Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus for painting a work surface including a handle housing. A disposable painting module is configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. The painting module includes a paint applicator configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. The paint applicator is configured to apply paint to the work surface. A paint reservoir is fluidly coupled with the paint applicator and is configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. An urging mechanism is coupled to the handle housing and configured to interact with the paint reservoir to substantially uniformly discharge the paint from the paint reservoir and supply the paint to the paint applicator.

Abstract: A paint edging apparatus includes a body having front and rear ends defining a longitudinal axis therebetween, the body receiving a paint reservoir for supplying paint to an applicator portion of the apparatus, the body including a handle extending rearwardly at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. An urging mechanism selectively engages the paint reservoir to discharge paint therefrom. A vibrator mounted to the body and operatively connected to the paint applicator portion of the apparatus imparts an oscillatory motion to the paint applicator. A trigger is pivotally mounted to the handle for activating the vibrator, wherein a user can move the apparatus over a work surface to apply paint to the work surface and also pivot the trigger at the same time by grasping the handle with a single hand.

Abstract: A method and a configuration provide dynamic control of a liquid supply for a moisturizing storage device for sealing glued edges of a envelope flap of letter envelopes. Once a measured value has been measured for a sealing liquid which is stored in the tank of a moisturizing apparatus, the type of sealing liquid that is used is qualitatively analyzed on the basis of the measured value and of at least one material parameter as a comparison value. The amount of liquid stored in the moisturizing storage device is then measured by at least one further measurement to allow dynamic control of the liquid supply to the moisturizing storage device as a function of the material parameter and of at least one measured value, which is related to the liquid consumption, in the result of the at least one measurement of the amount of liquid stored in the moisturizing storage device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for aligning and coating a medical device during a single coating cycle. A first section of an applicator may apply a contact force to surfaces of the medical device. The contact force may align and remove surface irregularities from the medical device prior to coating the medical device with coating. The coating may be resident on a second section of the applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine utilizes flexible wick segments to transfer lane dressing to the applicator roll of the machine. The wick segments are caused to flex into and out of contacting engagement with a transfer roll associated with the applicator roll by rotatable cams that engage cam followers associated with the wick segments. The cams are all secured to a common cam shaft and are rotated in unison through successive short segments of rotational travel by an indexing motor that responds to a controller. Each wick segment has at least one spring that urges the segment into contacting engagement with the transfer roll, while the cam for that segment is disposed to engage the follower and flex the wick segment off the transfer roll against the action of the spring when the lobe of the cam is in contacting engagement with the follower.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A coating liquid application apparatus is capable of automatically and properly applying to a printed surface of a print medium a coating liquid, such as coating materials that improve weatherability of the printed surface. For that purpose, the apparatus includes a pair of rollers in rotating contact with both surfaces of the print medium, one of the rollers in contact with a printed surface of the print medium being used as an application roller, and a coating liquid supply member to supply the coating liquid stored in a coating liquid reservoir to the application roller.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a liquid impregnation agent to running yarns, especially a yarn oiler. The applicator has a rotating element with a surface with which at least one transfer mechanism comes into contact, and is equipped with an integrated cleaning device for impurities which collect between the applicator element and the transfer mechanism. The cleaning device is active when the applicator is in operation.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet for a fuser member, comprising an ultrafine fibers-containing portion including (a) first ultrafine fibers formed from a resin having a softening point of higher than 230° C., having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and having a fiber diameter of not more than 10 &mgr;m, and (b) second ultrafine fibers formed from a resin having a softening point of 150 to 230° C., and having a fiber diameter of not more than 10 &mgr;m, wherein at least one surface of the cleaning sheet is contained in the ultrafine fibers-containing portion, and the second ultrafine fibers in a surface portion containing the surface are deformed by press-attaching is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for applying a liquid lubricant to at least one surface of a moving metal sheet. The apparatus includes a wick and a liquid lubricant reservoir and at least one conduit in flow communication with the wick and reservoir. The liquid lubricant moves from the reservoir in controlled amounts, through the conduit or conduits to the wick by gravity flow and is moved by capillary action through the wick to the surface of the moving metal sheet without the application of an external mechanical force, such as a piston, to generate a pressure gradient through the wick to move the liquid lubricant therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for applying a liquid lubricant to at least one surface of a moving metal sheet. The apparatus includes a wick and a liquid lubricant reservoir and at least one conduit in flow communication with the wick and reservoir. The liquid lubricant moves from the reservoir in controlled amounts, through the conduit or conduits to the wick by gravity flow and is moved by capillary action through the wick to the surface of the moving metal sheet without the application of an external mechanical force, such as a piston, to generate a pressure gradient through the wick to move the liquid lubricant therethrough.

