Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a toner image forming portion, a foil transfer unit, a sheet tray, and a discharge portion. The toner image forming portion is provided in the housing and configured to form a toner image on a sheet. The foil transfer unit is configured to superpose a foil with a surface of the sheet. The sheet tray is installable in the housing in an inserting direction and configured to accommodate a sheet to be supplied to the toner image forming portion. The first discharge portion is configured to discharge the sheet from the foil transfer unit to the outside of the housing in a discharging direction opposite to the inserting direction. The second discharge portion is configured to discharge the sheet from the toner image forming portion to the outside of the housing without passing through the foil transfer unit in the discharge direction.

Abstract: An improved 3D printer includes an airflow enabled print bed ensuring secure placement of a print base prior to printing. The modular assembly technique provides for improved ease of manufacture and assembly, as well as adjustments of print sizing. The improved printhead includes a heat sink disposed internally therein for improved heat and cooling properties. The printhead itself includes z-axis position detection techniques. The inclusion of VSU insertion techniques in software modeling and printing further improves the print operations by including vertical stability for the print object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glue dam seal assembly for a glue application installation of a corrugated board plant. The glue dam seal assembly comprises a support installation and a first glue dam sealing element for tight disposal on a first roller. The first glue dam sealing element is pivotable in relation to the support installation. The glue dam seal assembly furthermore has a first urging installation for urging the first glue dam sealing element onto the first roller upon generating a first urging force acting on the first glue dam sealing element.

Abstract: This invention quickly supplies a predetermined amount of powder from a hopper to a recoater. A powder supply apparatus includes, as its feature, a hopper, a powder spreader, a powder replenisher, and a pivoting unit. The hopper of the powder supply apparatus stores a powder. The powder spreader spreads the powder on a shaping surface. The powder replenisher of the powder supply apparatus is provided between the hopper and the powder spreader, and replenishes the powder spreader with a predetermined amount of powder. The pivoting unit of the powder supply apparatus causes the powder replenisher to pivot.

Abstract: An apparatus for making three-dimensional objects comprises a movable dispensing head to dispense in a fluid state a supply of flexible strand of thermoplastic resin material. Two motors are provided for moving said dispensing head relative to a base member in an x, y plane in a predetermined sequence and pattern. A heater heats flexible strand to a predetermined temperature above the solidification temperature of said material.

Abstract: Conveyor systems and assemblies for use in conveyor systems are provided. In some embodiments, a conveyor system comprises a mechanical chain and a chain adjustment assembly. In other embodiments, a conveyor system comprises a panel mount assembly, and in still other embodiments, a conveyor system comprises a support structure and a leveling assembly. In yet other embodiments, a conveyor system comprises a conveyor track assembly and a conveyor top protection assembly. Any embodiment of the conveyor system may also comprise a blocking bar configured to be positioned under a lower conveyor track assembly and/or a cap positioned between an end of a conveyor track assembly and a sprocket. Further, a cover assembly for a conveyor system may comprise a shield positioned over a sprocket assembly and/or an idler assembly of the conveyor system. A guard for positioning at an end of the conveyor system also may be provided.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an additively manufactured part, comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and a plurality of compacted composite filaments arranged in layers between the top portion and the bottom portion, each compacted composite filament including one or more axial fiber strands, wherein the plurality of compacted composite filaments includes a first compacted composite filament located in a first layer and a second compacted composite filament located in a second layer, the first layer being located closer to the bottom portion than the second layer, and wherein the second compacted composite filament layer is compressed against the first compacted composite filament, forming a vertically bonded rank in which the one or more axial fiber strands of the second compacted composite filament intrudes into the first compacted composite filament.

Abstract: The invention provides a heating head for a three-dimensional printing pen. The heating head includes a heating pipe, a heating member, a heat insulation pipe, a heat insulation sleeve, and a heat sink. The heating member is disposed on the heating pipe. The heat insulation pipe penetrates into the heating pipe. The heat insulation sleeve is sleeved on the heating pipe and opposite to the heating member. The heat insulation sleeve partly covers the heat insulation pipe, and the heat insulation pipe and the heat insulation sleeve are separated by the heating pipe. The heat sink and the heat insulation sleeve mutually lean against, wherein the heat insulation sleeve is located between the heating member and the heat sink, and the heat insulation pipe penetrates into the heat sink.

