Abstract: A silicone rubber surface for fixing resinous powder images to a substrate at elevated temperatures in a xerographic reproducing apparatus is disclosed. The silicone rubber surface prevents offset of the image by supplying inherently a release material to the surface. Dispersed in the silicone rubber is a catalytic agent which in the presence of water or moisture, promotes the degradation of the silicone rubber over a period of time at elevated temperatures. The release material is the degradation product of the silicone rubber, and release is possible throughout the lifetime of the fuser surface without the external application of release materials.

Abstract: Polymeric release agents having functional groups such as carboxy, hydroxy, epoxy, amino, isocyanate, thioether or mercapto groups are applied to a heated fuser member in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus to form thereon a thermally stable, renewable, self-cleaning layer having excellent toner release properties for conventional electroscopic thermoplastic resin toners. The functional polymeric fluids interact with the fuser member in such a manner as to form a thin, thermally stable interfacial barrier at the surface of the fuser member while leaving an outer film or layer of unreacted release fluid. The interfacial barrier is strongly attached to the fuser member surface and prevents electroscopic thermoplastic resin toner material from contacting the outer surface of the fuser member. The material on the surface of the fuser member is of minimal thickness and thereby represents a minimal thermal barrier.

Abstract: In an electrostatographic copier in which a copy member bearing an unfused and electrically disturbable image is transported on a conductive vacuum guide member and then removed from the conductive guide member, the improvement wherein a smooth conductive baffle is electrically connected and sufficiently closely spaced from said guide member to provide a low electrostatic field zone between the baffle and the guide member for the movement therebetween of the copy member, and its removal from the guide member without electrical disturbance of the image, wherein the opposing baffle and guide member have similar and opposite diverging radii of curvature in the copy removal area. Means for automatically moving the baffle in coordination with the movement of said copy member are also shown.

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 contact fixing device for fixing electrostatic marking particles carried on a support material is disclosed. The device includes a rotatably mounted fixing roller, a container for a supply of offset preventing material and applicator means for spraying the offset preventing material directly onto the peripheral surface of the fixing roller. Control means are provided for activating the applicator means after a predetermined period of operation of the fixing roller.

Abstract: The continuously fed paper sheet is subjected to the successive steps of coating an acceptor composition at its one side, drying, calendering with a calender comprising a metal roll and an elastic roll having a Shore hardness within the range of 65 to 90, further coating a color former composition on the other side and further drying. The continuously fed paper sheet may be subjected to a cylinder ironing treatment between the first drying step and the calendering step.

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: A silicone rubber surface for fixing resinous powder images to a substrate at elevated temperatures in a xerographic reproducing apparatus is disclosed. The silicone rubber surface prevents offset of the image by supplying inherently a release material to the surface. Dispersed in the silicone rubber is an agent capable of supplying water over a period of time at elevated temperatures, and the release material is a degradation product of the silicone rubber provided by the hydrolysis of the silicone rubber.

Abstract: A fixing roll for electrophotography having a surface layer of a cured room-temperature-vulcanizing silicone rubber composition comprising a mixture consisting of two diorganopolysiloxanes, one of which is terminated at the chain ends with silanol groups and has a relatively high viscosity, and the other of which is terminated at the chain ends with trialkyl silyl groups and has a relatively low viscosity, an alkoxysilane or a partial hydrolysis-condensate thereof as the crosslinking agent, a metal salt of an organic acid as the reaction catalyst, and three kinds of inorganic fillers, namely, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide, and containing substantially no siliceous fillers. The fixing rolls have excellent properties including, in particular, the ability to provide a long copy-life to electrophotographic copying machines.

Abstract: A material with a fusible backing is made by bringing a substrate into contact with a printing screen having fine polymer dust supplied to its other side and then bringing the substrate out of contact with the screen and heating it from below to fuse the polymer to the substrate.

Abstract: Polyarylsiloxanes are used on fusing devices in photocopiers to fix particulate thermoplastic toner to a substrate while the toner is in a fused state. The polyarylsiloxanes can be continuously applied in minimal thicknesses on the fusing device to form a thermally stable, renewable, self-cleaning layer having excellent toner release properties. A preferred polyarylsiloxane is polyphenylmethyl dimethyl siloxane.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fixing an image formed by a colorant upon an image support body is described. A fluid, binder material contacts a heated transport surface. The heated surface comprises an elastomeric material which is positioned on a tubular body formed of a material having a relatively high coefficient of thermal conductivity. The transport surface advances the heated binder material to a nip formed with an adjacent pressure contact surface which is transported in moving engagement with the heated surface. The binder material at the nip temperature exhibits a viscosity which exceeds the surface energy of the elastomeric transport surface while the surface energy of the support material and the imaged surface is greater than the surface energy of the elastomer. The binder is thus transferred to the imaged surface for fixing the image thereon.

Abstract: Silicone rubber is employed as a coating material on a fuser member and adhered to the base member by means of a novel polysiloxane composition. The novel polysiloxane composition comprises specified quantities of two moieties of organopolysiloxane, an allyl ester of a polybasic acid, an aliphatic salt of a metal, and a silane, and strongly adheres the silicone rubber outer layer to the base member or core even when silicone oil is used as a release agent on the fuser member.

