A new nonlevitated mode of traveling wave toner transport

A new mode of transporting charged particles with traveling electrostatic waves is described; it is distinguishable from the curtain mode of S. Masuda (1971,OP1972) and the hopping mode of J.R. Melcher et al. (1989). Structures specifically designed to produce running waves of sufficient strength to move typical xerographic toner synchronously and in sliding contact along a surface without altering their charge are described. Experimental results that strongly indicate that the desired synchronous motion is achieved are presented, but the toner appears to move as tiny clouds rather than in sliding contact with the transport structure. The transport thus appears akin to the synchronous hopping mode of Melcher. However, evidence is presented that indicates the cloud-like character is due to surface scattering rather than lift by the wave, as in the case of hopping. Measurements of mass transport rate that characterize the present mode of transport are presented along with representative development characteristics that illustrate the potential of traveling wave transport as a sensitive scavengeless development process