Abstract: An electrode plate manufacturing method of the present disclosure uses an electrode plate manufacturing apparatus including: a first roll and a second roll facing each other at a first position; and a third roll facing the second roll at a second position, and the manufacturing method rotates the first to the third rolls, feeds an electrode material at the first position, and brings a current collecting foil to pass through the second position. The electrode plate manufacturing apparatus includes: a flow passage roll having a flow passage thereinside and an outer circumferential surface disposed to be in contact with an outer circumferential surface of at least one of the first roll, the second roll, and the third roll; and a circulating unit circulating a fluid through the flow passage. The circulating unit circulates the fluid through the flow passage of the flow passage roll during manufacturing the electrode plate.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A system for additively manufacturing a composite part comprises a delivery assembly, a feed mechanism, and a source of curing energy. The delivery assembly comprises a delivery guide movable relative to a surface and is configured to deposit a continuous flexible line along a print path. The delivery assembly further comprises a first inlet, configured to receive a non-resin component, and a second inlet, configured to receive a photopolymer resin. The delivery assembly applies the photopolymer resin to the non-resin component. The feed mechanism pushes the continuous flexible line out of the delivery guide. The source of the curing energy delivers the curing energy to a portion of the continuous flexible line after it exits the delivery guide.

Abstract: A system comprises a delivery guide movable relative to a surface. The delivery guide is configured to deposit a continuous flexible line along a print path that is stationary relative to the surface. The system further comprises a vessel, configured to hold a volume of a liquid photopolymer resin and to apply a quantity of the liquid photopolymer resin to the non-resin component to create the continuous flexible line. The system further comprises a feed mechanism, configured to pull the non-resin component through the vessel and to push the continuous flexible line out of the delivery guide. The system further comprises a source of curing energy. The source is configured to deliver the curing energy at least to a portion of the segment of the continuous flexible line after the segment of the continuous flexible line exits the delivery guide.

Abstract: A method of additively manufacturing a composite part is disclosed. The method comprises pushing a continuous flexible line through a delivery guide. The continuous flexible line comprises a non-resin component and a thermosetting-epoxy-resin component that is partially cured. The method also comprises depositing, via the delivery guide, a segment of the continuous flexible line along a print path. The method further comprises maintaining the thermosetting-epoxy-resin component of at least the continuous flexible line being pushed through the delivery guide below a threshold temperature prior to depositing the segment of the continuous flexible line along the print path.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming station for forming a toner image on a sheet; a heating member and a pressing roller that form a nip for fixing the toner image on a sheet; a heat absorption roller for absorbing heat by contacting the pressing roller; a moving mechanism for moving the heat absorption roller to and away from the pressing roller; a detector for detecting an abnormal state that heat absorption roller remains contacted the pressing roller; and a controller for controlling an interval between adjacent sheets when image forming operation is continuously carried out for a plurality of sheets, wherein when the detector does not detect the abnormal state, the controller supplies the sheets at a first feeding interval, and, when the detector detects the abnormal state, the controller supplies of the sheets at a second feeding interval longer than the first interval.

