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

Abstract: A fusing assembly for use in an electrostatographic imaging apparatus includes a release agent donor member having a conformable donor surface comprising the crosslinked product of at least one addition curable vinyl terminated or vinyl pendant polyorganosiloxane having the formula: ##STR1## where A,B and R are methyl or vinyl provided the vinyl functionality is at least 2, 0<s/r.ltoreq.1,350<r+2<2700, a polyfunctional silicone hydride crosslinking agent, a crosslinking catalyst and finely divided filler. In a preferred embodiment the conformable donor surface comprises a rotatable cylindrical roll with a high coefficient of friction which is rotatably driven by frictional contact with a positively driven fuser roll. The release agent may be supplied from a sump by a release agent metering roll.

Abstract: Heat and pressure fusing apparatus having a thin-walled tubular fuser roll cooperating with a rigid pressure roll to pass copy substrates therebetween with the toner images on the substrates contacting the fuser roll. The rolls are supported in pressure engagement such that the axes are skewed relative to each other to compensate for roll deflection aggravated by hoop deflection of the thin-walled fuser roll. Thermal degradation of the elastomeric conformable coating is reduced by standing by at a low temperature and quickly warming up to run temperature.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member for gripping and transporting a recording material to fix a material to be fixed having a predetermined electric polarity onto the recording material, the first rotatable member being positioned to be contacted with the face of the recording material bearing the material to be fixed, and the second rotatable member to be contacted with a back face of the recording material, and at least one of the first and second rotatable members having a surface applied with an electrification agent for generating electric charge through friction with recording material for formation of an electrical field for attaching the material to be fixed onto the recording material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for fixing toner images in which a copy sheet bearing unfixed toner is first passed through a pair of heated fuser rollers and is subsequently passed through surfacing rollers to provide a gloss to the toner image. In order to prevent curling of the copy sheet and blistering of the glossed image, the copy sheet is passed through a conditioner means, located between the fuser rollers and the surfacing rollers, for removing a substantial portion of the moisture from the copy sheet.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a warp sheet of synthetic multifilament yarns is disclosed, and wherein the yarns may be withdrawn from supply packages and advanced along a path of travel in warp sheet form, heated and drawn while in advancing warp sheet form to orient the filaments, and then wound, for example, on a warp beam. Upon detection of a yarn break, the advance of the warp sheet is terminated, and means are provided for interrupting the application of heat to the sheet while the advance is terminated so as to avoid damage to the remaining yarns from a continued application of heat.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heated roll for the thermal treatment of formed products. It includes a driven hollow shaft and a hollow roll body of a circular-ring-shaped cross section and closed on all sides to accommodate a heat transfer medium. Power supply lines for heating elements as well as electric wires of temperature probes are led through the hollow shaft. In order to provide a heated roll to be used without problems both in the low-temperature range and in the high-temperature range up to about 600.degree. C. and to reach a uniform temperature profile over the total operation surface of the roll outer shell and a long service life of the heat transfer medium, without excessive temperature prevailing at the bearings of the driving shaft, and to provide for an easy repair, the hollow shaft is connected with the roll body by a hub. One or several saline compound(s) or (a) low-melting metal(s) or metal alloy(s) are contained in the interior of the hollow roll body.

Abstract: A recording apparatus such as a photocopier, includes a heat fusing device and a power source connected thereto via a power controller. The power controller controls the supply of power to the heat fusing device such that full power is supplied to the heat fusing device during a recording operation, and reduced power is supplied to the heat fusing device during a given period of time beginning from the completion of a recording operation, the power controller reducing the power supplied to the heat fusing device in accordance with a given function of time over the given period of time. The power controller cuts offf completely the supply of power to the heat fusing device at the end of the given period of time beginning after the completion of a recording operation.

Abstract: A thermal fixing apparatus for use with a copying machine or electronic printer in which an operating temperature of the apparatus after energization is quickly reached. A pair of fixing rolls is provided, at least one of which in heated. The outer surface of the other is covered with an elastically deformable outer layer. The two rolls are pressed into abutment with one another to form a nip therebetween of the predetermined width. A plate-shaped heater element is disposed prior to the nip adjacent the path of conveyance of toner-image-bearing paper sheets to be fixed. The plane of the heater element is preferably parallel to the plane of the paper. The surface temperature of the heater element has a temperature higher at central portions than at widthwise ends thereof to provide uniform fixing conditions.

