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: An ink dispensing device is disclosed wherein the ink releasing member comprises two layers that serve different purposes. The layer which contacts a printing font is made of a porous material that has an open pore size of less than 30 microns and a porosity of 40% to 85%. The second layer is adjacent to the contact layer and is made from an elastic foam with larger pore size, in the range of 80 microns to 1000 microns and a porosity of greater than 70%. The second layer is impregnated with ink and acts as a reservoir for the first layer, the latter serving as a metering member.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking an edge of an envelope moving in a first, substantially horizontal plane. The apparatus includes: a supporting arm; a mechanism for simultaneously rotating the arm in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane and translating the arm perpendicular to the second plane; and a marker for applying ink to the envelope edge secured to the supporting arm. The marker includes a roller for contacting the envelope edge, a reservoir for storing a supply of ink, and a device for feeding the ink from the reservoir to the roller, whereby at an appropriate time the marker may be rotated and translated from a nonmarking position into a marking position adjacent the envelope edge for marking the envelope edge.

Abstract: A paint applicator comprises a frame with a flat side which carries an absorbent pad; the other side of the frame supports a handle. The axles for a pair of rollers depend from a hinged mount supported on the handled face of said frame; the axles are parallel and are inclined toward one margin of the frame. The angle of the hinged mount with respect to the frame is adjustable. The rolling face of each of the rollers have a circumferential groove and the edge of the rolling distal from the frame has a circumferential flat surface which converges toward the axle of the roller in a direction away from the frame. The applicator may be used to edge the paint on a surface adjacent a narrow moulding with a bevelled corner by positioning the applicator so that the pad is against the edge of the surface with the grooved rolling face cupping the bevelled edge of the moulding. The incline of the rollers may need to be adjusted to achieve this.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of preparing "one off effect" dyeings on paper or textile material comprising:passing (preferably drawing) the material continuously through an application zone containing a number of loosely-packed applicator elements, which elements contact and can apply treatment medium to the material in response to the motion of the material, the applicator elements being continuously or intermittently contacted with a treatment medium (preferably a solution containing a dyestuff or etching compound), whereby the "one off effect" is produced by the passage of the material under or through the elements, onto which the medium has been applied.

Abstract: The disposable toilet seat wipe apparatus of this invention includes a pre-moistened, cleansing pad within a carrying container in coupling relationship with a plunger construction extending outwardly from one of the container ends. The opposite end of the container is configured to "blossom" the cleansing pad out of the container as the plunger is actuated inwardly, with the plunger and container then serving as a handle for the apparatus in wiping the seat with the pre-moistened pad as so deployed. A series of protrusions are also provided within the container to prevent the cleansing pad from coming loose from the handle during manipulation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for selectively moistening the flap of envelopes has a moistening member and a pivoting moistening deflector selectively operable to moisten the flap or not. It further comprises a pivoting slide bar to the front of the moistening member and actuated between a protection position and a retracted position in front of the moistening member. The moistening deflector is adapted to cooperate with the slide bar and the moistening member and is coupled to the bar so that they are actuated virtually simultaneously. The device finds applications in automatic mail handling.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for applying a paint, wherein elastic paint-coating means capable of being soaked with a paint are used. The paint-coating means are soaked with a paint and moved along the surfaces of an object to be coated with the paint while being pressed against these surfaces. The paint-coating means are mounted on the main bodies of paint-coating members, which are moved alternately to a first prescribed position where a paint-supplying means is disposed and to a second prescribed position where the object to be coated with the paint is disposed. When the paint-coating members are closed in the first prescribed position so as to hold the paint-supplying means between the paint-coating means, the paint-coating means are pushed against the paint-supplying means so that the paint may soak into the paint-coating means.

Abstract: An improved dispensing apparatus is disclosed which is specifically adapted to provide a supply of wiping material for use in conjunction with the application of coatings to motor vehicle window glass. The dispensing apparatus of the present invention incorporates a spool carrying a substantial supply of the required wiping material and associated support apparatus for supporting the spool in close proximity to its area of use. The support apparatus enables quick and easy replacement of the spools as well as providing a controlled resistance to rotational movement of the spool during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A moistening device for the application of a liquid to gummed surfaces of envelope or letter flaps includes a reservoir for liquid. A sponge is disposed on a support. A brush holder is resiliently disposed above the reservoir. A brush is held by the brush holder and has bristles resting on the sponge for soaking with the liquid. An absorptive strip is disposed above the brush for storage of the liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for binding a plurality of sheets of paper or other media, including an assembly for clamping a plurality of sheets together with binding edges of respective sheets in alignment, and an assembly for coating the binding edges of the sheets with a quick-drying adhesive. The coating assembly advantageously includes an applicator member such as a porous pad, a supply of adhesive to the applicator member and a slidable mounting for the applicator member to guide the member along the binding edges of the clamped sheets. The applicator pad and adhesive may be contained in a telescoping housing which opens to expose the applicator pad during the process of sliding the housing toward and along the binding edges of the sheets.

