number of time sharing for operation of said first electrodes, Tr 2 is a time period required for the alternating voltage to reach a stabilized state, Tf 2 is a time period required for the alternating voltage to reach to the state of 0 amplitude from the stabilized state, and P is number of dots formed on the recording surface per unit length thereof.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 93 words

An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a frequency of the alternating voltage f satisfies the relationship, f≧10/[1/(Vp×n×P)-Tr 1 -Tf 1 ] where Vp is a relative speed between the recording surface and said recording head, n is number of time sharing for operation of said first electrodes, Tr 1 is a time period required for the voltage to reach a dischargeable level for generating ions, Tf 1 is a time period required for the voltage to restore, and P is number of dots formed on the recording surface per unit length thereof.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 18 words

An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said alternating voltage has a frequency not more than 5 MHz.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 20 words

An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein an average particle diameter of the developer is not more than 10 microns.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 17 words

An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein there is provided an insulating member covering said first electrodes.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a distance m (mm) between adjacent first electrodes and a peak-to-peak voltage Vpp of the alternating voltage satisfy, m≧4×10 -5 ×Vpp.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 52 words

An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode, the bias voltage Vs (V) to said third electrode, a maximum surface potential Vd (V) of the recording surface in the area opposed to said recording head satisfy the relationship, 2.5×10 3 ≦|Vs-Vd|/1.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 25 words

An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein an absolute value |Vs| of the bias voltage to said third electrode satisfies a relationship, |Vs|≦1.5×10 3 V.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 33 words

An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein an absolute value |Vd| of a maximum surface potential of the recording surface of an area opposed to said recording head satisfies a relationship, |Vd|≦200 V.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 23 words

An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode satisfies a relationship, 1≦0.2.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 215 words

An electrostatic recording method, comprising: providing a recording head including a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrode from said first electrode and having apertures for allowing ions to pass; applying an alternating voltage between selected one of said first electrodes and a selected one of said second electrodes to produce ions adjacent a crossing point of the matrix corresponding to the selection; providing a potential difference between said second electrodes and said third electrodes; providing a potential difference between said third electrode and a recording surface to control an electrostatic latent image to be formed on the recording surface with charge dots; controlling said first electrodes and said second electrodes between which said an alternating voltage is applied; wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode, the bias voltage Vs (V) to said third electrode, a maximum surface potential Vd (V) of the recording surface in the area opposed to said recording head satisfy the relationships, 2.5×10 3 ≦|Vs-Vd|/1, 1≦0.25, wherein a diameter of the apertures of said third electrodes is not more than 0.15 mm.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 215 words

An electrostatic recording method, comprising: providing a recording head including a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrode from said first electrode and having apertures for allowing ions to pass; applying an alternating voltage between selected one of said first electrodes and a selected one of said second electrodes to produce ions adjacent a crossing point of the matrix corresponding to the selection; providing a potential difference between said second electrodes and said third electrodes; providing a potential difference between said third electrode and a recording surface to control an electrostatic latent image to be formed on the recording surface with charge dots; controlling said first electrodes and said second electrodes between which said an alternating voltage is applied; wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode, the bias voltage Vs (V) to said third electrode, a maximum surface potential Vd (V) of the recording surface in the area opposed to said recording head satisfy the relationships, 2.5×10 3 ≦|Vs-Vd|/1, 1≦0.25, wherein a diameter of the apertures of said third electrodes is not more than 0.15 mm.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 59 words

A method according to claim 24, wherein the apertures of said third electrode are in the form of circle corresponding to the matrix formed by said first electrodes and said second electrodes, and wherein a diameter r of the apertures and a diameter r' of charge dots formed on the recording surface through the apertures, satisfy a relationship, r'/r≦1.5.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 61 words

A method according to claim 24, wherein the apertures of said third electrode are in the form of circle corresponding to the matrix formed by said first electrodes and said second electrodes, and wherein a diameter r (mm) of the apertures and a diameter r' (mm) of charge dots formed on the recording surface through the apertures, satisfy a relationship, r'-r≦0.03.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method according to claim 24, wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode satisfies a relationship, 1≦0.2.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 49 words

A method according to claim 24, wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode, the bias voltage Vs (V) to said third electrode, a maximum surface potential Vd (V) of the recording surface in the area opposed to said recording head satisfy the relationships,

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 25 words

A method according to claim 24, wherein an absolute value |Vs| of the bias voltage to said third electrode satisfies a relationship, |Vs|≦1.5×10 3 V.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 22 words

A method according to claim 24, wherein a diameter of the apertures of said third electrode is not less than 0.06 mm.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 62 words

A method according to claim 24, wherein the recording surface is of a dielectric material, and wherein a thickness d (mm) of the dielectric member satisfies, d≦1.8×10 -12 ×ε/σ where ε is a relative dielectric constant of the dielectric member, σ is charge density of a charge pattern formed on the recording surface with ions from said recording head (c/mm 2 ).

