EXCHANGEABLE PHOTORECEPTIVE SHEET AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME

Abstract: A photoreceptive sheet within an imaging apparatus is repeatedly transportable through a transport path and capable of capturing and transferring images. In addition, the photoreceptive sheet is repeatedly transportable for capturing and transferring a number of images. A transport path of the photoreceptive sheet can be a transport loop having a loop distance which can be greater than the length of the photoreceptive sheet. Excess ink or toner can be removed from the photoreceptive sheet by directing the excess to the resulting gap between a first end and the second end of the photoreceptive sheet and into a container.

Description: EXCHANGEABLE PHOTORECEPTIVE SHEET AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus and method for electrophotographic printing. In particular, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for electrophotographic printing using an easily exchangeable photoreceptive sheet. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An electrophotographic apparatus includes several systems, including a latent image-forming system, which applies a uniform potential to a photoreceptive material. The latent image-forming system then applies light to the photoreceptive material in an image-wise pattern to create a latent image corresponding to an image held within the electrophotographic apparatus or some other image source. The image held by the electrophotographic apparatus can be acquired, for example, from an original document or copy sheet, or from desktop publishing computer software. A toner deposition system within the electrophotographic apparatus applies a conductive, solid or liquid toner to the photoreceptive material which collects on photoreceptive material in a pattern similar to image-wise pattern. A transfer system transfers the inked image from the photoreceptive material either directly orito a final substrate, such as a sheet of paper, or onto an intermediate substrate before being subsequently transferred to the final substrate. A first transport mechanism transports the photoreceptive material within the electrophotographic apparatus and through the previously mentioned systems. In addition, a second transport mechanism transports the input sheet to and from the toner transfer mechanism. Commonly, the photoreceptive material is a material which is coated onto a drum or belt, depending on the type of electrophotographic apparatus. After numerous passes within the electrophotographic apparatus, the photoreceptive material can require replacement. When the photoreceptive material is coated onto the drum, replacing the photoreceptive material requires replacing the entire drum, which can be costly and difficult to accomplish. When the photoreceptive material is coated onto a belt, replacement cost is reduced in comparison. However, removing the spent belt and replacing it with a new belt requires disassembly ofthe belt transport mechanism, which is difficult and time-consuming. If, however, the belt transport mechanism is made using cantilevered rollers, disassembly is simplified. But, a cantilevered belt transport mechanism is more complex and requires significant structural support within the electrophotographic apparatus to provide a sufficiently stable transport path for the belt. Such support adds cost, size, and weight to the electrophotographic apparatus. In addition, a belt inherently includes a seam. Seams are often made by thermally fusing the two ends of a web together. This, of course, limits the type of material of which the belt may be constructed, namely, thermally fusible material. Plus, because seaming creates irregularities in the photoreceptive material along the seam, the quality ofthe image can be adversely affected when the image is imposed across the seam. U. S. Patent No. 4,088,403 (inventor: Kingsley) discloses coating the photoreceptive material onto a length of carrier material to create a photoconductive belt. The belt must be stretched around a sub-belt so that the photoconductive belt is under tension and so that the ends ofthe belt are brought together or overlap each other to form a joined belt The leading and trailing edges are either adhered to the sub-belt or are attached to each other with means such as adhesive or a hook-and-loop fastener. With this construction, the photoconductive belt can be wrinkled or excessively stretched as it is transported with the sub-belt. In addition, this photoconductive belt is not easily removed and replaced with a new belt within the apparatus in which it functions, such as an electrophotographic apparatus. