Abstract: A retroreflector system including an outer body panel coupled to a vehicle, wherein the outer body panel is configured to allow a radar signal originating from an external radar device to pass through the outer body panel. The retroreflector system also includes a plurality of retroreflectors embedded in the vehicle, where the plurality of retroreflectors is configured to reflect the signal to the external signal source as a reflected signal, and where the plurality of retroreflectors is configured to have a peak reflectivity for a radar wavelength range or a light detection and ranging (lidar) wavelength range.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master, bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein, creating a replica of the bonded replica structure and electroforming a metallic layer onto the bonded replica structure replica to create a single, one piece, metallic shim which can be used to create a weld-less embosser drum.

Abstract: A shaft material integrally having a shaft portion and a flange portion is formed by a forging process. The end face of the shaft portion of the shaft material and the end face of the flange portion on the opposite side of the shaft portion are ground relative to the corrected face, and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft material is ground relative to the end faces. This renders the cylindricity of the radial bearing faces formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion of the produced shaft member to be 3 ?m or lower. Moreover, a shaft material integrally having the shaft portion and flange portion is formed, while simultaneously thrust hydrodynamic groove regions are formed on both end faces of the flange portion. After the forging process, radial hydrodynamic groove regions are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion.

Abstract: To provide a charging member that can not easily cause faulty cleaning on a photosensitive member while having a flexibility high enough to form a nip between it and the photosensitive member in a sufficient width. The charging member has an electro-conductive support and an elastic layer that is a surface layer, which elastic layer has at its surface a region having been cured by irradiation with electron rays, where this region supports spherical polyethylene particles in such a state that the spherical polyethylene particles are exposed to the surface of the elastic layer, thereby making the surface roughened.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an incision in an embossing roller using a hob to provide protuberances that are rounded on top and which improve the quality of the embossed material and reduce the wear of the mechanical components of the embossing units. The shape of the protuberances is obtained by machining the cylindrical surface of the roller placed between the tailstocks of the lathe using a hob that has teeth, the profile thereof being complementary to the cross-section of the protuberances. A portion of the hob with the teeth generates the grooves that define the side faces of the protuberances. The grooves between the teeth of the hob have a profile that is curvilinear in a cross-sectional view. With a double pass at two different inclinations of the surface of the roller, the protuberances of FIGS. 5 and 6 are generated.

Abstract: Provided is a conductive roller including a shaft 1, and an elastic layer 2 and a surface layer 3 formed on the periphery of the shaft in the order mentioned. The elastic layer 2 is composed of a polyurethane foam containing a polyurethane resin and a waterproofing agent. By containing the waterproofing agent in the formulation of the polyurethane foam constituting the elastic layer 2, the environment-dependence of the roller resistance is improved, the resistance variance accompanied by change in the environment can be controlled, and pores formed on the surface of the elastic layer 2 are made fine, whereby the surface properties of the roller improve. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the above-mentioned conductive roller.

Abstract: A drive roll for driving and engaging a belt is disclosed as well as a hay baler incorporating such a drive roll. The drive roll includes at least one set and typically many sets of drive ribs, which project from the outer cylindrical surface of the drive roll. The drive roll may be made from steel material while the drive ribs may comprise laser cladding such as tungsten carbide or other high hardness particles. The drive rib may have a tapering profile or other centering structure that corresponds to a belt having end regions with overlay or overlap ends of the drive ribs.

Abstract: A roller for producing optical films is disclosed. The roller includes a cylindrical main body and a micro-structured layer surrounding a circumferential surface of the main body. The microstructure layer includes a number of microstructures on its surface away from the main body. The microstructure layer is made from ethylene tetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: This application discloses cold rolled surfaces having a dulled gloss finish. The finish has a fairly uniform glossiness with a slightly matted appearance and with minimal directionality. The surfaces are prepared from work rolls having an Ra value of from 0.2 to 0.4 ?m and an Rz value of less than 3.0 ?m. Methods of preparing the surfaces are also described herein.

