Abstract: A method for producing a replaceable fuser member including a thin, seamless or welded high temperature nickel sleeve, a base cushion positioned around the sleeve and an outside topcoat applied over the base cushion elastomer layer. The sleeve is replaceable on a machine mandrel positioned in an electrophotographic copying machine in a fuser section of the electrophotographic copying machine. The method includes the use of a mandrel having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the sleeve to support the sleeve during positioning of a cured base cushion layer around the sleeve and a cured topcoat layer over the cured base material.

Abstract: A double-sleeved roller (DSR) including: a mandrel having a disconnectable end incorporating three termination plates having specified axial profiles; a replaceable inner sleeve member (ISM) mounted on the mandrel; and, a replaceable multilayer outer sleeve member (OSM) including at least one synthetic layer with the OSM surrounding the ISM. The mandrel, adapted to support a non-reinforced ISM, includes the termination plates joined together so as to define two sets of channels for selectively conveying pressurized air to either OSM or ISM for radial expansion thereof. The termination plates have specialized outer shapes, with each termination end plate including a cylindrical portion adjoining a tapered portion. For removal and/or replacement of the OSM or the ISM, a removable support member is moved away from the disconnectable end of the roller while the other end of the roller continues to be supported in cantilever fashion.

Abstract: A method for producing a replaceable fuser member including a thin, seamless or welded high temperature nickel sleeve, a base cushion positioned around the sleeve and an outside topcoat applied over the base cushion elastomer layer. The sleeve is replaceable on a machine mandrel positioned in an electrophotographic copying machine in a fuser section of the electrophotographic copying machine. The method includes the use of a mandrel having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the sleeve to support the sleeve during positioning of a cured base cushion layer around the sleeve and a cured topcoat layer over the cured base material.

Abstract: A remotely controlled movably powered shuttle frame has foundation pads attached thereto at all four corner portions for separating skid pads of a helicopter from the flight deck of a marine vessel, wherein both the skid pads and the fight deck are outfitted with hook and loop fabrics. Skid blades displaced from retracted positions underlying the foundation pads are extended from the shuttle frame underlying a landed aircraft whose weight has been lifted off the flight deck by lifting arms pivotally mounted on the foundation pads. The aircraft carried by the lifting arms on the shuttle frame after the skid blades are retracted is shuttled by wheeled movement of the shuttle frame to a desired location on the flight deck.

Abstract: A method of communication and the communication system wherein, there is provided a first telephone for receiving information, time-compressing the information, storing the information and transmitting the information to a central station. There is provided at least one and generally a plurality of spaced apart central stations for receiving the time-compressed information from the first telephone, storing the time-compressed information and retransmitting the time-compressed information to a second telephone. A second telephone is provided for receiving the time-compressed information from the central station, one of storing the time-compressed information and, responsive to call-up, time-decompressing and transmitting the time-decompressed information or time-decompressing the time-compressed information and storing the time-decompressed information and then, responsive to call-up, transmitting the time-decompressed information.

Abstract: A modular ice crusher assembly for use in conjunction with an ice storage unit can be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance. Two parallel brackets are used to mount and support the ice crusher below the discharge opening for the ice storage unit. A release mechanism allows the ice crusher to slide relative to the brackets between a first position in which the inlet chute of the ice crusher is in vertical alignment with the opening of the ice storage unit for receiving ice to be chipped, and a second position in which the ice crusher can be removed for cleaning or service. For example, the release mechanism can consist of a series of pins extending laterally outward from the ice crusher housing that slideably engage a corresponding series of inverted L-shaped slots in the brackets. During normal operation, the ice crusher is held in position below the ice storage unit because the pins are supported in the horizontal portions of the slots.

Abstract: A modular system for assembling food service fixtures employs a plurality of leg assemblies each having a front leg, a rear member that can be selectively suspended at desired locations from a horizontal rail, and a substantially horizontal member extending between the rear member and front leg. Clips are used to removably secure shelves between the horizontal members of adjacent leg assemblies. A counter top extends from the back plane and is supported by the upper ends of the front legs. Each front leg includes a standardized set of fastening means for interchangeably fastening any of a plurality of alternative front members (doors, aprons, plate shelves, panels, etc.) between adjacent leg assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, the shelves are made of a plurality of wire rods. Upper and lower wire rods extend along the lateral edges of each shelf.

Abstract: A portable ice cart provides both elevation adjustment and tilt adjustment for the ice hopper. The ice cart includes a support frame that allows the ice hopper to be tilted to any of a plurality of orientations about a horizontal axis, and a scissors linkage for supporting the support frame at an adjustable elevation above the base of the cart. A retractable spring-loaded pin is used to lock the ice hopper in place after the desired orientation has been reached. The elevation of the ice hopper can be raised by pumping a foot pedal that pressurizes a hydraulic cylinder and extends the scissors linkage.

Abstract: A cartridge magazine is provided including a plurality of sleeves, each defining a pocket for containing a film cartridge, and a hub supporting the sleeves parallel to one another in a ring. Each sleeve defines a non-circular cross-section accommodating longitudinal movement of the cartridges through the sleeve, but blocking rotational movement of the cartridges in the sleeve. The sleeve, is open along one side, defining a slot for accessing cartridges from the exterior of the magazine. In certain applications, film in selected cartridges is advanced from the cartridge and through the slot without removing the cartridge from the magazine. According to other features, duplicate sections of the magazine are combined with the sleeves arranged in columns for increased capacity.

