Abstract: A toner image fixing device in which a surface temperature of a heat roller (1) is set to a temperature at which volatile odor component included in a parting agent is below a permissible value, and in which an auxiliary heating means (9, 10) is provided on at least one side of the upstream side and the downstream side in a recording material transporting direction in relation to a pressure contact portion of the heat roller and a pressure (5).

Abstract: A mechanism for sensing the pressure in the offset preventing oil delivery system for the fuser assembly of a reproduction apparatus. The pressure sensing mechanism includes a pressure-sensing gauge operatively associated with the offset preventing oil delivery system. A pressure sensing circuit includes a pressure gauge port for converting detected pressure from the pressure-sensing gauge into a corresponding electrical signal. Responsive to the electrical signal, the pressure sensing circuit calculates a delta voltage between when the oil delivery system is operating and when the oil delivery system is not operating, and determines whether the delta voltage system is within a specific operating range. A logic and control unit, responsive to the electrical signal, monitors the electrical signal from the pressure sensing circuit to ensure that the offset preventing oil is being properly delivered to the oil delivery system.

Abstract: Hot offset of black toner is reduced or eliminated in a color electrophotographic imaging device, such as a laser printer, by applying a minimal layer of non-black toner in addition to the black toner on a print media. The non-black toner, such as cyan, magenta or yellow toner, acts as a release agent for reducing or eliminating hot offset of the black toner during fusing of the toner to the media. The non-black toner is applied as a thin layer just sufficient to reduce hot offset of the black toner and such that an appearance of a resultant image formed retains a visual perception of being a black toner only image. In an alternate embodiment, the thin layer of non-black toner is applied in response to coated media being processed, such as overhead transparencies, that are more susceptible to hot offset.

Abstract: Hot offset of black toner is reduced or eliminated in a color electrophotographic imaging device, such as a laser printer, by applying a minimal layer of non-black toner in addition to the black toner on a print media. The non-black toner, such as cyan, magenta or yellow toner, acts as a release agent for reducing or eliminating hot offset of the black toner during fusing of the toner to the media. The non-black toner is applied as a thin layer just sufficient to reduce hot offset of the black toner and such that an appearance of a resultant image formed retains a visual perception of being a black toner only image. In an alternate embodiment, the thin layer of non-black toner is applied in response to coated media being processed, such as overhead transparencies, that are more susceptible to hot offset.

Abstract: An image-fixing device for use in an electrophotographic process which includes an electrode (discharge member) on the exit side of a fuser mechanism is disclosed. This mechanism eliminates toner offset without requiring reformulation of the fuser or pressure rollers or restructuring of the fuser, and without compromising the release properties of those rollers. The preferred electrode has a saw-tooth configuration and is placed close to, but not contacting, the pressure roller and the back side of the printed page. A voltage, typically from about 200 to about 1,000 volts is applied to that electrode; the voltage has a polarity which is opposite the charge of the toner on the printed page.

Abstract: A fuser member having a support metallic core and a layer of material formed over the metallic core, the layer including composite material, including a silicone T-resin; a crosslinked poly(dialkylsiloxane) incorporating an oxide, wherein the poly(dialkylsiloxane) has a weight average molecular weight before crosslinking of about 5,000 to 80,000; and a silane crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a developing agent which permits preventing occurrence of offset and spent toner, which permits obtaining a picture image having a sufficiently high image density, which can be used in a fixing device that does not include an oil supply mechanism. The developing agent comprises a coloring agent, a binder containing a polyester resin as a main component, a charge controller consisting of a zirconium complex compound of a salicylic acid derivative, silica subjected to a hydrophobic treatment, and titanium oxide.

Abstract: There is provided a fixing device of an image forming apparatus in which a high quality image can be obtained through a small amount of release agent and toner offset can be prevented for a long period of time without fail. The fixing device includes a pair of fixing rotating bodies being brought into press contact with each other and being rotated, and a release agent application unit for applying a release agent onto a surface of the fixing rotating body, and makes a toner image formed on a recording material by an electrophotographic process pass through a press contact portion of the pair of fixing rotating bodies so that the toner image is fixed. The fixing device further includes a wax agent application unit for applying a wax agent onto the surface of the fixing rotating body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming device for forming an image on a recording material in response to an image on a document. The apparatus also has a glossiness detection device for detecting from the document the level of glossiness of the document image. The image forming device is controlled based on an output from the glossiness detection device. With this construction, the level of glossiness in response to the document image can be reproduced on the recording material, thus improving the quality of reproduced images.