Abstract: Reconditioning is performed such that the curvature of the arcuate surface of the crest on the upper corrugating roll is increased as compared before conditioning. Further, reconditioning is performed such that the curvature of the arcuate surface of the crest on the lower corrugating roll is increased as compared before conditioning. In this step, polishing is performed so as to maintain the maximum diameter of the crest on the upper corrugating roll as much as possible. Thereby, since the length of the inclined surface of the corrugating roll connecting between a crest and a trough of the upper and lower corrugating rolls and is reduced, the rate of the increase in the consumption of corrugated mediums of fluted corrugated mediums for double-faced corrugated cardboard sheets shaped by the upper and lower corrugating rolls and after reconditioning can be reduced.

Abstract: A roller for forming heat transfer elements may include a central shaft and a plurality of roller elements. The plurality of roller elements may be stacked on the central shaft. Each roller element defines an outer periphery, which is configured to include a geometrical characteristic thereacross. The stacked roller elements, either stacked on the central shaft or stacked without using the central shaft, configures the roller with a circumferential surface corresponding to the geometrical characteristic of the stacked roller elements, to form the heat transfer elements corresponding to the circumferential surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a base material for disk rolls which is a platy molded article for obtaining ring-shaped disks for use in a disk roll comprising a rotating shaft and ring-shaped disks fitted thereon by insertion, whereby the peripheral surface of the disks serves as a conveying surface, the base material comprising inorganic fibers having a crystallization temperature of 800-900° C., a filler, and a clay. Also disclosed is a disk roll which comprises disks cut out of the base material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a low-cost electrophotographic elastic roller having a good dimensional precision is provided. In that method, in which both end parts of a shaft core body are gripped and fixed in a vertical direction, an inclination of a central axis is corrected, a circular coating head including a circular slit is used so that the shaft core body is moved in the direction, and a elastic layer material is ejected from the slit to be coated on the shaft core body, the method includes: a maximum deflection coordinate in a longitudinal direction of the shaft core body is detected with a central axis of the shaft core body as a base point coordinate before coating; a central position of the head is moved at constant from the base point to the maximum during coating, and the position is moved to the base point after the head has reached the maximum.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a substantially cylindrical tape winding surface and first and second flanges co-formed with the winding surface to form a unitary hub structure. The tape winding surface extends along an axis from a first end to a second end, and the first and second flanges extend radially from the first and second ends of the tape winding surface, respectively. The tape winding surface and the first and second flanges are co-formed of a unitary hub material having a Young's modulus of at least about one million psi.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing a conductive rubber roller having small aspect ratios of inner and outer diameters, having a stable measure of its inner diameter, having uniform cell distribution and being free from non-uniformity of hardness and electrical resistance in the peripheral direction. The process has a step of continuously extruding a tube composed of a specific unvulcanized rubber composition from a rubber extruder in a microwave vulcanizing unit, and a step of foaming and vulcanizing the tube by using a microwave irradiator having a microwave irradiation zone 4 m or less in length while being transported at given speed. The foamed rubber tube has an inner diameter 20 to 35% smaller than the outer diameter of the conductive core material over the whole region in the lengthwise direction, and the conductive core material is press-fitted into the foamed rubber tube without using any adhesive.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method for producing lens patterns on a roll which is used to produce optical films wherein the method comprises forming a resin film on a roll comprising a plated layer which has been surface-plated with copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni); producing a preliminary lens pattern by striking the surface of the resin film on the roll with a chisel; etching with an etching solution the roll having the preliminary lens pattern formed thereon; and removing the resin film, and a roll for producing optical films comprising lens patterns formed thereon by the same method.

Abstract: This roller (10) comprises a tubular support structure (14) of horizontal axis (X-X) adapted to be rotatably mounted on a tractor-drawn support frame. A series of semi-hollow tyres with a dome-shaped profile are threaded onto this tubular support structure and enable a series of parallel furrows to be formed in the earth. The tubular support structure (14) comprises a framework formed by a plurality of bars (30) joined together by two circular end cheeks (32) between which these bars extend axially. The tyres (12) are mounted on the bars of the framework, forming with the latter an assembly that is connected for rotation and translation.

Abstract: An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical core having an outer surface; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the core outer surface; and a sensing system. The sensing system includes: a first signal carrying member serially connecting a first set of sensors; a second signal carrying member serially connecting a second set of sensors; and a signal processing unit operatively associated with the first and second signal carrying members and configured to selectively monitor the signals provided by the first and second set of sensors.