Abstract: A coating apparatus is disclosed for applying a coating material on one or more zones of a substrate material. In one embodiment, the coating applicators have fluid-wicking strips that apply the coatings directly to the substrate, while in another embodiment, the fluid-wicking strips indirectly apply the coatings to the substrate via feed rolls. Metering mechanisms supply predetermined amounts of coating material to the fluid-wicking strips. Each coating applicator has a housing with a recess for receiving one the fluid-wicking strips therein. One of the fluid-wicking strips Is mounted in each housing which has a plurality of transversely spaced passageways. Each passageway of each applicator housing is fluidly coupled to its own separate air actuated metering mechanism which dispenses coating material to the portion of the fluid-wicking strip adjacent thereto. A desired quantity of coating material is simultaneously delivered via the metering mechanisms to each of the applicator housings.

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: A printer or copier which operates by transfer printing has a fixing roller for affixing toner to the recording medium. A release agent, or parting oil, is applied to the roller by a dosing tube having openings through which the release agent flows to a wick. An application element is moved over the roller between the wick and the roller for cleaning and application of the release agent. The wick is held in guide elements and the lower guide element has a duct for collecting excess release agent and applying it to the application element.

Abstract: Featured is a fixing device provided in an image forming device that includes a heat roll, a pressurization roll, an application member and a blade member. The heat roll has a surface that is heated to a desired temperature by a heating source and the pressurization roll presses a recorded medium (e.g., a paper sheet) holding an unfixed image to the heat roll. In this way, the unfixed image is fixed to the recorded medium by passing it between the heat roll and pressurization roll. The application member applies a release agent to the heat roll for preventing adherence of the unfixed image held on the recorded medium to the heat roll, where the release agent is impregnated to the application member and applied to the heat roll by capillary action. The blade member controls the application of the release agent so it is uniformly applied to the heat roll and removes excessive release agent to be applied on the heat roll.

Abstract: A coating apparatus is disclosed for applying a coating material on one or more zones of a substrate material. In one embodiment, the coating applicators have fluid-wicking strips that apply the coatings directly to the substrate, while in another embodiment, the fluid-wicking strips indirectly apply the coatings to the substrate via feed rolls. Metering mechanisms supply predetermined amounts of coating material to the fluid-wicking strips. Each coating applicator has a housing with a recess for receiving one the fluid-wicking strips therein. One of the fluid-wicking strips is mounted in each housing which has a plurality of transversely spaced passageways. Each passageway of each applicator housing is fluidly coupled to its own separate air actuated metering mechanism which dispenses coating material to the portion of the fluid-wicking strip adjacent thereto. A desired quantity of coating material is simultaneously delivered via the metering mechanisms to each of the applicator housings.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

Abstract: A finger-moistening device for fingerprint recognizing apparatus includes: a container filled with a non-volatile oil or liquid in the container, a powder-metallurgy made roller rotatably mounted and capillarily impregnated in the container to form an oil-impregnated roller, and an upper cover covering the container and having an opening for protruding a peripheral portion of the roller outwardly from the cover and the container for spreading a thin layer of oil or liquid onto the finger of a person to be detected to increase the cohesion between the finger and a prism surface of the fingerprint recognizing apparatus for obtaining a clear fingerprint image for a qualified fingerprint recognition.

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 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: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

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: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

Abstract: A developing magnet roller is provided on a developing frame, and a developing agent accommodating cartridge and a toner accommodating cartridge member are fitted detachably into the developing frame. The toner accommodating cartridge member is fitted detachably into the developing agent accommodating cartridge. A developing agent is recovered in the developing agent accommodating cartridge. The developing agent and the developing agent accommodating cartridge are exchanged together from a developing apparatus. The new developing agent accommodated in the exchanged new developing agent accommodating cartridge is circulated by the developing magnet roller. The exchange for the developing agent in the developing apparatus can be realized without the lowering of the developing performance.

