US3647294A

US3647294A - Materials application and cleaning apparatus for xerographic apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3647294A
Authority: US
Inventors: Raymond K Egnaczak
Original assignee: Xerox Corp
Current assignee: Xerox Corp
Priority date: 1969-11-14
Filing date: 1969-11-14
Publication date: 1972-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 1989-03-07
Also published as: JPS4920223B1; GB1337146A; DE2055780A1

Abstract

A modular imaging electrode transport assembly for use in forming photoelectrophoretic images in automated imaging machines. The unit has one tank for each roller electrode and electrical coupling means at each roller. A carriage shuttles the tanks back and forth past a contact position and each tank raises and holds the roller in the contact position while it functions in the imaging process so that the roller contacts an imaging member of the machine in which it is located in order to form a suspension image.

Description

United States Patent Egnaczak Mar. 7, 1972 [54] MATERIALS APPLICATION AND CLEANING APPARATUS FOR XEROGRAPHIC APPARATUS [72] Inventor: Raymond K. Egnaczak, Williamson, N.Y. [73] Assignee: Xerox Corporation, Rochester, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Nov. 14, 1969 [2]] Appl. No.: 876,923

[52] US. Cl. ..355/l5 [5 l Int. Cl. G03g 15/22 [58] Field oISelrch ..204/299, 300; 355/4; 118/223,

118/224, 637 LX; ll7/37 LE; 101/425 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/19 I 6 Thornton ..95/94 Young et al. ..1 18/224 Primary Examiner-Winston A. Douglas Assistant ExaminerM. J. Andrews Attorney-James J. Ralabate, David C. Petre and Barry Jay Kesselman [57] H n I ABSTRACT A modular imaging electrode transport assembly for use in forming photoelectrophoretic images in automated imaging machines. The unit has one tank for each roller electrode and electrical coupling means at each roller. A carriage shuttles the tanks back and forth past a contact position and each tank raises and holds the roller in the contact position while it functions in the imaging process so that the roller contacts an imaging member of the machine in which it is located in order to form a suspension image.

10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAR 71912 3.647.294

' sum. 1 [IF 5 f RI INVENTOR. RAYMOND K. EGNACZAK BYy A 7' TOR/V5 V PATENTEBMAR 71972- 3 647 294 sum 5- or 5 MATERIALS APPLICATION AND CLEANING APPARATUS FOR XEROGRAPI-IIC APPARATUS This invention relates to imaging systems and more specifically to an improved imaging electrode assembly.

Recently, a new invention was disclosed for forming black and white or full color images through the use of photoelectrophoresis. The inventions described in US. Pat. Nos. 3,384,488; 3,384,566 and 3,383,993 disclose a system'where photoelectrophoretic particles migrate in image configuration providing a visual image at one or both of two electrodes between which the particles are placed in suspension. The particles are photosensitive and apparently undergo a net change in charge polarity or a polarity alteration by interaction with one of the electrodes upon exposure to activating electromagnetic radiation. No other photosensitive elements or materials are required; hence, this provides a very simple and inexpensive imaging technique. Mixtures of two or more differently colored particles can secure various colors of images. Particles in these mixes may have overlapping or' separate spectral response curves and are usable in subtractive color synthesis.

The particles will migrate from one of the electrodes under the influence of anelectric field when struck with energy of a wavelength within the spectral response of the colored particles.

Apparatus has been invented to .better utilizes the above process. For example, a continuous imaging machine was disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,427,242 depicts apparatus for'utilizing the photoelectrophoretic process of the above patents. Copending application Ser. No. 876,976 filed on Nov. 12, 1969, in the name of Raymond K. Egnaczak and Gino F. Squassoni and entitled Automated Imaging Machine is a more sophisticated embodiment of a machine utilizing the new process to produce true color reproductions of original documents or the like. Inorder to form a particularly good image with the apparatus described therein one or more imaging electrodes must interfere with the injecting electrode or imaging member under the proper conditions for photoelectrophoretic imaging to occur. This must be accomplished automatically and precisely with proper components engaged for processing to be achieved.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to improve imaging electrode mechanisms.

Another object of this invention is to automatically provide imaging suspension at the imaging member under the proper electrophoretic conditions.

