Abstract: In a method for coating a shear-thinning cathode material having a high viscosity on a substrate, the substrate is drawn through a nip defined by a rotating backing roller and a notched bar disposed at a distance from the backing roller. The notched bar is convexly curved in shape in a region prior to the nip and is formed with a notch extending in from the curved region of the notched bar at the nip. The cathode material is supplied onto a first surface of the substrate, the first surface facing the notched bar. At least a portion of the first surface of the substrate is coated with a uniform thickness layer of the cathode material by applying steadily increasing shear forces to the supplied cathode material as the cathode material on the substrate is drawn into the nip and contacts the curved region of the notched bar. The cathode material layer is removed from contact with the notched bar by drawing the cathode material layer coated on the substrate past the notch in the notched bar.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making thermoplastic resin-coated paper which comprises coating a paper sheet with a liquid thermoplastic resin, passing the thermoplastic resin-coated paper sheet through a nip of a pressure roll and a thermally conductive medium to form a resin-medium interface, heating the interface to a temperature of from 35.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. for a nip time period of from 0.002 to 10 seconds and a pressure of from 17,500 to 1,750,000 Pa-m, cooling the interface to a temperature of -73.degree. to 32.degree. C. for a cooling time period of from 0.001 to 100 seconds, and separating the thermoplastic resin-coated paper from the medium.

Abstract: A method and an operator interchangeable apparatus with fast warm up time for coating flowable and pasty materials onto a workpiece, especially for the application of glue and other adhesive substances to the back of signatures in bookbinding and the like, uses a first internally heated rotating roller for applying the material which is partly immersed in a bath thereof and a second internally heated roller to smooth and doctor the adhesive on clamped stacks of pages that have passed over the first roller. Production rates suitable of in-line use with reproduction equipment are achieved with no buildup on the edges. The relative velocity of the surface of the adhesive on the first roller is maintained at the same velocity as the clamped stack of pages. A mechanical adjustment device and method that provides for ease of interchangeability. A control device for proportioning the electrical power to the heating elements for the two rollers.

Abstract: A nozzle for depositing the shaped layer of the pliable material includes a platform having a shaping tip. The shaping tip has converging sides at one end and generally parallel sides at the other end. The portion of the tip at the first end has a lower elevation than the portion of the tip at the second end. Holes for moving the pliable material are provided in the platform on each side of the tip and in tips intermediate its ends. The different elevation and converging end minimizes if not eliminates tailing.

Abstract: For efficient waxing of the running surface of a workpiece such as a snowboard, one or more skis, or a toboggan, the invention provides a single wax-heating element in the form of an elongate flexible sheet sized to fully cover the running surface when upside down and horizontally oriented. The single sheet of the heating element also provides articulating connection between an array of like transverse elements which gravitationally load the heating element sheet into self-adapting conformance with flat or concave and convexly curved features of the workpiece, so that a wax-laden sheet draped over the running surface of the workpiece can be gravitationally loaded by the heating element sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of surely removing a toner or similar image forming substance stably cohered to a sheet, and an apparatus for processing a sheet are disclosed. A liquid supply unit uniformly supplies a liquid to a toner carried on the sheet. The sheet infiltrated with the liquid is heated by a toner removing unit to have to the toner thereof softened. As a result, the toner adheres to the surface of an offset member implemented as a belt or a drum. The sheet containing the liquid therein is conveyed to the toner removing unit without creasing, breaking or folding.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for applying a desired protective finish to a web of printed label stock. The web of printed label stock is moved through a coating station, where a layer of hot melt varnish is extruded onto the web of printed label stock. Then, the web of printed label stock is transferred to a working station in an environment which causes the layer of varnish to at least partially solidify to a predetermined state as it reaches the working station. At the working station, the layer of varnish is worked to a desired finish. Preferably the web is carried through a nip formed by a pair of rolls, including a highly polished chrome roll which contacts the layer of varnish and works the layer of varnish to a glossy finish. After the layer of varnish is worked to a glossy finish, the web is directed through a finishing station, where the glossy finish is fixed in the layer of varnish, and the web is conditioned to a state in which it can be processed as a web of finished label stock.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing solder on the terminal pads of printed circuit boards in which a solder resist layer or layers having a thickness corresponding to the desired solder height border the pads. Molten solder from a reservoir is directed by nozzles against the sides of the board to fill the cavities extending above the terminal pads while the board is moving via a conveyor mechanism relative to the reservoir. The cavities when filled with molten solder are covered by a suitable element such as a flexible belt or roller. The molten solder within the covered cavities is then cooled below its solidification point and the covering element removed. If desired, part or all of the solder resist layer or layers may then be stripped from the board to leave solder pads extending above the surface of the board.