Abstract: A device for applying a liquid, for instance oil, to a traveling thread, having a rotatably mounted roll (1) extending into the line of the thread in order to receive a film of liquid on its surface (1') from a liquid reservoir (9) and transfer the liquid by surface contact. In order to improve the usefulness of such a device, a spatial separation of roll and reservoirs is provided. The liquid is to be transferred to the roll by a wick (6) which is arranged between the roll (1) and the reservoir (9).

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.

Abstract: A bowling lane dressing apparatus is provided which has a carriage for movement along the bowling lane between the foul line and the pit. Drive wheels are rotatably mounted on the carriage for moving the carriage along the bowling lane by means of drive means connected thereto. A lane buffer roller is journaled on the carriage in lane-contacting relation which extends transversely to the direction of travel. A reservoir is mounted in the carriage for storage of lane-dressing fluid. A transfer roller is mounted in rolling engagement with the lane buffer roller and in fluid communication with the reservoir for transferring fluid from the reservoir to the lane buffing roller. Variable speed drive motor is connected to the drive wheels for rotating them at variable speeds to vary the speed of the carriage as it moves along the bowling lane to vary the rate of transfer of fluid to the bowling lane surface by the lane buffer roller.

Abstract: A liquid applicator with reservoir within a housing with a slot through which the material, or in this embodiment, the envelope flap, is drawn to activate the previously applied adhesive thereon.

Abstract: A bowling lane dressing apparatus for use on a bowling alley has a carriage with a lane buffer roller. A transfer roller in rolling engagement with the lane buffer roller and in fluid communication with a plurality of reservoirs, each containing lane dressing fluid for transferring fluid from each reservoir by a wick therein to the lane buffing roller. Each reservoir is pivotally mounted for independent movement to bring its wick into or out of engagement with the transfer roller. A variable speed drive is connected to the transfer roller for rotating it at variable speeds to vary the rate of transfer of fluid from each reservoir to the lane buffer roller. If desired, the transfer roller can be separated into independently rotatable roller segments, each of which can be driven by separate variable speed motors. The roller segments and the wick of the reservoir associated with that roller segment may be of substantially equal widths.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam is used in combination with an ink tray having a housing having a first and second chamber. The first chamber has an overflow baffle extending laterally within said chamber to divide the first chamber into an inlet side and an outlet side. An inlet port is provided for receiving replenishing ink in the inlet side of the chamber and an outlet port is provided for removal of excess ink from said ink tray. A plurality of portals extending between the first and second chambers for directing replenishing ink to the second chamber from the inlet side of the first chamber and excess replenishing ink from the second chamber to the outlet side of the first chamber. An elongated inking roller is mounted to the housing. The absorption material is mounted in the second chamber to contact the replenishing ink. The absorption material has a portion extending from the second chamber and contacting the inking roller to allow the transfer of replenishing ink to the inking roller.

Abstract: A wicking device for applying toner release oil to the surface of a fuser roller of a reproduction apparatus. The wicking device includes a first rotatable roller that has a hollow interior and a porous capillary shell for pulling toner release oil from the hollow interior to the outside surface thereof. The wicking device also includes a second rotatable roller that is mounted within, and for rotation against, the surface of the hollow interior of the first rotatable roller for supplying and pushing toner release oil into the capillary shell of the first rotatable roller.

Abstract: A liquid metering and coating device made of a liquid permeation control layer adhered to a porous support in which the support is an open-celled foam internally reinforced to obtain the strength, resilience, and heat resistance needed for high durability in use as a part of a hot toner image fixation mechanism in a plain paper copying machine.

Abstract: An ink tray includes a housing having a first, second and third chamber. The first chamber has an overflow baffle extending laterally within said chamber to divide the first chamber into an inlet side and an outlet side. An inlet port extends into the first chamber for receiving replenishing ink in the inlet side of the chamber and an outlet port is provided for removal of excess ink from said ink tray. A plurality of portals extending between the first and second chambers for directing replenishing ink to the second chamber from the inlet side of the first chamber and excess replenishing ink from the second chamber to the outlet side of the first chamber. An elongated inking roller is rotatively mounted in the third chamber. The third chamber is configured to expose a longitudinal portion of said inking roller. Absorption material is mounted in the second chamber to contact the replenishing ink.