Abstract: A heating-fixing roller has over the axial direction thereof a heat-generating layer formed via the step of mixing a raw material capable of obtaining a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity characteristic by baking and a binder for holding the raw material and forming an unbaked annular substrate and the step of providing an electrode to which an applied voltage is supplied on the mixture during the forming step, and thereafter via the step of baking the unbaked annular substrate on which the electrode is formed. The heat-generating layer has a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity characteristic after the baking and has the electrode formed on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A heating device having a heating roller for heat-treating an object to be heated or for heat-treating an object to be heated on a support member comprises a heat loss preventing device for preventing heat loss at the end portions of the roller, and a heating device provided internally or externally of the roller to efficiently heat the heating roller and secure a uniform heat distribution on the surface of the roller during heat treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roll-fusing apparatus comprising a heated fusing roller and a pressure roller which form a roller gap therebetween. The shape of the non-cylindrical roller core and the coating of the pressure roller makes it possible to fuse the toner images on copy supports which remain free of wrinkles after passing through the roller gap. In addition, duplication of the copy image does not occur up to DIN A1 size copies. The roller core and the coating of the pressure roller, comprising a silicone elastomer coating and a shrunk-on tubing have varying thicknesses over the length of the roller. As a result, the speed of passage of the copy support at the edges of the roller gap is modified, compared with the speed of passage obtained with a pressure roller having a cylindrical roller core and a cylindrical coating.

Abstract: An apparatus in which an image on a sheet of support material is fused thereto. A fuser roller is arranged to contact the sheet of support material having the image to be fused thereon. The fuser roller has a heating element disposed internally and extending substantially along the longitudinal axis thereof. The heating element is asymmetrical with respect to a reference axis extending through the center of the fuser roller and normal to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A release agent applicator for use with a copying machine providing even application of the release agent to a fixing roll of a plain paper copying machine with little leakage of the release agent. A porous polyethylene tetrafluoride resin tube is accommodated in a divided-type support composed of two members which, when joined together, form a longitudinally extending opening having a width smaller than the maximum width of a cavity formed inside the support. The major portion of the outer surface of the porous resin tube is in contact with abutting walls of the cavity to be sealed thereby, and the remaining portion of the tube surface extends outwardly through the support opening to provide a release agent outlet. Both the porous tube and the support may be provided with air inlets having the diameter greater than the diameters of the pores in the porous tube to introduce air into the interior of the porous tube.

Abstract: An improved release agent applicator for use with a copying machine in which a porous polyethylene tetrafluoride resin tube is installed in a support with the part of the tube which forms an outlet for the release agent contained in the tube projecting from an opening in the support. The outer surface of the porous tube is covered with a film of a polymer having a low melting point, such as polyethylene. When the applicator is installed, the normal heating of the fixing roll causes the polymer film to melt, opening the applicator for use. Accordingly, leakage from the applicator prior to use is prevented.

Abstract: A fixing device including a heating roller and a pressure applying roller maintained in pressing contact with each other and allowing a toner image bearing recording sheet to pass therebetween has a heat insulating structure enclosing at least a portion of the fixing device and a multiple wall structure for defining an air passage.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a first rotary member and a second rotary member for pinching and transporting a bearing member for fixing a toner image formed thereon. The first and second rotary members are pressed to each other. At least the first rotary member is provided with a surfacial layer containing a mixture of fluorinated rubber and fluorinated resin powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing device comprising a curved heating plate which is heated by means of a temperature controlled electrical main heating system and an electrical stand-by heating system. The main heating system comprises two heating means mounted on the underside of the heating plate, between which is disposed a bar- or plate-shaped stand-by heating means.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for applying a releasing agent to a fixation roller so that toners are not undesirably built up on the rollers and unwanted spots on a document being reproduced are avoided. The releasing agent includes a polypropylene powder dispersed in silicone oil wherein the powder and oil are heated to raise the powder to a molten state and the powder and oil are then cooled forming fine particles of polypropylene powder that do not tend to float on the top of the silicone oil.

Abstract: A gas heated direct fired center tube revolving ironer for use in an automated fabric ironing environment features improved roller surface temperature distribution control. An adjustable hot air recirculation system with a venturi throat, a high momentum gas burner, an improved temperature control system and an exhaust blower cooperate to provide an even temperature along the ironing surface. Multiple high and low temperature controls provide backup and ensure accuracy and safety. The gas fuel consumption is minimized thereby reducing operating costs.

Abstract: A temperature control arrangement for a heat roller, which includes an infrared sensor unit disposed in the vicinity of the heat roller and including a pyroelectric infrared sensor, a chopper mechanism and a reference temperature measuring heat sensitive element, a set temperature signal generation circuit for the heat roller, a comparison circuit for comparing a temperature detection value of the heat roller as detected by the sensor unit with the set temperature signal from the set temperature signal generation circuit, and a control circuit for subjecting a heater element of the heat roller to on/off control based on a comparison signal of the comparison circuit.

