Sealed liquid charging apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for applying an electrical charge to a charge retentive surface by transporting ions through an electrically biased ionically conductive liquid and transferring the ions to the member to be charged across the liquid/charge retentive surface interface. The electrically biased ionically conductive liquid medium is brought into contact with the photoreceptor by placing a hydrophilic material imbibed with the ionically conductive liquid in contact with the photoreceptor. The hydrophilic material is partially surrounded by a pair of elongated blade elements as well as a pair of end seal elements for providing a sealed structure for containing the hydrophilic material A voltage is applied to the ionically conductive liquid medium while translating or rotating the charge retentive surface past the ionically conductive medium, thereby enabling the transfer of ions to the charge retentive surface A support blade may be provided for urging the donor blade into contact with the photoreceptor. In addition, a wiper blade may be provided for removing any residual liquid from the surface of the charge retentive surface as may have been transferred thereto by the ionically conductive liquid. A rubber gasket may also be provided for additional sealing of the charging apparatus.