Abstract: Stiffeners in the form of spaced, narrow bands or lines of flowable, quick-setting material are applied to one side of a moving paper web to be used as computer paper. The stiffeners are applied either immediately before or during the time the paper web is partially wrapped around a cylindrical drum so that the material will set to a solidified condition while it is on the drum to set up a molecular pattern in each stiffener line, causing the paper web to be inherently biased in one direction. Guide means is provided for directing the paper web onto and off the drum. The material may be applied by applicator guns or wheels as the paper web moves through a rotary printing press and as it moves toward a line hole punch apparatus, perforating means and a fan-folding mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a fluid release material is applied to a fuser member. The fuser member is in communication with a backup member and a sheet of support material having particles thereon passing therebetween. A sealing arrangement prevents sidewise leakage of the release material along the longitudinal axis of the fuser member.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for supplying water or moisture to the surfaces of fuser members comprising water-degradable silicone rubbers. The water or moisture produces a degradation product of the silicone rubber which is a release material for electroscopic resin toners used in xerographic copiers.

Abstract: Stripping apparatus for stripping copy sheets from oil wetted fuser roll surface. Apparatus including stripping finger supported on oil film through dynamic generation of pressure under bottom pad surface of stripping finger in contact with fuser roll by rotational motion of fuser roll. The pad surface is formed with a tapered channel on the undersurface thereof with the maximum depth at the rear thereof. The channel is connected with a comb-like arrangement of channels on the front surface of the stripping finger. At least one notch extends transversely to the stripping direction to inter-connect the comb-like channels.

Abstract: Roll fuser apparatus for fixing toner images to copy sheets by the application of heat and pressure. The apparatus is characterized by the provision of a backup roll which can be quickly removed from the apparatus with a minimum of handling. To this end the backup roll is supported in the apparatus by a pair of frame members which are bolted to a backup roll support member which forms an integral part of the apparatus. A pair of hook-like members support the backup roll after the bolts have been removed; therefore, the backup roll need not be handled prior to the removal of the bolts and then it can be simply lifted out of the apparatus. Replacement is likewise simple.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus including an internally heated metal core cooperating with a resilient backup roll to form a nip through which substrates carrying toner images are moved with the toner images contacting the metal core. The fuser assembly is characterized by the provision of a sump of liquid release agent material which material is provided for coating the surface of the fuser roll structure. In order to apply the liquid release agent material to the surface of the fuser roll structure there is provided a cylindrical applicator member which is partially submersed in the release agent material. A ratchet wheel and pawl arrangement is provided for periodically indexing or moving the applicator member in response to disengagement of the backup roll from the fuser roll through pivoting of an arm supporting the backup roll.

Abstract: A contact heat fixing device which comprises a driving heated roller having a heating mechanism disposed in the interior thereof and a surface coated with an offset preventing material, a press roller which is rotated in intimate contact under pressure with said heat roller, a vessel for containing therein an offset preventing liquid and a feed mechanism for supplying the offset preventing liquid to the heated roller from the vessel, fixation of a toner image being accomplished by the passage of a support having the toner image thereon through the nip position of the heated roller and the press roller, wherein said feed mechanism includes an applicator for applying the offset preventing liquid to the surface of the heated roller and supply means for supplying the offset preventing liquid from the vessel to the applicator, said applicator being arranged so that it can shift between a position (PI) where it has a pressing contact with said supply means and a position (P2) where it has a pressing contact with sa

Abstract: An apparatus in which a metered quantity of release material is applied to a fuser roll. The release material is heated to maintain it substantially in a fluid state.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus including an internally heated fuser roll structure comprising a rigid or non-deformable, thermally conductive core capable of interacting with a material applied thereto in such a manner as to form a thermally-stable interfacial coating intermediate the surface of the core and a release coating also formed thereon. The interfacial coating strongly adheres to the core surface and prevents toner material from contacting the outer surface of the core. The combined coatings have a sub-micron thickness and therefore present a minimal thermal barrier to the energy being conducted outwardly by the core. The fuser assembly is characterized by the provision of means for controlling the interaction between the core and the material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating a substrate or web with a plastic material. A liquid plastisol coating is applied to the web and the coated web is then passed between a put-on roll and a heat drum, which heats and cures the plastisol. The put-on roll is pressed against the heat drum to compress the coated web. The plastisol is partially cured to gelation while being compressed by the put-on roll, and the curing of the plastisol is completed during further travel of the web around the heat drum.

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: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus including an internally heated fuser roll structure comprising a rigid or non-deformable, thermally conductive core capable of interacting with a material applied thereto in such a manner as to form a thermally-stable interfacial coating intermediate the surface of the core and a release coating also formed thereon. The interfacial coating strongly adheres to the core surface and prevents toner material from contacting the outer surface of the core. The combined coatings have a sub-micron thickness and therefore present a minimal thermal barrier to the energy being conducted outwardly by the core. The interfacial coating is provided by a thermally degradable substance with polyethylene and the release coating comprises a low viscosity silicone oil.