Abstract: Thermal conservation apparatus for use in reproduction apparatus in which copy sheets carrying unfused images are moved successively along a path through a heated fuser. The thermal conservation apparatus includes a moveable gate assembly located adjacent to the heated fuser in the sheet path. A control is coupled to the gate assembly for opening the assembly to pass a copy sheet and for closing the assembly when a copy sheet is not passing to minimize the loss of thermal energy from the heated fuser along the sheet path. The gate assembly may include gates at both the entrance to or exit from the fuser or at either location. The control maintains the gate assembly continuously open when successive sheets are spaced closely together to facilitate movement of the sheets through the fuser. The gate assembly may include members on opposite sides of the path which are moveable towards and away from one another to closed and open positions.

Abstract: A heat roller fixing device for use in an electrophotographic copying apparatus and the like, which includes a heating roller constituted by a fluorine resin layer laminated on an electrically conductive core member through a primer layer, the heated roller being driven for rotation, and a pressure roller constituted by an electrically insulative layer on another electrically conductive core member and held in contact with the heating roller for simultaneous rotation with the heating roller so as to fix a charged toner image formed on copy paper onto the copy paper by causing the copy paper carrying the toner image thereon to pass between the heating roller and pressure roller. The primer layer is composed of a primer having incorporated therein an electrically conductive material, and the primer of the primer layer is partly exposed at the surface of the fluorine resin layer.

Abstract: Copying apparatus for repeated image processing on a copy sheet wherein an image is formed on one surface of a copy sheet, the sheet after which is directed to an image processing station so that an image may be formed on the other surface of the sheet, whereby image processing is repeatedly effected. The apparatus includes a final fixing device for finally completing the fixation of the printed sheet, and an intermediate fixing device for preliminarily effecting pre-fixation of the sheet before the sheet passes through the final fixing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roll-fusing apparatus comprising an internally heated fusing roller and a pressure roller including a coated roller core which has a cylindrical inner surface and an outer surface which is extended to give a saw-toothed or scalloped, repeatedly bent configuration. The coating of the roller core comprises a silicone elastomer which has a cylindrical outer configuration, and the inside of the coating is firmly bonded to the shaped outer surface of the roller core, such that the thickness of the coating varies over the length of the roller. In the roller gap of the roll-fusing apparatus, a passage speed profile is generated which shows a minimum in each of the two external zones of the pressure roller and in the middle of the roller and the maxima of which are located in the boundary surfaces between the central zone and the left-hand and right-hand external zones.

Abstract: An improved fusing system for fusing toner images to copy sheets has a first roll and second and third rolls each in contact with the first roll to form a first nip between the first and second rolls and a second nip between the first and third rolls. Dual paper paths are provided with first feed means for feeding copy sheets to the first nip and second feed means for feeding copy sheets to the second nip. This permits copy sheets to pass through the fusing system in different directions which is important when there are paper path constraints as in duplex systems.

Abstract: An elastomer member with non-tacky surface treating layer is disclosed as well as a method of manufacturing same. An elastic adhesive layer is provided between a base elastomer member and a non-tacky surface treating layer which comprises hydrocarbon polymer, thereby improving the bonding strength of the surface treating layer and the resistance to organic solvent and crack resistance.

Abstract: A pressure fixing device including a pair of pressure rolls formed of metal which are maintained in pressing contact with each other and allow a support member supporting thereon a toner image to pass therebetween. At least the pressure roll coming into contact with the toner image has a coarse surface having a surface coarseness of over 1.9 .mu.m (Ra). A cleaning felt member may be provided which is adapted to come into contact with the pressure roll not coming into contact with the toner image, and a heat generating member may be arranged around the pressure roll coming into contact with the toner image, to thereby heat the pressure roll to a temperature below 80.degree. C.

Abstract: A fuser member for electrostatographic reproducing apparatus is provided which has a rigid core having coated thereon a thin layer of a composition which comprises the crosslinked product of a mixture of about 100 parts by weight alpha omega-hydroxypolydimethylsiloxane, about 190 to 250 parts by weight total alumina, comprising from about 60 to about 90 percent by weight of finely divided tabular alumina and from about 10 to about 40 percent by weight calcined alumina, together with effective amounts of a crosslinking agent and a crosslinking catalyst.

