Abstract: A roll fuser structure for a xerographic reproducing apparatus. The contemplated roll fuser comprises a fuser roll member having an outer layer of silicone rubber which is externally heated by a source of radiant thermal energy adapted to raise the temperature thereof to approximately 300.degree. F. The energy source is positioned adjacent the inlet of a nip formed between the fuser roll and a backup roll such that part of the energy therefrom impinges on the fuser roll surface and part of the energy impinges on the toner images carried by the support member prior to the images being contacted by the heated fuser roll member. By so positioning the energy source, it is possible to reduce the operating temperature of the fuser roll to 300.degree. F. and still satisfactorily fuse high density or thick images by virtue of pre-heating them by the portion of the energy which impinges on the toner images.

Abstract: A xerographic reproducing apparatus comprising a roll fuser structure comprising a heated roll cooperating with a backup roll to form a nip through which copy substrates are moved with toner images contained thereon contacting the heated fuser roll to thereby tackify the toner for subsequent fusing to the copy substrate upon cooling of the toner. The roll fuser is characterized by the provision of a resilient outer layer which has a non-uniform surface which layer is applied to a rigid core having a non-uniform surface which is complementary to the non-uniform surface of the silicone rubber layer.

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 have 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: An improved pressure and heat fusing apparatus for a copier or duplicator apparatus capable of either simplex or duplex operation including a first roll which is heated to a temperature sufficient to fuse toner images onto support material and a second elastomeric roll arranged axially parallel with the first roll to define a nip through which support material bearing toner images is passed. The second roll is constructed such that its ends move the support material faster at the ends of the support material than at the center thereof.

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 have a sub-micron thickness and therefore present a minimal thermal barrier to the energy being conducted outwardly by the core. The interfacial coating is provided by a thermally degradable substance with polyethylene and the release coating comprises a low viscosity silicone oil.

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 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: Stripping apparatus for stripping copy sheets bearing electrostatic developed images from a heated pressure fusing roll after fusing of the images to paper sheets. The stripping apparatus comprises a flexible blade member supported by a retaining device and positioned into contact with the heated fusing roll surface. The tip of the blade has a hollow ground edge of a radius slightly greater than the fuser roll. The blade is slideably positioned to enable lateral expansion axially relative to the retaining device. A modification of the stripping device consists of a comb design with blade and retaining members having inter-locking tines.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in a electrostatic reproducing apparatus including an internally heated fuser roll structure comprising a rigid or non-deformable thermally conductive core capable of interacting with a release 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 comprising portions of the release material. The interfacial coating strongly adheres to the core surface and prevents toner material from contacting the outer surface of the core. The combined coatings have a sub-micron thickness and therefore represent a minimal thermal barrier to the energy being conducted outwardly by the core.