Abstract: An advancing optical fiber (22) is marked with a plurality of spaced indicia along its longitudinal axis. The indicia are applied by an applicator wheel (56) in the form of a disc which is mounted for rotation about an axis which is transverse to the path of travel of the optical fiber. The wheel has a plurality of marking teeth (70-70) arranged about its periphery with each tooth provided with a groove (72) for receiving increments of length of the optical fiber as it is moved rotatably. As the wheel is turned, each tooth in seriatim compresses a porous, resilient pad (80) which is disposed to one side of the wheel in a chamber through which the optical fiber is advanced to cause ink from the pad to be received in the groove of each tooth. Further rotation of the wheel causes ink to be transferred from each groove to the moving fiber. The pad is supplied with ink through a tube by a peristaltic pump (90).

Abstract: A release agent applicator for use with a copying machine providing even application of the release agent to a fixing roll of a plain paper copying machine with little leakage of the release agent. A porous polyethylene tetrafluoride resin tube is accommodated in a divided-type support composed of two members which, when joined together, form a longitudinally extending opening having a width smaller than the maximum width of a cavity formed inside the support. The major portion of the outer surface of the porous resin tube is in contact with abutting walls of the cavity to be sealed thereby, and the remaining portion of the tube surface extends outwardly through the support opening to provide a release agent outlet. Both the porous tube and the support may be provided with air inlets having the diameter greater than the diameters of the pores in the porous tube to introduce air into the interior of the porous tube.

Abstract: An improved release agent applicator for use with a copying machine in which a porous polyethylene tetrafluoride resin tube is installed in a support with the part of the tube which forms an outlet for the release agent contained in the tube projecting from an opening in the support. The outer surface of the porous tube is covered with a film of a polymer having a low melting point, such as polyethylene. When the applicator is installed, the normal heating of the fixing roll causes the polymer film to melt, opening the applicator for use. Accordingly, leakage from the applicator prior to use is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for applying a releasing agent to a fixation roller so that toners are not undesirably built up on the rollers and unwanted spots on a document being reproduced are avoided. The releasing agent includes a polypropylene powder dispersed in silicone oil wherein the powder and oil are heated to raise the powder to a molten state and the powder and oil are then cooled forming fine particles of polypropylene powder that do not tend to float on the top of the silicone oil.

Abstract: Aqueous treating media are applied onto running webs via a restrictor gap in a hollow body extending over the whole width of the web. A springy strip of material, which regulates and homogenizes the throughput, is clamped, under the force from a spring, between the components defining the gap.

Abstract: A conditioning apparatus for a rotating annular belt at a powder reinforcing machine, wherein an arrangement of arms are pivotably secured to a frame portion of the machine, to scrape the belt as it intermittently rotates, to deposit a release fluid onto the width of the belt as it rotates, and to spread the fluid evenly across the belt if fluid puddles up thereon due to the intermittent nature of the belts rotation. The arm for releasing fluid onto the belt has a felt portion which receives fluid from a conduit in communication with a reservoir for the fluid. All the arms are pivotably attached to the frame portion of the machine, adjacent the annular belt, and all are lockable in an upright position to facilitate repair or replacement of any components thereof.

Abstract: Fuser apparatus for fusing a toner image to a support moved along a path which is inclined to the horizontal transversely to the direction of movement of the support. A fuser member is mounted adjacent to the path and has a wick for applying release material which is fluid at fusing temperatures to the fuser member. The wick is inclined to the horizontal and includes discontinuities or barriers to retard migration of release material to the lower end of the wick due to the influence of gravity.

Abstract: A brush, especially useful for conditioning the surface of a moving body such as a fuser roll in an electrostatic copying machine, comprises a fibrous pile containing wicking fibers which project outwardly from a liquid-absorbent sponge-like structure so as to conduct liquid from the sponge-like structure and apply it to the surface of the body. The pile may also contain cleaning fibers in the form of monofilaments which remove particulate matter from the surface of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an epoxy glue, solder paste or a similar material to the surface of a planar circuit chip, such as a silicon integrated circuit chip. Positioned just above the liquid epoxy in the bath is a fine mesh, stainless steel screen clamped at its periphery and having supported thereover a leveling paddle with a micrometer adjustment rotatable relative to the bath itself for smoothing the material over the screen surface. After this smoothing or leveling operation, the chip, usually held by a vacuum chuck, is pressed against the screen into the epoxy with the screen functioning as a resilient means enabling the chip to be withdrawn therefrom with uniform deposition of material applied to the undersurface thereof. The apparatus may also have a spongy material such as polyurethane or a sponge neoprene rubber under the screen to enhance chip removal.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus includes a roller for fixing a toner image formed on a supporting element, a container for receiving an offset preventing liquid and an element for applying the offset preventing liquid on the surface of the roller. The liquid applying element is partially immersed in the offset preventing liquid and it includes a liquid applying member for applying the liquid from the end surface of the member by capillary action, and a member adjacent the end surface to affect the capillary action by squeezing the liquid applying member to control the amount of the liquid applied . Felt is preferably used for the liquid applying member.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring liquid onto the surface of a roller for ultimate transfer onto plants, and a method of constructing a storage tank component of the apparatus. A sponge is disposed in a housing adjacent a roller so that the sponge extends outwardly from the housing into contact with the roller periphery. Liquid is dripped onto the sponge, and excess liquid drains through openings in the bottom of the housing into the storage tank. The storage tank is formed by two plastic pipes bent at a middle portion with an opening between them at the apex of the bend of the top pipe. The top pipe is cut-off to provide an open top complimentary to the sponge housing bottom. Liquid from the tank is recirculated back to the pipe dripping liquid onto the sponge.

