Importance

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Abstract

There is disclosed a print cartridge for use in charge transfer imaging comprising a dielectric substrate, driver electrodes extending in a first direction along the substrate, a dielectric layer covering the electrodes, and finger electrodes extending in a second direction across the dielectric layer and defining apertures having edge structures straddling the driver electrodes. A dielectric spacer covers the finger electrodes and defines apertures corresponding to the apertures of the finger electrodes. The dielectric spacer itself is covered by a screen electrode which also defines apertures corresponding to the apertures of the dielectric spacer and the finger electrodes. The apertures of the finger electrodes, the dielectric spacer, and the screen electrode collectively define a plurality of blind holes. A plurality of passages having first and second ends are provided through one or more components of the cartridge, the first ends adapted for communication with a fluid supply and the second ends opening into the blind holes. Fluid from the supply passes through the passages into the apertures to exit from the screen electrode apertures to help prevent ingress of toner particles to the blind holes and to provide a purging effect to dislodge particles collecting in the holes. In a further aspect of the present invention the fluid supplied to the cartridge is a gas other than air.

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First Claim