Abstract A unit adapted for use in electrophotographic cameras and an electrophotographic process are disclosed where the unit has electrostatic charges and comprises a photosensitive member consisting of a photoconductive layer and an electroconductive layer electrostatically attached to an insulating layer. If the unit is to be used as a film and stored for later exposure, it is sealed in an encasing sheet of the insulating material. If the unit is to be exposed directly, the insulating layer can comprise a master containing an image. During formation of the unit, the photoconductive layer is given a charge of a first polarity and the insulating layer is given a charge of an opposite polarity prior to contacting the two and prior to exposure to radiation. A preferred embodiment utilizes a clear plastic insulating layer with a resistivity of 1014 to 1018 ohms-meters and a dielectric constant of about 2 which in the form of a film contains no image and in the form of a printing element contains an image.
The unit of claim 1 wherein the insulating layer is a plastic sheet having a resistivity of about 1018 ohm-m and a dielectric constant of about 2.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
16 words
The unit of claim 1 wherein the insulating layer is hermetically sealed about the photosensitive member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
94 words
In the method of electrophotographic reproduction wherein a photoconductive surface is charged prior to exposure; the improvement which consists of charging a photoconductive layer, comprising a photoconductive surface being sufficiently insulating to accept and hold an electrostatic charge, to a first polarity; charging a separate transparent insulating member, having a resistivity of from about 1014 to about 1018 ohm-meters and a dielectric constant of at least about 1.5 to the opposite polarity; contacting the oppositely charged surfaces of said members without substantial charge transfer; and then exposing the unit so formed to activating radiation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the insulating layer is a plastic sheet having a volume conductivity of about 1018 ohm-m and a dielectric constant of about 2.