Abstract: Uniformity of hot melt coatings on thermally sensitive plastic and other webs is maintained by use of a silicone or other rubber-like web back-up roll the dimensional stability of which is maintained during hot melt coating of the webs by a heat-conducting idler roll directly contacting the back-up roll temperature and a heat transfer source for temperature deficiencies on the silicone roll surface, aiding constant nozzle-to-web spacing irrespective of temperature variations and line speeds. Provision is also made for the introduction of chilling, if required.

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 heat-fixing apparatus comprising a heating roll to be brought into contact with a toner image borne on a sheet member, a pressure roll in pressed contact with the heating roll to provide a nip portion therebetween, each of the heating roll and the pressure roll being constituted by a cylindrical core coated with a heat-resistant, resilient layer and a resin surface layer having release properties, the heating roll and the pressure roll having such surface hardness as to make the nip portion substantially flat and also having substantially the same outer diameter, and the contact pressure of the rolls being such that the nip portion has a width within the range of providing good fixing capability. This heat-fixing apparatus can perform toner image fixing even on sheet members of a plurality of plies such as envelopes without creasing.

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: Toner fusing rolls with improved properties comprise cylindrical cores covered with crosslinked poly(diorganosiloxanes) having 5-15 mole percent diphenylsiloxane recurring units. The rolls are produced by molding and curing the uncrosslinked polysiloxanes on cylindrical cores.

Abstract: Uniformity of hot melt coatings on thermally sensitive plastic and other webs is maintained by use of a silicone or other rubber-like web back-up roll the dimensional stability of which is maintained during hot melt coating of the webs by a heat-conducting idler roll directly contacting the back-up roll temperature and a heat transfer source for temperature deficiencies on the silicone roll surface, aiding constant nozzle-to-web spacing irrespective of temperature variations and line speeds. Provision is also made for the introduction of chilling, if required.

Abstract: A pressure device for applying pressure between an upper fixing roller and a lower fixing roller, the pressure applying device being disposed at each end of the lower fixing roller and including a bearing member for supporting a rotary shaft mounted in the lower fixing roller and a biasing spring for biasing the bearing member upwards. The upper and lower fixing rollers are held in pressure contact with each other through depression of the upper fixing roller towards the lower fixing roller, under the influence of the pressure device.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying glaze, in the form of granules, to hot tiles, having a dispenser including at least an inclined surface with a pouring edge for cascade or curtain coating of the glaze onto the hot tiles brought below it, preferably conveyed on rollers. Provision is preferably made for successive pouring edges aligned transversally to the tile conveyor system, and respective inclined surfaces, in particular, in the form of rotating wheels, which are internally traversed by cooling liquid.

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 heat and pressure roll fusing apparatus for fixing toner images to copy substrates, the toner comprising a thermoplastic resin. The apparatus includes an internally heated fuser roll cooperating with an unheated bare metal backup or pressure roll to form a nip through which the copy substrates pass with the images contacting the heated roll. The heated fuser roll is characterized by a comformable outer layer or surface which by way of example is fabricated from a silicone rubber or "Viton" material to which a low viscosity polymeric release fluid is applied. Release fluid is contained in a sump and the pressure roll is partially immersed in the fluid. Thus, the release fluid is applied to the surface of the internally heated fuser roll via the bare metal pressure roll. The roll structures are such as to provide maximum area of contact in the nip, while minimizing the area of contact between the pressure roll and the copy substrates.

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: A fuser member for electrostatographic printing machine has a base member having a thermally conductive elastomer surface layer coated thereon which contains boron nitride filler particles dispersed therein in an amount to increase the thermal conductivity of the elastomer while maintaining good release characteristics of the elastomer surface.

Abstract: A process for glossing a developer sheet and an apparatus useful therein are 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 applications 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: An electrostatic printing apparatus capable of printing both normal sheets of paper and composites such as envelopes. In accordance with a mode in which normal sheets are printed and with the other mode in which envelopes are printed, transfer current applied to a transfer charger, fixing pressure applied to between a pair of fixing rollers, and heat generation of the heat source(s) in the fixing roller(s) can be changed respectively to those suitable for the sort of a transfer member. This change can be performed manually, or controlled automatically based on a signal issued from a member sorting sensor disposed in a paper supply portion.

