TONING SYSTEM FOR ELECTROSTATIC IMAGING APPARATUS

摘要

A method and apparatus for toning a latent electrostatic image on an exposed photoconductive surface of an electrophotographic member using liquid toner comprising toner particles suspended in an electrically insulating liquid dispersant. Generally identical toner modules are arranged side by side at a first level, each module comprising a toner tray having a development electrode mounted on the upper surface thereof, the development electrode having a planar upper surface. A selected one tray is elevated to a second level for toning. Antifriction bearing surfaces are mounted on the upper surface of the tray at opposite ends of the development electrode. The antifriction surfaces extend upwardly of the development electrode a short distance slightly above the upper surface thereof to define a gap between the development electrode and the surface to be toned. A toggle actuated control valve is provided to direct the toner flow over the electrode in the direction of the movement of said surface, changing the direction of flow during the reciprocal movement of said surface.