US 6,982,735 B2
Imaging systems and methods
Robert A. Moore, Mashpee, Mass. (US); John F. Cooper, Harwich, Mass. (US); and Richard A. Fotland, Franklin, Mass. (US)
Assigned to Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Houston, Tex. (US)
Filed on Jan. 30, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/769,530.
Prior Publication US 2005/0168558 A1, Aug. 04, 2005
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B41J 2/415 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 347—125 40 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An imaging method, comprising:
forming on a surface an ink layer having an electrorheological fluid composition comprising a suspension of colorant particles dispersed in an electrically insulating carrier fluid;
projecting a charge image onto the ink layer to selectively form charge-stiffened regions adhering to the surface; and
physically separating non-charge-stiffened ink layer components from the charge-stiffened regions; and
performing an electrostatic transfer of at least a portion of the ink layer to a receptor substrate.