Abstract: An endless belt for use in digital imaging systems is provided having edge to edge uniform flatness, and precise circumferential and edge to edge thickness. The layers comprising the belt may be tailored as desired for use in either image recording, image transfer or sheet transport operations. In one embodiment, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer, an elastomer-impregnated spun cord layer, a woven or non-woven fabric layer, and an elastomeric surface ply. The belt is preferably manufactured by building the layers on a workpiece and then curing the layers.

Abstract: An endless belt for use in digital imaging systems is provided having uniform edge to edge flatness, and precise circumferential and edge to edge thickness. The layers comprising the belt may be tailored as desired for use in either latent image formation, image transfer or sheet transport operations. In one embodiment, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer, an intermediate polymer ply over the base layer, and an outer elastomeric layer. Alternatively, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer and an outer polymer layer. The belt may further include reinforcing layers which may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric layer and/or an elastomerimpregnated spun cord layer. The belt is preferably manufactured by building the layers on a workpiece and then curing the layers.

Abstract: An internally heated roller assembly for a toner image fuser includes a roller having opposite ends. A lamp is supported inside the roller by a pair of lampholders, one positioned at each end. Each lampholder is fit over a core or gudgeons which extend from the ends of the roller. Each lampholder rotates with the roller. An internal cylindrical surface in each lampholder supports an extension from an elongated heating lamp positioned inside the roller. The lamp is held stationary by a cord protruding from one of the extensions while the holder rotates with respect to the extension while supporting it. Cylindrically shaped or arranged bearings are positioned around an outside cylindrical surface of the holder where the holder is fit on the core or gudgeons.

Abstract: A heat and pressure roller-type fusing apparatus for fusing toner images onto a substrate includes a fuser roller which has a hollow metallic core and at least an elastomeric outer layer that is formed over the core. A heat source is mounted within the metallic core for heating such core and the elastomeric layer to a desirable fusing temperature. The fuser roller includes a first length portion which is substantially equal to the cross-track dimension of the substrate for contacting the substrate, and a second length portion which adjoins the first length portion and an end of the fuser roller. The fuser roller also includes a heat absorbing and dissipating member that is mounted inside the hollow core for inwardly absorbing and dissipating heat from the core within the second length portion of the fuser roller, thereby reducing the heating and temperature of the surface of such second length portion of the fuser roller.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the temperature of a moving surface, particularly the outside surface of a heated roller in a toner fusing apparatus, includes a roller which rolls on the surface as it moves. The roller is virtualy entirely made up of two thermocouple materials. Because the materials themselves directly engage the surface being monitored, the device has a fast response to temperature change of the surface.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction equipment such as a copier or printer including a multiplex fusing apparatus that has non-contact and cooperating contact fusing components. The fusing apparatus further includes controls for selectively operating it in a non-contact mode, or in a contact mode.

Abstract: An electrostatographic copier or printer includes front end apparatus for forming and developing copies of images electrostatically, and back end apparatus which include a multiple function fusing roller that also functions as an image transfer roller. The multi-function fusing apparatus selectively includes a contact fusing operation or a non-contact fusing operation. A vacuum roller holds the copy sheet while either a radiant fuser or a pressure nip fuser will fix a toner image onto the substrate. The vacuum roller may be internally heated and the pressure roller which creates the fusing nip is selectively moved into and out of contact with the vacuum roller dependent upon the operation selected.

Abstract: An internally fed rotating wick for applying release liquid to a fixing roller surface includes a disposable feed tube having small apertures through which the liquid can pass. A strip of soft porous capillary fabric is wound around the feed tube and contacts the feed tube on its inside and is contactable with the roller surface on its outside. The feed tube itself has relatively thick walls and large internal diameter. The apertures in the feed tube are preferably in the form of very narrow slits having a long dimension either parallel to or slanted with respect to the wick axis. In one embodiment, the feed tube has a closed end and means on the opposite end for attaching to a liquid feed means.