Abstract: A method of additively manufacturing a composite part comprises pushing a continuous flexible line through a delivery guide. The continuous flexible line comprises a non-resin component and a photopolymer-resin component that is partially cured. The method also comprises depositing, via the delivery guide, a segment of the continuous flexible line along a print path. Additionally, the method comprises delivering curing energy at least to a portion of the segment of the continuous flexible line deposited along the print path.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a head having a nozzle configured to discharge a composite material, including a matrix and a continuous reinforcement. The system may also include a cure enhancer configured to enhance curing of the matrix, and a support configured to move the head during discharging to create a structure having a three-dimensional trajectory. The system may further include a cutting mechanism operatively mounted to at least one of the head and the support, and configured to sever the continuous reinforcement after discharge from the nozzle. The cutting mechanism may include a blade, and an ultrasonic energy source connected to the blade.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery that makes it possible to form a more uniform active material layer by using granulated particles. The manufacturing apparatus includes: a conveying mechanism, a supply unit, a squeegee, an adjustment unit, and rolling rolls. The conveying mechanism conveys a collector. The supply unit supplies granulated particles, including active material particles and a binder, onto the surface of the conveyed collector. The squeegee levels the supplied granulated particles. The adjustment unit is disposed upstream of the squeegee. The adjustment unit controls the accumulation height of the granulated particles accumulated upstream of the squeegee. The rolling rolls roll the leveled granulated particles and form the active material layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to applying the filament from the conduit nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for melting soap fragments to create a soap bar from the soap fragments. The apparatus includes various replaceable molds to create soap bars having various shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus for activating a chemistry disposed upon a target structure includes a handle having an axis of orientation; a structure contacting element attached to the handle a radiant energy source having an emissive outlet adjacent to the structure contacting element wherein a vector associated with the application of the apparatus to a structure intersects and is normal to the axis of orientation and passes through the structure contacting surface.

Abstract: A unit for spreading an adhesive onto a moving film, includes at least one pair of abutments (11) upon which is mounted a first pick-up roller (12) for collecting a quantity of adhesive from a collection zone (13), a second roller (14) that rotates in contact with the first roller (12), intended to receive the quantity of adhesive, and a third roller (15) that rotates in contact with the second roller (14), wherein the abutments include at least one fixed portion (19) and one moving portion (20, 21) that can be firmly connected to the fixed portion, the moving portion being configured: to house a tank (17) in which the adhesive collection zone is found, or to house an additional fourth roller (18) positioned at a given distance from the first roller, the collection zone being located in the upper space between the first and the fourth roller (12, 18).

Abstract: An apparatus for the hot and moist cleaning of floors is disclosed, having an elongate body including a handle at a proximal end thereof and a water reservoir; and a cleaning head flexibly disposed at a distal end of the elongate body and having a heating plate and a cleaning pad, wherein the heating plate forms a planar underside of the cleaning head and includes a heating element to heat the planar underside. The water reservoir is adapted to moisten the cleaning pad when the planar underside is above 85 C. The cleaning pad is removably attached against and in thermal communication with the planar underside such that the cleaning pad is moistened and heated to a temperature between 85 C and 100 C, inclusive. And the heating plate does not substantially heat water from the water reservoir prior to the moistening of the cleaning pad.

Abstract: A cartridge (10) for preparing a liquid product, for example a beverage such as coffee by introducing liquid and/or steam into the cartridge (10) contains a dose (12) of at least one substance, such as for example powdered coffee, which is able to form the aforesaid product using said liquid and/or steam. The dose is enclosed between foils (14, 16) that can be traversed by the aforesaid liquid and/or steam, said foils (14, 16) being connected together around the dose (12). The aforesaid foils (14, 16) are made of compostable material, i.e., a material that can be recovered by composting and biodegradation, and are connected together around the dose (12) using a connecting material (30), which is also compostable. The cartridge as a whole can hence be recovered by composting and biodegradation, in compliance with the European Norm UNI EN 13432:2002 and/or subsequent modifications and integrations thereof.