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes these problems by providing an apparatus adapted for use within an electrophotographic apparatus. This apparatus include radiation means for directing an image-wise pattern of radiation. A photoreceptive sheet is positioned relative to the radiation means such that the photoreceptive sheet can capture an image corresponding to the image-wise pattern. The photoreceptive sheet has a first end and a second end. A sheet- transporting mechanism can repeatedly transport the photoreceptive sheet through a transport path. Another embodiment ofthe present invention is a photoreceptor adapted for use within an electrophotographic apparatus having a transporting mechanism for transporting the photoreceptor through a transport path, the photoreceptor. The photoreceptor is a sheet having a first end, a second end, at least one side edge, and a photoreceptive means disposed between the first and second ends. Another embodiment ofthe present invention includes a method for transporting a photoreceptor within an electrophotographic apparatus. One step is providing a photoreceptive sheet. Another step is providing a transporting component moveable through a transport path. Another step is functionally connecting the photoreceptive sheet to the transporting component. Still another step is moving the transporting component to transport the photoreceptive sheet through the transport path. Another embodiment ofthe present invention is a method for introducing a photoreceptive sheet to and removing the photoreceptive sheet from a transporting mechanism within an electrophotographic apparatus. The photoreceptive sheet has a first end and a second end. The transport mechanism can transport the photoreceptive sheet in a loop. The method includes the step of providing a transporting component within the transport mechanism. Another step includes directing the photoreceptive sheet to the transporting component. Another step includes fastening the photoreceptive sheet to the transporting component so that the transporting component transports the photoreceptive sheet around the transport loop. Another step includes providing a sheet-directing component. Still another step includes inserting the sheet-directing component between the first end and the second end while the photoreceptive sheet is transported around the transport loop to unfasten the photoreceptive sheet from the transporting component and to direct the photoreceptive sheet from the transporting component. Another embodiment ofthe present invention is a method for fastening a photoreceptive sheet to a transporting component within an electrophotographic apparatus. The photoreceptive sheet has a first end and a second end and is transportable by the transporting component around a transport loop. The method includes the step of positioning the photoreceptive sheet adjacent to the transporting component. Another step includes introducing the photoreceptive sheet to the transporting component such that a gap exists being the first end and the second end when the photoreceptive sheet is transported around the transport loop. Still another step includes pressing the photoreceptive sheet and the transporting component together. Another embodiment ofthe present invention includes a method for fastening a photoreceptive sheet to a transporting component within an electrophotographic apparatus. The transporting component has a first center plane and the photoreceptive sheet has a second center plane. The method includes the step of positioning the photoreceptive sheet relative to the transporting component so that the first and second center planes are substantially aligned. Another step includes fastening the photoreceptive sheet to the transporting component. Still another embodiment ofthe present invention is an electrophotographic apparatus which includes an apparatus housing. Radiation means within the apparatus housing directs an image-wise pattern of radiation. A sheet-transporting mechanism is positioned within the housing. A photoreceptive sheet is positionable within the housing and configured to be transportable through a sheet path by the sheet-transporting mechanism and capable of capturing an image corresponding to image-wise pattern. BRIEF DESCRD7TTON OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing advantages, construction, and operation ofthe present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a photoreceptive sheet fastened to a transport mechanism within an electrophotographic apparatus; Figure 2 is a partial perspective schematic view of one embodiment ofthe photoreceptive sheet; Figure 3 is a partial perspective view ofthe photoreceptive sheet shown in Figure 2 aligned with and fastened to a timing belt; Figure 4 is a partial perspective view ofthe attachment ofthe photoreceptive sheet to the timing belt shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment ofthe attachment shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a partial side schematic view ofthe photoreceptive sheet shown in Figure 2, a sheet-directing mechanism, a brush, and a container; Figure 7 is a side sectional view of a sheet cartridge containing the photoreceptive sheet of Figure 2; Figure 8 is a perspective view ofthe sheet cartridge shown in Figure 7 positioned within a