Abstract: A heat and pressure fuser for fixing a toner image to a copy sheet in a xerographic copier has a heated fuser roll cooperating with a backup roll to form a nip through which the copy sheets are passed for fusing. In order to prevent toner offset the fuser roll is provided with a coating of silicone rubber or Viton (trademark) and the outer surface is supplied with a film of liquid release agent. The release agent is contained in a sump and fed to an applicator having a wick bearing against the fuser roll. Static buildup on the fuser roll is avoided because the wick is electrically conductive and is connected to earth potential via the copier frame providing a charge leakage path for the fuser roll. In a preferred form, the wick comprises a woven fabric in which the weft threads are electrically conductive, each such conductive thread comprising one or more stainless steel fibers entwined with a plurality of heat-resistive nylon, e.g. Nomex (trademark), fibers.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for determining the moment that a layer of tacky material needs to be rejuvenated. Typically, the layer is present on a cleaning member for removing contaminants such as paper dust and softened toner material from a fusing surface. The method includes measuring the light reflection value of the layer of tacky material, comparing the measured light reflection value with a reference value and rejuvenating the layer of tacky material as soon as the measured light reflection value differs by a predetermined value from the reference value. The device implements the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparation of an outer cover of a fusion roller for a xerographic machine, this cover being constituted by a homogeneous layer covering a hollow metal core receiving heating means.According to the invention, this method comprises the steps of (a) cold kneading a mixture having, for 100 parts of fluorine-containing rubber, 55 to 60 parts of carbon black, 2 to 6 parts of magnesium oxide, 4 to 8 parts of calcium hydroxyde and 0 to 2 parts of polyethylene wax; (b) forming the covering material by extrusion or calendering of this mixture; (c) application of this material in a homogeneous layer to the surface of the metallic core of the roller; (d) vulvanization at elevated temperature and under pressure of the material thus applied to the core; (e) dressing of the cover to a constant thickness.

Abstract: The process serves to impregnate planar carrier materials, especially those in the form of continuous webs, with synthetic resin to manufacture a stackable product, such as, e.g., paper-prepregs to be used for the manufacture of synthetic-resin-laminated panels.For the process, a highly viscous liquid synthetic resin coating (5) is applied to one surface of the carrier material (1), the coating is heated to a higher temperature, during or after which, respectively, the synthetic resin (4) of the coating (5) is at least in part absorbed by the carrier material (1). The carrier material (1') thusly coated with synthetic resin is then briefly subjected to such pressure, e.g., with the aid of a pair of pressure rollers (9), that the synthetic resin (4) evenly permeates the carrier material. For the concurrent impregnation of several carrier materials (1), the superposed carrier materials (1') coated with synthetic resin can be subjected to mechanical pressure.

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 fusing assembly for use in an electrostatographic imaging apparatus includes a release agent donor member having a conformable donor surface comprising the crosslinked product of at least one addition curable vinyl terminated or vinyl pendant polyorganosiloxane having the formula: ##STR1## where A,B and R are methyl or vinyl provided the vinyl functionality is at least 2, 0<s/r.ltoreq.1,350<r+2<2700, a polyfunctional silicone hydride crosslinking agent, a crosslinking catalyst and finely divided filler. In a preferred embodiment the conformable donor surface comprises a rotatable cylindrical roll with a high coefficient of friction which is rotatably driven by frictional contact with a positively driven fuser roll. The release agent may be supplied from a sump by a release agent metering roll.

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 release agent applicator for a copying machine in which voids in the release agent contained in the applicator are substantially eliminated, thus providing an improved spreading performance of the release agent onto a fixing roll of the copying machine. The release agent applicator is made of a porous polyethylene tetrafluoride tube, the pores of which are partially closed except in areas where the release agent is to ooze out onto the fixing roll. Those partially closed pores in the tube are partially closed by a flattening operation so that they cannot draw release agent thereinto by capillary action.

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 method of fixing a toner image on a supporting member by bringing the supporting member supporting thereon the toner image into pressure contact with a fixing roller, wherein an elasticity improving agent for increasing the elasticity of the toner upon coming into contact with the toner is disposed on a member which comes into direct or indirect contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing roller.The elasticity improving agent is a material causing the reaction which increases the molecular weight of the binder resin of the binder and/or a reaction promoter for such a reaction.The elasticity improving agent is selected from a group consisting of:(a) agents which are capable of enhancing the elasticity of toner material,(b) polyhydric alcohols,(c) polyvalent amines and(d) polyvalent carboxylic acids.

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: In a method of and apparatus for heat-drying of webs, especially printed or inked webs, the web is first subjected to a contactless heat shock treatment, for example by hot air at about 300.degree. C. It is then heated by a contact process at a lower temperature, for example by heated rollers at about 230.degree. C., after which it is cooled by a contact process in a third step. Each of the heated rollers may have associated therewith a roller for applying a film of a buffer agent and also a cleaning roller. Energy expended in the processes is recovered by the use of heat exchangers. The apparatus may comprise a closed housing divided into separate chambers within which the sequence of steps is carried out.