Abstract: A translucent tank carries along its bottom portion, a pair of transversely extending spaced parallel wick pads which are removeably received in and protrude from recesses in the bottom portion. A handle is pivotally connected along one side of the tank and has control button, both of which control a spring loaded dispensing bar on which are carried resilient valve members which close and open discharge tubes of the tank. A drain tube can empty the contents of the tank to discharge liquid in front of the wick pads. A kick bar releases latches which hold the handle in a transport position with respect to tank. Wheels at the front of the tank permit the handle to tilt the tank for transporting from place to place.

Abstract: A water-repellent liquid is held in a liquid-retainable outer surface of a liquid-retainable member. A tube is held so that a portion near its tip comes into contact with the liquid-retainable surfaces while the former is rotated relative to the latter. As the tube is rotated with respect to the liquid-retainable surface, a water-repellent surface is formed on an outer surface of the tube near its tip. Two liquid-retainable members may be provided so that the tube is rotated therebetween.

Abstract: A replaceable ink cartridge provides a means for replacing an ink roller on an imprinting device without soiling ones hands or clothes. The replaceable ink cartridge includes an ink roller which is received within and contained by a molded containment member prior to its insertion on an imprinting device. In addition, an imprinting device utilizing the replaceable ink cartridge and a method for replacing a replaceable ink cartridge without soiling ones hands or clothing are also provided.

Abstract: The disposable toilet seat wipe apparatus of this invention includes a pre-moistened, cleansing pad within a carrying container having a pair of component sections separable one from another, and by a pull-apart action, for example. The cleansing pad is initially stored in one of the two sections, and is coupled with a rod extending from within the other section. As the two sections are separated, an inner lip of the first section contacts with the pad to "blossom" it outwardly, as the sections continue to part. The pre-moistened cleansing pad so deployed can then be used in wiping the seat.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a coating of lubricant on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of a can body wherein a turret having a plurality of pockets formed in its outer peripheral surface is mounted for rotation about a relatively fixed axis and during the rotation thereof a can body is fed into each pocket. The can body in each pocket is held against the outer peripheral surfaces of a pair of rotating rolls having a space therebetween by a vacuum acting through the space so that the can body is rotated thereby and while rotating is moved against an arcuate wick having a supply of lubricant so as to form a coating of lubricant on the at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface.

Abstract: Skis are waxed by a heated sole plate 18 with a porous insert 42 which is flexibly applied to the gliding surface and can be shifted in a longitudinal direction. The insert absorbs wax 50 from a tub 48 heated to a pasty consistency. Porous sheet material 46 may be applied between the sole and the gliding surface. The treatment can include the removal of remnants of old wax from the gliding surface, which is absorbed by the sheet material and softened by heating the gliding surface with the sole. The wax penetrates into the micro cavities of the ski bottom coating and any scratches in it, and the sheet material ensures that a smooth, flat and flexible layer is formed on the gliding surface.

Abstract: A device for moistening tape is disclosed. The tape is moistened by a roller having a resilient, sorbent felt material on its surface. The surface of the roller is wetted by capillary action as well as by the rotation of the roller in the reservoir. The roller is driven by a conveyor that engages the surface of the roller and advances tape between the roller and the conveyer as the roller rotates.

Abstract: A wicking apparatus for supplying moisture to a sheet document. The apparatus includes: a housing; a reservoir secured to the housing for storing a supply of water; a wicking unit secured to the housing, the unit having a lower, inclined surface, an inlet leading to the inside of the unit, and an interior channel leading from the inlet to the inclined surface; a wicking material situated on the inclined surface and adjacent the interior channel, the wicking material extending beyond the inclined surface; a device for urging a sheet document into contact with the wicking material; and a device for supplying water under pressure to the wicking material.

