Patent ID: 6243555
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A reproduction method comprising:moving each of a first and a second toner image bearing members (TIBMs), each of the TIBMs having a respective toner image formed thereon, through a respective transfer nip with a web that has or supports a toner image receiving surface;moving the web through each nip with each TIBM, the web having or supporting on a first surface thereof the toner image receiving surface as the receiving surface is moved through the transfer nip with the first TIBM to the transfer nip with the second TIBM;providing on each TIBM in each nip a predetermined amount of pre-nip wrap by the web and a predetermined amount of post-nip wrap by the web;electrostatically transferring by application of a first electric charge having a first polarity to a second surface of the web opposite the first surface, a toner image at each transfer nip to the receiving surface so that a toner image transferred by the second TIBM is deposited on the receiving surface so as to form a composite image with the toner image transferred to the receiving surface by the first TIBM, wherein a second electric charge having a second polarity opposite the first polarity is applied to the first surface after each transfer nip, the second polarity having a different magnitude than the first polarity; andbetween the nip with the first TIBM and the nip with the second TIBM discharging a second surface of the web opposite the first surface with a discharge member at a fixed predetermined potential to reduce charge on the web to condition the web for receipt by the receiving surface of a second toner image from the second TIBM.