Abstract: Composite film articles and assemblies that include at least one layer of expanded fluoropolymer bonded to at least one thermoplastic sheet are fabricated using a method which can adjust the gas and liquid permeability of the composite film assemblies. These composite film articles and assemblies optionally have electroactive properties and a thin porous metallic overlayer that can serve as a current collector, and can be used in electrochemical devices such as air depolarized cells.

Abstract: Composite film articles and assemblies that include at least one layer of expanded fluoropolymer bonded to at least one thermoplastic sheet are fabricated using a method which can adjust the gas and liquid permeability of the composite film assemblies. These composite film articles and assemblies optionally have electroactive properties and a thin porous metallic overlayer that can serve as a current collector, and can be used in electrochemical devices such as air depolarized cells.

Abstract: A plurality of polarizable electrodes, a laminate of a collector layer, a polarizable electrode layer of a porous sheet, and a carbon-based conductive material interposed therebetween, are disposed in a row arrangement, interposing separators between the polarizable electrodes, and an electrolyte is packed between said polarizable electrodes and said separators; the carbon-based conductive material penetrating into the voids in the polarizable electrode layers. A process is provided whereby the polarizable electrode is manufactured by applying a conductive material solution to the collector and/or polarizable electrode sheet surface, superposing the two, and then evaporating out the dispersion medium of the conductive material solution.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a filter element for the filtration of printing fluid within a printer cartridge of a printer. The filter element of the present invention includes a microporous filter media that removes contaminants from printing fluids such as ink, dye, wax, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved device for delivering a release agent to fuser rollers employed in various printer devices, such as laser printers, fax machines, copier machines, etc. The release agent delivery device of the present invention comprises an elongated web of microporous membrane (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) bonded to a substrate, filled with release agent, and mounted between two shafts. The web spans across the fuser roller so that the roller is simultaneously cleaned and oiled during normal operation. When the portion of the web in contact with the fuser roller becomes contaminated or expends its release agent supply, the web can be advanced to place a fresh surface in contact with the fuser roller.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for using a catalyst to remove contaminants from a fluid stream. Catalytic particles are enmeshed within a highly porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) substrate. The use of an expanded PTFE substrate provides added strength to the substrate and provides open and uniform porosity, thus, assuring proper exchange of molecules between the exterior surface of the substrate and the catalytic particles held within it. As such, the present invention is particularly suitable for use as a cross-flow filter for use in ozone generating office equipment (e.g., an electro-static photocopy machine) or similar application requiring minimal pressure drop across the filter unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for using a catalyst to remove contaminants from a fluid stream. Catalytic particles are enmeshed within a highly porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) substrate. The use of an expanded PTFE substrate provides added strength to the substrate and provides open and uniform porosity, thus, assuring proper exchange of molecules between the exterior surface of the substrate and the catalytic particles held within it. As such, the present invention is particularly suitable for use as a cross-flow filter for use in ozone generating office equipment (e.g., an electrostatic photocopy machine) or similar application requiring minimal pressure drop across the filter unit.

Abstract: A method of using an improved catalytic filter material for removing contaminants such as NO.sub.x from a fluid stream. The filter employs composite fibers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with catalytic particles. The composite fibers are chopped into staple fibers and made into a felt material. Preferably, the felt material is then laminated on at least one side with a protective microporous membrane. The combined filter removes both macro-particles, such as dust, from the filter stream before the dust can clog active catalytic sites and effectively catalytically coverts undesirable contaminants in the fluid stream to acceptable end products.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved device for delivering a release agent to fuser rollers employed in various printer devices, such as laser printers, fax machines, copier machines, etc. The release agent delivery device of the present invention comprises an elongated web of microporous membrane (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) bonded to a substrate, filled with release agent, and mounted between two shafts. The web spans across the fuser roller so that the roller is simultaneously cleaned and oiled during normal operation. When the portion of the web in contact with the fuser roller becomes contaminated or expends its release agent supply, the web can be advanced to place a fresh surface in contact with the fuser roller.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved release coating for use on a variety of elastomeric structures, such as printer rollers and belts. The coating of the present invention is a thin expanded polytetrafluoroethylene skin that has a porous surface attached to a substratum and an impermeable surface exposed as the contact surface. This use of dual surfaces on a single thin coating provides both an excellent bond to substratum materials, such as a silicone elastomer layer, as well as being highly wear resistant and resistant to chemical attack.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved device for delivering a release agent to fuser rollers employed in various printer devices, such as laser printers, fax machines, copier machines, etc. The release agent delivery device of the present invention comprises an elongated web of microporous membrane (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) bonded to a substrate, filled with release agent, and mounted between two shafts. The web spans across the fuser roller so that the roller is simultaneously cleaned and oiled during normal operation. When the portion of the web in contact with the fuser roller becomes contaminated or expends its release agent supply, the web can be advanced to place a fresh surface in contact with the fuser roller.

