Liquid electrophotographic developing arrangement

摘要

In the particular embodiments described in the specification, a liquid electrophotographic developing arrangement includes four developing units disposed adjacent to the image-bearing surface of an electrophotographic member, each developing unit containing a different color developer. Each developing unit has an elongated slit through which developer is applied to the image-bearing surface of the electrophotographic member and the liquid developer is magnetically retained in the space between the developing unit and the surface of the electrophotographic member. In one embodiment, the developer is retained by a ferrofluid which surrounds the elongated opening and is held in position by magnets disposed on opposite sides of the electrophotographic member. In another embodiment, the developer is a ferrofluid and is retained in position by magnets on opposite sides of the elongated opening which produce an electromagnetic field in the space between the elongated opening and the surface of the electrostatic member.