Abstract: A release agent donor member for a toner fixing system, the donor member contains, in order: a base member; an optional intermediate layer; an outermost layer comprising a polymeric composition containing a cured interpenetrating network of fluorocarbon elastomer and one or more silicone resins selected from a polyfunctional poly(C.sub.(1-6) alkyl)siloxane polymer; a polyfunctional poly(C.sub.(1-6) alkyl)arylsiloxane polymer; and combinations thereof; and a release agent.

Abstract: An oil application roller unit including a holder having at least a shaft or bearings, an oil application roller rotatably supported by the holder, and an oil leakage prevention film closely wound around the oil application roller to pack the roller and capable of being pulled out. By pulling the oil leakage prevention film while the oil application roller remains installed in the holder, the oil application roller is rotated, and the oil leakage prevention film can be removed. Since the user is not required to make contact with the oil application roller at the time of unpacking, the hands of the user are not stained. Unpacking can thus be attained safely.

Abstract: A toner fuser roller with suppressed electrostatic charge build-up for fixing a toner image to a receiver includes a core; and an overcoat layer formed over the core and defining the surface that contacts the receiver, such overcoat layer including electrically conductive powders having a weight percentage between about 30 to 80 weight percent so as to make the overcoat layer electrically conductive and suppress electrostatic charge build-up and improve thermal conductivity.

Abstract: An image fixing device is disclosed comprising a heating roll installed with a heater, a pressure roll rotatably pressing against the heating roll, and a thermistor for sensing the surface temperature of the heating roll, wherein a CPU is provided for controlling the surface temperature of the heating roll to an initial fixing control temperature of 1.1 times a normal fixing temperature, when the surface temperature of the heating roll sensed by the thermistor is below one-third of the normal fixing temperature.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus for controlling an oil transfer apparatus to maintain a releasing agent holding layer such that it is not always saturated with the releasing agent. This makes it a compact, cost-effective unit with a long service life and provides a uniform, stable oil coating that eliminates image noise problems. In order to use a constant and minimum necessary amount of releasing agent, a releasing agent supply nozzle is incorporated with multiple protrusive or retrusive droplet growth assisting members at or near multiple releasing agent discharge ports. The supply nozzle used for supplying the oil has multiple discharge holes having approximately equal opening cross-sectional areas and an equalizing member which equalizes the amount of oil discharged from each discharge hole. The outer diameter D1 of the oil supply roller, the outer diameter D2 of the metal core and the distance P of adjacent through-holes formed on the periphery of the metal core satisfy a relation, 0.6<D1.multidot.(D1-D2)/(D2.

Abstract: A fuser member having a) a substrate; and thereover b) a filled polymeric outer layer with a zinc compound dispersed therein; and thereover c) a fluid release agent with molecules having amino functionality.

Abstract: A developing roller rotates in contact with a photoreceptor drum. The developing roller controls a development thorough the formation of a toner layer 50 .mu.m or less in thickness on an outer surface. The photoreceptor drum transfers a toner image formed on the outer surface by the controlled-development onto a medium. A fixation device heat-treats and fixes the toner image transferred onto the medium. A toner for the developing treatment comprises a resin having a Tg of 75.degree. C. or more as at least part of it.

Abstract: A fixing method for fixing an unfixed toner image formed on a recording material by transporting the recording material to a contact portion between a fixing roller and a pressurizing mechanism for pressurizing the surface of the fixing roller is arranged such that the fixing roller surface temperature and the pressurizing mechanism surface temperature at the contact portion while the recording material is being transported therethrough are controlled to fall within a non-offset region in which a sufficient fixing strength for fixing toner onto the recording material can be ensured without generating a high temperature offset, said non-offset region being defined by a critical border line obtained from a function of a fixing roller surface temperature and a pressurizing mechanism surface temperature. According to the described fixing method, an occurrence of an offset can be prevented without an application of an oil, and a toner fixing inferior can be prevented.