Abstract: A calender for treating a material web, particularly a paper web, with at least two rolls forming with each other a roll gap for passage of the web, with a heating system and with a removable cover system. The cover system comprises a foil which is tightened at least around part of the circumference of at least one of the rolls while forming a machine-wide gap between itself and the shell surface of the respective roll, and extending in planes situated parallel to the roll axes.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving desired surface roughness characteristics on an electrode material that is coated on a substrate such that the electrode material has desired surface roughness characteristics includes a roller. The roller has surface roughness characteristics corresponding to those desired in the electrode material. The apparatus includes a device for rotating the roller. The apparatus presses electrode material coated on a substrate against the surface of the roller so that the electrode material assumes substantially the same roughness characteristics as the surface of the roller. A nip roller is used to press the electrode material against the surface of the roller, the position of the nip roller being movable to adjust the thickness of the electrode material. A refrigeration apparatus is provided to cool the roller to a casting temperature for casting electrode material that has been pressed against the roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a paper product having a surface with enhanced gloss. The method includes the following steps: applying a continuous layer of an impressionable coating material to a paper product; contacting the layer of coating material with a polymer release film having a smooth and glossy surface substantially free of defects, the surface having non-adhering and release characteristics; and solidifying the coating material during contact with the release film. Using this technique, a smooth and glossy surface of the release film is substantially imparted to a surface of the layer of solidified coating material. In the case of clay-coated substrates, the coating is solidified by heating, whereas in the case of polyethylene-coated substrates, the coating is solidified by cooling. The end product is a coated substrate in which the coating has a glossy surface to which the texture of a film has been imparted.

Abstract: According to the present, invention, when transferring a pattern of projections and valleys of a stamper to a UV curable resin coated on a disc base plate, the disc base plate is pressed against the stamper while the stamper is maintained at a constant temperature to set the viscosity of the UV curable resin to a value suitable for transferring the pattern of projections and valleys to the UV curable resin from the stamper to realize high fidelity duplication.

Abstract: A sheet calendering method and apparatus including a calendering cylinder, a delivering cylinder, and a conveyor for transporting sheets between the calendering cylinder and the delivering cylinder; wherein the conveyor includes two flexible elongated members forming parallel endless loops around the calendering and delivering cylinders, a plurality of support members attached between the parallel loops, and a plurality of calendering plates each linked to an adjacent plate by the support members to form an endless belt.

Abstract: A deflection-compensated doctor blade beam of a coater used for coating web materials. The doctor blade beam comprises a box-section frame (3), together with a holder (2) of the doctor blade (8), and a support tube (4) placed inside the frame (3). The support tube (4) is backed against the frame (3) preferably with three asymmetrically placed compensating elements (5), which advantageously are pressurized hoses. The deflection of the doctor blade beam is accomplished by varying the volume of the compensating elements (5) through pressure alterations in the elements. A displacement of desired direction can be achieved by differentially pressurizing the three compensating elements (5). By using this apparatus, the deflection of the doctor blade can be compensated to full straightness. The compensating system is controlled with the help of a feedback loop using data from a direct measurement of beam deflection, or alternatively, from the coat thickness profile.