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 vacuum evaporation apparatus for depositing an evaporant as a thin film on a substrate comprises a sealed container including a substrate support for mounting thereon the substrate. A heat medium such as of diphenyl, for example, is filled in the substrate support. The heat medium in the substrate support is supplied with heat by a heater. When heated, the heat medium is vaporized and the vapor gas having absorbed heat of evaporation is moved quickly from a high-temperature region to a low-temperature region. The vapor gas in the low-temperature region is supersaturated and turned into the heat medium liquid. The heat energy born as latent heat by the vapor gas is given off to heat the substrate support uniformly. With this thermosiphon action, the substrate can be heated through the substrate support so as to have a uniform overall temperature distribution for forming a uniformly deposited thin film on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A fixing device for heating and fixing an unfixed image such as a toner image on an image supporting medium such as paper, in which the wait time is greatly shortened. The fixing device has a heating-fixing roller and a pressing roller. The pressing roller has a cellulars layer formed chiefly of HTV silicone rubber and having a number of isolated cells containing gases therein, and a relatively thin silicone rubber layer on the cellulars layer. The heating-fixing roller basically includes a thin-walled metal roller having substantially the same diameter as the pressing roller. Preferably, the heating-fixing roller is provided on the side which contacts the toner image.

Abstract: The processor is designed to develop imaged film in sheet or roll form, using a leaderless system employing edge guiding of the film. In this design the exposed film is transported in such a manner that no physical contact is made with the image area by any part of the processor until the image has been fused onto the film. The toned and fused image is permanent and smudge proof.The processor, as it is designed, has the capability of using different toners, adjusting film speed to meet toning and fusing requirements, changing fusing temperature depending on the toner at a given film speed, and adjusting the action of the air knife to improve its doctoring of the toned image prior to fusing. The processor is compact and lightweight, and the design gives due consideration to the health and safety of the operator.An important feature is the toner tray which has multiple inlets for toner with a central discharge to protect the film that is being processed from scratching.

Abstract: An elastomer member with non-tacky surface treating layer is disclosed as well as a method of manufacturing same. An elastic adhesive layer is provided between a base elastomer member and a non-tacky surface treating layer which comprises hydrocarbon polymer, thereby improving the bonding strength of the surface treating layer and the resistance to organic solvent and crack resistance.

Abstract: Paper, paperboard or like permeable board is coated with a coating material and aqueous carrier liquid metered over the face thereof and a partial vacuum applied to the opposite surface as the coating is dried by heating. The vacuum improves the surface smoothness of the coating. The coating can be contacted with a casting surface and dried at a faster rate than if no vacuum were applied.

Abstract: A fuser member for electrostatographic reproducing apparatus is provided which has a rigid core having coated thereon a thin layer of a composition which comprises the crosslinked product of a mixture of about 100 parts by weight alpha omega-hydroxypolydimethylsiloxane, about 190 to 250 parts by weight total alumina, comprising from about 60 to about 90 percent by weight of finely divided tabular alumina and from about 10 to about 40 percent by weight calcined alumina, together with effective amounts of a crosslinking agent and a crosslinking catalyst.

Abstract: Toner images are fused to a substrate, such as paper, with a heated fusing member having a silicone elastomer fusing surface by coating the elastomer fusing surface with a toner release agent which includes an unblended polydimethyl siloxane having a kinematic viscosity of from about 7,000 centistokes to about 20,000 centistokes. In a preferred embodiment the polydimethyl siloxane oil has a kinematic viscosity of from about 10,000 to about 16,000 centistokes and the fuser member is a fuser roll having a thin layer of a crosslinked product of a mixture of .alpha..omega.-dihydroxypolydimethyl siloxane, finely divided tabular alumina and finely divided iron oxide.

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 release agent management (RAM) system for use with a heat and pressure fuser. The system is characterized by the use of a simple reciprocating, positive displacement pump for delivering silicone oil to the heated roll of the fuser. The pump is actuated in response to the fuser rolls being engaged and disengaged, such movement being adapted to act against one or the other of a pair of springs which in cooperation with the oil being pumped forms a damper system which is utilized to control the quantity of oil delivered. The springs and oil cause the velocity of the pump's piston to decay with time which results in more oil being pumped initially.