transport mechanism of an electrophotographic apparatus; Figure 9 is a side sectional view of another embodiment ofthe sheet cartridge shown in Figure 7; Figure 10 is a perspective view ofthe sheet cartridge shown in Figure 9 positioned within the transport mechanism of an electrophotographic apparatus; Figure 11 is a side schematic view of another embodiment ofthe sheet cartridge from which a new photoreceptive sheet is being dispensed and by which an expended photoreceptive sheet is being received; and Figure 12 is a side sectional schematic view of an electrophotographic apparatus which includes the photoreceptive sheet. DETAD1ED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A photoreceptor, shown as a photoreceptive sheet in Figure 1, is adapted for use within an electrophotographic apparatus 4. The photoreceptive sheet 2 can be adapted for repeated use within the electrophotographic apparatus 4. One embodiment ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 can be made ofthe same materials used to make known photoreceptive belts. A specific embodiment ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 is shown in Figure 2 as being a multi-layer sheet. The multi-layers include a base sheet 6, a photoreceptive layer 8, a barrier layer 10, and a release layer 12. The base sheet 6 can be, for example, a polyester film and have a 0.004 inch (0.010 centimeter) thickness. The base sheet 6 could instead be a polyamide film or a metal-coated film, such as an Aluminum vapor-coated polyester film (1% light transmissive vapor coating). The photoreceptive layer 8 can be approximately 15 microns thick and include materials such as azo pigments, molecular complexes, perylene pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, squaraine pigments, or other known materials. The photoreceptive layer 8 can be applied by die-coating these photoreceptive materials onto the base sheet 6. The barrier layer 10 can be approximately 0.2 microns thick and made of materials such polyvinylbutyrl resin. The barrier layer 10 can be applied by die-coating the polyvinylbutyrl resin onto the photoreceptive layer 8 . The release layer 12 can be made of a silicone and have a thickness of approximately 0.65 microns. The release layer can be applied by die-coating the silicone onto the barrier layer 10. Unlike a photoreceptive belt, the photoreceptive sheet 2 need not be seamed to function properly. Consequently, the material choices are not limited to seamable material, such as a thermally fusible material. The photoreceptive sheet 2 can be repeatedly transported through a transport loop within the electrophotographic apparatus 4 by a first transport mechanism 14. The transport loop can have, for example, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, or another shape. The transport loop can have a transport loop distance, that is, the distance around the transport loop. The first transport mechanism 14 can include multiple idler rollers 22, a drive roller 24, and at least one transporting component. The transporting component can be a belt 26, although other transporting components could be used. As shown in Figure 3, the belt can be an edge belt, such as a timing belt. With an edge belt, a substantial portion ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 is not supported by another component, such as a full- width belt (not shown). Two belts 26 can form the transport loop by riding over the idler rollers 22 and the drive roller 24. The drive roller 24 can mate with and drive the belts 26. The belts 26 can be fastenable to, or in some other way functionally coupleable to, the side edges 28, 29 ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 to transport photoreceptive sheet 2 through the transport loop. The transporting component could be designed to be fastenable to at least a portion of leading edge 30 ofthe photoreceptive sheet rather than, or in addition to, the side edges 28, 29. Similarly, the transporting component could be designed to also be fastenable to the trailing edge 31 ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2. To minimize wrinkling the photoreceptive sheet 2 during transport, the center plane 32 ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 should be aligned with the center plane 34 of each ofthe belts 26, as shown in Figure 3. To accomplish this alignment, each belt 26 can be fastenable to the photoreceptive sheet 2 using one ofthe fastening webs 36 A, 36B as shown in Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figure 4, a first portion 38A ofthe fastening web 36A can be connected to the top surface 40 A of one ofthe belts 26 A. A second portion 42 A ofthe fastening web 36A extends from beyond the belt 26 A and includes a fastening surface 44A which can be repeatedly fastened to and unfastened from a fastening surface 46 A near one ofthe side edges 28 A, 30A and on the top surface 47A ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2A. Using this fastening web 36A, the photoreceptive sheet 2A