Abstract: An electrostatographic toner fusing member having a support and a layer containing a crosslinked polyfluorophosphazene elastomer with thermally conductive filler particles. This fusing member is used in a device for fusing electrostatographic toner materials to a substrate which device employs both heat and pressure The fusing member exhibits an excellent combination of properties, including resistance to swelling by release liquids, resistance to thermal degradation and thermal conductivity that is superior to prior art fusing members employing crosslinked fluoroelastomers.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of manufacturing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheet-shaped molding including a pre-impregnating process and a final impregnating process. A sheet of thermoplastic resin and a web of reinforcement fibers are supplied through the pre-impregnating process during which the thermoplastic resin is sucked under the influence of a suction force so as to partially penetrate into interstices in the reinforcement fiber web while both are transported around and by a perforated rotary drum, thereby to form a first preformed sheet. The first preformed sheet is subsequently supplied to the final impregnating process during which an impregnating machine is employed. As the first preformed sheet is passed through the impregnating machine while compressed inwardly and heated, the thermoplastic resin is allowed to completely penetrate into the interstices in the reinforcement fiber web to complete the fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheet-shaped molding upon cooling thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing printed substrates having a phase change ink layer of non-uniform thickness are disclosed. Application of a combination of heat and pressure reorients the printed ink layer to provide a layer having a substantially uniform thickness and flat surface conformation, at least in the area of each discrete color. A release surface (55) is positioned adjacent the printed ink layer during processing. A resilient contact surface (56) is also provided to facilitate reorientation of the printed ink layer. Mechanical buffing of the processed, printed substrate improves image quality. Application of a light transmissive, protective coating that overlays the printed ink layer also improves image quality.

Abstract: Release Agent Management (RAM) system for a heat and pressure fuser. The open pool of oil associated with prior art RAM systems is replaced with an oil saturated wick the lower end of which is immersed in oil. The oil is held in a container with a sealed lid that has a slot through which the wick passes allowing the wick to transport oil from the container to a metering roll outside of the container. A depression in the container lid that cradles the wick under the metering roll allows oil to collect in the portion of the wick laying on the container lid. The shape of the depression prevents oil from flowing back into the container through the slot and from flowing to some lower part of the container lid. The wick is compressed approximately 50% between the metering roll and container lid. A removable seal is provided which is attached to the lid such that the RAM can be shipped without oil spillage.

Abstract: A web drying apparatus is provided for a textile machine of the type which is operable to apply a coating or otherwise to wet a web of textile material which is continuously traveled therethrough. The web drying apparatus includes at least a pair of groups of cylindrical drying rollers with each group of rollers being disposed on a respective side of a reference plane. The reference plane is inclined upwardly relative to a nip formed by a pair of squeezing rollers of the wetting device which applies the coating or otherwise wets the textile material. In one embodiment, the drying rollers of one group are disposed in a horizontal plane and the drying rollers of the other group are disposed in a vertical plane. The web drying apparatus additionally includes a device for separating a wet textile web into multiple separate webs.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a layer of chocolate on the interior surface of an ice-cream having a cone-shaped mold that is interiorly-cooled by ice-water provided thereto from a bucket, or other source, of ice-water. For forming an interior chocolate coating, liquid chocolate is placed into the interior of the cone, and the cone is then placed onto the cold mold, and centered thereon by the upper end portion of the mold. The cone is allowed to remain there for a short while, while the cold mold-surface solidifies the liquid chocolate, to thereby form the interior layer of chocolate. A stripping device may, if desired, be employed for aiding in the removal of the thus-coated cone from the mold. In the preferred embodiment, the mold is secured directly to the ice-bucket.

Abstract: A method and device for coating a web (2) of material, especially a web of paper or cardboard, traveling over a backing roll (1) wherein coating is applied to the web is excess and reduced by a flow-control component (3), especially a doctor, to the desired thickness and wherein the flow-control component is secured to a beam (5) that extends over the operating width. The coating-thickness deviation from a straight line is determined over the operating width and employed as a parameter for controlling the heat emitted by a heater (16), especially heating strips, positioned on the side of the doctor beam facing away from the backing roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a layer of chocolate on the interior surface of an ice-cream having a cone-shaped mold that is interiorly-cooled by ice-water provided thereto from a bucket, or other source, of ice-water. For forming an interior chocolate coating, liquid chocolate is placed into the interior of the cone, and the cone is then placed onto the cold mold, and centered thereon by the upper end portion of the mold. The cone is allowed to remain there for a short while, while the cold mold-surface solidifies the liquid chocolate, to thereby form the interior layer of chocolate. A stripping device may, if desired, be employed for aiding in the removal of the thus-coated cone from the mold. In the preferred embodiment, the mold is secured directly to the ice-bucket.