Abstract: An endless electrophotographic member, such as a developer roller, which indicates an improved resistance to nip banding. The improvement to nip banding may be provided by the use of an organic salt within a roller surface region. The roller may provide, at a nip location, a resistive surface layer having an electrical resistance that avoids the development of nip banding and relatively dark regions on printed media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refurbished cylinder roller and a process for refurbishing cylinder rollers for use in printing machines. More particularly, the present invention also relates to a process for refurbishing metallic gravure cylinder rollers by replacing the worn outer plating layers with an extruded and thermally cured electrically conductive polymer material, and thereafter electroplating new outer plating layers thereon, the new plating layers including a new printing image formed therein.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a developing roller, including: a first rolling process for forming a first inclined groove which is continuous in a helical shape, by rotating a first die having blades inclined with respect to an axial direction and a circumferential direction, and a non-bladed die, and feeding an unprocessed developing roller between the first die and the non-bladed die; and a second rolling process for forming a second inclined groove which is continuous in a helical shape and intersects with the first inclined groove, by rotating a second die having blades inclined with respect to an axial direction and a circumferential direction in the direction opposite to that of the first die, and the non-bladed die in the same direction opposite to that in the first rolling process, and feeding the developing roller between the second die and the non-bladed die.

Abstract: A conductive roller such as a developing roller, a charging roller or the like provided with a resin coating layer on a surface of an elastic layer, and more particularly to a conductive roller having the resin coating layer using an ultraviolet-curing type resin or an electron beam curing type resin and being obtained by contriving a structure of the resin coating layer, rendering the resin coating layer to contain microparticles, controlling the particle size of the microparticles, or forming the resin coating layer after the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer is subjected to surface treatment.

Abstract: A corrugated metal sheet member fabrication system formed of a material feeder, a roller-ramming unit, a cutting unit, a conveyer, and a finished product receiving rack is disclosed. When the reciprocating cutting-off device is moved forwards or backwards, the belt frame of the conveyer is synchronously moved to carry the movable frames forwards or backwards, and therefore the front driven roller and the rear driven roller with the conveying belt are moved with the movable frames forwards to the extended position or backwards to the retrieved position. After the movable frames has been moved forwards, the front side of the conveying belt is kept spaced above the base for receiving finished products from the reciprocating cutting-off device of the cutting unit and delivering collected finished products to the finished product receiving rack.

Abstract: A method of making sheet glass using a pulling roll comprised of a high-temperature millboard material. The millboard comprises aluminosilicate refractory fiber, silicate, mica, and kaolin clay. A method of manufacturing a pulling roll is disclosed, together with a roll produced by the methods disclosed herein. The method comprises forming a pulling roll and densifying at least a portion of the pulling roll by exposing to the pulling roll to high temperatures.

Abstract: A cylindrical rotating member rotatably supported in a device in state where it is configured to contact a medium and that is heated in state where it is supported in the device, including: an elastically deformable base body that is a metal cylinder extending in a width direction of the medium, the width direction intersecting a transport direction of the medium, the base body being configured such that: when the base body is rotated and a portion of the base body reaches a contact-portion at which the base body contacts the medium, the portion of the base body elastically deforms, applies pressure to the medium, increases the size of a contact-area with the medium and applies heat to the medium; and after the base body is further rotated and the portion of the base body has passed the contact-portion, the base body elastically recovers its original shape is provided.

Abstract: A conductive roller has a core and a conductive foam formed on a peripheral surface thereof. The conductive foam constitutes a three-phase rubber composition containing 35 to 50 parts by mass of epichlorohydrin rubber, 25 to 35 parts by mass of ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer rubber, and 25 to 30 parts by mass of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber as a rubber component thereof. The conductive foam does not have a coating layer formed on a surface thereof. The conductive roller has an Asker C hardness, an electric resistance value, an average surface-cell diameter, and a number of surface cells set to 30 to 36°, 106 to 107?, 100 to 200 ?m, and 50 to 120/1.5 mm square respectively.