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 275 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes; first bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said second electrode; second bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said third electrode; developing means for developing with a developer the electrostatic latent image formed on the recording surface by electric charge dots; means for transferring a developed image developed by said developing means onto a recording material; and means for fixing an image transferred by said transferring means on the recording material; wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode, the bias voltage Vs (V) to said third electrode, a maximum surface potential Vd (V) of the recording surface in the area opposed to said recording head satisfy the relationships, 2.5×10 3 ≦|Vs-Vd|/1, and 1≦0.25.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 275 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes; first bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said second electrode; second bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said third electrode; developing means for developing with a developer the electrostatic latent image formed on the recording surface by electric charge dots; means for transferring a developed image developed by said developing means onto a recording material; and means for fixing an image transferred by said transferring means on the recording material; wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode, the bias voltage Vs (V) to said third electrode, a maximum surface potential Vd (V) of the recording surface in the area opposed to said recording head satisfy the relationships, 2.5×10 3 ≦|Vs-Vd|/1, and 1≦0.25.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 59 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the apertures of said third electrode are in the form of circle corresponding to the matrix formed by said first electrodes and said second electrodes, and wherein a diameter r of the apertures and a diameter r' of charge dots formed on the recording surface through the apertures, satisfy a relationship, r'/r≦1.5.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 61 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the apertures of said third electrode are in the form of circle corresponding to the matrix formed by said first electrodes and said second electrodes, and wherein a diameter r (mm) of the apertures and a diameter r' (mm) of charge dots formed on the recording surface through the apertures, satisfy a relationship, r'-r≦0.03.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 23 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode satisfies a relationship, 1≦0.2.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 54 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein a distance 1 (mm) between the recording surface and said third electrode, the bias voltage Vs (V) to said third electrode, a maximum surface potential Vd (V) of the recording surface in the area opposed to said recording head satisfy the relationships, 2.65×10 3 |Vs-Vd|/1, and 1≦0.25.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 25 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein an absolute value |Vs| of the bias voltage to said third electrode satisfies a relationship, |Vs|≦1.5×10 3 V.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 22 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein a diameter of the apertures of said third electrode is not less than 0.06 mm.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 17 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein there is provided an insulating member covering said first electrodes.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein a distance m (mm) between adjacent first electrodes and a peak-to-peak voltage Vpp of the alternating voltage satisfy, m≧4×10 -5 ×Vpp.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 62 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the recording surface is of a dielectric material, and wherein a thickness d (mm) of the dielectric member satisfies, d≦1.8×10 -12 ×ε/σ where ε is a relative dielectric constant of the dielectric member, σ is charge density of a charge pattern formed on the recording surface with ions from said recording head (c/mm 2 ).

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 196 words

An electrostatic recording method, comprising: providing a recording head including a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrode from said first electrode and having apertures for allowing ions to pass; applying an alternating voltage between selected one of said first electrodes and a selected one of said second electrodes to produce ions adjacent a crossing point of the matrix corresponding to the selection; providing a potential difference between said second electrodes and said third electrodes; providing a potential difference between said third electrode and the recording surface to control an electrostatic latent image to be formed on the recording surface with charge dots; controlling said first electrodes and said second electrodes between which said an alternating voltage is applied; wherein number n of time sharing for operating said first electrodes, a picture element density of recording p (dots/mm), a radius of curvature of the recording surface R (mm) and a distance m (mm) between adjacent first electrodes, satisfy a relationship, p×R 1/2 /[m(n-1)]1.6.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 196 words