Abstract: A waterproof coating process machine and its negative pressure coating and atomized coating methods are disclosed. The machine includes a coating process tank disposed at a top end, a drying chamber and a control panel. A discharge port connected with a discharge pipe on an outer side is disposed at a bottom of the coating process tank; and at least one negative pressure suction port connected with a suction pipe of a suction pump is disposed on a back side. An opening of the drying chamber in combination with a movable door is disposed at a front side of a lower section of the machine. An infrared outlet, an infrared spiral wave outlet and a circulation fan are disposed inside the drying chamber. The control panel is disposed on the front side of the machine between the coating process tank and the drying chamber.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to applying the filament from the conduit nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a textile includes a coating reservoir for containing a textile coating composition, and one or more coolable rollers operable to convey a textile material through the apparatus and into contact with the coating composition, in a manner which considerably reduces build-up of the textile coating composition on the one or more rollers. Methods of using apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are disclosed for producing an electrically conductive pattern on a surface. Electrically conductive solid particles are transferred onto an area of predetermined form on a surface of a substrate. The electrically conductive solid particles are heated to a temperature that is higher than a characteristic melting point of the electrically conductive solid particles, thus creating a melt. The melt is pressed against the substrate in a nip, wherein a surface temperature of a portion of the nip that comes against the melt is lower than said characteristic melting point.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a patterned structure includes a deposition facility for depositing an electrically conductive material on a cylindrical surface of a transfer roll, a supply facility for providing a flexible substrate with a carrier layer, a press-roll for pressing the flexible substrate with the carrier layer against the surface of the transfer roll, the press-roll being positioned in the rotation direction of the transfer roll with respect to a position where the first deposition facility deposits the substance on the transfer roll, and being arranged for embedding the deposited substance in said carrier layer, wherein the adhesion between the printed substance and the cylindrical surface of the transfer roll is less than the adhesion between the printed substance and said carrier layer, a transport facility for releasing the flexible substrate with the carrier layer embedding the substance as the patterned structure from the transfer roll.

Abstract: Coating rollers accepting liquid media provide liquid chemicals to substrates for depositing a thin coating layer on the flat substrates, such as semiconductors or panels. The liquid media is cooled to a life-preserving temperature while shielded from the thermal energy heating the substrates to prevent degrading the liquid media. Physical barrier or temperature barrier can be established in vicinities of the rollers to further limit exposing the liquid media to high temperature.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by melt layering, wherein the object is built up in layers from a meltable modeling material. The modeling material is provided in rod form in order to provide precise, but nevertheless simple, material delivery for the melt layering process.

Abstract: A method of making an article having a substrate and a material applied thereto includes providing a metered fluid dispensing system having a supply of fluid to be dispensed, an output device having at least one dispensing nozzle, at least two pumps for pumping fluid from the supply to the at least one dispensing nozzle. The pumps are in close proximity to the dispensing nozzle. Output supply passageways interconnect the pumps and the dispensing nozzle, and flow control elements selectively control the passage of the fluid from the pumps to the nozzle. The substrate is conveyed past the fluid dispensing system in a machine direction and fluid is applied to the substrate in a plurality of segments. Each segment has a volume per unit length and is applied in a length in the machine direction to define a pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying adhesives, optionally in a retrofit-free manner, in particular PUR adhesives and dispersion adhesives, in particular PVAc adhesives, to planar objects, in particular panel-shaped components, which are made of wood, derived timber products, plastic material or the like at least in some sections, comprising at least one application roller for applying the adhesive and at least one metering roller for metering out the adhesive, the rollers being arranged next to one another forming a tapering gap into which the adhesive is supplied, wherein a glue reservoir for hot-melt adhesive and a glue reservoir for dispersion adhesive are provided, which are connected to the gap by means of a supply system or adhesive.

Abstract: Coating rollers accepting liquid media provide liquid chemicals to substrates for depositing a thin coating layer on the flat substrates, such as semiconductors or panels. The liquid media is cooled to a life-preserving temperature while shielded from the thermal energy heating the substrates to prevent degrading the liquid media. Physical barrier or temperature barrier can be established in vicinities of the rollers to further limit exposing the liquid media to high temperature.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a continuous feed variable depth die cut for use in cutting kinesiology tape. The die cut includes a housing, including a first opening configured to allow the kinesiology tape to enter the housing and a second opening configured to allow the kinesiology tape to exit the housing. The die cut also includes a roller inside the housing, wherein the roller is configured to rotate as the kinesiology tape passes over the roller and a die formed on the outer surface of the roller, wherein the die includes a cutting edge for cutting the kinesiology tape and wherein the cutting edge is formed in the shape of the strip of kinesiology tape to be cut. The die cut further includes a surface inside the housing, wherein the kinesiology tape passes over the surface when the kinesiology tape is being cut.