Abstract: An aluminum sleeve for magnetic development rollers includes an aluminum sleeve and a shaft fixed at the ends of the aluminum sleeve for engaging with a gear, wherein an etching absorption layer is arranged on the surface of the aluminum sleeve, and a nickel plating protect layer is arranged onto the etching absorption layer. A manufacture method thereof involves forming an etching absorption layer on the surface of the aluminum sleeve via a chemical texture etching process, then forming a nickel plating protect layer onto the etching absorption layer via a nickel chemical plating process. The etching absorption layer has fine and uniform particles, and the nickel protect layer prevents the etching absorption layer from being oxidized and improves the wear resistance of the aluminum sleeve.

Abstract: A developing roller is provided which supplies a toner to a photosensitive member to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member. The developing roller has a surface layer which includes carbon black and a polyurethane resin. The polyurethane resin has a specific structure. The surface layer has a specific ester group concentration and a specific urethane group concentration.

Abstract: A method and system for producing rolls for electrophotography are provided. The rolls can be rotated and shifted laterally during an oxidative baking process to produce finished rolls having improved electrical and printing characteristics. The oxidation of the rolls may be controlled to provide a corresponding increase in surface electrical resistance to within plus or minus 25 microns of a selected roll thickness.

Abstract: A method for producing an outer layer for a roll having a structure having MC carbide dispersed at an area ratio of 20-60%, comprising the steps of (1) centrifugally casting a melt having a composition comprising, by mass, 2.2-6.0% of C, 0.1-3.5% of Si, 0.1-3.5% of Mn, and 8-22% of V, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurity elements, to produce a cylindrical body comprising an inner layer having concentration MC carbide, an MC-carbide-poor outer layer, and a concentration gradient layer between the inner layer and the outer layer, in which the area ratio of MC carbide changes, and (2) cutting the cylindrical body to a depth at which the area ratio of MC carbide is 20% or more.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a developing agent carrier of a hollow or solid cylindrical shape having an outer peripheral surface and an irregularity section formed on the outer peripheral surface to carry a developing agent is provided. The method comprises a step of preparing a base material of a hollow or solid cylindrical shape which is to become the developing agent carrier, the base material having an outer peripheral surface; and a step of forming the irregularity section by pressing dice for formation of the irregularity section against the outer peripheral surface of the base material.

Abstract: A process for producing a conductive rubber roller having a conductive core material and a rubber layer provided thereon. The rubber layer contains at least acrylonitrile rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber and a blowing agent, and has a gas generation rate of from 2 ml/g·min to 4 ml/g·min at 170° C. to 230° C. The process has a vulcanizing and foaming step of vulcanizing and foaming the rubber layer by using a microwave vulcanizing furnace which provides hot air and irradiation with microwaves. A temperature of a heating atmosphere in the microwave vulcanizing furnace in the vulcanizing and foaming step is so controlled that a ratio of initial vulcanizing time T10 to initial foaming time Tp10, T10/Tp10, of the rubber layer is from 1 or more to less than 3 and the T10 is within 90 seconds.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a charging roller (i) which includes a rubber member whose surface is subjected to a hardening treatment using a solvent containing at least an isocyanate compound and (ii) which can prevent leakage of an ionic conductive agent even if the charging roller is placed under conditions of high temperature and high humidity for a long time. The charging roller is made by forming a rubber layer on a metal core. The rubber layer is an epichlorohydrin based rubber base material to which an ionic conductive agent is added, the rubber layer being subjected to a surface treatment by applying a solution containing the isocyanate compound and heating it. This surface treatment is carried out under such conditions that a coefficient of dynamic friction at a contact portion between the rubber layer and a photoreceptor becomes 0.4 or less.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow body having an external surface randomly provided with a large number of depressions is provided. The method includes providing the large number of depressions on the external surface of the hollow body. A profile curve of the external surface in a circumferential direction is obtained while rotating the hollow body. A frequency analysis is performed on the obtained profile curve. A quality of the hollow body is judged by comparing a result of the frequency analysis with a predetermined judgment standard.

Abstract: A core is provided with a coating formed by an agglomerate obtained by hardening of a mixture comprising a granulated stone material, preferably of the type having a high hardness factor and light color, and a hardening resin, preferably an epoxy resin, for manufacturing a roller or cylinder of a non-porous external surface, the roller being used for the processing of materials and products. For the manufacture of the roller, a formwork having a cavity for housing a core is prepared so as to provide an interspace which is filled with the mixture, following which compacting of the mixture present in the interspace and then the resin hardening step are performed to obtain a non-porous agglomerate.