can be delivered to the belts 26A from below the belts 26A. As shown in Figure 5, an alternative embodiment ofthe fastening web 36B can be used in place ofthe previously desc bed fastening web 36A. A fastening surface 44B on the first portion 38B ofthe fastening web 36B can be fastened to, unfastened from, and refastened to a fastening surface 46B located on the top surface 40B ofthe belt 26B. The second portion 42B ofthe fastening web 36B can be connected to the photoreceptive sheet 2B. To properly align the center plane 32 ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2B and the center plane 34 ofthe belts 26B, a spacer 48 can be used between the photoreceptive sheet 2B and the second portion 42B ofthe fastening web 36B. The refastenability ofthe fastening surfaces 44B, 46B allow for removal and replacement ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2B and fastening web 36B from the belts 26B. Using this fastening web 36B, the photoreceptive sheet 2B can be delivered to the belts 26A from above the belts 26A. The refastenable fastening surfaces 44A, 46A can be microstructured surfaces, adhesive-based surfaces, or some other similarly performing surfaces. An example of an adhesive-based surface could be an adhesive tape which loses adhesion when stretched. This type of tape can be referred to as "stretch-and- release" tape. The refastenable fastening surfaces 44 A, 46 A can be formed as part ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2A or the fastening web 46A, or can be a separate component connected to photoreceptive sheet 2A or the fastening web 46A. The refastenable fastening surfaces 44A, 46A can be constructed so that when joined, the center plane 32 ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 A and the center plane 34 of each ofthe belts 26A are properly aligned. The refastenability ofthe fastening surfaces 44 A, 46 A allow for removal and replacement ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 A from the belts 26 A and fastening web 36 A. To firmly fasten the refastenable fastening surfaces 44, 46 to the belts 26, the photoreceptive sheet 2 and the belts can be driven between a pair of nip rollers, such as drive roller 24 and top roller 49. Although the first portion 42 A and the second portion 42B ofthe fastening web 36 A, 36B, respectively, were previously referred to as being "connected" to the top surface 40A ofthe belt 26A and to spacer 48, respectively, the connection need not be permanent. The connection of these components is sufficiently secure if more secure than the fastening ofthe refastenable fastening surfaces 44, 46. The length ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 can be chosen so that when the photoreceptive sheet 2 is fastened to the belts 26, the leading edge 50 ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 does not reach around the transport loop to meet the trailing edge 51 ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2. This creates a gap 52 between the trailing edge 50 and leading edge 51. Alternatively, the length of the photoreceptive sheet 2 can be chosen so that the leading edge 50 either abuts or overlaps the trailing edge 51. In this case, a gap 52 can be avoided, if desired. Preferably, the photoreceptive sheet 2 is not stretched when fastened to the belts 26. The gap 52 between the leading and trailing edges 50, 51 can provide numerous advantageous. First, because the photoreceptive sheet 2 is made of materials the cost of which are not insignificant, minimizing the length of photoreceptive sheet 2 is cost-effective. Second, when an amount of ink remains on the photoreceptive sheet 2 after the bulk ofthe ink is transferred from the photoreceptive sheet to another substrate (such as a sheet of paper), a sheet brush 53 can be included within the electrophotographic apparatus 4 to brush the excess ink to the gap 52 and into a container 54, as shown in Figure 6. The brush 53 could be, for example, stationary or rotating. Or, the brush 53 could be replaced by a stationary blade (not shown), or another means for removing the remaining ink. Third, the gap 52 allows for a sheet directing mechanism 55 within the electrophotographic apparatus 4 to, for example, contact the leading edge 50 and remove the photoreceptive sheet 2 from the transport mechanism 14. This sheet- directing mechanism 55 could direct the photoreceptive sheet 2 into a sheet container 56, shown in Figure 6. The size ofthe gap 54 can be chosen to provide one or more ofthe previously noted advantages. The gap 54 can be, for example, two centimeters or greater. To create the gap 54, the length ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2 can be, for example, 98% ofthe length ofthe belts 26, or less. Rather than using the previously described sheet-transporting mechanism, the photoreceptive sheet 2 can be transported by being attached to (and removable from) a rotating drum (not shown). The size ofthe sheet 2 and the drum can be chosen to create a gap between the ends ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2. The other previously described features could be modified to function with a rotating drum rather than the edge belts 26 The photoreceptive sheet 2 can be delivered to the first transport mechanism 14 from the sheet cartridge 56. The sheet cartridge 56 can be an injection-molded article being moldable from a variety of injection-moldable resins. