초록 ▼

In an ionographic device including an imaging head projecting a modulated stream of ions in imagewise fashion towards a moving imaging surface, wherein the head is provided with an ion chamber supporting a coronode held at a voltage VC to produce ions for deposit on an imaging surface and an ion cha

In an ionographic device including an imaging head projecting a modulated stream of ions in imagewise fashion towards a moving imaging surface, wherein the head is provided with an ion chamber supporting a coronode held at a voltage VC to produce ions for deposit on an imaging surface and an ion chamber exit forming a modulation channel extending from the ion chamber towards the imaging surface through which a stream of ions are directed for imagewise modulation by a plurality of modulation electrodes, electric field distribution through the modulation channel is controlled by forming the modulation electrodes with resistive material. When a individual resistive material nib is turned on, a voltage difference is applied across the electrode in the ion flow direction, to shape the electric field through the modulation channel so that it is closely parallel to the surface of the electrode. Ions thus tend to flow in the direction of the electric field, though the modulation channel. The invention has application to both fluid jet assisted devices and non-fluid jet assisted devices.

대표청구항 ▼

In an ionographic imaging device, including a body, within which is supported a source of ions, means for moving a stream of ions towards an imaging surface moving in a process direction relative to said source of ions, modulation means to modulate the ion stream in imagewise fashion for the formati

In an ionographic imaging device, including a body, within which is supported a source of ions, means for moving a stream of ions towards an imaging surface moving in a process direction relative to said source of ions, modulation means to modulate the ion stream in imagewise fashion for the formation of intelligible charge patterns on the imaging surface, said modulation means including a modulation channel defined by first and second surfaces, between which said stream of ions moves towards the imaging surface; said first surface including a conductive member, electrically connected to a first potential; said second surface, generally parallel to said first surface, supporting an array of control electrodes, each electrode including a resistive material element, electrically connected between a second potential and a switch, each said switch controllably connecting said resistive material element to either of a marking potential and a non-marking potential, disposition of said switch controlling the passage of said stream of ions therepast, whereby an electric field is produced through the modulation channel, having a direction closely parallel to the second surface, and directed towards the imaging surface.