Abstract: A conductive roller which can form images of consistent quality and does not cause image failures such as formation of blank spots and a method for inspecting the roller. The conductive roller having a metallic core and at least one rubber elastic layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the core, the rubber elastic layer being formed from a conductive rubber to which conductivity has been imparted by carbon powder, wherein the conductive roller satisfies the relationship represented by formula (1): Zr/Zc?5??(1), wherein Zr (?) represents a resistance component and Zc (?) represents a capacitive reactance component, the resistance component Zr (?) and the capacitive reactance component Zc (?) being calculated respectively from impedance Z (?) and phase difference ?, when the impedance Z (?) is measured upon application of an AC voltage of 0.2 V at a frequency of 1 Hz to the rubber elastic layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a developing roller, including: a first rolling process for forming a first inclined groove which is continuous in a helical shape, by rotating a first die having blades inclined with respect to an axial direction and a circumferential direction, and a non-bladed die, and feeding an unprocessed developing roller between the first die and the non-bladed die; and a second rolling process for forming a second inclined groove which is continuous in a helical shape and intersects with the first inclined groove, by rotating a second die having blades inclined with respect to an axial direction and a circumferential direction in the direction opposite to that of the first die, and the non-bladed die in the same direction opposite to that in the first rolling process, and feeding the developing roller between the second die and the non-bladed die.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of resurfacing a pressure member in a printer having a fuser member that is externally heated by a heater roller. The method includes providing a pressure member having an outer surface of a high temperature fluorothermoplastic. When it is determined that the outer surface is in need of resurfacing, the fuser member is removed from the printer, and the pressure member is mounted in the place of the fuser member. The pressure member is rotated at a speed of at least 1 rpm while engaging the outer surface of the fuser member with the heating roller normally used to heat the fuser member at a pressure of at least 5 psi at a temperature of at least 10° C. below the fluorothermoplastic melting temperature for a time sufficient to resurface of the outer surface of the pressure member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixing roller which comprises a core 16, a porous material layer 22 disposed in surrounding relation to an outer peripheral surface of the core 16, and a thin-walled metal sleeve 26 covering an outer peripheral surface of the porous material layer 22. The porous material layer 22 comprises a closed cell-type silicone elastomer. The present invention provides a fixing roller capable of ensuring enhanced durability and maintaining a usable state over long periods under the condition of being actually driven and rotated.

Abstract: A method for producing a cutting or embossing roller having a cutting knife or embossing projection that projects out of the surface of a base body of the roller ensures the greatest possible optimal homogeneity of the cutting knife or the embossing projection, while minimizing production duration and costs. Single-layer or multi-layer application of the cutting knife or the embossing projection onto the roller base body occurs by laser resurfacing welding. Each layer is produced using an additional powdered material, which is melted in a melt bath at the weld point. The heat and/or light radiation emitted by the melt bath is detected, at least during application of each layer. Laser power is controlled or regulated as a function of the heat and/or light radiation emitted by the melt bath, so that melt bath temperature remains essentially constant during application of each layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a roll for embossing aluminum sheet, and the associated roll, the method comprising subjecting a surface of a steel roll to at least the steps of, in order: blasting treatment, electrolytic treatment with 1,000 to 20,000 C/dm2 of electricity in which the steel roll is used as the anode, and chromium plating treatment. An aluminum sheet embossing roll produced by the method of the present invention has on the surface thereof peaks, or asperities, which are of uniform height and very numerous. As a result, aluminum sheets obtained using such a roll, when employed as lithographic printing plate supports, have excellent printing characteristics, particularly a long press life and a high sensitivity.

Abstract: A process produces a conductive rubber roller having small aspect ratios of inner and outer diameters, having a stable measure of its inner diameter, having uniform cell distribution and being free from non uniformity of hardness and electrical resistance in the peripheral direction. The process has a step of continuously extruding a tube composed of a specific unvulcanized rubber composition from a rubber extruder in a microwave vulcanizing unit, and a step of foaming and vulcanizing the tube by using a microwave irradiator having a microwave irradiation zone 4 m or less in length while being transported at given speed. The foamed rubber tube has an inner diameter 20 to 35% smaller than the outer diameter of the conductive core material over the whole region in the lengthwise direction, and the conductive core material is press fitted into the foamed rubber tube without using any adhesive.