Abstract: In a fixing device, a recording material having an unfixed toner image formed thereon is inserted between a pair of rotating members, and the toner image is fixed on the recording material by heating/pressing the recording material having the unfixed toner image formed thereon. By providing the fixing device with a releasing layer, made of a PFA resin having end groups of --CF.sub.3, formed on a surface of a fixing rotating member, which serves as one of the pair of rotating members, contacting the unfixed toner image, and a releasing layer, having a volume resistivity of 10.sup.13 -10.sup.15 .OMEGA..multidot.cm (when applying a DC voltage of 500 V) and made of a PFA resin containing a conductivity providing material, formed on a surface of a pressing rotating member, which serves the other one of the pair of rotating members, a problem of offset is solved.

Abstract: A method and system media sheet handling in an electrophotographic color desktop printer are disclosed wherein a media sheet is imaged with toner on both sides of the media sheet without smudging or remelting the images. The temperature of the fusing roller and the pressure roller are controlled to keep the pressure roller temperature below the toner cold offset temperature.

Abstract: A heat-pressure fixing device for fixing a toner image is composed of a fixing member, a pressure member and an oil applicator for applying dimethylsilicone oil as a release oil. The fixing member is surfaced with dimethylsilicone rubber having a storage modulus E' satisfying 1.0.times.10.sup.6 dyn/cm.sup.2 <E'<1.5.times.10.sup.7 dyn/cm.sup.2 and a loss modulus E" satisfying 1.0.times.10.sup.5 dyn/cm.sup.2 <E"<7.5.times.10.sup.5 dyn/cm.sup.2, and exhibits a good release performance at a low dimethylsilicone oil application rate of 1-20 mg/A4-size (621 cm.sup.2).

Abstract: A fixing device of the belt system is provided in which slippage of a heating belt is prevented from occurring so that a recording member is stably transported, and the inner face of an end portion of the heating belt is prevented from being damaged. In a fixing device, an endless heating belt 34 is supported by a driving roller 31 and a heating roller 33, a pressure roller is pressingly contacted with an outer peripheral portion of the belt so as to form a nip portion, and an unfixed image on a recording medium transported to the nip portion is fixed to the recording medium. The axial lengths L2 of the driving roller 31 and the heating roller 33 are set to be shorter than the width L1 of the belt 34, and the axial length L3 of an oil applying roller 51 which abuts against the outer peripheral portion of the belt 34 to apply oil thereto is set to be shorter than the axial lengths L2 of the driving roller 31 and the heating roller 33.

Abstract: A fuser having an oil applying felt composed of fluororesin fibers and touching to an oil applying roller. The oil applying felt is dipped in oil preserved in an oil tank at one end, so that the oil is elevated through capillarity and supplied to the oil applying roller. The oil applied over the oil applying roller is leveled by an oil limiting blade, and the oil thus leveled is applied to a fusing roller touching the oil applying roller. Meanwhile, a sheet having thereon formed a non-fused toner image is heated and pressed respectively by the fusing roller and a pressure applying roller, whereupon the non-fused toner on the sheet adheres to the fusing roller. The toner then adheres to the oil applying felt through the oil applying roller. However, the oil applying felt is not clogged with the toner because it is made of the fluororesin fibers.