Abstract: The oil pattern laid down by the automatic machine across the width of the lane and along the length of the lane can be precisely controlled and varied through the use of a series of independently controllable wick assemblies that are individually movable into and out of contacting engagement with the oil applicator of the machine. A programmable controller for the wick assemblies determines which of the wick assemblies will be in oil-transferring contact with the applicator and when.

Abstract: Release Agent Management (RAM) system for a heat and pressure fuser. The open pool of oil associated with prior art RAM systems is replaced with an oil saturated wick the lower end of which is immersed in oil. The oil is held in a container with a sealed lid that has a slot through which the wick passes allowing the wick to transport oil from the container to a metering roll outside of the container. A depression in the container lid that cradles the wick under the metering roll allows oil to collect in the portion of the wick laying on the container lid. The shape of the depression prevents oil from flowing back into the container through the slot and from flowing to some lower part of the container lid. The wick is compressed approximately 50% between the metering roll and container lid. A removable seal is provided which is attached to the lid such that the RAM can be shipped without oil spillage.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the uniformity of wall thickness of an article having a high aspect ratio horizontal cross section and produced from a parison in a blow molding process is disclosed. A barrier layer is applied to a selected area of the outer surface of each parison prior to its introduction into the blow molding apparatus, the barrier layer being effective to prevent premature freezing of the blown parison upon contact with a wall of the blow molding apparatus. The barrier layer application apparatus includes a generally contoured pad coupled to a supply of the barrier material, the pad being situated to contact a selected portion of each parison prior to its introduction into the blow molding apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing, folding, and sealing a one-piece form sheet to prepare a self-mailer. The apparatus includes a substantially conventional printer, which may be a laser printer, suitable for use with a personal computer. The printer is mounted above and outputs printed form sheets downwards to a folder sealer for folding and sealing to prepare a self-mailer. The folder sealer includes a folder having a central and peripheral rollers and curved, one-sided, open buckle chutes for folding the form sheet and delivering it to a transport which extends under the printer. The folder sealer also includes moistening apparatus for moistening areas on the form sheet to which a remoistenable glue has been applied.

Abstract: A laser printer with a thermal fixing unit comprises: a pair of heat and pressure rolls for pressing a sheet with a developed toner image therebetween to fix the toner image on the sheet; a web immersable with an oil; an oil coater for supplying the oil to the web and pressing the web against the heat roll at at least one point to make the web contact with the heat roll so that the oil is applied from the oil coater onto the surface of the heat roll through the web to thereby prevent occurrence of offset of the toner image; and at least one pressing member provided separately from the oil coater for locally urging the web against the heat roll, the pressing member being located on at least one of before and behind the oil coater.

Abstract: A release liquid applying device of the known rotating wick type engages and is rolled by a fusing roller as it applies liquid to the roller. When resin based stock is used, a brake prevents rotation of the wick by the roller. This reduces the oil applied and reduces a tendency the rolling wick has to leave a pattern of locally excessive liquid in the oil on the roller.

Abstract: A reservoir wick system in an apparatus for fixing a toner image on image supporting members including a first and second roller for conveying the image supporting member therebetween and fixing the toner image on the image supporting member, an applicator in contact with the first roller for applying offset preventing liquid to the first roller and forming a nip for receiving said image supporting member, the applicator disposed underneath the first roller and including a woven cloth for retaining the offset preventing liquid, the flow offset prevention liquid to the first roller being drawn up by capillary action and controlled by the weave of the woven cloth.

Abstract: The present invention a method of applying a liquid to a plane surface in very thin and uniform layer, the method including the steps of supplying a liquid at a predetermined rate to a liquid impregnating member through a variable displacement pump the displacement of which can optionally be controlled, maintaining the liquid impregnating member at its saturated state and contacting the liquid impregnating member in the saturated state with a roller with a predetermined pressure under the action of a spring.