Abstract: A thin-walled hot foil stamping cylinder of predetermined diameter is formed from an extruded cylindrical tube having a wall of initially uniform cross-sectional thickness. Portions of the outer cylindrical surface of the wall are relieved to define raised, outwardly-projecting hot foil stamping indicia. End caps close opposed ends of the cylindrical tube. One of the end caps is provided with a passage therethrough for introduction of hot oil into the cylindrical interior space of the tube. A passage in at least one of the end caps that communicates with the interior of the tube permits selective draining of oil from the tube. The overall outer surface of the tube may be machined to reduce the tube to a predetermined diameter, prior to relieving the surface thereof to form the indicia. In this manner, a single extruded tube may be used to produce hot foil stamping cylinders of individual diameters corresponding to standard image repeats.

Abstract: A pulling roll for glass manufacture comprised of a high-temperature millboard material. The millboard comprises aluminosilicate refractory fiber, silicate, mica, and kaolin clay. A method of manufacturing a pulling roll is disclosed, together with a roll produced by the methods disclosed herein. The method comprises forming a pulling roll and densifying at least a portion of the pulling roll by exposing to the pulling roll to high temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and method for use in the manufacture of hardfaced, clad metal substrates (60), comprising welding means (3) at a cladding location, means (2) for supporting a substrate (60) to be metal clad by the welding means (3) at the cladding location, and means (4) arranged to machine the surface (61) of a so-clad substrate (60) at the cladding location.

Abstract: A sheet feed shaft is provided wherein mutually opposed spike-shape projections are formed throughout the whole surface of a metallic rod. A rotational angle of a metallic rod (1) is controlled to form a plurality of spike-shape portions whose bristled directions are opposite to each other while supporting the metallic rod at both ends thereof and a pair of punch units (24) each having a pair of perforating edges (28) arranged orderly in an axial direction of the metallic rod (1) are reciprocated with respect to a circumferential surface of the metallic rod (1) simultaneously from both sides of the metallic rod to perforate the circumferential surface of the metallic rod, the metallic rod being allowed to rotate step by step in a successive manner during the perforating work.

Abstract: An improved method for producing a metallic core for use in the production of a blanket cylinder or an image cylinder sleeve for use in electrophotographic processes. The sleeves includes aluminum or other suitable metal, which is rendered more suitable for use as a sleeve surface by oxidation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing a polymer sleeve including a polymer sleeve for use with an image cylinder or a blanket cylinder in an electrophotographic process so that the sleeve has a stretched length as mounted on the mandrel equal to a length of the mandrel.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing a ball and socket joint that has a ball pivot (2) that is composed of a pivot pin (3) with an essentially spherical ball head (4) arranged or made integrally in one piece on one side. A bearing shell (5) is provided as well as a preformed plastic film as a thin-walled ball socket (7) with a joint surface (8) enclosing the ball head at least partially. A lubricant (9) is introduced between the surface of the ball head (4) and the joint surface (8) of the thin-walled ball socket (7). According to the process, the thin-walled ball socket (7) is filled first with the lubricant (9). The ball head (4) of the ball pivot (2) is then introduced into the thin-walled ball socket (7) filled with lubricant (9), and the ball head (4) provided with the thin-walled ball socket (7) is subsequently introduced into the housing (10). Finally, the free space between the thin-walled ball socket (7) and the housing (10) is filled up with a material to form a bearing shell (5).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a charging roller (i) which includes a rubber member whose surface is subjected to a hardening treatment using a solvent containing at least an isocyanate compound and (ii) which can prevent leakage of an ionic conductive agent even if the charging roller is placed under conditions of high temperature and high humidity for a long time. The charging roller is made by forming a rubber layer on a metal core. The rubber layer is an epichlorohydrin based rubber base material to which an ionic conductive agent is added, the rubber layer being subjected to a surface treatment by applying a solution containing the isocyanate compound and heating it. This surface treatment is carried out under such conditions that a coefficient of dynamic friction at a contact portion between the rubber layer and a photoreceptor becomes 0.4 or less.