Moving belt liquid development method and device

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed for an improved liquid development system for a high speed reproducing machine having a movable image retention belt. The liquid development system comprising a moving belt applicator mounted on a drive assembly containing at least one drive roll and a low lateral force roll with a position guide. The belt applicator is located in alignment with the image retention belt and spaced therefrom to form a development zone having a uniform gap with an extended length. The applicator drive roll and a low lateral force roll are positoned to transport the belt applicator in the same or opposite direction as the image retention belt, but at a much faster speed to facilitate an evenly distributed flow of liquid developer and to avoid depletion of toner particles from the liquid developer moved through the development zone. An air knife removes excess liquid developer from the developed image on the image retention belt, and a blade cleaner is used to clean the belt applicator after it passes the development zone.