Multi-segment toning shoe for latent image development

摘要

A toning shoe for applying fluid developer to a latent image on a supported sheet. A drum is the preferred support, with the toning shoe having raised upstream and downstream support rims contacting the sheet, opposed lateral insulating rims spaced very slightly from the sheet or conducting rims contacting the sheet and a recessed multi-segmented electrode further spaced from the sheet. Fluid developer is injected through slits at leading edges of the electrode segments, flows as a thin film between the electrode segments and the sheet and then passes through drains at trailing edges of the electrode segments for collecting and recycling. The shoe moves laterally as the drum rotates so that development occurs in a helical stripe pattern.