Still another object of this invention is to provide multiple imaging electrodes at a single imaging zone. Another object of this invention is to ink and clean electrodes for use in automated photoelectrophoretic imaging systems.

These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by providing one or more imaging electrodes and tanks. Means are provided to move the tank holding the imaging electrode into and out of contact with the photoelectrophoretic imaging zone. A second tank may be provided with a second imaging electrode. The second electrode is held in a second tank that has means to move it into and out of contact with the photoelectrophoretic imaging zone. Both tanks can be held and shuttled in a carriage.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a machine for forming photoelectrophoretic images;

FIG. 2 is a plan view partially broken away to show hidden parts of the imaging electrode assembly;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

The invention herein is illustrated and described in a preferred environment embodiment operating in conjunction with other apparatus to automatically and continuously produce images of predetermined optical objects. Nevertheless, the invention need not be confined to such an embodiment and should be construed broadly within the limitations of the claims. It may be that other processes or apparatus will be invented having similar needs to those fulfilled by the apparatus described and claimed herein and it is the intention herein to describe an invention for use in other apparatus than in the embodiment shown. Various specific apparatus is described for accomplishing a particular function, but any equivalent structure can be substituted and still be within the scope of the invention.

OPERATION OF BASIC PHOTOSYSTEM particles within the suspension are sensitive. The activating radiation and an electric field across the imaging suspension combine between two electrodes in the imaging area. An electrode referred to as the transparent injecting electrode" is maintained electrically positive relative to imaging electrodes" interfacing with it at the imaging area across the photosensitive suspension. Therefore, particles within the suspension that are negatively charged will be attracted to the relatively positive, transparent injecting electrode.

The injecting electrode is so named because it is through to inject electrical charges into activated photosensitive particles during imaging. The term photosensitive for the purposes of this invention refers to the property of a particle which, once attracted to the injecting electrode, will alter its polarity and migrate away from the electrode under the infiuence of an applied electric field when exposed to activating electromagnetic radiation. The term suspension may be defined as a system having solid particles dispersed in a solid, liquid or gas. Nevertheless, the suspension used in the embodiment of this invention described herein is of the general type having a solid suspended in a liquid carrier. The term imaging electrode is used to describe that electrode which interfaces with the injecting electrode through the suspension and which one contacted by activated photosensitive particles will not inject sufficient charge into them to cause them to migrate from the imaging electrode surface. The imaging zone" or imaging area is that zone between two electrodes where photoelectrophoretic imaging occurs.

The particles within the suspension are generally insulating when not struck by activating radiation within their spectral response curve. The negative particles come into contact with or are closely adjacent to the injecting electrode and remain in 'that position under the influence of the applied electric field until they are exposed to activating electromagnetic radiation. The particles near the surface of the injecting electrode make up the potential imaging particles for the final image to be reproduced thereon. When activating radiation strikes the particles it makes them conductive creating an electrical 5 junction of charge carriers which may be considered mobile in FIG. 4 is a side view, with hidden parts dotted,-of the imaging electrode module;

FIG. 5 is a side view, with hidden parts dotted, of the imag ing electrode module as viewed from the side opposite FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lifting mechanism of the imaging electrode tank.

nature. The negative charge carriers of the electrical junction orient themselves toward the positive injecting electrode while the positive charge carriers move toward the imaging electrode. The negative charge carriers near the particle-electrode interface at the injecting electrode can move across the short distance between the particle and the surface of the electrode leaving the particle with a net positive charge. These polarity altered, net positively charged particles are now repelled away from the positive surface of the injecting electrode and are attracted to the negative surface of the imaging electrode. Ac-

cordingly, the particles struck by activating radiation of a wavelength with which they are sensitive, i.e., a wavelength which will cause the formation of an electrical junction within the particles, move away from the injecting electrode to the imaging electrode leaving behind only particles which are not exposed to sufficient electromagnetic radiation in their responsive range to undergo this change.

Consequently, if all the particles in the system are sensitive to one wavelength of light or another and the system is exposed to an image with that wavelength of light, a positive image will be formed on the surface of the injecting electrode by the subtraction of bound particles from its surface leaving behind particles in the unexposed areas only. The polarities on the system can be reversed and imaging will occur. The system may be operated with dispersions of particles which initially take on a net positive charge or a net negative charge.

