Abstract: A fuser member, fuser assembly and method of fusing or fixing thermoplastic resin powder images to a substrate in a fuser assembly of the type wherein a polymeric release agent having functional groups is applied to the surface of the fuser member is disclosed. The fuser member comprises a base member having at least two layers of elastomer thereon, at least the outer layer elastomer surface having a metal-containing filler therein. Exemplary of such a fuser member is an aluminum base member coated with a first layer of poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) copolymer optionally having a metal-containing filler, such as lead oxide, dispersed therein and at least a second layer of poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) copolymer having metal-containing filler, such as lead oxide, dispersed therein coated upon said first layer.

Abstract: A fusing apparatus for an electrostatic copier has a flexible web rotatably driven between first and second pressure fixing rollers that are further supported by a rotatable, third pressure roller substantially in contact with the web and the second pressure fixing roller. Only the web is heated in an area just prior to the first pressure fixing roller. The entrapped copy sheet follows a concave path formed by the web and the first pressure fixing roller outer diameter, during which time the toner is gradually melted until it is finally pressed and fixed on the copy sheet by the first and second pressure fixing rollers.

Abstract: Heat and pressure fusing apparatus for fixing toner images to copy substrates comprising a first fusing system consisting of a pair of nip forming rolls, one of which is provided with a conformable outer surface and a second fusing system consisting of a pair of nip forming rolls, one of which has a rigid outer surface. Copy substrates are passed sequentially through the nips of the first and second fusing systems, in that order such that the toner images sequentially contact the conformable outer surface and then the rigid outer surface.

Abstract: A heat and pressure roll fusing apparatus for fixing toner images to copy substrates, the toner comprising a thermoplastic resin. The apparatus includes an internally heated, fuser roll cooperating with a backup or pressure roll to form a nip through which the copy substrates pass with the images contacting the heated roll. The heated fuser roll is characterized by an outer layer or surface which by way of example is fabricated from a silicon rubber or Viton material to which a low viscosity polymeric release fluid is applied. Release fluid is contained in a sump from which it is dispensed by means of a metering roll and a donor roll, the former of which contacts the release fluid in the sump and the latter of which contacts the surface of the heated fuser roll.

Abstract: A Yankee clyinder whose internally heated shell consists of steel or cast iron and is provided with an external layer of pure or alloyed copper, molybdenum, tungsten or another metal whose thermal conductivity greatly exceeds (and preferably amounts to at least twice) the thermal conductivity of the material of the shell. The thickness of the layer is in the range of 0.4-2 millimeters, and the thermal expansion coefficient of its material is identical to or approximates that of the material of the shell. The layer can be applied to the periphery of the shell in molten state in the form of a finely atomized spray. The drying action of such cylinder upon a running paper web greatly exceeds the drying action of a cylinder whose shell consists exclusively of cast iron or steel.

Abstract: A heat and pressure roll fusing apparatus for fixing toner images to copy substrates, the toner comprising thermoplastic resin. The apparatus includes a heated fuser roll cooperating with a backup or pressure roll to form a nip through which the copy substrates pass at relatively high (i.e. 12-20 in./sec) speeds with the images contacting the heated roll. The heated fuser roll is characterized by a relatively thick (i.e. 10 mils or greater) outer layer or surface which by way of example is fabricated from a highly insulative material such as silicone rubber or Viton to which a low viscosity polymeric release fluid is applied. Elevating the temperature of the heated roll during a standby or warm-up is accomplished by an internally disposed heating element and the operating temperature thereof during the run mode of operation is effected by an external heater.