Abstract: A Release Agent Management (RAM) system for a heat and pressure fuser apparatus utilized for fixing color toner images on substrates such as plain paper and transparency material such as Mylar.TM.. A donor/metering roll arrangement is provided with two oil metering blades, one of which is operative during two modes of operation and the other of which is operative during only one of the two modes of operation. During one mode of operation when color toner images are formed on a substrate such as plain paper, only one of the two blades is utilized. During a second mode of operation when color toner images are created on a transparent substrate such as Mylar.TM., both blades engage the surface of the metering roll so that a lesser amount of oil is ultimately conveyed to the surface of the heated fuser roll.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, has a fixing device for fixing a developer image transferred to a transfer medium, such as paper, with a fixing roller whose surface is coated with a release agent, such as oil, and includes at least one feed passage member for conveying, while contacting, a transfer medium to a transfer region of the apparatus. The feed passage member has a release agent absorbing layer on the surface thereof, and is thus advantageous for preventing release agent from being transferred and adhered to a photo-sensitive drum of the apparatus. The release agent absorbing layer of the feed passage member may contain either porous particles or particles and a binder resin, and be formed on another layer for retaining release agent absorbed by the release agent absorbing layer. The feed passage member preferably constitutes a transfer medium carrying member, which may include a dielectric sheet, for supporting and carrying a transfer medium.

Abstract: Wear of the surface of a heating roller caused by toner, paper powder and other like contaminants and a cleaning force are made uniform over a length of a heating roller by setting the press-contact force of a cleaning member with respect to each end portion of the heating roller smaller than the press-contact force at a portion other than the end portions on the basis of a tendency for the distribution of the toner, paper powder and the other like contaminants resulting from the rotation of the heating roller. Five attaching holes are formed at an upstream portion of a lower cover, defining the bottom of a fixing chamber in a fixing unit, lock members are not fitted into the two attaching holes corresponding to the end portions of the heating roller. Lock members are fitted into the other three attaching holes corresponding to the central portion of the heating roller in a state where a base end portion of the elastic spring member is inserted into the three attaching holes.

Abstract: A heat and pressure fuser and Release Agent Management (RAM) systems therefor. The RAM system deposits release agent material on toner images on a substrate such as plain paper. The RAM system includes a rigid metering roll and a pressure roll supported for pressure engagement to form a nip through which a substrate carrying the toner images passes with the toner images contacting the metering roll. Release agent material is applied to the metering roll from a supply with subsequent transfer primarily to the toner images on the substrate.

Abstract: Offset preventing oils for treated (IR light) or untreated zirconia ceramic or its composites fuser rollers are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an oil application roll for electrophotograph fixation, which comprises a roll base, an oil holder provided on the roll base, and a porous fluororesin surface layer provided on the oil holder. The porous fluororesin surface layer has a maximum pore diameter of less than 0.1 .mu.m, an air permeability of 500 to 6000 s/100 cc, and a surface roughness of less than Ra 0.5 .mu.m. There is also provided a method of fabricating an oil application roll for electrophotograph fixation, which comprises the steps of (a) providing an oil holder on a roll base, (b) mounting a cylindrical film consisting of porous fluororesin having a thermal shrinkage of more than 30% onto the oil holder to obtain a roll body, and (c) heating the roll body so that the oil holder is covered with the cylindrical film. The cylindrical film consisting of porous fluororesin has a maximum pore diameter of less than 0.1 .mu.

Abstract: A toner fuser member having improved toner release properties comprises a substrate and an outermost layer comprising a cured fluoroelastomer that includes at least about 21 mole percent of hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and at least 10 parts per weight of a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of cupric oxide, plumbous oxide, and mixtures thereof. Applying to the outermost layer of the fuser member an effective amount of a polymethyldisiloxane (PDMS) release agent that, optionally, includes at least one functional group reactive with the fluoroelastomer, followed by incubation at an elevated temperature, produces a surface having enhanced toner release characteristics on the outermost layer. A process for forming a toner fuser member having improved toner release properties comprises forming on a substrate an outermost layer having the above-described composition of cured fluoroelastomer and metal oxide.

Abstract: A toner fuser member having improved toner release properties comprises a substrate and an outermost layer comprising a cured fluoroelastomer that includes at least about 21 mole percent of hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and at least 10 parts per weight of a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of cupric oxide, plumbous oxide, and mixtures thereof. Applying to the outermost layer of the fuser member an effective amount of a polymethyldisiloxane (PDMS) release agent that, optionally, includes at least one functional group reactive with the fluoroelastomer, followed by incubation at an elevated temperature, produces a surface having enhanced toner release characteristics on the outermost layer. A process for forming a toner fuser member having improved toner release properties comprises forming on a substrate an outermost layer having the above-described composition of cured fluoroelastomer and metal oxide.