Abstract: A method and device are divulged for over-molding ski soles. As claimed in the invention, a thermoplastic filling material is continuously fed in solid form into a heating and spreader shoe, the material being progressively softened in the shoe and fed in liquid form under the shoe to be successively distributed, crushed, spread over the ski sole, then driven under pressure by a transverse scraper fast with the spreader shoe. The scraper is a steel bar with rectangular section whose lower edge projects slightly below the lower surface of the spreader shoe. The projection of the lower edge, the slant of its front face, the speed of movement and the bearing force are chosen appropriately.

Abstract: A laser printer with a thermal fixing unit comprises: a pair of heat and pressure rolls for pressing a sheet with a developed toner image therebetween to fix the toner image on the sheet; a web immersable with an oil; an oil coater for supplying the oil to the web and pressing the web against the heat roll at at least one point to make the web contact with the heat roll so that the oil is applied from the oil coater onto the surface of the heat roll through the web to thereby prevent occurrence of offset of the toner image; and at least one pressing member provided separately from the oil coater for locally urging the web against the heat roll, the pressing member being located on at least one of before and behind the oil coater.

Abstract: Equipment for cooling semi-conductor substrates and printed circuit boards after coating photo resist thereon including heating the substrate for treatment. A heating block furnished with a heating plate is provided in a holding frame device on which the substrate is placed and is so mounted that the heating block can be elevated and lowered vertically therein. The heating block further includes a cooling block having a cooling plate which can be reciprocated from one open side of the holding frame device to the interior thereof, the cooling plate being vertically elevated and lowered in the holding frame equipment when the cooling block is in the holding frame device.

Abstract: A fixation device which comprises a roller comprising a core member, a fluororesin-containing rubber layer on the core member and a fluororesin surface layer. The fluororesin surface layer has a thickness from 2 to 100 .mu.m, preferably 5 to 30 .mu.m, and surrounds and contacts the outside of the rubber layer.

Abstract: A thermal roller for fixing a powdered toner image onto an image receiving sheet is provided with a sub-surface resistive heat generating layer adjacent the outer surface of the roller. The thickness of the heat generating layer or the materials that constitute the layer are controlled so that the resistance per unit length of the thermal roller increases gradually in the axial direction from the center portion thereof toward and to both ends. Electrical energy passed through the heat generating layer generates a desired temperature distribution profile along the roller to provide appropriate fixing temperatures, without excessively increasing the temperature at both ends of the roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for glossing a developer sheet is provided. The developer sheet has a thermoplastic developer resin on the surface thereof wherein the thermoplastic developer resin is capable of forming a film which imparts gloss upon the application of heat thereto. In the process, an arched plate is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the thermoplastic developer resin to coalesce. The arched plate has a heat transfer limiting blanket thereon to maintain the flatness of the developer sheet. The developer sheet is fed between the convex side of the heated arched plate and a belt held snugly against the plate. The belt is driven so as to move the developer sheet over the heated arched plate.

Abstract: The solidification characteriztics of a solidifiable liquid film are monitored by effecting relative movement between a stylus and the film and monitoring the resistance to movement of the stylus through the film as the film is solidifying. The film may be subjected to ultraviolet radiation or elevated temperature to cause solidification. The resistance to movement may be monitored electrically in which case it may be recorded as a trace or a chart recorder.

Abstract: A device for controlling the cross-directional gloss profile on the surface of a calenderable material by selectively directing jets of steam against sections of the material across its width. Built-in steam flow control valves are provided to control the amount of steam applied to each section. Suction means may also be provided to remove excess steam and thus prevent undesirable condensation on adjacent structures. The gloss finish may be monitored and compared to a desired gloss finish and the valves are activated accordingly.

Abstract: A reservoir wick system in an apparatus for fixing a toner image on image supporting members including a first and second roller for conveying the image supporting member therebetween and fixing the toner image on the image supporting member, an applicator in contact with the first roller for applying offset preventing liquid to the first roller and forming a nip for receiving said image supporting member, the applicator disposed underneath the first roller and including a woven cloth for retaining the offset preventing liquid, the flow offset prevention liquid to the first roller being drawn up by capillary action and controlled by the weave of the woven cloth.