Abstract: A drying and fixing device for a recording paper comprises a heat drum and a feeding means cooperated thereto in order to dry and fix the recording paper having developed toner image by contacting the paper to the heat drum. The feeding means comprises feed rollers arranged at the forward direction, viewed in the direction of progress of the recording papers, in conact with the heat drum and feed rollers arranged to the heat drum with a certain distance at the backward direction, viewed in the direction of progress of the recording paper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a copying machine of the type in which a toner image bearing member is passed between heating and pressure rollers for thermally fixing the toner image on such member, in which the rollers are rotated under low pressure by a reversible sub-motor; upon initiating a copying action under high pressure a main motor is used to drive both the rollers and the paper feeding mechanism, while the sub-motor is reversed to actuate a high-pressure forming mechanism. At the end of the copying action, the main motor is cut out and the sub-motor again reversed to its original direction to rotate the rollers under low pressure; rotation of the rollers by the sub-motor may be at a lower speed than when they are driven by the main motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing a toner image on a support by pressing and heating it. To heat the toner image, the apparatus comprises first heating means for heating it with transmission or convection heat and second heating means for heating the same with radiation heat. A detecting means detects the temperature of the first heating means and in accordance with the detected information the second heating means is controlled so as to maintain the thermal condition for fixing in a constant and stable state with improved thermal efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for sterilizing a thermoplastic band used in the production of sterile packs.During the sterilization operation in the sterilization zone the edge of the thermoplastic band which subsequently forms the inside of the pack is applied to a movable sterilization support which is heated to the sterilization temperature and accompanies the band over part of its path to the shaping station located in the sterile enclosure and the contact being maintained between the support and the band until the latter enters the sterile enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for assembling and bonding a pre-cured tread strip to the carcass of a new tire or the casing of a tire to be retreaded wherein the tread is preheated and that heat is utilized to assist in the final bonding of the tread to the carcass. A heated drum is utilized, with the tread being wrapped around the periphery thereof and brought to an elevated temperature following which a roller type transfer mechanism is used to transfer the tread to a tire support and assembly apparatus where a stitcher and locking and sealing ring temporarily secure the tread to the periphery of the carcass with previously applied cushion gum material sandwiched therebetween. A shifting mechanism is then activated to transfer the tire and the tire support and assembly apparatus to a curing chamber where the tread is engaged by a heated belt which, together with the residual heat in the tread, serves to complete bonding of the tread to the carcass.

Abstract: A high efficiency fuser and pressure roll system for fixing xerographic toner particles to a carrier medium such as paper has an axially located cartridge heater element integrally coupled to a plurality of low thermal mass, high thermal conductivity fins for efficiently transferring heat by direct thermal conduction to and supporting the roll surface. The cartridge heater and fuser roll structure are thermally isolated from the shaft mechanism supporting the fuser roll itself. Quick and efficient heating of the roll surface is afforded, radiative transfer of heat being avoided. Further, there is afforded diminished heat loss through undesired heat conduction into the shaft and associated parts of the copier.

Abstract: A contact pressure adjusting device in a combination heating and pressing fixing apparatus for electrophotographic copiers, characterized in that one end of a spring 3, which applies a pressing force to a heating roll 1 and a press roll 2, is mounted on a rotary plate 4 so as to vary the spring load as said rotary plate 4 is rotated to various positions.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus with heat and pressure for electrophotographic copiers, the apparatus comprising a first roll 1, with which a toner image 11 on a paper 10 to be fixed comes into contact, and a second roll 2 placed in pressure contact with said first roll for rotation, said paper 10 passing between both the rolls 1 and 2, characterized in that a heat generating source 3b is provided at least in the second roll 2, a resilient material 5 having a heat-resistant releasing property is coated on the surface of the first roll 1, the surface of the second roll 2 being formed into a metal surface, and a releasing agent 7 containing a functional group is supplied to at least the surface of the second roll 2.

Abstract: A fusing apparatus in which particles are substantially permanently affixed to a sheet. The fusing apparatus includes a fusing member operatively associated with a back-up member to define a nip through which a sheet passes. In the operating mode, the fuser member is heated to the operating temperature with liquid release material being applied thereto. The fuser member is heated to a temperature lower than the operating temperature in the standby mode. To prevent the formation of a bead release material on the fuser member in the standby mode of operation, relative movement is generated between the fuser member and backup member.

Abstract: A thermal fusing assembly having an extended release life is described. Offset preventing fluid depleted from elastomeric offset preventing material on fuser members is replaced by offset preventing fluid from fluid supply means comprising specified elastomeric materials having an inherent capacity for offset preventing fluid, the fluid supply means being journaled in contact with the fuser members.