The imaging suspension may contain one, two, three or more different particles of various colors having various rangesof spectral response. In a monochromatic system the particles included in the suspension may be of any color and produce any color and the particle spectral response is relatively immaterial as long as there is a response in some region of the spectrum which can be matched by a convenient radiation exposure source. In polychromatic systems the particles may be selected so that particles of different colors respond to different wavelengths.

For photoelectrophoretic imaging to occur, these steps (not necessarily listed in the sequence that they occur) take place: (1) migration of the particles toward the injecting electrode due to the influence of the field, (2) the generation of charge carriers within the particles when struck with activating radiation (3) particle deposition on or near the injecting electrode surface (4) phenomena associated with the forming of an electrical junction between the particles and the injecting electrode, '(5) particle charge exchange with the injecting electrode, (6) electrophoretic migration toward the imaging electrode, and (7) particle deposition on the imaging electrode. This leaves a positive image on the injecting electrode.

After the image is formed on the injecting electrode the electrode may be brought into interface with a transfer member which has a charge polarity opposite to that of the imaging electrode. The injecting electrode is now maintained negative relative to the transfer member. The particles having a net negative charge will be attracted to the relatively positive transfer member. If a support material is interposed between the transfer member and the particle image, the particles will be attracted to the support material. Therefore, a photographically positive image can be formed on any support material.

THE MACHINE COMPONENTS Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment for an automated machine to produce images according to the aforementioned process is shown. An injecting electrode 1 forms a portion of a transparent cylinder member held in a housing 2 and is journaled for rotation in the direction indicated by the the lamps send flood light illumination through the trans- 4 parent injecting electrode at the contact areas between the electrode and the cleaning belts. Each of the belts are activated by one of the cylinders l2, l3 and 14 to contact the injecting electrode 1. These cylinders operate to press the belts arrow about a shaft 3. The injecting electrode 1 is made up of a layer of optically transparent glass 4 overcoated with a thin optically transparent layer 5 of tin oxide or other electrically conducting material. A particular material suitable for this electrode is available under the name of NESA glass manufactured by Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, Pittsburgh, Pa. The injecting electrode 1 is formed as a portion of a cylinder housed within the metal housing frame 2.

The machine shown schematically in FIG. 1 is positioned where the injecting electrode cylinder portion is about to be rotated in a predetermined path to a cleaning station labeled A whereat a plurality of cleaning members such as belts 6, 7 and 8 contact the conductive surface 5 of the injecting electrode. On the opposite side of the injecting electrode held stationary within the machine frame are lamps 9, l0 and 11 juxtaposed to the belts 6, 7 and 8 respectively. When activated,

against the conductive surface of the injecting electrode in order to clean it.

The next station in the path of movement of the injecting electrode is the imaging station B. Here, on the first pass of the injecting electrode 1 through station B the first imaging member, the imaging electrode 16 interfaces with the conductive surface 5 of the injecting electrode 1.

The optical systemat station C projects an image to the imaging zone between the electrodes 1 and 16 at station B. The optical system has a lamp carriage l7 journaled at an axis 18 to oscillate in a path indicated by the arrows; A document 20 is positioned at the platen 19. The lamps are shown at the start of scan position and as the injecting electrode 1 passes through the imaging area at station B the lamps move across the platen l9 projecting an image at station B through suitable mirrors 21-23, a lens 24 and the transparent electrode 1.

The imaging electrode roller 16 moves in rolling interface relation with the conductive surface 5 of the injecting electrode l and functions both to supply suspension to the injecting electrode and to image that suspension between the injecting electrode surface 5 and the surface of the electrode 16.

The injecting electrode continues to rotate at a constant velocity through a complete rotation of the predetermined path. It travels without interacting with any elements located around the periphery of the path until it again reaches station B at the imaging zone. Now, however, the injecting electrode 16 has been moved out of its interfacing position by operation of a cylinder 25 which lowers the electrode 16 and the housing 26 supporting it. Further, a cylinder 27 moves a carriage 28 along a horizontal path carrying with it the housing 26 which supports the imaging electrode 16. Also moved in the carriage 28 is a second imaging member, the imaging electrode 29 within a housing 30 maintaining it. A cylinder 31 operates through an eccentric 32 to raise the housing 30 and the second imaging electrode 29 at the imaging zone at the imaging station 8 of the machine. The second imaging electrode 29 moves in rolling interface with the injecting electrode surface 5 as that surface passes through the imaging station B. At this time the original 20 on the platen 19 is again illuminated by the scanning lamps 33 at the optical system station C. The scan is synchronized with the movement of the injecting electrode to project a flowing image in registration with the first projection and moving at the same rate as is the surface 5 at the imaging zone.

