Image reproduction by in plane electro-coagulation of a colloid.

摘要

A method and system for high speed image reproduction by electro-coagulation of an electrolytically coagulable colloid. A plurality of negative and positive electrolytically inert electrodes (12, 14) which are electrically insulated from one another are arranged to define a matrix of dot-forming elements (16), the negative and positive electrodes of each matrix element having respective planar active surfaces with the negative electrode active surface extending in the same plane as the positive electrode active surface and in close proximity thereto. A layer of substantially liquid colloidal dispersion is applied over the electrode active surfaces of the matrix elements (16), the colloidal dispersion containing an electrolytically coagulable colloid, a liquid dispersing medium and a soluble electrolyte, and having a substantially uniform temperature throughout the layer. The negative and positive electrodes (12, 14) of selected ones of the matrix elements (16) are electrically energized to cause selective coagulation and adherence of the colloid onto the positive electrode active surfaces of the selected matrix elements and to thereby form a series of corresponding dots representative of a desired image, and any remaining non-coagulated colloid is thereafter removed.