Abstract: A shaped container of a size suitable having an insert having a face coated with a dry water-soluble dyeing composition and a method of dyeing eggs using said shaped containers and a kit containing various shaped containers, each having therein different dry water-soluble dyeing compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a uniform liquid coating to selected portions of an outer surface of an object having a convex horizontal cross section and a constant vertical profile is disclosed. An application pad having a surface contoured to approximate the constant vertical profile of the object acts as a liquid reservoir. The object is transported in a rolling contact with the application surface sufficient to ensure uniform application of the liquid to the surface of the object without substantial deformation of the application pad surface. A support for maintaining the application pad in an orientation such that rolling contact with the surface of the object is provided. Liquid is supplied to the application pad in an amount sufficient to wet the application pad surface and uniformly dispense liquid to the outer surface of the object.

Abstract: Envelope flap moistening apparatus for use in a machine for feeding an envelope having a flap in a predetermined downstream path of travel, the apparatus comprising: an elongate horizontally-extending stripper blade including a trailing edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the stripper blade including a lower elongate hinge segment and an upper elongate hinge segment, each of the stripper blade hinge segments transversely-extending from the stripper blade trailing edge; an elongate applicator retainer including a leading edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the retainer including an upper elongate hinge segment and a lower elongate hinge segment, each of the retainer hinge segment transversely-extending from the retainer leading edge; and the upper hinge segments and lower hinge segments respectively cooperatively configured for engagement with one another and for maintaining the retainer in a predetermined position of alignment with the stripper blade.

Abstract: A technique for one step solder application through a mask to a printed circuit board (PCB) having pads for surface mountable components and through holes for a leaded components is disclosed wherein the amount of solder deposited on the pads and in the holes is simultaneously, independently controlled as a function of mask thickness, blade hardness and blade to mask angle.

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.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a thread dyeing apparatus and method for dyeing a thread. The apparatus comprises a marker having a transorb material and a nib with dyeing liquid being disposed in the marker housing as passing through the transorb material to the nib. A slit is formed in the nib. The slit is sized so the thread extends through the slit in the nib wherein the dyeing liquid is applied to the thread. In one embodiment, the apparatus is used to dye thread during operation of a sewing machine and, in this embodiment, the marker is positioned between the thread source and the needle of the machine. In other embodiment, the apparatus is utilized for applying a thread lubricant to the thread.

Abstract: An offset lithographic printing method and machine having a plurality of in-line liquid application stations, at least one of which is an ink image-printing station for printing lithographic ink images on a suitable receptive copy sheet, and at least the final downstream liquid-application station is a coating application station for printing a protective, and/or aesthetic coating over selected portions of, or over the entire ink image-printed surface of the copy sheet. The present method and apparatus involves the placement of a drying station between liquid application stations to evaporate volatile solvent or vehicle from the ink images and/or to solidify the liquid coating applied at upstream stations before the application of a continuous or spot coating thereover at the next downstream coating station.

Abstract: A wick cartridge assembly including a cage having openings at opposite ends thereof, a water permeable, mesh surface secured to the interior of the cage and defining an enclosure at one of the openings, and a length of moistening, wick material having one end thereof abutting the mesh enclosure. The assembly is especially useful in moistening apparatus employed with buckle chute folders.

Abstract: The device for moistening the flaps of envelopes as they are driven along a substantially horizontal plane comprises a substantially vertical brush (1) caused to rotate with a peripheral speed substantially equal to the speed at which the envelopes are driven, and fed with moistening liquid taken from a tank (3) by means of a peristaltic pump (4), with the envelope flaps being pressed against the brush by means of a deflector (2).

Abstract: Marking of edges and sides adjacent edges by a fibrous, porous member having a transverse slit. A barrel houses one or more fibrous, porous members which serve as reservoirs for a marking fluid. Openings in the barrel permit the passage of a sheet between the slits.

Abstract: A device for application of lubricant liquid to a yarn on double twister comprising a rigid porous wetting member disposed in a part of the yarn passage through which the yarn drawn from a feeding package passes and adapted to be in contact with the drawn yarn, a tank for reserving lubricant liquid to be applied to the yarn, and a plurality of wicks immersed into lubricant liquid in the tank at one end and brought into contact with the wetting member at the other end.

