Patent ID: 6106762
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B29B,B29C,B29D,B29K,B29L,G03G,Y10S

Abstract:
An imaging process which comprises (1) preparing an imaging member by a process which comprises (a) providing a preform comprising a polymeric material containing a conductive filler material formed to permit the introduction of a fluid under pressure into the perform; (b) heating the preform to an appropriate stretching temperature at or above the glass transition temperature of the polymeric material and below the melting temperature of the polymeric material; (c) placing the heated preform into a substantially cylindrical mold with a polished seamless inside surface; (d) introducing a fluid under pressure into the heated preform while maintaining the preform axially centered in the mold, thereby causing the preform to expand without contacting the molt surface; (e) subsequently causing to preform to expand until it contacts the mold surface; (f) heating the expanded preform to an appropriate heat setting temperature above the stretching temperature and below the melting temperature of the polymeric material while maintaining fluid pressure, said heat setting temperature being at least about 10.degree. C. above the maximum temperature to which the preform will subsequently be exposed; (q) subsequently cooling the set preform, wherein the preform exhibits dimensional stability subsequent to exposure to the heating setting temperature and cooling; (h) trimming the set preform to the desire dimensions, thus forming a conductive seamless belt; and (i) applying a layer of a photogenerating material to the conductive belt; (2) electrostatically charging the imaging member thus formed; (3) forming an electrostatic latent image on the imaging member by exposing the charged member to light in an imagewise pattern; (4) developing the latent image; and (5) transferring the developed image to a substrate.