Patent ID: 6357861
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: B41J,G03G

Abstract:
An image forming device comprising:a development agent carrier for carrying thereon a developing agent which is charged to a given polarity; an opposing electrode which faces the developing agent carrier and to which a voltage for forming an electric field which causes developing agent carried on the developing agent carrier to fly from the developing agent carrier toward the opposing electrode can be applied; a first insulating gate unit located between, and in spaced relation relative to, both the opposing electrode and the developing agent carrier, said first insulating gate unit defining a plurality of gates through which the developing agent can be passed; a first control electrode unit to which a voltage for permitting or prohibiting the selective passage of developing agent through the gates of the first gate unit can be applied; a second insulating gate unit located between, and in spaced relation relative to, both the first gate unit and the developing agent carrier, said second insulating gate unit defining a plurality of take up gates for taking up developing agent from the developing agent carrier; a second control electrode unit to which a voltage for permitting or prohibiting the selective passage of developing agent through the taking up gates of the second gate unit can be applied; and at least one pair of oscillating electric field forming electrodes for forming an oscillating electric field in a direction normal to the flight direction of developing agent between the first and second insulating gate units caused when an electric field between the opposing electrode and the developing agent carrier is formed; whereby images can be formed on a recording medium moved between, and relative to, both the opposing electrode and the first insulating gate unit by the effects upon developing agent flying from the carrier toward the opposing electrode in an electric field formed between them caused by voltages selectively applied to the first and/or second control electrode units.