Abstract: A RAM system suitable for use in copier and printing machines having a relatively slow (i.e. 2 inches per second) process speed while avoiding the prior art problem of excess oil application, particularly outside the copy area. The RAM system contains a supply of release agent material which permits operation without frequent addition of oil to the supply yet without fear of oil spillage.The RAM system comprises a very thin (i.e. 0.006 inches thick) wick one end of which contacts a supply of release agent material such as low viscosity silicone oil while an intermediate portion thereof is held in contact with a fuser roll member.An oil reservoir containing a pad is provided. The pad serves as the supply of oil for the one end of the wick. The majority of the oil is contained in the pad, therefore, the problem of spillage found in prior art devices is obviated.

Abstract: An advertising device formed of sheet material having a first and second portion, one of which includes a predetermined visual indicia formed thereon, and the other portion having a non-visible or latent image or indicia formed thereon; whereby the latter is rendered visible by coating the latent image with a developing ink. This disclosure further contemplates a developing device for developing the latent or non-visible image or indicia, which includes a support arranged to receive the sheet of material so that the portion having non-visible or latent image is predeterminedly positioned at a developing station formed on the support adjacent to a source of a developing ink supply formed thereon.

Abstract: A heat and pressure fuser for fixing a toner image to a copy sheet in a xerographic copier has a heated fuser roll cooperating with a backup roll to form a nip through which the copy sheets are passed for fusing. In order to prevent toner offset the fuser roll is provided with a coating of silicone rubber or Viton (trademark) and the outer surface is supplied with a film of liquid release agent. The release agent is contained in a sump and fed to an applicator having a wick bearing against the fuser roll. Static buildup on the fuser roll is avoided because the wick is electrically conductive and is connected to earth potential via the copier frame providing a charge leakage path for the fuser roll. In a preferred form, the wick comprises a woven fabric in which the weft threads are electrically conductive, each such conductive thread comprising one or more stainless steel fibers entwined with a plurality of heat-resistive nylon, e.g. Nomex (trademark), fibers.

Abstract: An electrophotographic reproduction device includes a pressure roll fuser whereat toner carried by a sheet of paper is fused onto the paper's surface by the application of both heat and pressure as the sheet passes through a pressure fusing nip. The pressure nip is formed by pressure engagement of a heated fusing roll to an unheated backup roll. A multilayer cloth wick rubs against a portion of the hot roll's toner engaging surface, and thereby supplies release oil to this surface. When the wick's outer cloth layer becomes contaminated with toner and the like, the operator acitvates a manually releasable stitch which is associated with the wick's multiple layers. This action allows manual removal of the wick's top contaminated layer, thereby exposing a clean cloth surface for subsequent engagement to the hot roll's toner engaging surface.

Abstract: A releasing agent applicator for a toner fixing apparatus including a hot fixing roller and an elastic pressing roller between which toner, transferred onto copying paper, is fixed. It includes a heat resistant felt for holding a releasing agent. A porous polymer membrane is disposed between the felt and the fixing roller. A heat resistant polymer film is thermally fused between the felt and the membrane to bond the membrane to the felt except that portion of the membrane which is brought into contact with the fixing roller. The felt is impregnated with releasing agent and that portion of the membrane without the film may be brought into contact with the fixing roller to allow the releasing agent to be applied to the fixing roller.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for laminating a strip of foil to each edge of a double-width strip of cigarette tipping paper. A double-width strip of foil having a water-activated adhesive on one side is slit into two strips which are separated to the width of the tipping paper, run over a water-applying drum, and laid down on the tipping paper. The apparatus includes a low friction air bearing strip guiding system and a feedback system for controlling strip tension. The water-applying drum has a textured surface to retain sufficient water to activate the adhesive without overwetting the foil strip.

Abstract: An improved release agent applicator for use with a copying machine having a fixing device for pressure fusing a toner image to copy paper as the paper is passing between a fixing roll and a pressure roll. The fixing roll has in contact therewith a porous sheet or tube of poly(ethylene tetrafluoride) resin through which the release agent is applied to the fixing roll. The porous sheet or tube is installed on a support in such a manner that part of the sheet or tube projects from an opening of the support. The sheet or tube is provided with a backup which prevents the deformation of the sheet or tube. The backup is provided behind the sheet or tube and extends in the direction of rotation of the fixing roll.