Method and apparatus for applying an adhesive layer for improved image

Abstract

An imaging system incorporating the invention includes a movable photoconductive surface, and an electrostatic system for repetitively charging the photoconductive surface to a first charge potential. A laser system selectively discharges the photoconductive surface to a second charge potential in accordance with image signals. A color toner supply provides color toner to the photoconductive surface, the color toner exhibiting a charge state that is attracted by the second charge potential and is repelled by the first charge potential. An adhesive toner supply provides adhesive toner to the photoconductive surface, the adhesive toner exhibiting an opposite sense charge state to the color toner. The adhesive toner is attracted by the first charge potential and is repelled by the second charge potential. A controller causes the color toner to be applied to the photoconductive surface and the entire photoconductive surface is recharged. Thereafter the laser system discharges non-imaged areas of the photoconductive surface to a charge potential that repels the adhesive toner. Then, the adhesive toner is applied to imaged areas which remain at the first charge potential. During a subsequent image transfer the adhesive toner aids in complete image transfer.