Abstract: An improved fluid applicating wick for use in applying release fluids to a fuser member surface of a fusing system for fusing toner images is described. The wick comprises a working surface material which contacts the fuser member surface, and a backing material to which the working surface material is needled. A preferred fluid applicating wick comprises a layer of Teflon felt or fiber as a working surface material is needled to a fibrous or felted Nomex material.

Abstract: In a developing apparatus for developing exposed copy sheets with liquid developer, which apparatus employs an applicator roll for the developer liquid and metering and pressure blades in contact with the applicator roll for controlling the development process, there is provided a wick for applying the developer liquid to the roll. Means is provided for moving the wick into and out of contact with the surface of the applicator roll so that the wick may be withdrawn whenever the apparatus is stopped in order to allow uniform drying of the roll surface to forestall the possibility of non uniform development treatment which otherwise might occur when the apparatus is next used.

Abstract: Metal parts are coated with one or more layers of a solvent-based adhesive using a roller coating procedure. The adhesive solution is transferred from a supply reservoir to the metal part by a natural fiber felt covered roll. The freshly coated part is then dried and the coating and drying procedure repeated until a layer of adhesive of desired thickness is built up. The use of a natural fiber felt covered roll permits uniform transfer and application of the adhesive at efficiencies above 90% (ratio of adhesive on the part to total adhesive used).

Abstract: Offset of toner powder upon a heated surface is prevented by applying an emulsion of a high viscosity release agent and a low viscosity dispersion liquid upon the heated surface by an applicator means in contact with the heated surface. The preferred emulsion is a mixture of high viscosity silicone oil and water. There is also described a method of manufacturing a fibrous applicator and the article formed thereby which includes the impregnation of the fibrous applicator with an emulsion of high viscosity liquid and a low viscosity dispersion liquid and the removal of low viscosity dispersion liquid after impregnation with the emulsion is complete. A preferred applicator is a fibrous wick having water removed therefrom after the fibrous wick is impregnated with an emulsion of a polydimethylsiloxane liquid and water.

Abstract: A fixing device for an electrophotographic copying machine which includes a pair of rollers forming a nip therebetween through which the copy paper passes and an applicator which is capable of feeding a sufficient quantity of offset-preventing liquid only to the portion of the rollers where the leading end of the copy paper, will contact with the supply of offset-printing liquid to the remaining portion of the rollers being minimized to a quantity necessary for the preventing of offset. The consumption of offset-preventing liquid is reduced and the swelling of the silicone rubber coatings on the rollers, when used, is inhibited.

Abstract: Roll fuser apparatus for fixing toner images on copy substrates. This apparatus is characterized by simplicity of design and serviceability. To this end, the fuser roll, pressure roll and a weighted wick are all supported for vertical movement such that raising the pressure roll which is below the fuser roll which, in turn, is below the wick causes engagement with the fuser roll and then engagement between the fuser roll and wick. Downward movement of the pressure roll will effect disengagement of the pressure roll from the fuser roll as well as automatic disengagement of the wick from the fuser roll.

Abstract: An applicator mechanism for applying fuser oil to a fixing roller of an electrostatic copying device includes an apparatus for supplying the oil to a first wick means, or to selected portions thereof. A second wick means includes a web interposed between the first wick means and the roller. The web is movable between take-up and supply reels.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for printing labels in spaced relation on a continuous moving web which apparatus includes a printing roller, a wick supplying ink to the roller and a spring plate member underlying the wick pressing the same against the roller, the improvement herein consisting of the plate member having a multiplicity of spring like fingers at its free end, the individual fingers engage and apply pressure against the underside of the wick for a uniform inking engagement of the wick with the non-uniform printing surface of the printing roller to print uniformly inked labels on the web.

Abstract: A relatively large supply of fast drying ink is stored by an ink supply device having an elongated tubular housing connected at one axial end to a transversely enlarged ink reservoir extension. A wick extends from the ink in the reservoir through a restricted passage formed in the tubular housing by an indentation to conduct capillary flow of ink to a foam filler retained by the indentation in contact with a filter assembly closing the other opened end of the tubular housing through which the ink is dispensed to a marking device.