The imaging electrode 1 then passes into the transfer station D. At station D is a transfer roller 40. A sheet of support material held in the supply tray 41 is lifted therefrom and is carried through a vacuum transport 42 to the transfer roller 40. It is gripped by a gripper mechanism 43 on the transfer roller 40 and rotated to the injecting electrode 1 passing at station D. Before the sheet 44 contacts the surface 5 of the injecting electrode 1 it is moistened with a liquid that will aid in transferring the particles of the suspension on the surface 5. The wetting is accomplished by a wetting bar 45 rotated in a pool of suitable wetting material held within a tank 46. The transfer member 40 rotates the support material 44 in rolling contact with the surface S of the injecting electrode 1 under the influence of a suitable electric field causing the particles forming the image on the injecting electrode to be transferred to the support material. The support material is removed from the transfer member by picker fingers 47 and a release mechanism on the grippers. Next it is carried on a vacuum transport 48 to a suitable receptacle.

THE IMAGING ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY the image-forming process occurs in the imaging zone at station B at the interfacing between the injecting electrode 1 and an imaging electrode. it is at this interface that the photoelectrophoretic pigments are brought between the injecting and the imaging electrodes for processing under an applied field and image radiation coming from the optical system at station C.

The imaging electrode module fits between two

machine frames

100 and 101. The unit slides along a set of

guide rails

102 and 103 by nylon or other low

friction material rollers

104 and 105 mounted on the module carriage 28 to permit easy shuttling of the carriage back and forth along the

rails

102 and 103.

Other guide rollers

106 and 107 fit into rails along the bottom machine frame 108 and are fastened along the bottom of the carriage 28 to aid in the movement of the carriage relative to the machine frames and the injecting electrode.

The entire carriage 28 is shuttled back and forth by a cylinder 27 mounted through a clevis mount 109 to the machine bottom frame 108. The extreme position of the cylinder 27 movement is determined by an adjustable carriage return stop 111 which interacts with a flange 112 on the carriage bracket 113. The carriage sidewalls 114 and 115 are the module boundaries of the imaging electrode unit and have the

guide rollers

104 and 105 protruding therefrom. Mounted on and actually formed as part of the carriage are the first and second

electrode imaging tanks

26 and 30 respectively.

Within the first imaging electrode tank is the imaging electrode 16 mounted on its shaft 116 fastened at each end of the imaging tank through end caps 117 and 118 fitted into the

tank sidewalls

119 and 120 respectively. The first imaging tank 26 itself is broken into two sections. The first is the suspension applicator section which houses the first imaging electrode 16 and mechanisms to apply and treat imaging suspension to it. The tank is composed of an end and

middle wall

121 and 122 respectively and a bottom plate 123. The second section of the first imaging electrode tank is the mount section which is open at its end and adapted for maintaining various connections, motors and the like used in the function of the invention.

Located in the applicator section of the first imaging electrode tank are the mechanisms necessary to form a layer of suspension on the first imaging electrode 16 for imaging at the imaging zone. There is a suspension supplying brush 125 which is adapted to supply imaging suspension to the roller 16 from a supply thereof held within the first imaging tank. The imaging suspension supply brush 125 brings the suspension from the bottom of the applicator portion of the tank 26 to the surface of the first imaging electrode 16. The brush is mounted on a shaft 126 which is supported through bearings in the first

imaging tank walls

119 and 120.

In order to ensure that a smooth layer of suspension reaches the intersection of the first imaging electrode with the injecting electrode, a smoothing rod such as a wound wire rod 127 is made to move into interface with the imaging electrode 16. The rod can be grooved, smooth, knurled or have any surface for pressing a uniform thin layer of suspension. The smoothing rod is mounted by two support arms 128 and 129 to a pivot shaft 130 which protrudes through the arms 128 and 129 into the

sidewalls

119 and 120 of the first imaging electrode tank. The pivot shaft 130 is preferably a torque which aids in applying uniform force across the smoothing rod functioning with the'surface of the first imaging electrode 16. The torque tube passes through suitable bearings extending through the tank wall 119 and joins with a crank arm 131 pressed onto it.