Abstract: A fuser for fixing a toner image to a receiver sheet includes a housing, a fusing roller mounted for rotation within the housing, and a rotatable wick for applying offset-preventing liquid to the fusing roller. The rotatable wick is adjustable between a first position in frictional contact with the fusing roller, wherein the rotatable wick is rotated by the fusing roller and applies an amount of offset-preventing liquid to the fusing roller, and a second position spaced from the fusing roller. An actuation structure selectively moves the rotatable wick between its first and second positions. A motor and a transmission interconnecting the motor and the rotatable wick, at least when the rotatable wick is in its second position, are provided to effect rotation of the rotatable wick to inhibit settlement of offset-preventing liquid in the rotatable wick.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus utilizing clear marking particles in the development of an image, the clear marking particles being laid down so as to prevent offset upon fusing of an image to a receiver member. The reproduction apparatus is disclosed as including a dielectric member adapted to have latent images formed thereon. A development station, is provided including a plurality of developer units respectively containing marking particles of different colors, at least one developer unit containing black marking particles and another developer unit containing clear marking particles. The development station selectively develops latent images with marking particles from the developer units respectively. A transfer station serves to transfer developed marking particle images to a receiver member, and a fuser assembly fuses a marking particle image on a receiver member.

Abstract: A heat and pressure fuser and Release Agent Management (RAM) systems therefor. Dual RAM systems are provided. A first RAM system supplies functional release agent material having a relatively high concentration of functional chains (.about.O.05 to 0.3 mol %) to an elastomeric fuser member prior to a second RAM system which supplies release agent material having low functionally or no functionality. The elastomeric fuser member may contain metal oxide particles. The low functionality release agent is relatively non-reactive. Depending on whether the elastomeric member contains the metal oxide particles, the functional chains of the high concentration release agent material which are periodically supplied to the fuser roll surface either attach to the metal particles exposed at the surface of the fuser roll by chemical bonds or to the elastomeric material itself. The non-reactive chains adhere to the functional chains by much weaker physical (such as van der Waals) chains.

Abstract: A heat and pressure fuser and RAM system therefor. The RAM system includes a metering roll, thin film and a metering blade supported for effecting intimate contact between the metering roll and the thin film. The thin film is supported for movement from a supply reel to a take-up reel for periodic movement of a new portion of the film into contact with the metering roll. In this manner, contamination in the area of contact between the metering roll and the thin film is minimized. Moreover, the thin film which has a high surface tension, minimizes blade wear.

Abstract: A fuser for fixing particulate imaging material to a receiver sheet, includes two rollers which engage each other at a fixing nip, wherein pressure is used in fixing the particulate imaging material to the receiver sheet; and at least one of the fusing rollers having a surface formed from zirconia ceramic or its composites which has a hardness greater than 12 GPa and toughness greater than 6 MPa.sqroot.mm.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a heat fixing member is disclosed which includes a cleaning member to be brought into contact with a surface of a heat fixing member, and a wax b held on the cleaning member. Also, a heat fixing method and an image forming method are disclosed which use the cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image an bearing member or members; a movable recording material carrying member for carrying a recording material, with an image being transferred at a transfer position from the image bearing member or members onto a recording material carried on the recording material carrying member; and there are a plurality of recesses extending in a direction of movement of the recording material carrying member, provided on the surface of the recording material carrying member that carries the recording material.

Abstract: A process for fusing a toner image to a substrate includes applying to a fuser member a replenishable layer containing a controlled amount of a wicking agent; the fuser member surface sites reactive to binding with Si--H functional groups included in an organopolysiloxane. The wicking agent have an organopolysiloxane having Si--H functional groups and at least about 1.times.10.sup.-6 weight percent of a metal compound that is effective for promoting reaction between the reactive sites on the fuser member surface and the Si--H functional groups of the organopolysiloxane. The toner image is contacted with a substrate at a temperature sufficient to fuse the toner image to the substrate.