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, one embodiment ofthe sheet cartridge 56A can be constructed to work in conjunction with the orientation ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2A, belts 26A, and fastening web 36A shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 8, the sheet cartridge 56A can include a housing 57A which defines a first chamber 58 A for storing and allowing the dispensing of a new photoreceptive sheet 2A, and defining a second chamber 60A for receiving and storing an expended photoreceptive sheet 2A. The cartridge can include an outlet 62 A which functionally communicates with the first chamber 58 A and the electrophotographic apparatus 4 A. In other words, the new photoreceptive sheet 2A can move from the first chamber 58A to the electrophotographic apparatus 4A. As shown in Figure 8, the sheet cartridge 56A is positionable within the zone created by the belts 26A so that the photoreceptive sheet 2A can be properly presented and fastened to the belts 26A. When the sheet cartridge 56A is inserted and the electrophotographic apparatus 4A is actuated, the portion ofthe new photoreceptive sheet 2A which extends from the first chamber 58A can be driven out ofthe first chamber 58A and to the belts 26A. The outlet 62A can include a slot roller groove 63 A through which a sheet driving roller 64A can fit to drive the new photoreceptive sheet 2 A from the first chamber 56 A. After the photoreceptive sheet 2A is dispensed, the sheet cartridge 56A can be removed from the electrophotographic apparatus 4A. After some number of uses, the photoreceptive sheet 2 A can become expended, or the user may simply want to place it. The electrophotographic apparatus 4 can include a directing member 65A to direct the expended photoreceptive sheet 2A through an inlet 66A and into the second chamber 60A. A new photoreceptive sheet 2A can be immediately or simultaneously dispensed from the first chamber 58A in the new sheet cartridge 56A. The directing member 65 A can be, for example, operated manually by a user or automatically by a mechanism (not shown) within the electrophotographic apparatus 4A. The directing member 65 A within the sheet cartridge 56 A could replace the previously described sheet directing mechanism 55 or could work in conjunction with the sheet directing mechanism 55. The first chamber 58 A and the second chamber 60 A can each be of a size to house more than a single photoreceptive sheet 2. Therefore, when a sheet 2 A becomes expended, the sheet 2A could be directed into the second chamber 60A and a new sheet 2 A can be withdrawn from the first chamber 58 A. Because the photoreceptive sheet 2A can be in sheet-form when inserted, used, and removed from the transport system 14, the new and the expended sheets 2 A can be curved or even rolled up within the first chamber 58 A and the second chamber 60A, respectively. A rolled photoreceptive sheet 2A takes up far less space than a folded, uncreased photoreceptive belt. Consequently, the sheet 2A allows the sheet cartridge 56 to be an efficient storage and delivery means for the electrophotographic apparatus 4A. The cartridge 56 can be shaped such that the photoreceptive sheet 2A is stored in a flat form within the first chamber 58 A and/or second chamber 60 A, rather than being in a curved form. This could be advantageous for a construction ofthe photoreceptive sheet which is better preserved when stored in a flat form. For example, one construction of a photoreceptive sheet stored in, for example, a rolled form for a long period of time may be less easily transported than one stored for a long period of time in a flat form. This advantage may be particularly important for storing a plurality of photoreceptive sheets in a flat form. In addition to storage advantages, the photoreceptive sheet 2A can more easily be inserted into and removed from the transport system 14A than a photoreceptive belt. Being inserted from the sheet cartridge 56, as previously noted, does not require the removal of roller supports, unlike when a belt is inserted. Plus, inserting and removing a sheet 2A from the transport system 14 do not require the use of heavy-duty, cantilevered rollers. A second embodiment ofthe sheet cartridge 56B is shown in Figures 9 and 10. This sheet cartridge 56B can be constructed to work in conjunction with the orientation ofthe photoreceptive sheet 2B, belts 26B, and fastening web 36B shown in Figure 5. As shown in 9, the sheet cartridge 56B can include a housing 57B which defines a first chamber 58B for storing and dispensing a new photoreceptive sheet 