Abstract: Apparatus for fusing an unfused toner image to a support through the application of heat and pressure by a fuser member contacting the support. Release material is applied to the fuser member in a uniform layer around its periphery and across its length. When shorter length supports are processed, excess release material which may accumulate at the ends of the fuser member is redistributed towards its center by wiper members positioned at each end of the fuser member.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention an apparatus and method are provided for curing resin-coated particles on a heated rotating surface. A single layer coating of uncured resin-coated particles is fed to the heated rotating surface. As the surface continues to rotate the uncured resin-coated particles become tacky and adhere to the rotating surface. The tack adhesion prevents the pull of gravity from separating the particles from the surface as rotation continues. Proper curing of the particles occurs on the heated rotating surface before one complete revolution is made by the surface. Cured particles are removed by a stationary scraper blade edge which rides the rotating surface and wedges between the adhering particles and the surface as the surface rotates past the edge.

Abstract: A heat and pressure fuser apparatus for fixing toner images to a substrate. The apparatus is characterized by a low cost release agent management (RAM) system which delivers an excess (i.e. amount greater than required for offset prevention) quantity of silicone oil to the roll surface such that paper fibers and other contaminents are flushed from the surface of the fuser roll and conveyed into the release agent sump.

Abstract: Fuser apparatus including a fuser member movable along a continuous path having a layer with a surface for fusing a toner image carried by a support brought into contact with the fusing surface. The layer is preferably resilient and includes at least one continuous tunnel disposed beneath the surface and a self-sealing slit communicating between the tunnel and the surface. A support-separating member is provided having an end configured to penetrate the slit and to follow in the tunnel as said fuser member is moved along the continuous path to separate a support from the fuser member.

Abstract: A second impression cylinder is pressed against the images on the objects printed by an ordinary printing machine in a period during the ink solution deposited thick onto the objects being in a half-dried state. The second impression cylinder is covered at least partially with a smooth oil-repellent layer so that the rugged surfaces of said printed images are made thereby even and flat without any undesirable stain.

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: Apparatus for controlling the application of fuser release material such as fuser oil to a roller fuser in an electrographic copier. The number of fixable images or the number of photoconductor frames are counted after the start of a copy run and compared with the number of copies which exit from the copier to determine if the two counts bear a preselected numerical relationship to each other. If they do, fuser oil is applied to the roller fuser; if they do not, application of fuser oil is discontinued until the two counts bear such numerical relationship.

Abstract: A fuser member has a composite layer including (1) a first layer of a first material which is an elastomer; (2) a second layer of a second material which is preferably a fluoroelastomer which is impervious to fuser oil absorbed by said first material; and (3) a layer intermediate to and continuous with the first and second layers in which the proportion of the first material to the second material gradually varies from substantially only the first material to substantially only the second material.Methods of making the fuser member by a spray technique and of using the fuser member to fuse toner images to a receiver are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring and fixing toner image wherein a toner image is transferred and fixed onto a transfer material from a toner image retainer through an intermediate transfer member. The toner image on the intermediate transfer member is heated at a temperature lower than the toner fusion temperature, and the transfer material is heated to the toner fusion temperature or over. A pressing unit to press the transfer material onto the intermediate transfer member is heated at the toner fusion temperature or over.

Abstract: A heat and pressure roll fusing apparatus for fixing toner images to copy substrates. The apparatus includes a release agent management system (RAM) for applying release agent such as functional silicone oil to a heated roll of the apparatus. The RAM comprises a donor roll, a metering roll and a metering blade which cooperate to convey silicone oil from a sump to the surface of the heated roll. The metering roll which is contacted by the metering blade is provided with a helical groove which acts to scrape the tip of the metering blade as the metering roll rotates and move paper related residue dislodged therefrom to the end of the metering roll where it is collected for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: An image fixing device having a rotatable fixing member to fix a toner image formed on an image holding member by an image forming process such as electrophotographic process, electrostatic recording process, magneto-photographic process, etc. under pressure or heat application to the image holding member; a thin film member holding therein a parting or releasing agent; and a plurality of urging members to be press-contacted to the fixing member through the thin film member. The device has such effects that it exhibits satisfactory cleaning effect of the rotatable fixing member over a long period of time, enables the parting agent to be uniformly and stably applied onto the fixing member, and prevents an offset phenomenon from occurring by synergistic effects of the satisfactory cleaning and the uniform liquid application, thereby improving the life of the fixing roller to a remarkable extent.

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: 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: Apparatus to apply offset preventing liquid to a fixing roller. A web member is moved from a supply core to a take-up core via a pressure roller positioned to establish a contact nip for the web member with the fixing roller. The web member is supplied with the liquid from an offset preventing liquid applicator positioned to contact the web member between the supply core and the contact nip on the surface of the web member that is brought into contact with the fixing roller.