Abstract: A high speed heat and pressure belt fuser apparatus or structure for fixing toner images including an endless belt and a pair of pressure members between which the endless belt is sandwiched for forming a fusing nip through which substrates carrying toner images pass with the toner images contacting an outer surface of the endless belt. Thus, one of the pressure rolls is supported internally of the endless belt while the other pressure roll is supported externally of the belt. The belt has at least one conformable or deformable layer which cooperates with a deformable or conformable layer on at least one of the pressure members to provide a large nip that yields high gloss images, long belt life, minimal edge wear and reliable stripping at high speeds. Effective substrate stripping is accomplished by wrapping a portion of the belt about the external roll in a post-nip area.

Abstract: A high speed heat and pressure belt fuser apparatus or structure for fixing toner images including an endless belt and a pair of pressure members between which the endless belt is sandwiched for forming a fusing nip through which substrates carrying toner images pass with the toner images contacting an outer surface of the endless belt. Efficient uniform heat transfer to a fusing belt, especially belts with macro non-uniformities and/or a rough surface, for enabling better toner fusing uniformity, preventing localized cold offset and extending belt life is effected by the addition of a spring loaded mechanism inside a belt module within the region of contact with the External Heat Roll (EHR). Such an arrangement produces superior contact and therefore better heat transfer to the belt. A positive and consistent heating contact is essential for uniform and high image gloss.

Abstract: A high speed heat and pressure belt fuser apparatus or structure for fixing toner images including an endless belt and a pair of pressure members between which the endless belt is sandwiched for forming a fusing nip through which substrates carrying toner images pass with the toner images contacting an outer surface of the endless belt. Thus, one of the pressure rolls is supported internally of the endless belt while the other pressure roll is supported externally of the belt. The belt has at least one conformable or deformable layer which cooperates with a deformable or conformable layer on at least one of the pressure members to provide a large nip that yields high gloss images, long belt life, minimal edge wear and reliable stripping at high speeds. Effective substrate stripping is accomplished by wrapping a portion of the belt about the external roll in a post-nip area.

Abstract: A water filter assembly allowing for uniform placement in refrigerators at the point of refrigerator manufacture, includes a self-contained unit, including a filter component, inlet and outlet connections, and water storage means all housed in one unit for placement, in its entirety, in the refrigerator during manufacture thereof with only a single point of inlet coupling to a refrigeration system of the refrigerator, the single point of coupling being to an internal refrigerator water supply. A method for uniform placement of a water filter assembly in refrigerators at the point of refrigerator manufacture is further included.

Abstract: A heat and pressure belt fuser structure having an endless belt and a pair of pressure engageable members between which the endless belt is sandwiched for forming a fusing nip through which substrates carrying toner images pass with the toner images contacting an outer surface of the endless belt, at least one of the pressure engageable members has a deformable layer, and the endless belt has a thickness of from about 1 to about 8 mm; and the fuser structure includes an external source of thermal energy for elevating a pre-nip area of the belt. The thick belt in combination with a deformable layer of at least one of the pressure member(s) cooperate to provide a large nip and adequate creep for intrinsic paper stripping.

Abstract: An electronic message, or e-mail, management system having a digital computer for accepting e-mail messages; a program interface for automatically transferring received electronic messages to a database; a structured database for storing the received electronic messages in a predetermined format; and an interface for allowing a customer service representative, at a remote computer, to access, and respond to, the electronic messages stored at the database.

Abstract: A cartridge based water purification and filtration system which permits cartridge changes without drainage at the input and output ports. Interlocking flanges at the manifold and cartridge lock the cartridge to the manifold and raised surfaces at the cartridge operate the inlet valve with a rotational seating of the cartridge. A spring biased inlet valve depends from a supply manifold input port and cooperates with the filter cartridge to prevent forward flow until the cartridge is seated to the manifold. The check valve includes a split stem which prevents chatter with valve operation.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction machine including a contact belt fusing apparatus for fusing copy sheets without belt skew defects. The fusing apparatus includes an endless fusing belt having an external fusing surface defining a path of movement and a plurality of support rollers for supporting and moving the endless fusing belt along the path of movement. The endless fusing belt as supported has a preferred fusing position properly aligned on the plurality of support rollers. The fusing apparatus includes a pressure roller forming a fusing nip with the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt for contacting and moving toner image carrying sheets therethrough. Importantly, the fusing apparatus also includes a dual function belt deskewing and oiling assembly for oiling the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt and deskewing the fusing belt from a sensed skewed position to the preferred fusing position.

