摘要 |
An device for applying an electrical charge to a member to be charged such as a charge retentive surface in an electrostatographic printing apparatus, including a multi-contact point conductive charging device positioned in contact with the member to be charged. The charging device includes multiple electrically isolated conductive blades which are independently electrically biased at predetermined voltage levels so as not to exceed a Paschen threshold voltage differential. Alternative embodiments are disclosed incorporating conductive blade members, as well as ionically conductive liquid carrying donor members. In operation, the charging device of the present invention permits generation of a charge potential on the photoreceptor significantly greater than the Paschen threshold voltage, while avoiding air breakdown. |