2B and which defines a second chamber 60B for receiving and storing an expended photoreceptive sheet 2B. As shown in Figure 10, the sheet cartridge 56B is positionable above the zone created by the belts 26B so that the photoreceptive sheet 2B can be properly presented and fastened to the belts 26B. When the sheet cartridge 56B is inserted and the electrophotographic apparatus 4 begins to operate, the portion ofthe new photoreceptive sheet 2B which extends from the first chamber 58B can be driven out ofthe first chamber 58B and onto the belts 26B by a sheet-driving roller 64B. The sheet-driving roller 64B fits within a roller groove 63B ofthe sheet cartridge 56B. A third embodiment of sheet cartridge 56C is shown in Figure 11 as including intemal sheet-driving rollers 67. The lower intemal sheet-driving roller 67A can ride on and be driven by the belts 26. The lower intemal sheet-driving roller 67A can, in turn, drive three other intemal sheet-driving rollers 67B, 67C, 67D. Intemal sheet-driving rollers 67B, 67C can feed out a new photoreceptive sheet 2 from the sheet cartridge 56C, while intemal sheet-driving roller 67B, 67D can draw an expended photoreceptive sheet into the sheet cartridge 56C. The electrophotographic apparatus 4 is shown in Figure 12 as also including an apparatus housing 68, a control mechanism 69, an erasure lamp 70, a charging means 72, an exposure station 74, an ink deposition mechanism or developer 76, and an ink transfer mechanism 78. The exposure station 74 includes a radiation source which projects radiation to the photoreceptive sheet 2 in an image-wise pattem corresponding to a first image to create a latent image. The first image can be extracted from a copy sheet (not shown) by the electrophotographic apparatus 4. After the previously noted first transport mechanism 14 transports the photoreceptive sheet 2 around the transport loop, the ink deposition mechanism 76 deposits ink (not shown) onto the photoreceptive sheet 2. The ink, then, migrates on the photoreceptive sheet 2 to form a pattem that closely matches the latent image. The ink transfer mechanism 78 transfers the ink on the photoreceptive sheet 2 to a receptor, i.e., the input sheet (not shown), not unlike the transfer step when using a photoreceptive drum. A second transport mechanism (not shown) transports the input sheet to the ink transfer mechanism 78. The control mechanism 69 controls the first transport mechanism 14 and second transport mechanism, exposure station 74, ink deposition mechanism 76, and ink transfer mechanism 78. Many other embodiments similar to those previously stated are apparent and contemplated by the inventors. A first example of another embodiment is a different transport mechanism that transports the sheet 2 in a reciprocating motion (i.e., a back-and-forth motion), rather than a circular or looping motion. The sheet cartridge 56 could still be useful with the reciprocating motion ofthe sheet 2. Another embodiment could involve an electrophotographic apparatus 4 which simultaneously utilizes two or more photoreceptive sheets 2 within, for example, the transport loop, rather than a single photoreceptive sheet 2 traveling around the transport loop. A gap 52 could exist between each ofthe sheet ends. It is contemplated that four photoreceptive sheets 2 could be used, one for each ink color (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). Another embodiment could involve an electrophotographic apparatus 4 which includes a transporting mechanism similar to the paper-feeding mechanism found in computer printers and photocopiers. Typically, a paper-feeding mechanism inserts the sheet into the toner and fuser and then out ofthe machine. In this case, the photoreceptive sheet 10 would feed through a circular or belt like path so that it retu s to the same initial position. Similar forward feed mechanisms to those found in paper path feed designs would be needed for the photoreceptive sheet pickup from a paper-like tray. With this type of mechanism, the photoreceptive sheet 10 can be fed or pulled through its loop with precise speed control. To control the tension across the photoreceptive sheet 10, an additional mechanism can be incoφorated into positions within the path where the photoreceptive sheet 10 requires tension control. Each photoreceptive sheet could be repeatedly used within the electrophotographic printer 4 until replacement is necessary. Or, at the option of the operator, the photoreceptive sheet 10 could be replaced via a software control command. Using this paperfeed-like mechanism, a mechanism for maintaining tension within photoreceptive sheet can include drive rollers near the side edges ofthe photoreceptive sheet which are slightly canted to impart the cross- web (i.e., cross- sheet) tension. Another approach could include a stiffer track to keep the tension on the web. Still another approach would involve a curved photoreceptive sheet path, for example, transporting the photoreceptive sheet around shafts such that the sheet is always or is primarily flexed. Every time the path bends, even by a few degrees, it stiffens the photoreceptive sheet and prevents cross-sheet bending or buckling. While possibly increasing the complexity ofthe transporting mechanism, this paperfeed-like mechanism may allow for a more simplified photoreceptive sheet cartridge. More specifically, a number of photoreceptive sheets could be stacked in a "paper tray" -like cartridge. The tray would supply the new sheet and have a compartment for the disposal ofthe used sheet. This would allow for inserting tens or hundreds of OPR sheets at a time into a machine and reduce operator interaction for fast, high volume print applications.