Patent ID: 6308033
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming method of developing an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image support by use of mist-like charged particles and thereby making visible the electrostatic latent image, the method comprising the steps ofproviding a developing electrode at a space from the electrostatic latent image support to extend substantially in parallel to the surface of the electrostatic latent image support on which the electrostatic latent image is formed,providing a gap control member on at least a part of the perimeter of the developing electrode to extend toward the surface of the electrostatic latent image support from the periphery of the developing electrode so that the space between the gap control member and the surface of the electrostatic latent image support is smaller than the space between the developing electrode and the surface of the electrostatic latent image support, thereby forming a developing space defined by the electrostatic latent image support, the developing electrode and the gap control member, andintroducing mist-like charged particles into the developing space while applying an electric voltage to the developing electrode to form an electric field between the electrostatic latent image support and the developing electrode and moving the electrostatic latent image support and the developing space relative to each other.