Method and apparatus for thermally-assisted grounding of an electrographic imaging member

摘要

Apparatus is disclosed for softening and displacing electrically insulative material on a portion of the surface of an electrographic imaging web by heat and pressure to effect electrical contact (e.g. grounding) with an isolated conductive layer thereof. One apparatus embodiment maintains a constant tension in the web which urges the insulative material into pressure contact with flanges on each end of a heated aluminum roller. The roller makes electrical contact with a conductive layer of the web when the softened insulative material is displaced from between the roller and the conductive layer. Means for protecting the center of the web from the heat supplied to the roller and means for preventing a buildup of insulative material on the flanges of the roller are disclosed.