Abstract: A contact belt fusing apparatus is provided for reducing sheet edge wear defects in fused copies. The fusing apparatus includes an endless fusing belt having an external fusing surface defining a path of movement and a plurality of support rollers for supporting and moving the endless fusing belt along the path of movement. The endless fusing belt as supported has a first fusing position aligned on the plurality of support rollers at a first location, and at least a second fusing position aligned on the plurality of support rollers at a second location that is spaced axially from the first location thereon. The fusing apparatus also includes heating member for heating the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt, and a pressure roller forming a fusing nip with the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt for contacting and moving toner image carrying sheets therethrough, the toner image carrying sheets having edges that induce wear on the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction machine including a contact belt fusing apparatus for fusing copy sheets without belt skew defects. The fusing apparatus includes an endless fusing belt having an external fusing surface defining a path of movement and a plurality of support rollers for supporting and moving the endless fusing belt along the path of movement. The endless fusing belt as supported has a preferred fusing position properly aligned on the plurality of support rollers. The fusing apparatus includes a pressure roller forming a fusing nip with the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt for contacting and moving toner image carrying sheets therethrough. Importantly, the fusing apparatus also includes a dual function belt deskewing and heating assembly for heating the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt and deskewing the fusing belt from a sensed skewed position to the preferred fusing position.

Abstract: A cartridge based water purification and filtration system which permits cartridge changes without drainage at the input and output ports. Interlocking flanges at the manifold and cartridge lock the cartridge to the manifold and raised surfaces at the cartridge operate the inlet valve with a rotational seating of the cartridge. A spring biased inlet valve depends from a supply manifold input port and cooperates with the filter cartridge to prevent forward flow until the cartridge is seated to the manifold. The check valve includes a split stem which prevents chatter with valve operation. A check valve at the output port cooperates with a sealed bayonet fitting that mates to a concentric outlet port at the cartridge to prevent back flow with cartridge removal.

Abstract: An electronic message, or e-mail, management system having a digital computer for accepting e-mail messages; a program interface for automatically transferring received electronic messages to a database; a structured database for storing the received electronic messages in a predetermined format; and an interface for allowing a customer service representative, at a remote computer, to access, and respond to, the electronic messages stored at the database.

Abstract: A cartridge based water purification and filtration system which permits cartridge changes without drainage at the input and output ports. Interlocking flanges at the manifold and cartridge lock the cartridge to the manifold and raised surfaces at the cartridge operate the inlet valve with a rotational seating of the cartridge. A spring biased inlet valve depends from a supply manifold input port and cooperates with the filter cartridge to prevent forward flow until the cartridge is seated to the manifold. The check valve includes a split stem which prevents chatter with valve operation. A check valve at the output port cooperates with a sealed bayonet fitting that mates to a concentric outlet port at the cartridge to prevent back flow with cartridge removal.

Abstract: A cartridge based water purification and filtration system which permits cartridge changes without drainage at the input and output ports. Interlocking flanges at the manifold and cartridge lock the cartridge to the manifold and raised surfaces at the cartridge operate the inlet valve with a rotational seating of the cartridge. A spring biased inlet valve depends from a supply manifold input port and cooperates with the filter cartridge to prevent forward flow until the cartridge is seated to the manifold. The check valve includes a split stem which prevents chatter with valve operation. A check valve at the output port cooperates with a sealed bayonet fitting that mates to a concentric outlet port at the cartridge to prevent back flow with cartridge removal.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge for use in a water filtration system comprises a generally cylindrical ceramic pre-filter having a chamber containing a purification resin. An exit cap having a porous disc therein is attached at a first end of the pre-filter. Water to be filtered passes radially through the pre-filter into the chamber. The water then passes through the purification resin and the porous disc and exits the water filter cartridge through an opening in the exit cap. The ceramic pre-filter can be cleaned when it begins to lose its effectiveness, enabling it to be reused.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus outwardly resembles a traditional nursing bottle assembly. The bottle has an internal but open ended receptacle to hold medicine, and the nipple has an integral tube to connect the receptacle to a nipple outlet hole to dispense the medicine. Simultaneous dispensing of the medicine along with the liquid inside the bottle is obtained. A syringe fits inside the receptacle and allows regulated dispensing of medicine.

Abstract: An orally usable filter straw for the purification of water by forced movement of the water through the straw. The straw includes an elongated tubular conduit having an inlet for reception of the water at a distal end of the conduit and having an outlet at a proximal end of the conduit for expulsion of the treated water. Beginning at the inlet of the straw, the straw includes the following materials retained within the conduit: a removably mounted filter, a purification resin, activated carbon granules, and a bactericide resin. A mouthpiece is mounted at the outlet of the conduit to allow the device to be suitably received by a human user. The straw includes a series of porous spacers positioned within the conduit to segregate the materials retained within the straw.

Abstract: An energy conversion system utilizing gravity flow of water from a high elevation to sea level utilizing gravity to provide large pressure gradients in pipe lines as large quantities of water move from a high elevation at low pressure to low elevations at high pressure and then move under controlled conditions to low atmosphere pressure to operate electrical generators to generate large amounts of electrical current which can be effectively used for electrolysis separation of large volumes of hydrogen gas and oxygen from water and for other purposes.