Abstract: Applicator structure for applying toner offset preventing liquid to a heated fuser roll structure for fusing toner images to copy sheets. The applicator structure comprises a wick member and support therefor wherein the support is characterized by having a plurality of concave surfaces each of which can cooperate with the fuser roll structure to retain a different portion of said wick member in engagement with said fuser roll structure. The support is adapted to be manually repositioned relative to the fuser roll so that each of the concave surfaces can be disposed opposite the fuser roll structure.

Abstract: Roll fuser apparatus for fixing toner images to copy sheets by the application of heat and pressure. The apparatus is characterized by the provision of a backup roll which can be quickly removed from the apparatus with a minimum of handling. To this end the backup roll is supported in the apparatus by a pair of frame members which are bolted to a backup roll support member which forms an integral part of the apparatus. A pair of hook-like members support the backup roll after the bolts have been removed; therefore, the backup roll need not be handled prior to the removal of the bolts and then it can be simply lifted out of the apparatus. Replacement is likewise simple.

Abstract: The heat and pressure rolls of a fusing apparatus for an electrophotographic copying machine are shifted into pressure contact with one another while a support sheet bearing a toner powder image passes therebetween, and are separated while the sheet is not therebetween. A driving mechanism drives both rolls when not in contact, while one of the rolls drives the other while in pressure contact. A shifting mechanism is actuated by a sheet detector for shifting the rolls into and out of contact.In another embodiment, the rolls are in light rolling contact, with no sheet passing therebetween, under the weight of one of the rolls idly mounted in place. A pressing mechanism presses the rolls into pressure contact, upon actuation by a sheet detector, while the sheet passes between the rolls.

Abstract: An image fixing roller having a comparatively long service life and tending to resist the so-called "offset phenomenon" in which portions of the toner image on one sheet adhere to the roller and are transferred onto the next sheet bearing a toner image. The roller has a radially outer layer made of silicon rubber impregnated with silicon oil which is non-tacky, heat resistant and resilient and has hardness of 20 to 70, tear strength of 10 to 15 kg/cm and tensile strength of below 70 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus including an internally heated fuser roll structure comprising a rigid or non-deformable, thermally conductive core to which is supplied a low molecular weight polyethylene release material which forms a toner impenetrable layer thereon. Additionally, in order to facilitate stripping of copy sheets from the fuser roll structure, a second release material, for example, talcum powder which is chemically inert and a solid at the operating temperature of the fuser roll structure is applied either to the toner images contained on the copy paper or to the fuser roll structure to thereby provide a layer of the second release material between the fuser roll structure and the toner.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing electrophotographic images carrying toner powder and comprising an upper heated fixing roller and a lower driven counter roller cooperating with the fixing roller to form a nip for the passage of image bearing sheets to be fixed, the fixing roller having a resilient tubular shell of metal or other material of high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Devices for controlling the heating of fuser roll apparatus are disclosed. In fuser roll apparatus a toner powder image is heated under pressure on a supporting sheet to be fixed thereon. The apparatus comprises a plurality of heaters for heating a fuser roll; and a plurality of surface temperature detecting elements for detecting the surface temperature of the fuser roll, the power to the respective heaters being independently controlled according to detecting signals from the respective surface temperature detecting elements.

Abstract: A fixed drum has input, output and developing segments of aluminum to provide a cool input and output segments thermally separated from a heated developing segment maintained at substantially constant temperature. The film to be developed passes beneath a wire at high electrical potential relative to the drum to receive charge from a corona discharge that produces electrostatic forces securing the film to an endless belt that carries the film around the drum wrinkle-free. A pair of input rubber drive rollers drive the belt around the drum. The film to be processed is placed on the belt between the drive roller and drum. An output pair of metal rollers partially drain the charge from the developed film and belt and guide the film toward the exit slot. The inner surface of the belt is electrically conducting low friction tetrafluoroethylene to allow the belt to move freely around the stationary drum. The belt outer surface is silicon rubber which may be impregnated with carbon.