Abstract: A RAM system suitable for use in copier and printing machines having a relatively slow (i.e. 2 inches per second) process speed while avoiding the prior art problem of excess oil application, particularly outside the copy area. The RAM system contains a supply of release agent material which permits operation without frequent addition of oil to the supply yet without fear of oil spillage.The RAM system comprises a very thin (i.e. 0.006 inches thick) wick one end of which contacts a supply of release agent material such as low viscosity silicone oil while an intermediate portion thereof is held in contact with a fuser roll member.An oil reservoir containing a pad is provided. The pad serves as the supply of oil for the one end of the wick. The majority of the oil is contained in the pad, therefore, the problem of spillage found in prior art devices is obviated.

Abstract: An electrophotographic reproduction device includes a pressure roll fuser whereat toner carried by a sheet of paper is fused onto the paper's surface by the application of both heat and pressure as the sheet passes through a pressure fusing nip. The pressure nip is formed by pressure engagement of a heated fusing roll to an unheated backup roll. A multilayer cloth wick rubs against a portion of the hot roll's toner engaging surface, and thereby supplies release oil to this surface. When the wick's outer cloth layer becomes contaminated with toner and the like, the operator acitvates a manually releasable stitch which is associated with the wick's multiple layers. This action allows manual removal of the wick's top contaminated layer, thereby exposing a clean cloth surface for subsequent engagement to the hot roll's toner engaging surface.

Abstract: A device for smoothing the surfaces of filling material introduced into edge joints of insulating glass panes in corner zones thereof exhibits at least one smoothing roll movable relatively to the insulating glass pane, this roll being freely rotatable about an axis oriented transversely to the plane of the insulating glass pane. The smoothing roll (17, 18, 19, 20) is arranged at the free end of a supporting arm (24, 44) which latter, in turn, is freely swingably supported at a pivotably arranged lever arm (27). Preferably, four smoothing rolls (17, 18, 19, 20) are provided in total, each smoothing roll being associated with one corner (34, 47, 49) of an insulating glass pane (2) to be processed.

Abstract: An improved release agent applicator for use with a copying machine having a fixing device for pressure fusing a toner image to copy paper as the paper is passing between a fixing roll and a pressure roll. The fixing roll has in contact therewith a porous sheet or tube of poly(ethylene tetrafluoride) resin through which the release agent is applied to the fixing roll. The porous sheet or tube is installed on a support in such a manner that part of the sheet or tube projects from an opening of the support. The sheet or tube is provided with a backup which prevents the deformation of the sheet or tube. The backup is provided behind the sheet or tube and extends in the direction of rotation of the fixing roll.

Abstract: A transferable dye medium for use in a thermal printer is made by applying a layer of dye material to a base layer; softening the applied layer of dyed material, as by heating same, and then calendering the softened, dye-coated base layer.

Abstract: A generally non-transparent substrate is rendered substantially transparent, for example at a particular location or locations thereon, by electrostatically depositing finely divided transparentizing particles onto the substrate and then heating those particles to facilitate their flow into the intersticies of the substrate. The transparentizing particles have an optical refractive index that is substantially the same as that of the substrate, and these transparentizing particles have a melting point greater than that encountered during handling and storage and less than the temperature at which the substrate would be damaged.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for asymmetrically coating a tape-shaped carrier body with crystallized silicon for further processing into solar cells. In an exemplary embodiment a carrier body in the form of a graphite mesh is to be drawn through a guide channel leading from the floor of a melt vat and is moistened by the melt. The silicon is caused to crystallize above the melt vat because of a temperature gradient generated at right angles relative to the path of the coated carrier body. The temperature gradient can, for example, be produced by means of single-sided heating, or by a plate-shaped body extending from the melt parallel to the carrier body, or by guide lips with upper boundaries exhibiting different heights and widths. The method and apparatus serve for the continuous manufacture of silicon tapes for solar cells.

Abstract: In the transfer of a toner image from a transfer medium such as a belt to transfer material such as paper, heating and fixing of the toner is required. According to the present invention, two sources of heat are used, one applied to the transfer medium and the other to the paper, the heat applied to the transfer medium being insufficient to melt or fuse the toner, with the heat applied to the paper being greater than necessary for fusing. When the hot paper contacts the underheated transfer medium the temperature of the latter is then and only then increased to the fusing temperature and the transfer and fixing of the toner image upon the paper takes place.

