Abstract: An improved fuser includes a heater which provides uniformity at the surface of a fuser roll that contacts an imaged sheet. The heater is configured to include a single resistive element shaped to heat multiple sheet sizes with independently controllable conductive traces connected to outer segments of the resistive element and adapted to supply electricity to separate sections of the resistive element in accordance with the size of sheet being fed through the fuser center registered and without the need for cold spot compensation.

Abstract: Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of treating marking material on media are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatuses useful for printing includes a roll including a first outer surface; a continuous belt including an inner surface and a second outer surface forming a nip by contact with the first outer surface, the belt being driven to rotate by rotation of the roll; a heater disposed inside of the belt and comprising a first heating surface contacting the inner surface of the belt at the nip; and a heating fin in thermal contact with the heater, the heating fin including a second heating surface extending circumferentially in contact with a pre-nip portion of the inner surface of the belt. Thermal energy is conducted from the heater to the heating fin. The second heating surface pre-heats the pre-nip portion of the belt before the pre-nip portion is rotated to the nip, and the first heating surface of the heater heats the pre-heated, pre-nip portion at the nip.

Abstract: Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of treating marking material on media are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatuses includes a first member including a first outer surface; and a roll including a second outer surface forming a nip with the first outer surface. The second outer surface includes an inner portion having first and second axially-spaced edges, a roughened first high-friction surface axially outward from the first edge and a roughened second high-friction surface axially outward from the second edge. The first and second high-friction surfaces extend circumferentially around the roll and have a higher roughness than the inner portion. The inner portion and the first and second high-friction surfaces contact the first outer surface at the nip, and the first and second high-friction surfaces lie outside of a media path through the nip.

Abstract: Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of treating marking material on media are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatuses useful for printing includes a roll including a first outer surface; a continuous belt including an inner surface and a second outer surface forming a nip by contact with the first outer surface, the belt being driven to rotate by rotation of the roll; a heater disposed inside of the belt and comprising a first heating surface contacting the inner surface of the belt at the nip; and a heating fin in thermal contact with the heater, the heating fin including a second heating surface extending circumferentially in contact with a pre-nip portion of the inner surface of the belt. Thermal energy is conducted from the heater to the heating fin. The second heating surface pre-heats the pre-nip portion of the belt before the pre-nip portion is rotated to the nip, and the first heating surface of the heater heats the pre-heated, pre-nip portion at the nip.

Abstract: Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of treating marking material on media are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatuses includes a first member including a first outer surface; and a roll including a second outer surface forming a nip with the first outer surface. The second outer surface includes an inner portion having first and second axially-spaced edges, a roughened first high-friction surface axially outward from the first edge and a roughened second high-friction surface axially outward from the second edge. The first and second high-friction surfaces extend circumferentially around the roll and have a higher roughness than the inner portion. The inner portion and the first and second high-friction surfaces contact the first outer surface at the nip, and the first and second high-friction surfaces lie outside of a media path through the nip.

Abstract: A toner disclosed that includes a binder, at least one colorant and at least one wax, wherein the binder includes an amorphous polyester material, a crosslinked polyester material, a crystalline polyester material, and wherein the toner has a glass transition temperature of from about 35° C. to about 60° C.

Abstract: A non-gouging sheet stripper assembly is disclosed for stripping copy sheets from a surface of a moving fusing member. The non-gouging sheet stripper assembly includes (a) at least one baffle forming part of a sheet path; (b) a finger shaft having a first end attached to the at least one baffle and a second distal end for forming a sheet directing first angle with the surface of the moving fusing member; and (c) a finger tip located at the second distal end of the finger shaft and having a contour for forming a sheet stripping second angle, that is different from the sheet directing first angle with the surface of the moving fusing member.

Abstract: A fuser member having a polyimide substrate, and thereover, an outer layer with from about 61 to about 99 volume percent fluorocarbon.