Next in the path of rotation of the first imaging electrode 16 after the contact with the suspension applying brush 125 and the smoothing rod 127 is interaction with the shear roll 134. The reason for optionally applying a shear roll against the imaging suspension prior to imaging is included because certain imaging suspensions operate to form better color images after a shear stress has been applied thereto. For a detailed explanation of thetheories relative to this phenomena and alternative mechanisms usable therewith see copending application Ser. No. 764,721 filed in the name of E. Zucker on Oct. 3, 1968 and entitled Imaging Process. The shear roll 134 is moved into and out of operating relationship with the first imaging electrode 116 as required by the following mechanism. The roller is mounted on a shear roll shaft 135 which in turn is held through a bearing to crank arm 137 and through a similar bearing to a similar crank arm on the opposite end of the shaft. Also mounted through to the crank arm 137 is the torque tube 138. The torque tube 138, however, is wedded to the crank arm 137, and that is the driving mechanism to rotate the crank arm and the shear roll into a position of contact with the first imaging electrode. The. torque tube shaft passes through the tank wall 120 through an Oilite bearing.

On the outboard side of the tank wall 120 the shaft mounts to a timing belt pulley 142 which is driven by a timing belt 143. The pulley 142 is separated from the torque tube shaft 138 by a bearing which functions to rapidly rotate the shear roll 134. The shaft of the torque tube. is prevented from moving relative to the pulley sprocket combination (142) by a collar mounted on the extreme outboard side of the torque tube shaft.

The shear roll is electrically biased relative to the first imaging electrode 16 in order to create better shearing effects as described in the above-mentioned copending application Ser. No. 764,721 but is not shown in the drawings.

A knife edge blade is next in the path of movement of the first imaging electrode 16. This contacts the first imaging electrode when the electrode is out of imaging position. The blade 150 functions to prevent imaging suspension from traveling around the path of travel of the surface of the imaging electrode when there is no need for imaging suspension in the machine cycle. The blade is fitted in a crank arm.151 which is normally positioned to keep the blade out of contact with the first imaging electrode. The crank arm 151 is formed with two flanges 152 and 153 which contact a torque tube 154 used for moving the knife edge blade 150 against the surface of the first imaging electrode uniformly. The torque tube shaft 155 passes through suitable bearings through the

side walls

119 and 120 of the first imaging electrode tank and at one end of the crank arm 156 which rotates the torque tube. The knife blade edge 150 is brought into and out of contact with the first imaging electrode surface through these connections in an operation described below.

The remaining section of the first imaging electrode tank 26 maintains the shear roll drive motor 157 mounted to the bottom plate 123 of the first imaging electrode tank and connected through a drive sprocket 158 to the timing belt 143 used to drive'the shear roller 134.

The last component interacting with the surface of the first imaging electrode 116 is a squeegee blade 159 held in a block 160 that functions to scrape off unused pigment and suspension from the first imaging electrode 16. The block is machined down to an eccentric shaft end 161 which is held in a setting arm 162 adjusted to a predetermined pressure by a screw 163 passing through a threaded receptacle in the setting arm 162 and resting against a stop 164 mounted to the tank wall 119. A tension spring 165 maintains the setting arm 162 in the proper position.

Reference has been made to the surface of the first imaging electrode 16. The surface 166 is formed of a material having a resistivity of 10 ohms-cm. or greater that is necessary to maintain the proper electrical field conditions for imaging at the imaging zone. The surface 166 is formed of such blocking material as Tedlar, a polyvinylfluoride film, available from E.l. DuPont de Nemours & Co. or baryta paper or the like. The backing for the surface material 166 is an electrically conductive rubberlike material 167 that is capable of being deformed when contacting the injecting electrode in the imaging zone.