Abstract: In a method for the formation of images such as an electrophotographic method in which toners are used, when a heat roller is used for fixing toner images, the durability and the heat efficiency of the heat roller is improved reducing the wall thickness of the cylindrical metal of the heat roller, shortening the warming-up time, using a material having a substantial Young's modulus, and by shortening the outer diameter of the cylindrical metal, respectively.With respect to toners specifically used for the above, stains on an image carrier are prevented by making use of a binder that is fused at a heating temperature of the heat-fixing roller and is increased in the elasticity of the toner at the same temperature or higher. Such binders may be obtained by copolymerizing a polyhydric alcohol and/or a polyhydric amine, and a polyhydric carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A member has a compliancy which changes at elevated temperatures. The member is useful as a fuser member such as a fuser roller for applying heat and pressure to a toner image carried by a receiver to fuse the image without introducing fuser-related image defects. The fuser member includes an elastomeric material incorporating particles of a material which is solid at ambient temperatures but which becomes fluid at fusing temperatures, thus making the elastomeric material more compliant.

Abstract: A modular, demountable toner fuser assembly for electrographic printing/copying apparatus wherein oppositely disposed adjustable tensioning members are coupled to a dead center linkage such that a pair of confronting pressure rollers operably associated with the dead center linkage can be moved relative to one another so as to provide suitable fusing pressure while being automatically instantly separables in response to any exigency e.g. items jams, tearing, crumpled paper or other nonfeed conditions.

Abstract: A release agent management (RAM) system for use with a heat and pressure fuser. The system is characterized by the use of a simple reciprocating, positive displacement pump for delivering silicone oil to the heated roll of the fuser. The pump is actuated in response to the fuser rolls being engaged and disengaged, such movement being adapted to act against one or the other of a pair of springs which in cooperation with the oil being pumped forms a damper system which is utilized to control the quantity of oil delivered. The springs and oil cause the velocity of the pump's piston to decay with time which results in more oil being pumped initially.

Abstract: A heat and pressure fuser apparatus for fixing toner images to a substrate. The apparatus is characterized by a low cost release agent management (RAM) system which delivers an excess (i.e. amount greater than required for offset prevention) quantity of silicone oil to the roll surface such that paper fibers and other contaminents are flushed from the surface of the fuser roll and conveyed into the release agent sump.

Abstract: Fuser apparatus including a fuser member movable along a continuous path having a layer with a surface for fusing a toner image carried by a support brought into contact with the fusing surface. The layer is preferably resilient and includes at least one continuous tunnel disposed beneath the surface and a self-sealing slit communicating between the tunnel and the surface. A support-separating member is provided having an end configured to penetrate the slit and to follow in the tunnel as said fuser member is moved along the continuous path to separate a support from the fuser member.

Abstract: A toner image fixing device for fixing a toner image carried on a support material onto the support material through heat fusing includes a fixing roller provided with a heating element and a pressure roller arranged to contact, under pressure, the fixing roller for passing the support material between the fixing roller and the pressure roller. The toner image fixing device further includes a contact and spacing mechanism for causing the pressure roller selectively to contact or to be spaced from the fixing roller through utilization of expansion and contraction of an object or substance following turning-on and turning-off of the power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a toner image by transporting a toner image bearing material as it is held between a fixing roll and a compression roll. In the apparatus, which is positioned above the fixing roll, a release agent having a viscosity of 50 to 100,000 cS is applied onto the surface of the fixing roll through a porous fluorocarbon resin membrane having a pore size of 0.01 to 10 .mu.m, a porosity of 35 to 85%, and a thickness of 50 .mu.m to 1 mm. The porous membrane may be located on the inner surface of the bottom of a tank containing the release agent above an opening in the tank bottom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing apparatus for use in electrophotographic copying machine or other image forming apparatus such as data recorder. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fixing apparatus of the type in which a toner image bearing member is pressed by a nip pressure between a pair of rotary members so as to fix the toner image onto the bearing member. The fixing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by the provision of limiting device for restraining the inter-axis distance between the two rotary members from increasing more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A heat roller fixing device comprising a changeover arrangement to be selectively changed over in accordance with thickness of a copy paper, and a control circuit for causing a heating roller and a pressure roller in pressure contact with the heating roller to rotate when the changeover arrangement has been changed over to a thick paper and for stopping the rotation of the heating roller and pressure roller when the surface of the heating roller has reached a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a heat roller fixing device for use in an electrophotographic copying apparatus and the like, which includes a heating roller constituted by laminating an offset prevention layer on an electrically conductive core member and having a heating element incorporated in it so as to be driven for rotation by a driving unit, and a pressure roller constituted by forming an electrically insulative layer on another electrically conductive core member and held in contact under pressure with the heating roller for simultaneous rotation with the heating roller, so as to fix toner image formed on copy paper onto the copy paper by causing the copy paper carrying the toner image on it, to pass between the heating roller and pressure roller. The offset prevention layer is composed of fluorine resin containing carbon fibers in a combined amount of less than 30%.