Abstract: The heat and pressure rolls of a fusing apparatus for an electrophotographic copying machine are shifted into pressure contact with one another while a support sheet bearing a toner powder image passes therebetween, and are separated while the sheet is not therebetween. A driving mechanism drives both rolls when not in contact, while one of the rolls drives the other while in pressure contact. A shifting mechanism is actuated by a sheet detector for shifting the rolls into and out of contact.In another embodiment, the rolls are in light rolling contact, with no sheet passing therebetween, under the weight of one of the rolls idly mounted in place. A pressing mechanism presses the rolls into pressure contact, upon actuation by a sheet detector, while the sheet passes between the rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus for lubricating and/or cleaning a heated fuser roller in a heat-pressure fusing system for electrophotographic copying. The apparatus includes a lubricating and/or cleaning means in contact with the heated fuser roll, the means including a cross-linked polymeric material on its outer surface. The polymeric material may have a leachable lubricating material dispersed therein, for controlled lubrication of the fuser roller. After depletion of the lubricating material, the cross-linked polymeric material then functions to remove and collect the toner particles from the surface of the toner fuser roller. The apparatus is preferably mounted in contact with the fuser roller by a means which permits easy removal and replacement in the field, after the lubricant has been depleted or the polymeric material has become saturated with toner particles.

Abstract: An improved cleaning roller for cleaning the residual toner particles from the heated fuser roll of a heated pressure fusing system in an electrostatic copy machine. The cleaning roller is mounted on a carriage supporting one or more cleaning rollers in contact with the surface of the heated fuser roll. A pressure loading mechanism applies a force on the carriage and cleaning rollers against the surface of the heated fuser roll. Each cleaning roller has a core member which is covered with a sleeve of soft suitable material such that under the pressure loading condition the surface of the cleaning roller conforms to that of the heated fuser roll. The exterior surface of each cleaning roller has a toner coating mixed with silicone oil to insure proper release of the residual toner from the heated fuser roll onto the cleaning roller.

Abstract: Mechanism for latching a backup roll into engagement with a heated fuser roll structure. The mechanism is characterized by a four pivot linkage including a first fixed pivot supporting the backup roll for movement. The linkage is so arranged as to require a minimum force for holding the backup roll in engagement with the fuser roll structure. Solenoid means serves to actuate the linkage mechanism and also provides the means for maintaining roll engagement at a substantially reduced power requirement compared to the actuating power required.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus including an internally heated fuser roll structure comprising a rigid or non-deformable, thermally conductive core capable of interacting with a material applied thereto in such a manner as to form a thermally-stable interfacial coating intermediate the surface of the core and a release coating also formed thereon. The interfacial coating strongly adheres to the core surface and prevents toner material from contacting the outer surface of the core. The combined coatings havve a sub-micron thickness and therefore present a minimal thermal barrier to the energy being conducted outwardly by the core. The fuser assembly is characterized by the provision of means for controlling the interaction between the core and the material.

Abstract: A device comprising an offset preventing liquid supply roller of a novel construction which is capable of supplying a suitable amount of offset preventing liquid in one operation to a fixing roller of an electrophotographic copying apparatus and remaining in sevice over a prolonged time by merely being maintained in contact with the fixing roller with a low force. The supply roller comprises a reservoir disposed in its central portion for containing therein a substantial amount of offset preventing liquid, and a liquid permeable material layer disposed outwardly of the reservoir and capable of being permeated with the offset preventing liquid for supplying to the fixing roller the offset preventing liquid which oozes therethrough.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus wherein toner images are formed on various types of substrates, for example, plain paper and transparency materials such as cellulose acetate or polyester film. The fuser assembly is characterized by a provision of a plurality of fuser rolls forming a pair of nips through which the substrates pass in order to fuse the toner images thereto. Transport mechanism is provided for conveying the substrates to one or the other of the nips depending upon the particular material of the substrate. The surface of the roll provided for contacting the plain paper comprises a hard metal surface and the roll for contacting the toner images carried by the cellulose acetate, etc. comprises an elastomeric surface.

