Electrostatic bar code printer

Abstract

A printing apparatus for generating visible bar code images in accordance with an electronic input command which comprises: a conducting mask containing a slot, a fine diameter ion emitting wire positioned on one side of the mask and adjacent to this slot and an electrically conductive support member. An insulating latent charge image receiving member is transported at a uniform velocity while spaced a short distance from the slotted mask and on the side of the mask opposite the side to which the ion emitting wire is adjacent. A potential is applied between the slotted mask and the conducting support member upon which the insulating member rests. Conventional means are provided for electrostatically toning the latent image formed on the insulating surface and additional means are provided for fixing the toned image. Transport means are provided to move the insulating member, at a uniform velocity, through the latent image forming, toning, and fixing stations. The height of the bar code images formed is determined by the length of the slot in the mask and the widths of the bars are defined by the duration of the high voltage pulses applied to the ion emitting wire.