Abstract: A molten substance dispenser including a container for a substance to be dispensed, a hand manipulatable applicator for applying liquified material received from the container to a work piece, a flexible tube for accommodating flow of the liquified material between the container and the applicator, and heater means for heating the liquified substance in the container, the applicator and the flexible tube.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in repairing molded thermoset FRP parts is disclosed having means for applying heat and pressure to a defect in the FRP containing a repair material while the FRP part is substantially rigidly held on a nest or support.

Abstract: A dual-purpose production plant for cold rolled steel sheets and hot-dip galvanized steel sheets having, successively disposed in series, a heating zone, a soaking zone, a primary cooling zone, an overaging zone equipped with a controlled cooling facility, a molten galvanizing zone, an intermediate cooling means, a secondary cooling zone, a temper rolling means, and a chemical treatment means, and a bypass for directly connecting the overaging zone and the secondary cooling zone with each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying hot wax to skis is disclosed wherein a ski is moved across a heated roller in tangential contact therewith, the roller being rotatable through a bath of melted wax disposed in a tray beneath the roller, thereby applying hot wax to the ski. Thereafter, the ski may be drawn across a heated platen ironing the hot wax on the ski. Optionally, the platen may be used to preheat the ski. The platen is pivotable to help the user achieve a satisfactory angle for wax application.

Abstract: A fixing device comprises a first rotatable roller in a fixed position, a heater provided in the first rotatable roller for heating the same, and a second rotatable roller facing the first rotatable roller and capable of being in contact therewith. The second rotatable roller is supported movably by shifting members. Each shifting member separates the second rotatable roller from the first roller at normal temperature and presses the second roller against the first rotatable roller when the shifting member is deformed by heat from the first roller heated by the heater.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for manufacturing magnet wire in a continuous process by which coatings of a flowable resin material may be applied concentrically to a moving elongated filament in thicknesses of about 16 mils or less. The filament can be a bare copper or aluminum conductor having round or rectangular configuration or an insulated conductor upon which a top or an intermediate coat of material is desirably applied. Coatings of one and two mils also can be applied by the method of the invention. By the method and apparatus of the invention, magnet wire can be manufactured by continuously drawing the wire to size, annealing the wire, if necessary, insulating the wire with one or more coats of flowable resin material, curing the resin material, if necessary, hardening the resin material, and spooling the wire for shipment, without interruption at speeds limited only by the filament pay-off and take-up devices used.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a toner-image by transporting a toner image bearing material as it is held between a heated fixing roll and a compression roll. The apparatus uses a porous tube of tetrafluoroethylene resin with both ends sealed which is placed in contact with the fixing roll in an axial direction and a release agent is applied onto the surface of the fixing roll through the porous tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to fill out uneven surfaces, whereby a fine grain, fusible powder is excessively applied to the surface to be treated, the excess is removed, and the remaining powder which fills cracks and cavities is temporarily heated to melt. The invention further reveals a means to carry out the method.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus including an image forming station for causing an image bearing member to bear an unfixed image, a fixing station for fixing the unfixed image on the image bearing member, a transport member for transporting the image bearing member from the image forming station to the fixing station, and support device for supporting the transport member; wherein the transport member is provided with a second resistivity in the part thereof which is in contact with the image bearing member and with a first resistivity in other part thereof, the first and second resistivities being so selected as not to disturb the unfixed image on the image bearing member.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus includes a first, heated roller and a second roller movable from spaced apart condition in their nonoperative mode into mutual pressure contact with each other for operatively fixing a toner image to a support sheet passed therebetween, and a cleaning blade maintained in continuous contact with the first roller to clean contaminating matter from its surface. In operation, the first roller is rotated through at least one full revolution prior to contact with the second roller so that residual contaminating matter can be cleaned from the first roller surface before contact with the second roller and image fixing take place.

Abstract: A device for fixing a toner image on an image supporting member includes a first and a second roller for conveying the image supporting member while holding it therebetween and fixing the toner image on the image supporting member, and an applicator being in contact with the first roller and applying offset preventing liquid to the first roller. The portion of contact of the applicator with the first roller is provided with a first portion contacting the fixing action area of the first roller and a second portion including the end areas of the portion of contact with respect to the lengthwise direction of the first roller. The applicator has, in at least the portion of contact, a liquid amount control member formed of synthetic resin having fine continuous pores. The offset preventing liquid oozes out to the surface of the synthetic resin through the fine continuous pores and is applied to the first roller.