Abstract: A roller supporting arrangement for an electrostatic copying apparatus having a plurality of pairs of copy paper transport rollers spaced along a copy paper transport passage includes a support frame for supporting the lower rollers of the respective pairs of transport rollers. A support shaft is mounted horizontally to a copying apparatus housing, by which the support frame is rotatably supported. A device is provided for pushing up the support frame and for releasing the support frame from the push-up force to be turned downward about the support shaft. Since the lower rollers of the pairs of the rollers mounted at the copy paper sheet transport passage are connected pivotally to the support frame which is rotatable about the horizontal support shaft, it is easy to open the copy paper sheet transport passage when a copy paper is jammed in the copy paper sheet transport passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the application of fuser release material such as fuser oil to a roller fuser in an electrographic copier. The number of fixable images or the number of photoconductor frames are counted after the start of a copy run and compared with the number of copies which exit from the copier to determine if the two counts bear a preselected numerical relationship to each other. If they do, fuser oil is applied to the roller fuser; if they do not, application of fuser oil is discontinued until the two counts bear such numerical relationship.

Abstract: An early roll closure method and apparatus associated with an electrophotographic or xerographic device for fixing a toner image onto a copy sheet by application of heat and pressure. A lower closing force is exerted on the fuser rollers during early roll closure than when fixing an image to a copy sheet. The use of a backup roll made of bare metal facilitates this technique. This early roll closure method also allows the temperature of the heated fuser roll to be reduced along the entire circumference. The early roll closure is only allowed to occur on the first sheet of a copy or fusing run.

Abstract: A roller type fixing unit for a copying machine which has an opening and closing frame part or lid also has a pair of rollers for thermally fixing a thermoplastic toner image on a sheet. A link mechanism transmits and multiplies the force required to close the frame part or lid to a movable lever which forms a part of the link mechanism. The movable lever supports one of the rollers and presses it against the other roller when the frame part is closed. When the frame part is opened, a spring biases the movable lever so that the roller which it supports is moved away from the other roller. Thus, a jammed sheet can readily be removed from the copying machine.

Abstract: A heat and pressure roll fusing apparatus for fixing toner images to copy substrates. The apparatus includes a release agent management system (RAM) for applying release agent such as functional silicone oil to a heated roll of the apparatus. The RAM comprises a donor roll, a metering roll and a metering blade which cooperate to convey silicone oil from a sump to the surface of the heated roll. The metering roll which is contacted by the metering blade is provided with a helical groove which acts to scrape the tip of the metering blade as the metering roll rotates and move paper related residue dislodged therefrom to the end of the metering roll where it is collected for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: In electrostatic recording apparatus of the type in which a toner image is applied to a transfer medium such as paper, the transferred image is fixed as by passing the paper between a heated roller and a pressure roller. The present invention temporarily raises the temperature of the heated roller only during the fixing and copying operation to compensate for the heat loss to the paper and pressure roller. Thus proper fixing of the image is assured with a minimum expenditure of energy.

Abstract: An image fixing device having at least a pair of rotatable members for fixing a toner image on an image supporting material. In order to provide a simple structure in which the image supporting material can be readily and positively removed during jamming or the like, the apparatus includes a discharge device selectively shiftable between a normal position and a temporal retracted position, a first power transmitting member for applying a driving force to one of the rotatable members, a second power transmitting member for applying a driving force from a source of power to the first power transmitting member, cooperating elements for positioning the first and second power transmitting members selectively at an operative position in which the members cooperate to transmit the driving force and at an inoperative position in which the first power transmitting member is separated from the second power transmitting member, and a manually operable member for rotating at least one of the pair of rotatable members.

Abstract: An image fixing device having a rotatable fixing member to fix a toner image formed on an image holding member by an image forming process such as electrophotographic process, electrostatic recording process, magneto-photographic process, etc. under pressure or heat application to the image holding member; a thin film member holding therein a parting or releasing agent; and a plurality of urging members to be press-contacted to the fixing member through the thin film member. The device has such effects that it exhibits satisfactory cleaning effect of the rotatable fixing member over a long period of time, enables the parting agent to be uniformly and stably applied onto the fixing member, and prevents an offset phenomenon from occurring by synergistic effects of the satisfactory cleaning and the uniform liquid application, thereby improving the life of the fixing roller to a remarkable extent.

Abstract: A two piece articulated stripping device is provided, having an elongate member pivotally connected to a fixed support on a copier so that a free end of the member is in juxtaposition with the outer surface of a heated fuser roll.