Abstract: A security label (310) comprises a first layer (114) of a non-affixing polymeric coating printed on a coating receiving surface (362) of a carrier film substrate (112). Affixing portions (121) of a second layer (118) adhere to the carrier film substrate (112) via affixing regions (116) defined by the first layer (114). The first layer (14) is less adherable to the carrier film substrate (12) than the second layer (18), so that, in use, when the carrier film substrate (12) is removed from the first layer (14), the affixing portions (121) of the second layer (18) remain adhered to the carrier film substrate (12) and are disassociated from an adhesive material layer (120), and those portions of the second layer which are not affixing portions remain associated with the adhesive material layer (120) and are disassociated from the carrier film substrate (112).

Abstract: The present invention relates to tooling and methods for disposing, coating, building up, repairing, or otherwise modifying the surface of a metal substrate using frictional heating and compressive loading of a consumable metal material against the substrate. Embodiments of the invention include friction-based fabrication tooling comprising a non-consumable member with a throat and a consumable member disposed in the throat, wherein the throat is operably configured such that during rotation of the non-consumable member at a selected speed, the throat exerts normal forces on and rotates the consumable member at the selected speed; and comprising means for dispensing the consumable member through the throat and onto a substrate using frictional heating and compressive loading. Embodiments of the invention also include fabrication methods using the tools described herein.

Abstract: Device having features formed utilizing probe-based lithography, including: depositing a preceramic polymer on a substrate; writing nanoscale features in the polymer by locally transforming the preceramic polymer via a chemical reaction causing it to undergo a permanent phase change into hardened, ceramic material, the chemical reaction activated with a prescribed activation energy supplied by heat and/or pressure applied by a probe tip; depositing new layers and continuing according to a desired three-dimensional pattern; by cross-linking unactivated preceramic polymer to act as a support medium that isolates a formed ceramic structure mechanically and/or electrically; and where the ceramic pattern is made electrically conductive by (a) incorporating dopant elements into or onto the preceramic polymer, or (b) performing the write step in a chemically-active environment that supplies dopant atoms during the chemical reaction.

Abstract: A cooling system and method for a paper coating device, especially for cooling a coating blade of the coating device and a coating color to be coated on paper web, whereby a streaking and/or bleeding phenomena caused by accumulation of the coating color at the end of the coating blade are effectively inhibited. The cooling system comprises a cooling means equipped at a back surface of the coating blade, interconnecting hoses for communicating coolant to the cooling means, a circulating unit, and a heat-exchanging unit.

Abstract: A laminator for multiplex entities comprising at least one pair of driven cylinders, the outermost surface of the cylinders being coated with a thermally conductive elastic material such that in operation the cylinders fail to make physical contact with one another for a period during each rotation, wherein each of the cylinders is provided with at least one heating means, the elastic material coating has a constant thickness for at least 50% of the circumference of the cylinders and the part of the circumference of the cylinders with an elastic material having a constant thickness is at least the length of the multiplex entities in the transport direction thereof; and a lamination process for producing a multiplex entity comprising the steps of: providing at least one pair of driven cylinders, the outermost surface of the cylinders being coated with a thermally conductive elastic material such that in operation the cylinders fail to make physical contact with one another for a period during each rotation, wh

Abstract: A strip of wrapping material is advanced by a feed unit that includes a gumming device composed of a gumming roller and a transfer roller contra-rotating about horizontal and parallel axes and in tangential contact one with another along an area coinciding with a straight line generator common to both.

Abstract: A non-woven polymeric matrix for separating leukocytes from a blood sample includes a non-woven three dimensional matrix formed from polymeric fibers having a predetermined pore volume fraction including a defined channel configuration, a predetermined pore size in the range of from about 10 ?m to about 250 ?m, and a plurality of connections between the plurality of fibers. The matrix is configured so as to remove at least about 98% of leukocytes from at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Methods of making and using the matrix are also provided.