Abstract: Apparatus for the application of a primer to a plastic profile or the like, characterized by a vat comprising sealing elements provided with clearances for the passage of the plastic profile, accepting a fibrous web material (8) to be saturated with the primer to be applied, and provided with means (6,7) for saturating the fibrous web material (8) with the primer, with means for pressing the fibrous web material against the plastic profile, and with an outlet opening (2).

Abstract: A compact fingerprinting system includes an applicator comprising a sealed packet (13) containing a porous pad (12) impregnated with a solution of water-soluble, color-forming, marking compound, such as iron chloride having a controlled, optimum water content. A print of a body part, such as a finger, is formed by opening the packet (60) and wiping the distal portion of a finger (76) on the pad (62), such as a folded towelette to form a non-visible, latent image pattern. The pattern is transferred to a card (40) which can contain an area (44) impregnated with developer for the marking compound. The developer reacts with the pattern to form a dark, distinct, permanent image (84). The card (40) and packet (13) can be enclosed in an envelope (64) to form a low profile, lightweight, mailable, self-administered fingerprinting system.

Abstract: A releasing agent applicator for a toner fixing apparatus including a hot fixing roller and an elastic pressing roller between which toner, transferred onto copying paper, is fixed. It includes a heat resistant felt for holding a releasing agent. A porous polymer membrane is disposed between the felt and the fixing roller. A heat resistant polymer film is thermally fused between the felt and the membrane to bond the membrane to the felt except that portion of the membrane which is brought into contact with the fixing roller. The felt is impregnated with releasing agent and that portion of the membrane without the film may be brought into contact with the fixing roller to allow the releasing agent to be applied to the fixing roller.

Abstract: A continuous rod of a product such as cigarette filter material is coated with a treating liquid by being passed axially through a cylindrical applicator zone comprising a permeable cylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall being concentrically enclosed within a reservoir and manifold zone connected to a source of liquid. The feed supply for the liquid additive can be pressurized and/or heated, so that application of the additive can be in either liquid or vapor form. The process and apparatus of this invention may be used alone or in conjunction with prior art homogeneous applicators and processes.When used to apply a plasticizer to a rod of continuous filament tow, e.g. for use in producing cigarette filters, annular regions of varying concentrations of the plasticizer are produced in the rod. A relatively dense region of plasticized fiber can be produced on the outside of the filter. Filter rods having wrapping paper uniformly adhered about the periphery of the rod can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for applying high solids enamels to wire wherein the enamel is heated to lower its viscosity to below about 200 cps, the heated enamel is then passed through a discrete, enclosed passageway in a first felt pad. The wire to be coated is then drawn between the first felt pad and a second felt pad in contact with the first felt pad. The wire is passed substantially perpendicular and in front of the discrete passageway of the first felt pad when it is coated with the enamel. The enamel is then formed uniformly and circumferentially about the wire as it exits the felt pads and cured in a curing oven.

Abstract: Apparatus for the application of marks to tubes used for the winding of textiles for the identification of the composition, quality and/or origin of the textiles. Device includes a flighted elevator conveyor adapted to take tubes from the bottom of a container and to transfer them to an inking assembly with marking tips which mark the ends of the tubes. Rotary brushes clean the tube ends prior to marking.

Abstract: An adhesive or sealant is applied to a product by receiving and maintaining the adhesive in liquid form, distributing it to form a film of the material over a predetermined exposed surface area and moving the product relative to the surface area to transfer the material to the product. This is accomplished by use of a housing in which is defined an outwardly opening cavity. A port in the housing admits the liquid material into the cavity. A pad of porous open-cell metal foam covers the opening, with the density of the foam being selected relative to the viscosity parameters of the adhesive to wick or ooze the adhesive from the cavity through the foam and present a film of the adhesive over the outwardly facing surface of the pad. A screen may be disposed over the outwardly facing surface of the pad.

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: A dispensing device for perfumes or deodorants comprises a housing for a reel of mounting tape with tabs adhesively mounted thereon. The mounting tape extends to a member impregnated with the perfume or deodorant and is passed against the member for coating the upper tab surface. The mounting tape extends to and around a discharge member for redirecting the mounting tape through a sharp angle and to dispense the coated tabs through a discharge opening in the housing. A take-up reel is provided for winding the mounting tape. A thumb wheel moves the take-up reel and operates the dispenser.

