Image-forming method and device utilizing a shim member arrangement

Abstract

An image forming method and device utilizes an imaging member to expose a photosensitive media to form a latent image on the media. The photosensitive media is of the type that comprises a plurality of microcapsules that encapsulate imaging material. The device and method of the present invention is adapted to utilize the application of pressure to create a compressive force on the media that is sufficient to rupture selected microcapsules in developing an image. In the arrangement of the present invention, a shim member arrangement is adapted to locate a thin member such as a plastic or film member over an imaging side of the media so as to protect the imaging side of the media during the application of pressure on the medium.

1 . An image forming method comprising: 
 exposing a photosensitive medium comprising a plurality of microcapsules which encapsulate imaging material to form a latent image;    placing a thin member over an imaging side of the photosensitive medium;    applying a pressure to said medium by pressing on said thin member, said pressure being sufficient to cause a compressive force to be applied to the imaging side of said photosensitive medium to rupture selected microcapsules, and cause a release of imaging material from said microcapsules to develop the latent image on said photosensitive medium;    wherein said thin member is adapted to protect the imaging side of said photosensitive medium during said applying step to minimize artifacts on said photosensitive medium from said compressive force.    
     
     
         2 . An image forming method according to  claim 1 , wherein said pressure applying step comprises: 
 wrapping said thin member around a pressure roller and applying said pressure via said pressure roller, with a portion of said thin member being located between said pressure roller and said medium.    
     
     
         3 . An image forming method according to  claim 1 , wherein said pressure applying step comprises: 
 using a pressure application member having a plurality of pressure applying elements to apply a pressure on said medium, with a portion of said thin member being disposed between the pressure application member and said medium.    
     
     
         4 . An image forming method according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 conveying at least the developed photosensitive medium between a pair of post-heat rollers to fix the image on said photosensitive medium.    
     
     
         5 . An image forming device comprising: 
 an imaging member adapted to expose a photosensitive medium to form a latent image on the photosensitive medium, the photosensitive medium comprising a plurality of microcapsules which encapsulate imaging material;    a shim member arrangement configured to locate a thin member over the imaging side of said photosensitive medium; and    a processing member adapted to develop the latent image, said processing member comprising a pressure application member adapted to contact the thin member and apply a compressive force to the imaging side of said photosensitive medium that is sufficient to rupture selected microcapsules and cause a development of the latent image on said photosensitive medium, said thin member being adapted to protect the imaging side of said photosensitive medium to minimize artifacts on said photosensitive medium from said compressive force.    
     
     
         6 . An image forming device according to  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 a pair of drive rollers adapted to convey the photosensitive medium to said processing member.    
     
     
         7 . An image forming device according to  claim 4 , further comprising: 
 a post heat roller arrangement adapted to fix the development image on the photosensitive medium.    
     
     
         8 . An image forming device according to  claim 5 , wherein said pressure application member comprises a pressure roller and an opposing backing member that permit a passage of the medium there-between, said thin member being wrapped around said pressure roller.  
     
     
         9 . An image-forming device according to  claim 5 , wherein said pressure application member comprises a plurality of pressure applying elements.  
     
     
         10 . An image forming device according to  claim 8 , wherein said thin member forms a part of a shim member arrangement, said shim member arrangement comprising a pair of support shafts and said thin member being wrapped around said pressure roller and said pair of support shafts.  
     
     
         11 . An image forming device according to  claim 9 , further comprising a backing member located opposite to the pressure applying members, wherein said pressure application member is adapted to move along a widthwise direction of the medium.  
     
     
         12 . An image forming device according to  claim 9 , wherein said thin member forms part of a shim member arrangement, said shim member arrangement comprising a pair of opposing holding rollers, such that thin member is attached to the opposing holding rollers and extends in a direction transverse to a direction of movement of the medium.