Abstract: A method for continuously coating at least one surface of a metal strip with a single-layer or multilayer crosslinkable polymer fluid film (20) obtained from solid precursors at room temperature and free of non-reactive solvent or diluent and whereof the softening temperature is higher than 50° C. The method includes: continuously unwinding the metal strip (1); preheating the metal strip (1) at a temperature substantially equal to or higher than the crosslinkable polymer softening temperature; forming by forced flow on an applicator roll (12) with deformable surface a single-layer or multilayer coat (13) of the crosslinkable polymer; driving in rotation the applicator roll in the same direction as that of the unwinding of the metal strip (1), heating the applicator roll (12) to a temperature higher than the temperature for forming the coat; and transferring the coat onto the metal strip to form the single-layer or mutilayer film (20) on the corresponding surface of the metal strip (1).

Abstract: Temperature control of the coating medium is performed to influence the processability of coating media in an applicator system. In order to operate without losing efficiency, devices acting directly from the inside or the outside for heat supply or dissipation are connected to the elements guiding the coating medium. The temperature of the coating medium is influenced by measuring the temperature within the coating medium and, if necessary, at the elements guiding the coating medium.

Abstract: The invention relates first of all to a method for covering areas of damaged protective coating on containers or the like, in which, according to the invention, protective coating material is stamped on to the zone in which the damaged areas occur. The invention also describes an apparatus for carrying out the method in which a carrier unit is provided for stamping protective coating material on to the damaged area. Apparatus is provided for positioning the carrier unit with respect to the container.

Abstract: A method and device for continuously coating at least a metal strip (1) with a crosslinkable polymer fluid film which is free of non-reactive solvent or diluent, and which has a softening temperature higher than 50° C. The method includes the steps of: continuously unwinding the metal strip (1) on at least a back-up roll (30); forming, by forced flow on an applicator roll (20) having a deformable surface, a layer of the crosslinkable polymer; and forming on the applicator roll (20) the crosslinkable polymer film and transferring the film from the applicator roll onto the metal strip. The device implements this method.

Abstract: A fluid material application system is provided with an application deck for applying a fluid material that includes printing ink, adhesive or coating, a source of fluid material, a source of heat transfer liquid, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a tube-in-hose ink heat exchange element having a fluid material carrying seamless tube located within a hose. The hose is adapted to be connected to a heat transfer fluid source so that a heat transfer fluid flows around the fluid material carrying tube to control and maintain the temperature of the fluid material in the tube at a generally constant temperature. The elongated heat exchange element may possess a winding type of configuration (e.g., it may be coiled or helically wound or may be laid out in a serpentine path) to define a winding flow path for the fluid material and the heat transfer fluid, and may be located within an enclosing structure to define an overall compact heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a casting apparatus for formation of a resin-made membrane which is made to be capable of accomplishing a stable pressure reduction through a suction chamber irrespective of the dimension of an interval between a die and a cooling roll. Thus, in the apparatus according to this invention, a suction chamber is disposed independently of a die and is located to define a necessary seal gap with respect to a cooling roll. Further, a circumferentially moving mechanism is provided to shift the suction chamber along the circumferential directions of the cooling roll while maintaining the necessary seal gap. This invention is applicable, for example, to a biaxial oriented film machine, a non-oriented film machine, a sheet machine, and others.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively providing textured handling hazard resistant clear marking particles coatings to photographic elements on an elongated web transported along a travel path from a supply roller to a take-up roller. The apparatus includes a device, located in operative association with the web travel path for applying a clear marking particle coating to the web. A heated fuser roller and a mechanism, such as a pressure roller providing a nip relation with the fuser roller for travel of the web through the nip, are located relative to the web travel path to fuse the clear marking particle coating to the web. At least one heated, textured roller, is located downstream of the fuser roller relative to the web travel path facing the photographic elements on the web.

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 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: The present invention relates to a tipper apparatus for pigmenting the embossed section (raised characters for copying) of a card used to perform transactions by a customer at financial institutions or the like. The tipper apparatus comprises a card feeder for feeding a card; a pusher for pressing a color ribbon against the embossed section of the card fed by the card feeder; a ribbon driver for advancing and winding the color ribbon; and a controller for controlling the card feeder and the ribbon driver on the basis of tipping signals received from a host apparatus, transporting the card and the effective section of the ribbon to the pusher, and actuating the pusher.