Abstract: This invention provides a liquid metering and surface coating device which can satisfactorily perform the operation of applying a release liquid to at least the surface of toner image fixation rolls in plain paper copying, with exceptional accuracy, uniformity, and durability. The device comprises a porous support layer adhered to a metal shaft. The porous support layer is comprised of an open-celled thermosetting polymer foam internally reinforced to obtain the strength, resilience, and heat resistance needed for high durability in use as part of a hot toner image fixation mechanism in a PPC machine. The porous support is comprised of materials having high compatibility with and wettability by the liquids to be distributed and having high liquid holding capacity so as to provide smooth continuous liquid delivery.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved release coating for use on a variety of surfaces, such as printer rollers and belts. The coating of the present invention is an thin expanded polytetrafluoroethylene skin that has a porous surface attached to a substratum and an impermeable surface exposed as the contact surface. This use of dual surfaces on a single thin coating provides both an excellent bond to substratum materials, such as a silicone elastomer layer, as well as being highly wear resistant and resistant to chemical attack.

Abstract: An improved release agent delivery apparatus is disclosed for use in laser printers, plain paper copiers, facsimile machines, and similar printing apparatus. The delivery apparatus comprises an absorbent textile core filled with release agent, a permeable membrane surrounding the textile core to form a sheathed wick member, and a mounting sleeve adapted to attach the sheathed wick member in operative contact with the printer. The apparatus has numerous operational advantages over existing oil delivery apparatus, including providing multiple contact surfaces for longer operational life before replacement, ease in cleaning and regeneration, improved durability and reduced wear, and more compact and versatile operation.

Abstract: An improved release agent delivery apparatus is disclosed for use in laser printers, plain paper copiers, facsimile machines, and similar printing apparatus. The delivery apparatus comprises an absorbent textile core filled with release agent, a permeable membrane surrounding the textile core to form a sheathed wick member, and a mounting sleeve adapted to attach the sheathed wick member in operative contact with the printer. The apparatus has numerous operational advantages over existing oil delivery apparatus, including providing multiple contact surfaces for longer operational life before replacement, ease in cleaning and regeneration, improved durability and reduced wear, and more compact and versatile operation.

Abstract: An improved composite fiber of fiberglass and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is provided. The composite fiber comprises a coherent strand of commingled filaments of fiberglass and PTFE which is far more resistant to flex, abrasion, and chemical attack than previous fiberglass fibers. Preferably filaments of expanded PTFE tow yarn and filaments of PTFE are combined through a process of air-jet texturing. The fibers of the present invention have a wide range of possible uses, including being formed into a fabric and employed as filter media.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved catalytic filter material for use in removing contaminants such as NO.sub.x from a fluid stream. The filter of the present invention employs composite fibers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with catalytic particles. The composite fibers are chopped into staple fibers and made into a felt material. Preferably, the felt material is then laminated on at least one side with a protective microporous membrane. The combined filter removes both macro-particles, such as dust, from the filter stream before the dust can clog active catalytic sites and effectively catalytically coverts undesirable contaminants in the fluid stream to acceptable end products.

Abstract: An adsorbent assembly is provided for removing gaseous contaminants from an enclosure having an adhesive layer, an adsorbent layer and a filtering layer. An exterior mounted assembly is also provided having an outer layer containing a metal or metallized material that provides an electromagnetic shield to the enclosure.

Abstract: An improved composite fiber of fiberglass and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is provided. The composite fiber comprises a coherent strand of commingled filaments of fiberglass and PTFE which is far more resistant to flex, abrasion, and chemical attack than previous fiberglass fibers. Preferably filaments of expanded PTFE tow yarn and filaments of PTFE are combined through a process of air-jet texturing. The fibers of the present invention have a wide range of possible uses, including being formed into a fabric and employed as filter media.

Abstract: An improved method for making a release agent delivery device for delivery of release agent to a roller is disclosed for use in laser printers, plain paper copiers, facsimile machines, and similar printing apparatus. The delivery apparatus comprises an absorbent textile core filled with release agent, a permeable membrane surrounding the textile core to form a sheathed wick member, and a mounting sleeve adapted to attach the sheathed wick member in operative contact with the printer. The apparatus has numerous operational advantages over existing oil delivery apparatus, including providing multiple contact surfaces for longer operational life before replacement, ease in cleaning and regeneration, improved durability and reduced wear, and more compact and versatile operation.