Abstract: A self-acting air bearing operable at very high speed in a non-vertical spin axis in a beam scanning optical system provides precise rotation of a rotable hologon disk. Pretreatment of the bearing surfaces with a residual boundary lubricant allows reliable operation over an extended series of start/stop cycles. The tilt of the bearing/disk assembly allows the construction of an optical system more compact than in conventional hologon beam scanning systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying a web comprises a pair of spaced parallel plates defining a channel there between of predetermined thickness and length for receiving the web. The plates are provided with juxtaposed elongated openings respectively for injecting drying air into the channel on opposite sides of the web. Air under pressure is supplied to the openings to establish a high velocity laminar flow of air from the openings in opposite directions along the surface of the web. Air is evacuated from the channel on opposite sides of the web at a predetermined distance from said openings to maintain the heat transfer rate in the air higher than the heat transfer rate in the web.

Abstract: A web treatment apparatus comprises a means defining a channel through which the web is transported. Treatment fluid is injected into the channel on opposite sides of the web at spaced injection sites and evacuated from the channel on opposite sides of the web at spaced evacuation sites. The injection sites and evacuation sites alternate so that injected fluid is evacuated from adjacent evacuation sites. The streams of evacuated fluid are combined such that streams varying in flow path length and chemical depletion are sequentially mixed together in an ordered sequence prior to reinjection into the chemicals. In one embodiment means are also provided for sequentially dividing the fluid flow from a recirculation pump into fluid streams that are supplied to the injection sites.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying webs of light sensitive material comprises means defining a channel for receiving a web, a plurality of elongated spaced injection slits for applying drying fluid to opposite sides of the web, and a plurality of elongated spaced evacuation slits for evacuating drying fluid from opposite sides of the web. The injection and evacuation slits are substantially parallel and angularly oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the web.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a web with a fluid comprises means defining an elongated channel for receiving the web. The fluid is injected into the channel on opposite sides of the web at one or more injection sites. Fluid is evacuated from the channel on opposite sides of the web at one or more evacuation sites. Each injection site is located between two evacuation sites and spaced therefrom such that fluid will flow in opposite directions from the injection site to the adjacent evacuation sites with laminar flow and be evacuated from the channel when the boundary layer of the fluid reaches a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A holographic scanning motor is disclosed that includes a ring shaped rotor, a hologon scanning disc located within the ring shaped rotor, an air bearing assembly on which the rotor rides, and a stator assembly coupled to the air bearing assembly by a sleeve structure, wherein the sleeve structure includes at least one vent hole. The rotor is Y-shaped which permits a very compact planar motor design. Further reductions in size are accomplished by locating the permanent rotor magnets within the stem of the rotor. Additional cooling capacity is provided by mounting at least one fan blade adjacent to the hologon scanner disc on at least one side of the rotor. A mounting pad for the hologon scanning disc is also provided that has a higher thermal resistance than the rotor.

Abstract: Toner images are fused to a substrate, such as paper, with a heated fusing member having a silicone elastomer fusing surface by coating the elastomer fusing surface with a toner release agent which includes an unblended polydimethyl siloxane having a kinematic viscosity of from about 7,000 centistokes to about 20,000 centistokes. In a preferred embodiment the polydimethyl siloxane oil has a kinematic viscosity of from about 10,000 to about 16,000 centistokes and the fuser member is a fuser roll having a thin layer of a crosslinked product of a mixture of .alpha..omega.-dihydroxypolydimethyl siloxane, finely divided tabular alumina and finely divided iron oxide.

Abstract: Fuser apparatus includes a heated fuser member, such as a fuser roller, for fusing a toner image carried by a support moved into contact with the member at a fusing region. The apparatus includes an assembly located in advance of the fusing region and external to the fuser member for maintaining the temperature of the fuser member at the fusing region substantially uniform along the length thereof by redistributing heat from hotter regions to colder regions along the length of the member. The assembly preferably includes a heat pipe which engages the fuser member in advance of the fusing region. The heat pipe may also apply release material to the fuser member and be heated to heat the fuser member.