Method and apparatus for using a transfer assist layer in a multi-pass electrophotographic process with electrostatically assisted toner transfer

摘要

A method of producing an image on a final image receptor from image data in a multiple pass electrophotographic system is provided. The method comprises the steps of applying transfer assist material to an intermediate transfer member and providing at least one development unit comprising a photoreceptive element and charged toner particles. During each complete processing cycle of an intermediate transfer member, a toned image is created and transferred to the intermediate transfer member by application of a bias. In multiple processing cycles of the intermediate transfer member, the transfer assist material and the at least one toned image thereby form a composite image layer on the intermediate transfer member. The method further comprises contacting the composite image layer with a final image receptor while applying a bias that is sufficiently strong to transfer at least a portion of the composite image layer to the final image receptor.