Abstract: An improved fusing apparatus for fixing or fusing images on print media is disclosed wherein a relatively small pressure applying surface, such as the surface of a rotatable pressure wheel, is lubricated with a lubricating medium such as silicone oil, and engages the printed image to apply pressure and fuse the image to the image receiving substrate. The fusing apparatus is mounted for reciprocal back and forth movement across the printed image on the image receiving substrate or medium to fuse the image into the substrate and flatten or smooth the upper exposed surface of the ink image. The pressure wheel is passed in multiple overlapping passes over the printed image to uniformly fuse the image into the media.

Abstract: A fixing roller for thermally fixing an unfixed toner image is comprised of a core cylinder and a fluororesin tube fused on the core cylinder. The core cylinder is provided on its periphery with a minute groove means. On fusing the fluororesin tube on the core cylinder, the minute groove means gives to the surface of the fluororesin tube convexities or concavities extending in parallel in the peripheral direction of the fixing roller.

Abstract: A roller fuser assembly for reproduction systems, including at least two fuser rollers for pressing against their pressure surfaces a printing sheet fed therealong in order to fix toner images present on at least one side of said printing sheet, by the action of pressure and heat. A device applies a release liquid to the pressure surfaces of the fuser rollers. A release liquid container is provided for each fuser roller wherein the two release liquid containers are oblique with respect to one another and are connected to one another by an inclined release liquid collecting and discharge plate. This plate is connected, for liquid discharge, to at least one of the release liquid containers.

Abstract: A fixing device for an image forming apparatus having low heat losses. The fixing device consists of a fixing roller and a compression roller for abutting upon it under pressure. The fixing roller and compression roller have a release layer each formed on the surface of a core metal formed of an aluminum hollow cylinder. The release layer on the surface of the fixing roller is formed of a composite material of metallic powder of good thermal conductive material such as nickel, and fluorine resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyphenylene alkoxyether (PFA), and has spectral emissivity at a wavelength of 5 to 10 .mu.m being within a range of 0.1 to 0.65. The compression roller is provided with a release layer formed of fluorine resin like the conventional one, or the same material as the release layer on the surface of the aforesaid fixing roller, having lower spectral emissivity.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus includes a movable member: a rotatable member for forming a nip with the movable member; wherein a recording material carrying an unfixed toner image is fed by the nip therethrough, and the unfixed toner image is fixed while it is being fed thereby; wherein the rotatable member comprises an electroconductive core, a low resistance layer electrically connected with the core and provided outside the core, and an insulation layer outside the low resistance layer; means for applying a bias voltage to the core of the rotatable member; an insulation member for covering an end surface of the low resistance layer of the rotatable member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming images on both surfaces of a recording sheet. It is discriminated from image signals obtained by scanning a first surface and a second surface of an original which surface has more or less toner consumption, and the image formation sequence is controlled so that an image, which has been judged to have less toner consumption, is first formed on the first surface of the recording medium while an image, which has been judged to have more toner consumption, is formed on the second surface of the recording sheet afterward. Also, in the formation process of the image, which has been judged to have less toner consumption, the fixing roller is not coated with anti-offset liquid, but in the formation process of the image, which has been judged to have more toner consumption, it is controlled so that the fixing roller is coated with the anti-offset liquid.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a paper has an oil applying member for applying oil to a heat roller, and an impurity fixing member for fixing the impurities, including toner and paper dust, to the cleaning member. The impurities transferred from the applying member to the cleaning member are fixed to the cleaning member. As a result, the applying member suffers from a minimum of contamination and can be cleaned when contaminated. This obviates the reverse transfer of the contamination from the applying roller to the heat roller which would lower image quality.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus for an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes: a rotatable heat roll; a heat-resistant elastic member fixedly disposed to form a nip section in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the heat roll, the heat-resistant elastic member being impregnated with a liquid release agent which is supplied to the nip section; and a porous fluororesin film formed by sintering a fluororesin powder for coating a surface of the heat-resistant elastic member coming in contact with the heat roll so that the release agent can be supplied by a predetermined amount while permeating through the film. The porous fluororesin film may include: a film formed by using metal fibers, glass fibers, or the like as a supporting member thereof, and a film formed by applying a gelled dimethyl silicone oil at least to a single surface of the film.