Apparatus and method for removing carrier liquid from an intermediate transfer member surface or from a toned imaged on an intermediate transfer member

Abstract

A liquid electrophotographic imaging apparatus contains at least one drying sheet for removing excess carrier liquid from an intermediate transfer member or an intermediate image on the intermediate transfer member. The drying sheet comprises a flexible substrate having a first surface and second surface, at least one carrier liquid absorptive layer on the first surface of the flexible substrate, and the first surface facing the intermediate transfer member or image. A method of drying a toner image or intermediate transfer material comprises a) providing a plurality of absorbent drying sheets in a cartridge, wherein the sheets are stacked such that there is a top of the stack and a bottom of the stack; b) providing an electrophotographic apparatus comprising at least i) an intermediate transfer member, and ii) a cartridge of stacked drying sheets; c) providing a toned image on the intermediate transfer member; d) contacting an absorbent drying sheet from the cartridge to the intermediate transfer member or to the toned image on the intermediate transfer member, the drying sheet on absorbing liquid carrier becoming a used drying sheet; and e) replacing the used drying sheet at the top of the stack in the absorbent drying sheet cartridge for re-supply or discard.