Abstract: Apparatus of the type which fuses toner images onto support material by heat and pressure. A heated fuser roll includes a cylindrical member made of quartz which transmits radiant energy from a lamp source located on the interior of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is covered with a layer made of elastomeric material which also transmits radiant energy. A first reflector member is positioned adjacent the lamp source for focusing the radiant energy along a heat transfer zone segment of the elastomeric layer. Positioned adjacent to the heat transfer zone is a second reflector member to reflect the energy back to the surface of the layer. Tack and detack corotrons tack sheets bearing powder images to be fused to the surface of the elastomeric layer to selectively heat the powder images. A pressure roll forms a nip with the layer at the exit of the heat transfer zone to apply heat and pressure thereat.

Abstract: Contact fuser for a xerographic reproducing apparatus characterized by the provision of means for stripping the copy paper from the heated fuser roll. The stripping means is characterized by the provision of a plurality of finger-like elements which are pivotally mounted such that the pivot point is disposed intermediate the fuser roll and an area contacted by the copy whereby the weight of the copy on the finger-like elements serves to minimize adverse forces of the elements on the fuser roll.

Abstract: Electrophotographic copying apparatus is disclosed including electrically heatable contact fixing means for fixing an electrophotographically produced toner image on an image carrier. The fixing means includes an electroconductive fixing layer mounted in insulated relation upon a continuously moving web which, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a cylindrical member. Heating electrical energy is supplied to said electroconductive fixing layer via contact cap means which are mounted on the ends of the cylinder member and which engage the free edges of the electroconductive layer throughout the length thereof, respectively, and stationary sintered bearing means that are electrically connectd both with the contact means and with the source of electrical energy.

Abstract: A method and a device using a pair of fixing rolls at least one of which is heated so that the two rolls are brought into pressing engagement with each other by thermal expansion of the heated roll. A copy sheet bearing a toner image formed thereon is fed between the two rolls so as to fix the toner image by thermal fusion.

Abstract: Apparatus of the type which fuses toner images onto support material by heat and pressure including an instantly heated fuser roll and a pressure back-up roll having an elastomeric surface. The fuser roll has a cylindrical member made of quartz or other material which transmits radiant energy from a source located on the interior of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has a first layer made of elastomeric material which transmits radiant energy. The first layer is covered with a second layer of material which absorbs radiant energy. A third layer of material covers the second layer of heat absorbing material to effect a good toner release characteristic on the fuser roll surface. The third or image contacting layer may be made of an elastomeric material where dry fusing is preferred or alternatively a rigid material where a silicone oil is applied to the image contact layer to prevent toner offset onto the fuser roll surface.

Abstract: A contact-heat fixing device for electrophotography, characterized in that said fixing device comprises a cleaning member impregnated with an offset preventive liquid and a means for feeding said cleaning member in a state compressedly contacted with a heated body by means of a predetermined compressive force.

Abstract: Contact fusing system for utilization in the process of forming toner images on support sheets. The system is characterized by the provision of structure for cleaning toner material from an elastomeric backup member cooperating with a heated fuser member to move support sheets bearing the toner images therebetween with the toner images contacting the heated member. The cleaning structure comprises a sleeve of tetrafluoroethylene which is heat shrunk onto an angular-shaped support member whereby approximately one-third of the sleeve forms a cleaning surface which is contacted intermediate the ends thereof by the elastomeric backup member.

Abstract: For fixing electrostatically formed images of thermoplastic powder on copy sheets, an elastic roller and a heated rigid roller form a nip through which each sheet is passed with its image side engaged by the elastic roller, and the elastic roller has a pliable annular body formed with circumferential surface grooves or ribs which cooperate with organs of complementary form for separating each sheet from the roller surface behind the nip, yet which provide an even roller surface in the nip by being elastically deformed therein. The rigid roller is formed with circumferential surface grooves which also cooperate with complementary sheet separating organs. The separating organs cooperating with grooves may be blades extending into them behind the nip, or wires extending in them through the nip; those cooperating with ribs may be blades having profiled edges held almost in contact with ribbed regions of the elastic roller surface.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus including an internally heated fuser roll structure comprising a rigid, thermally conductive core which is coated during operation of the assembly with a thin layer of a normally solid thermally stable material with subsequent application of a liquid release agent to the coated core. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the coating material comprises a fluorocarbon telomer such as Vydax 1000 and the liquid release agent comprises a liquid silicone oil.