Electrophotographic image recording method and apparatus

Abstract

An electrophotographic method and apparatus for recording micrographic images as high resolution positive or reversal transparencies. Plural planar reusable electrophotographic plates are mounted for stepwise movement sequentially along a path for a cycle of successive operations, each plate being sucessively sequentially charged, exposed to a projected micrographics image to form a latent charge image thereof, said charge image toned, the toned image dried and contact transferred under application of heat and pressure by lamination to a transparent substrate, the lamination separated and the plate cleaned and discharged subsequent to separation for reuse. The transparency carrying the micrographics image embedded therein is mounted on a suitable holder. The apparatus includes a rotor for mounting the plates about its circumference and a framework for mounting the functional stations positioned about the rotor circumference in operative condition relative the plates mounted on said rotor. A stepping motor or other incremental-type drive drives the rotor in a programmed movement. The framework and rotor are surrounded by a light-tight housing. A suitable aperture is provided in the housing to enable an exterior projector to direct a micrographics image to the charged photoconductive surface of the plate. A transfer station includes feed, guide and storage as a self contained unit, including both heating and pressure units for laminating the plate carryng the toner image and the transparent substrate.