Abstract: Improved lubricator roll for uniformly applying low viscosity lubricant to surfaces such as fusing rolls used in copying or reproduction machines. The roll has a longitudinal array of apertures for dispensing low viscosity lubricant contained in the roll and a longitudinal, interior strip which scoops lubricant into an annular reservoir formed between the strip and the roll. The annular reservoir provides a head on the lubricant near the dispensing apertures so that lubricant is dispensed therefrom over approximately three-fourths of each revolution, regardless of the level of lubricant in the roll. The reservoir-forming strip also modulates the amount of lubricant present in the reservoir so that the roll apertures alternately dispense oil and vent the roll.

Abstract: A heated pressure roll fuser system is provided with a wick assembly which comprises a Nomex layer of material, a wool layer of material and a porous wiper pad. The wiper pad engages a heated fuser roll. One face of one end of the Nomex layer contacts the wiper pad, and the same face at the other end of the Nomex layer engages an oil applicator roll which rotates in an oil reservoir laterally spaced from the fuser roll. The wool layer is on top of the Nomex layer and engages the other face thereof. Both the Nomex layer and the wool layer wick oil to the wiper pad where oil passes by gravity through the wiper pad to the fuser roll. The wicking action of the wool layer assures a continuous supply of oil at the fuser roll on long copy runs of a xerographic machine in which it is utilized. The Nomex layer protects the wool from scorching.

Abstract: Applicator structure for applying toner offset preventing liquid to a heated fuser roll structure for fusing toner images to copy sheets. The applicator structure comprises a wick member and support therefor wherein the support is characterized by having a plurality of concave surfaces each of which can cooperate with the fuser roll structure to retain a different portion of said wick member in engagement with said fuser roll structure. The support is adapted to be manually repositioned relative to the fuser roll so that each of the concave surfaces can be disposed opposite the fuser roll structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for uniformly applying toner-release lubricant to, and for cleaning, heated fusing rolls used in copying or reproduction machines. The apparatus comprises a lubricant-dispensing roll containing an internal supply of lubricant; an applicator roll for transferring lubricant from the dispenser roll to the fuser roll and for wiping the fuser roll; and a spreader roll for evenly distributing the lubricant on the applicator roll prior to the completion of transfer to the fuser roll. The dispenser roll is designed to (1) dispense lubricant uniformly and substantially continuously over approximately 270.degree. of each revolution, regardless of the oil level therein, and (2) preclude the dispensing of lubricant when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for moistening the gummed section of an envelope flap for the purpose of sealing the flap to the body of the envelope, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a reservoir containing a moistening fluid. An endless belt movably conveys the moistening fluid from the reservoir past a window. A bead chain apparatus projects through the window to obtain the moisture carried by the moving belt. An envelope with a distended flap is caused to move past the bead chain apparatus, causing the envelope flap to be wetted thereby. The bead chain apparatus comprises a snap-in frame, which is easily assembled to the moistening apparatus. When a frame becomes laidened with gum residues, it is removed, and a new frame, supporting fresh moistener beads, is snapped into place.

Abstract: A strip of sheet metal moves horizontally between upper and lower felt rollers, turning them in opposite directions so that the lower roller continuously picks up oil from an oil bath. Oil is dripped down onto the upper roller from a device which is continuously provided with oil from a reservoir. The distribution device provides for an excess of oil to be bypassed and deposited into the oil bath below, and the level of the oil in the bath is used to control the flow of oil to the distribution device. The device comprises a tension spring so supported above the upper roll that oil from the reservoir flows into one end, and depending upon the spacing between the spring convolutions, a portion flows out through these convolutions, and the remainder is bypassed through the other end into the oil bath. A uniform distribution of oil along the axial extent of the upper roller is made possible by the spring type distribution device.

Abstract: This invention relates to marking apparatus which is capable of imprinting a complete elongated straight mark on a suitable object or stack of objects without the use of a separate guide means. The apparatus consists of an elongated cylindrical rod which comprises the marking element. The rod is disposed in the legs of a holder which is U shaped in cross section in such a manner that a portion of the side of the rod is disposed within the U and another portion of the side of the rod extends beyond the U. Means are provided for providing ink to the outer surface of the rod, and means are provided for rotating the rod about its longitudinal axis. In operation, the rod is placed up against an object to be marked and the rod is rotated. The rod imprints a pattern with the ink from its surface when it is adjacent the object.

Abstract: In a liquid supply system for a developing apparatus, a liquid absorbing wick construction which is formed of polyester fibers matted together to form a liquid absorbant pad which, when it is pressed against the surface of a rubber applicator roller, feeds and supplies liquid to the rubber roller surface. The fibers are formed from polyethylene terephthalate resins which are formed into a unitary pad by "needling" the fibers together and which is then enclosed either entirely or partially by a sheath so that the fibers are retained on the pad.