The same structure exist with the second imaging roller 29 which has a high resistivity surface 168 and a deformable inner core 169. Therefore, the second imaging roller 29 has an outer covering 168 of the same blocking material as the outer covering 166 of the first imaging electrode. The second imaging electrode is mounted on a shaft 170 which passes through the sidewall 171 at end cap 172 and through the sidewall 173 at the end cap 174. Each of the end caps maintaining the imaging electrodes are constructed with bearings so that the shafts and the electrodes thereon may be rotated freely in the end caps. The function of the second imaging electrode is to remove unwanted background particles from the image formed on the injecting electrode and to generally improve the image on the injecting electrode. It has no suspension addition function as does the first imaging electrode.

in order to best accomplish the purposes of the second imaging electrode it has been found beneficial to coat the surface with a fluid similar to, if not exactly the same as, the carrier liquid of the imaging suspension. Therefore, the

brushes

175 and 176 function to remove liquid from the outer surface of the second imaging electrode. The liquid is maintained in the bottom of the second imaging electrode tank 30. A wiper blade 177 is held in a mounting block 178 in contact with the surface 168 to remove the liquid therefrom. This prevents contaminated liquid from entering the imaging zone. Each of the cleaning brushes 175 and 176 have

shafts

179 and 180, respectively, that pass through the sidewalls of the second imaging electrode cleaning tank 30. Mounted on the bottom plate 181 of the tank 30 is a motor bracket 182 housing a motor 183 which operates to turn the cleaning brushes 175 and 176.

One of the tank walls 184 has a liquid dispenser near the top thereof. The liquid used to coat the surface 168 of the second imaging electrode is squirted through a slot 185 running across-the entire length of the wall 184. This permits fresh liquid to be added to the system for use with the second imaging electrode. The liquid enters the slot from the inlet 187 shown in FIG. 4.

In the operation of the imaging electrode module the carriage 28 is shuttled back and forth beneath the injecting electrode. Either the first imaging electrode 16 or the second imaging electrode 29 is thereby positioned for interfacing with the injecting electrode at station B where light rays from the object are projected. This is done by raising either the first or second imaging electrode tanks will all of the associated components therein. As shown in the figures, the tanks are shuttled by the cylinder 27 to a position where the first imaging electrode will interface with the injecting electrode when the latter is at station B along its path. The first imaging electrode tank 26 is raised up from its neutral downward position. This is accomplished by means of the cylinder 25 connected through a clevis mount to a crank arm 190 which is fixably attached to a shaft 191 maintaining a cam in form of an eccentric 192 thereon.

The first imaging electrode tank 26 being moved by the operation of the cylinder 25 in cooperation with the eccentric 192 is maintained for balance on a second eccentric fastened on a shaft 193 also located under the first imaging electrode tank 26. When the cylinder 25 is operated it rotates the shaft 191 through the crank arm 190. Besides lifting the tank on the eccentric 192, a chain 194 over a sprocket 195 mounted on the shaft 191 drives another sprocket 196 rotating the shaft 193 with an eccentric thereon. This double shaft-eccentric arrangement is beneficial since the tank contains heavy equipment at the one end, namely, the first imaging electrode and its associated apparatus, and heavy equipment on the other end including the shear roller motor 157. It is important to keep the tank balanced to prevent spillage of materials held within the tank and to ensure proper positioning between the first imaging electrode and the injecting electrode.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the operation of the eccentric 192 in relation to the tank. A cam follower formed as a yoke 200 is welded or otherwise attached to the tank wall 119. The yoke sets into the carriage wall 114 via a pin 201 press fitted within the yoke and engageable into the slot 202 in the carriage wall 114. A pin 203 in the carriage wall 114 fits into a slot 204 in the yoke. A set screw stop 205 ensures proper spacing when the tank is in the neutral down position in the carriage. The operative position spacing is determined by the movement of the cylinder 25 pulling the eccentric 192 in the yoke causing the tank 26 to move upward relative to the carriage 28 in which it rests.

The movement of the tank 30 operates in the same manner with the cylinder 31 rotating a crank arm 210 causing the eccentric 211 to rotate. This forces the tank 30 to move relative to the carriage 28 through a yoke and pin system similar to that described for the first imaging electrode tank 26.