An electrostatic recording method, comprising: providing a recording head including a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrode from said first electrode and having apertures for allowing ions to pass; applying an alternating voltage between selected one of said first electrodes and a selected one of said second electrodes to produce ions adjacent a crossing point of the matrix corresponding to the selection; providing a potential difference between said second electrodes and said third electrodes; providing a potential difference between said third electrode and the recording surface to control an electrostatic latent image to be formed on the recording surface with charge dots; controlling said first electrodes and said second electrodes between which said an alternating voltage is applied; wherein number n of time sharing for operating said first electrodes, a picture element density of recording p (dots/mm), a radius of curvature of the recording surface R (mm) and a distance m (mm) between adjacent first electrodes, satisfy a relationship, p×R 1/2 /[m(n-1)]1.6.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 35 words

A method according to claim 42, wherein a ratio of a diameter of charge dots from a marginal portion of said recording head to that from a central portion thereof is not more than 1.5.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 271 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes; first bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said second electrode; second bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said third electrode; developing means for developing with a developer the electrostatic latent image formed on the recording surface by electric charge dots; means for transferring a developed image developed by said developing means onto a recording material; and means for fixing an image transferred by said transferring means on the recording material; wherein number n of time sharing for operating said first electrodes, a picture element density of recording p (dots/mm), a radius of curvature of the recording surface R (mm) and a distance m (mm) between adjacent first electrodes, satisfy a relationship, p×R 1/2 /[m(n-1)]1.6.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 271 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes; first bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said second electrode; second bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to said third electrode; developing means for developing with a developer the electrostatic latent image formed on the recording surface by electric charge dots; means for transferring a developed image developed by said developing means onto a recording material; and means for fixing an image transferred by said transferring means on the recording material; wherein number n of time sharing for operating said first electrodes, a picture element density of recording p (dots/mm), a radius of curvature of the recording surface R (mm) and a distance m (mm) between adjacent first electrodes, satisfy a relationship, p×R 1/2 /[m(n-1)]1.6.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 35 words

An apparatus according to claim 44, wherein a ratio of a diameter of charge dots from a marginal portion of said recording head to that from a central portion thereof is not more than 1.5.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 17 words

An apparatus according to claim 44, wherein there is provided an insulating member covering said first electrodes.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 27 words

An apparatus according to claim 44, wherein a distance m (mm) between adjacent first electrodes and a peak-to-peak voltage Vpp of the alternating voltage satisfy, m≧4×10.sup.-5 ×Vpp.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 283 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures corresponding to said matrix of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures corresponding to said matrix for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes to effect discharging to produce ions; first bias voltage applying means for applying a first bias voltage to said second electrode; second bias voltage applying means for applying a second bias voltage different from said first bias voltage to said third electrode; developing means for developing with a developer the electrostatic latent image formed on the recording surface by electric charge dots; means for transferring a developed image developed by said developing means onto a recording material; and means for fixing an image transferred by said transferring means on the recording material; wherein said first apertures of said third electrode have a diameter r, which satisfies: r≦150 microns, and wherein a latent image is formed on the recording surface with not less than 300 dots/inch density.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 283 words

An electrostatic recording apparatus, comprising: a recording member having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a recording head, opposed to the recording surface of said recording member, for forming the electrostatic latent image thereon, said recording head comprising a plurality of first electodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing with said first direction to form a matrix with said first electrodes, a third electrode disposed across said second electrodes from said first electrodes and having first apertures corresponding to said matrix of allowing ions to pass, a first dielectric member between said first electrodes and said second electrodes and a second dielectric member disposed between said second electrodes and said third electrode and having second apertures corresponding to said matrix for allowing the ions to pass; alternating voltage applying means for applying an alternating voltage between said first electrodes and said second electrodes to effect discharging to produce ions; first bias voltage applying means for applying a first bias voltage to said second electrode; second bias voltage applying means for applying a second bias voltage different from said first bias voltage to said third electrode; developing means for developing with a developer the electrostatic latent image formed on the recording surface by electric charge dots; means for transferring a developed image developed by said developing means onto a recording material; and means for fixing an image transferred by said transferring means on the recording material; wherein said first apertures of said third electrode have a diameter r, which satisfies: r≦150 microns, and wherein a latent image is formed on the recording surface with not less than 300 dots/inch density.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1990-09-28	1991-03-30	1991-09-29	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1994-09-28	1995-03-30	1995-09-29	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1998-09-28	1999-03-30	1999-09-29	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Electrostatic recording method and apparatus

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