Abstract: A fuser for an electrophotographic printer or copier has a fuser roll and pressure roll that form a nip through which a recording paper having a toner image is passed to fuse the toner image thereon. The fuser includes a cleaning web system to clean the fuser roll having a web supply roll, a tension roll to press the web against the fuser roll, and a web take up roll. To prevent spooling of the web from the supply roll during a paper jam clearance while the pressure roll is in contact with the fuser roll, a torsion spring is mounted on the tension roll shaft. The torsion spring provides enough torsional force on the tension roll to prevent rotation thereof during a jam clearance, thus preventing web spooling. During normal operation, the take up roll intermittently overcomes the torsion spring to step the web thereon.

Abstract: A fuser for an electrophotographic printer or copier has a fuser roll and pressure roll that form a nip through which a recording paper having a toner image is passed to fuse the toner image thereon. The fuser includes a cleaning web system to clean the fuser roll having a web supply roll, a tension roll to press the web against the fuser roll, and a web take up roll. To prevent spooling of the web from the supply roll during a paper jam clearance while the pressure roll is in contact with the fuser roll, a torsion spring is mounted on the tension roll shaft. The torsion spring provides enough torsional force on the tension roll to prevent rotation thereof during a jam clearance, thus preventing web spooling. During normal operation, the take up roll intermittently overcomes the torsion spring to step the web thereon.

Abstract: A pressure belt useful in electrostatographic machines, having a polyimide substrate, an optional intermediate and/or adhesive layer, and an outer polyimide layer.

Abstract: A fuser member having a polyimide substrate, and thereover, an outer layer with from about 61 to about 99 volume percent fluorocarbon.

Abstract: A fuser component useful in electrostatographic machines, having a substrate, an optional intermediate and/or adhesive layer, and an outer polyimide layer.

Abstract: A fuser module for a compact printer or copier includes therein a decurler which shares a common drive means with the fuser rolls. The decurler comprises a set of deformable rollers disposed on a decurling roll, the total length of deformable rollers being less than 25% of the effective length of the decurling roll. The module pivots open for jam clearance from either the fuser rolls or decurler.

Abstract: A heat and pressure fuser and RAM system therefor. The RAM system includes a metering roll, thin film and a metering blade supported for effecting intimate contact between the metering roll and the thin film. The thin film is supported for movement from a supply reel to a take-up reel for periodic movement of a new portion of the film into contact with the metering roll. In this manner, contamination in the area of contact between the metering roll and the thin film is minimized. Moreover, the thin film which has a high surface tension, minimizes blade wear.

Abstract: An end sealed metering apparatus includes a cylindrical metering roll mounted for rotation about a central longitudinal axis, a blade aligned with the longitudinal axis and contacting the metering roll, an elastomeric seal supported against an end of the metering roll, a rigid plate coupled with the elastomeric seal for holding the elastomeric seal stationary while the metering roll rotates, and a spring for urging the rigid plate and elastomeric seal against the end of the metering roll.

Abstract: An improved fusing apparatus including a baffle assembly having at least one member for imparting an arcuate-shaped profile in a sheet of recording substrate subsequent to the transport thereof through a fuser nip. The arcuate-shaped profile is imparted along a generally central axis of the recording substrate, substantially perpendicular to the path of movement thereof, providing lateral strength to the substrate for eliminating the formation of longitudinal waves therein.

Abstract: A release agent management (RAM) system including a metering roll supported for contact with release agent material contained in a sump. A donor roll is provided for applying oil deposited on its surface by the metering roll. Prior to fusing taking place, the donor roll is supported in pressure engagement with the fuser roll and out of contact with the metering roll. During fusing the donor roll is cammed into engagement with the metering roll.

Abstract: The present invention is a fuser assembly having a molded housing with a plurality of integral posts disposed along a first surface, an elongated electrically conductive contact strip having at least one set of integral, oppositely disposed spring clips and a pair of upright extending tabs, the spring clips engaging opposite sides of one of the integral posts to secure the contact strip to the housing and align the strip within the housing, a fuser roll with an associated electrical heating element disposed within the housing, one end of the heating element being secured to the end of one of the upright extending tabs, and a thermal cut-off element electrically connected to the heating element with one end of the thermal element secured to an end of the second upright extending tab.