Abstract: A fuser for an image-forming apparatus includes a fusing roller which is replaceable in a cartridge. The fusing roller cartridge includes a cover for covering an access opening providing access to the fusing roller. The cover is openable, either directly by an operator to a latched condition, by the apparatus in response to insertion of the cartridge, by the operator before insertion but held in an uncovering position by the receiving apparatus or by suitable mechanism in the apparatus after insertion of the cartridge. Preferably, the cover closes early in the removal motion so that the fingers of the removing operator cannot touch a hot fusing roller. A metallic heat shield between the fusing roller and the cartridge housing helps prevent the housing from becoming too hot to touch.

Abstract: A fuser includes a pressure roller and a fusing roller and a skive for the fusing roller. The fusing roller is replaceable in a cartridge which has a housing which protects the fusing roller. The housing defines an access opening to the fusing roller and includes a skive for assisting in the separation of a receiving sheet from the fusing roller. The skive defines at least a portion of one edge of the access opening and is preferably molded integrally with the housing. A heat shield is positioned between the fusing roller and the housing to prevent the housing from becoming too hot to handle.

Abstract: A fusing roller is replaceable in an image-forming apparatus in a fusing roller cartridge. The cartridge includes the fusing roller mounted for rotation in a housing, oil-applying structure, heating lamp, temperature sensors and an access opening. A pressure roller in the receiving apparatus frictionally engages the fusing roller to drive it during operation. No separate drive connections are necessary for the fusing roller. Electrical connection with a heating lamp and temperature sensors is provided with a cartridge electrical connector extending from a leading end of the cartridge. The cartridge electrical connector mates with a receiving electrical connector in the image-forming apparatus when the cartridge is inserted by movement parallel to the axis of rotation of the fusing roller. Receiving support structure for the cartridge is tilted to cause the bottom and one side surface of the cartridge to rest gravitationally on the support structure when inserted.

Abstract: A fusing roller is replaceable in an image-forming apparatus in a fusing roller catridge. The cartridge includes the fusing roller mounted for rotation in a housing, oil-applying device, heating lamp, temperature sensors and an access opening. A pressure roller in the receiving apparatus frictionally engages the fusing roller to drive it during operation. The oil-applying device in the cartridge is accessible from outside the cartridge for adjustment between a condition applying oil and a condition not applying oil. Oil is supplied from a source in the receiving apparatus. A connector on the cartridge mates with a check valve on the receiving apparatus in response to insertion of the cartridge.

Abstract: A development station for developing electrostatic images includes a housing which has a vertically oriented separating wall which divides the housing into first and second chambers. In assembly both chambers are open at the top permitting ready loading of one chamber with a mixture of toner and carrier and the other chamber with substantially toner. The separating wall includes an opening at the bottom for passage of toner into the chamber containing the mixture. A toner applicator is located at the top of the chamber containing the mixture and a cover is permanently affixed across the tops of the chambers, totally sealing the chambers except for an opening in the cover opposite the toner-applicator. Because of the design of the station, especially the chambers which are open at the top for easy loading of toner and carrier, the station can economically be made disposable.

Abstract: A method of preparing a substrate such as a semiconductor chip or ceramic thin film having vias for soldering to a substrate requires that a first metal that is resistive to solder bonding be deposited on the backside of the semiconductor device. The deposited metal is removed from the surface of the semiconductor device, leaving the vias of the semiconductor device having the first metal deposited through them. This technique is useful in any requirement requiring a solder or brazing barrier. This is, a photolithographic process in conjunction with a refractory or nonsolderable metal deposit is used to achieve an alloy or solder barrier.

Abstract: A replaceable development station usable for developing electrostatic images in apparatus having a toner monitor and a device for slidably receiving the development station includes a chamber containing a supply of a development mixture of toner and carrier particles. A recess is defined in one wall of the chamber for receiving the toner monitor, the recess being defined by a thinned region of the wall such that the toner monitor is separated from the developer mixture by a wall region substantially thinner than the general wall thickness. A device is provided for camming the development station tightly against the toner monitor and clamping it there such that the resilient force needed to maintain contact is minimized.

Abstract: A replaceable development station usable for developing electrostatic images in an apparatus having a toner monitor and a channel for slidably receiving the development station includes a chamber containing a supply of a development mixture of toner and carrier particles. A recess is defined in one wall of the chamber for receiving the toner monitor, the recess being defined by a thinned region of the wall such that the toner monitor is separated from the developer mixture by a wall region substantially thinner than the general wall thickness.

Abstract: A device for developing electrostatic images carried on a film belt in an apparatus receiving the developing device includes device location surfaces which seat on apparatus location surfaces in the apparatus to locate the device with respect to the apparatus. Film support surfaces on the device support the film belt a fixed spacing from a developer applicator. The film support surfaces are located within tight tolerances with respect to the surface of the applicator to provide accurate positioning of the applicator and film belt.

Abstract: A device for developing electrostatic images includes a toner supply chamber for holding a supply of dry toner and a feed member located generally at the bottom of the supply chamber. To break up agglomeration of toner in the supply chamber an agitator, for example an elongated polypropylene fiber brush, is placed on top of the feed member and is supported totally at its periphery by the feed member and associated walls of the supply chamber. As the feed member rotates, the agitator is rotated to maintain the toner in particulate form.

Abstract: A method of preparing a substrate such as a semiconductor chip or ceramic thin film having vias for soldering to a substrate requires that a first metal that is resistive to solder bonding be deposited on the backside of the semiconductor device. The deposited metal is removed from the surface of the semiconductor device, leaving the vias of the semiconductor device having the first metal deposited through them. This technique is useful in any requirement requiring a solder or brazing barrier. That is a photolithographic process in conjunction with a refractory or nonsolderable metal deposit is used to achieve an alloy or solder barrier.