The various apparatus associated with each of the electrodes is operated by pneumatics although any other suitable mechanisms such as hydraulics, electrical and/or mechanical means may be used to function in a manner similar to the functioning described with the apparatus shown in this preferred embodiment. 7

During the operation of the machine, the first imaging electrode 16 is positioned under the imaging zone ready for operative interfacing with the injecting electrode 1. As the injecting electrode 1 moves into the contact area at station B, the cylinder 25 is actuated pulling the crank arm 190 therewith and moving the

eccentrics shaft

191 and 193 to a position where the first imaging tank 26 rests on the rise of the eccentric. The entire tank moves upward a predetermined amount to give the proper interfacing positioning between the injecting electrode surface and the imaging electrode 16. The imag ing suspension is continually supplied to the surface 166 of the first imaging electrode and the smoothing rod sends a metered amount of imaging suspension to the shear roll 134. The smoothing rod 127 is held at a predetermined pressure contact through the suspension to the electrode surface 166 by setting the torque tube shaft13l from a crank arm 250 held in position by a spring 251.

The shear roll mechanism is actuated by bringing the roll 134 into contact with the suspension on the surface 166 of the first imaging electrode. The shear torque tube 138 is mounted on the crank arm 252 which, through the clevis mount 253 which secures it to a cylinder 254. When the cylinder 254 is actuated it causes the shear roller 134 to swing into contact with the first imaging electrode 16 through the linkages described.

The knife blade edge is removed from surface contact with the imaging electrode 16 and the now applied, metered and sheared suspension is moved into the imaging zone to selectively be deposited on the injecting electrode 1 in image configuration. The suspension not forming part of the image transported away on the injecting electrode 1 moves with the imaging electrode 16 into contact with the squeegee 159 held in the block 160. Here it is removed from the surface I66 before new imaging suspension is applied by the application brush 125.

After the injecting electrode 1 passes through the imaging zone, the cylinder 25 is deenergized, lowering the first image electrode tank 26. The carriage shuttling cylinder 27 is now energized pulling the carriage 28 and both the

imaging tanks

26 and 30 to the right as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3. The cylinder stops this movement when the second imaging electrode tank 30 is positioned to have the second imaging electrode 29 directly under the imaging zone.

As the injecting electrode 1 again passes the imaging zone, the second imaging electrode tank 30 is moved upward by actuating the cylinder 31 and rotating the eccentric 211 to raise the second imaging tank on the high position of that eccentric. When the second imaging electrode 29 moves in the imaging zone it has been sprayed with a fluid that is either similar to or exactly the same as, the liquid carrier of the imaging suspension. This helps to loosen the particles that should be remove; from the image held on the injecting electrode 1. Since the movement is under the same imaging conditions as existed with the first imaging electrode 16 interface, the image on the injecting electrode surface 3 is reinforced by removing the particles struck by the activating radiation from the flowing image projected from the optical system at station C.

As the second imaging electrode 29 rotates in its path of movement, the surface 168 is cleaned of all residual suspension by the action of the cleaning brushes 175 and 176. The surface is wiped clean and relatively dry by the action of the squeegee blade 177 held within the squeegee block 178. The contaminated liquid removed from the surface 168 of the second imaging electrode 29 is removed (by means not shown) from the second imaging electrode tank 30 to be filtered or in other ways processed for return through the spray system in the wall 184 of the second imaging electrode tank.

After the injecting electrode 1 passes through the imaging zone, the second electrode tank 30 is dropped to its rest position by deactivation of the cylinder 31. The cylinder 27 is once again actuated so that the tanks shuttle back to their original position where the imaging cycle may be restarted.

While the first imaging electrode 16 is not in the imaging position, that is, while the cylinder 25 is deactivated the knife blade edge 150 is moved to contact the surface 166 of the first imaging electrode. This is done by activating the cylinder 255 moving the crank arm 156 to the right as shown in F lG. 4.

The cylinders referred to herein may be hydraulic or pneumatic or may be replaced by electrical means such as solenoids or mechanical means such as cams. Even combinations of the above may be used for achieving the functions required to fulfill the description given herein.

The required electric potential is supplied through an electrical connector 215 and electrical contact brushes 216 which contact the shaft 1 16 of the first imaging electrode. (The electrical source is not shown but should be sufiicient to generate between approximately 300 v. and 5,000 v. at the surface of the imaging electrodes when contacting the injecting electrode).