Abstract: An arrangement for withdrawing supernatant from a deposition surface is provided for use with a cytocentrifuge chamber block. The block receives an absorbent plug in a recess provided therein. The plug is restrained from movement past a predetermined point until a predetermined insertion force corresponding to a predetermined rotor speed is imposed on the plug. At that time a resilient restraining arrangement deflects to permit the plug to advance with respect to the block. The restraining arrangement preferably takes the form of tines resiliently mounted to the plug.

Abstract: A yarn wetting device, particularly for a two-for-one twisting spindle assembly, has a reservoir and a porous member which has capillary action and over which yarn is drawn for the purpose of receiving wetting agent or the like which is fed from below by suction from the reservoir to the porous body. In order to ensure uniform transfer of the wetting agent, irrespective of the level of the wetting agent in the reservoir, a line system leads into the reservoir and has an opening which opens into the atmosphere above the reservoir and an opening located at a distance above the bottom of the reservoir, and the reservoir is sealed relative to the atmospheric pressure when the level of the wetting agent in the reservoir is above the bottom opening of the line system.

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: A liquid film as applied to a transfer drum or planar surface by the textural force of a member in a trough which contacts one wall of the trough to prevent entrainment of air into the body by the member, e.g. a roller, while a wiper or the like engages the surface to prevent entrainment of air by the latter into the trough.

Abstract: A stamping device includes a stamp, with an inking pad or of the self-inking type, for printing or marking documents or objects, and a box, containing the stamp. The stamp is fixed on a part which retracts under a box cover and is mounted on the cover so that the cover is used as a single control member for moving the stamp into position for use and, after use, automatically retracting the stamp into the box. The part on which is fixed the stamp is slidably mounted on the cover by virtue of two grooves formed in the cover and into which extend engagement protrusions such as studs formed on the part.

Abstract: A process is taught in which a flexible, reinforcing travelling web may be uniformly, thinly transfer-coated, on both sides of the web simultaneously, with a low-viscosity liquid or mixture of monomers which may or may not wet the web, but does not wet the surface of a substrate on which the web and mixture are deposited. The liquid or mixture is first curtain-coated on an applicator curtain against which the web moves in controlled contact. An apparatus is provided for transfer-coating a travelling web with a low-viscosity liquid which is first curtain-coated on an applicator curtain.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a toner image by transporting a toner image bearing material as it is held between a fixing roll and a compression roll. In the apparatus, which is positioned above the fixing roll, a release agent having a viscosity of 50 to 100,000 cS is applied onto the surface of the fixing roll through a porous fluorocarbon resin membrane having a pore size of 0.01 to 10 .mu.m, a porosity of 35 to 85%, and a thickness of 50 .mu.m to 1 mm. The porous membrane may be located on the inner surface of the bottom of a tank containing the release agent above an opening in the tank bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the production of stamp or photo album leaves with slip-in pockets for the stamps. Two transparent sheets in web form are linearly bonded to one another, and slip-in pockets are stamped out of the bonded sheet material to form double sheet pockets joined along a linear edge. The slip-in pockets are stamped out of the double sheet web by a stamping tool assembly in a predetermined arrangement corresponding to the pocket placement intended for the album leaf, and holds them firmly in this arrangement by a partial vacuum. In the meantime, an adhesive has been applied to the album leaf in the places provided for the slip-in pockets. The album leaf is then brought into contact with the slip-in pockets held fast by partial vacuum on the stamping tool so that the pockets are secured to the album leaf.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for coloring or patterning Easter eggs in which a dish-shaped container having an inner surface that is non-absorbent of liquid dye is provided with inwardly-extending projections adapted to receive coloring dye. The egg to be patterned is coated with coloring material and, while the material remains wet, is rolled around the interior of the container by a swirling motion.

Abstract: A method for developing an electrostatic latent image comprising bringing a rigid member into pressure contact with a rotary member having a porous elastic member in the form of a layer provided in the periphery thereof to allow said elastic member to contain therein liquid developer in accordance with elastic deformation of the elastic member, urging said rotary member against an electrostatic latent image bearing surface and rotating said rotary member to supply the liquid developer to said bearing surface, thereby carrying out development of the electrostatic latent image, which comprises regulating the amount of elastic deformation of said elastic member in the direction of the thickness upon pressure contact thereof with said rigid member so as to be equivalent to or larger than that of said elastic member in the direction of the thickness upon pressure contact thereof with said bearing surface to conduct said development.