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An apparatus adapted for use within an electrophotographic apparatus, comprismg: radiation means for directing an image-wise pattem of radiation; a photoreceptive sheet positioned relative to the radiation means such that the photoreceptive sheet can capture an image corresponding to the image-wise pattern, the photoreceptive sheet having a first end and a second end; and a sheet-transporting mechanism for repeatedly transporting the photoreceptive sheet through a transport path. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, the transport path being a loop having a loop distance, the photoreceptive sheet having a sheet length, and the sheet length being less than the loop distance. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, the photoreceptive sheet having a side edge, and the coupling means comprising a first surface capable of being coupled, uncoupled, and recoupled to the sheet-transporting mechanism. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, the photoreceptive sheet being transportable by the sheet-transporting mechanism without the need for a support below a substantial portion ofthe photoreceptive sheet. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, the sheet having a sheet width, the sheet- transporting mechanism comprising at least one belt and a plurality of rollers, the at least one belt having a belt width which is less than the sheet width, at least one ofthe plurality of rollers having a surface which is mateable to the at least one belt to transport the at least one belt, and the at least one belt being fastenable to the photoreceptive sheet to drive the photoreceptive sheet within the electrophotographic apparatus. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, the sheet-transporting mechanism comprising a transporting component having a first center plane, the photoreceptive sheet having a second center plane, and the photoreceptive sheet being fastenable to the transporting component so that the first center plane is substantially aligned with the second center plane. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, the sheet-transporting mechanism further comprising a fastener which allows for the removal ofthe photoreceptive sheet from the transporting component and for the fastening of another photoreceptive sheet to the transporting component. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, the photoreceptive sheet having a top surface, and the fastener comprising: a first fastening surface positioned on the top surface ofthe photoreceptive sheet; a fastening web having a first portion, second portion, and a bottom surface, the first portion being connected to the transporting component, and the second portion extending beyond the transporting component over the photoreceptive sheet; and a second fastening surface positioned on the bottom surface ofthe second portion ofthe fastening web, the second fastening surface being fastenable to the first fastening surface. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, the photoreceptive sheet having a top surface, and the fastener comprising: a first fastening surface positioned on the transporting component; a fastening web having a first portion, second portion, and a bottom surface; a second fastening surface positioned on the first portion ofthe fastening web, the fastening surface being fastenable to the first fastening surface; and a spacer connected to the top surface ofthe photoreceptive sheet near an edge ofthe photoreceptive sheet and connected to the bottom surface ofthe fastening web. 10. A method for using apparatus of claim 1 to transport the photoreceptor sheet within an electrophotographic apparatus, the electrophotographic apparatus having a transport path, the method comprising the steps of: placing the photoreceptive sheet within the electrophotographic apparatus; functionally connecting the photoreceptive sheet to the sheet-transporting mechanism; and repeatedly transporting the photoreceptive sheet through the transport path.

Inventors: DUVAL TY A, REEDER THOMAS W, DUVAL, TY, A., REEDER, THOMAS, W.
Applicants: MINNESOTA MINING & MFG, MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Application year: 1996
Main classification: G03G15
IPC codes: G03G15, G03G21