I The apparatus around the second imaging electrode 29 is not cammed or moved in and out of contact with the second imaging electrode 29 nor is it cycle dependent as are some of the components around the first imaging electrode 16. Both cleaning brushes 175 and 176 maintain continual contact with the surface 169 of the second imaging electrode 29. The squeegee 177 maintains a continuous pressure contact with the surface 169 of the second imaging electrode and that pressure is predetermined by adjustment of the squeegee mount 178. The desired pressure contact setting is achieved by positioning a crank arm 220 by turning a setscrew 221 and maintaining the proper position by a tension spring 222. The crank arm 220 is connected to the eccentric shaft 223 of the squeegee mount 178. The shaft 179 of the cleaning brush 175 and shaft 180 of the cleaning brush 176 are mounted through bearings in each of the side walls of the second imaging tank 30. An electrical potential is supplied to the shaft 170 of the second imaging electrode by an electrical connector 225 through electrical contact brushes 226.

The cleaning brushes are driven by the motor 183 through a driving sprocket 230 which moves the chain 231 and the driven sprocket 232 connected to the shaft 179 of the cleaning brush 175. Connected to a sprocket coaxial with the sprocket 232 is a chain 233 which drives the sprocket 234 turning the shaft 180 of the other cleaning brush 176. An idler 235 maintains the chain 233 on the sprockets.

Both the imaging rollers are driven by a single chain coming off the main drive system of the machine. The chain 240 drives sprocket 241 on the first imaging electrode and sprocket 242 on the second imaging electrode such that the electrodes move in synchronism with the injecting electrode when there is contact between the two. An idler 243 maintained on the idler arm 244 ensures that the chain 240 will not slip off the

sprockets

241 and 242. Since the sprockets, like the imaging electrodes which they rotate move relative to each, this idler is beneficial in maintaining the chain over sufficient teeth of the sprocket to prevent the chain from slipping off the sprockets they drive.

While this invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein and while certain theories have been expressed to explain the experimentally obtainable results obtained, it is not confined to the details set forth; and

this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus including a carriage for containing a plurality of tanks thereon;

a first tank movably mounted on said carriage;

a first member movably mounted within said first tank for moving through a first predetermined path of movement and capable of being positioned at a preselected position;

a second tank movably mounted on said carriage and positioned approximately adjacent said first tank; and

a second member movably mounted within said second tank for moving through a second predetermined path of movement and capable of being positioned at the preselected position. I

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including means for moving said first tank relative to said carriage.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 including means for moving said second tank relative to said carriage.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 including carriage shuttling means attached to said carriage for moving said carriage and said first and second tank.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 including means for moving said first tank relative to said carriage;

means for moving said second tank relative to said carriage;

and wherein said carriage shuttling means moves said carriage and said means for moving said first tank and means for moving said second tank to sequentially position said first and second members at the predetermined position.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means to move said first tank includes at least one cam;

at least one cam follower operatively attached to said tank to support said tank on the cam;

means to couple said cam follower to said carriage for relative movement therebetween, and

means to rotate said cam for moving said first tank relative to said carriage.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means to couple said follower with said carriage includes at least one pin and slot in which said pin mates, said slot determining the direction of relative movement between said first tank and said carriage.

8. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein means for moving said second tank comprises at least one cam;

means to rotate said cam for moving said second tank relative to said carriage.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said cam includes an eccentric and said cam follower includes a yoke such that the yoke is positioned to ride on the eccentric.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said cam includes an eccentric and said cam follower includes a yoke such that the yoke is positioned to ride on the eccentric.

Claims

1. Apparatus including a carriage for containing a plurality of tanks thereon; a first tank movably mounted on said carriage; a first member movably mounted within said first tank for moving through a first predetermined path of movement and capable of being positioned at a preselected position; a second tank movably mounted on said carriage and positioned approximately adjacent said first tank; and a second member movably mounted within said second tank for moving through a second predetermined path of movement and capable of being positioned at the preselected position.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 including means for moving said first tank relative to said carriage; means for moving said second tank relative to said carriage; and wherein said carriage shuttling means moves said carriage and said means for moving said first tank and means for moving said second tank to sequentially position said first and second members at the predetermined position.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means to move said first tank includes at least one cam; at least one cam follower operatively attached to said tank to support said tank on the cam; means to couple said cam follower to said carriage for relative movement therebetween, and means to rotate said cam for moving said first tank relative to said carriage.

8. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein means for moving said second tank comprises at least one cam; at least one cam follower operatively attached to said tank to support said tank on the cam; means to couple said cam follower to said carriage for relative movement therebetween, and means to rotate said cam for moving said second tank relative to said carriage.