Abstract: Apparatus where stripping copy sheets from a heated fuser member utilized in a xerographic copier. The apparatus is characterized by the provision of a plurality of stripper fingers and combination support and bias means therefor wherein the support and bias means comprises a unitary member and each stripper finger in conjunction with its associated unitary member constitutes an integral assembly. The assemblies are fixedly supported adjacent the fuser member whereby the leading edges of the stripper fingers engage the fuser member to strip the copy sheets therefrom. The position of the assemblies can be varied in order to vary the pressure exerted by the stripper finger on the fuser assembly.

Abstract: Release material applicator structure for utilization in a heat and pressure fuser including a fuser roll structure for fixing toner images to support sheets. The release material employed is solid at room temperature and liquid at the operating temperature of the heated fuser roll structure. It is disposed in a sump and contacts the fuser roll structure. A collector bar is supported by the sump such that it is disposed adjacent to the fuser roll structure and coextensive therewith. When the liquefied release material reverts back to its solid form it accumulates on the collector bar and the bar maintains contact of the release material with the fuser roll structure.

Abstract: An apparatus in which heat settable particles are substantially permanently affixed to a sheet. The apparatus includes a fuser member having a supply of release material applied thereto from a chamber in a housing. The release material is a liquid when the fuser member is at its operating temperature. However, when the fuser member is de-energized, the release material solidifies. Baffles are provided in the chamber of the housing to facilitate solidification of the release material adjacent to the fuser member.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in electrostatic reproducing apparatus, said assembly including a heated fuser roll structure cooperating with a backup roll to form a nip through which copy sheets or substrate material having toner images thereon move with the toner images contacting the heated fuser roll structure. The fuser assembly is characterized by the provision of a cleaning arrangement comprising a roll having a tacky surface which is adapted to contact the fuser roll structure to thereby remove toner and other contaminants therefrom with subsequent embedding of the contaminants in the tacky surface. The cleaning arrangement is further characterized by the provision of means for maintaining the effectiveness of the cleaning arrangement.

Abstract: In an electrostatographic copier wherein the fuser rolls are positioned closer than the dimensions of the copy sheet from the image transfer area, speed mismatch compensation between the fuser roll nip and the initial image support surface is provided by intentionally driving the fuser roll nip at a different pre-set velocity to form a buckle in the intermediate portion of the copy sheet controlled by selective cyclic reductions in the vacuum applied to a vacuum chamber sheet guide surface between the fuser nip and the initial image support surface, wherein the vacuum guide is in two areas, one of which is provided with a vacuum by the other, but is cyclically atmospherically vented.

Abstract: In an electrostatographic copier wherein the fuser rolls are positioned closer than the dimensions of the copy sheet from the image transfer area, speed mismatch compensation between the fuser roll nip and the initial image support surface is provided by intentionally driving the fuser roll nip at a different velocity to form a buckle in the intermediate portion of the copy sheet controlled by selective cyclic reductions in the vacuum applied to a configured manifold guide surface. The guide surface may be divided into segments, through one of which the vacuum is continuously maintained.

Abstract: An improved oil metering blade assembly for maintaining a uniform film of oil on the surface of a fuser roll of a heated pressure fusing apparatus for fusing toner images. The blade holder is loaded by a single point loading mechanism to effect uniform loading of the blade with the fuser roll surface to ensure a uniform oil film thereon.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification pertains to improvements intended to be utilized in a ribbon inking machine having a frame, a drum mounted on the frame, a carriage movably mounted on the frame so as to be capable of being used with respect to the drum, a ribbon feed roller mounted on the carriage, a ribbon inking structure mounted on the carriage, and a ribbon takeup roller mounted on the frame. Such a machine is preferably constructed to include a pressing element mounted on guide rods so as to be capable of being moved towards and away from the drum. Solenoids are used to control the tension on bands mounted on the pressing element and passing around the guide rods. When they are tightened they hold the pressing element relative to the guide rods. A mechanical mechanism provided for raising and lowering the pressing element is located on the guide rods.

Abstract: Liquid is applied onto the circumference of a transfer roller by an applicator and thereby onto the circumference of an operating roller. The coefficients of friction in the apparatus are selected so that the transfer roller will be rotated by the operating roller to pick up liquid from the applicator when the thickness of the liquid on the transfer roller is below a selected value, and the transfer roller is prevented from rotating by the applicator when the thickness of the liquid slightly exceeds the selected value so that a uniform liquid film is applied onto the circumference of the operating roller.

Abstract: A roll fusing apparatus comprising a heated roll structure and a resilient backup roll cooperating with the heated roll structure to form a nip through which toner images as with the toner images contacting the heated fuser roll structure. The heated fuser roll structure comprises a rigid core and an elastomeric outer layer, the outer surface of the rigid core and the inner surface of the elastomeric layer having non-uniform cross sections which are complementary one to the other to thereby provide alternately thick and thin segments or portions of elastomeric material wherein the thick portions provide for a greater capacity of release agent material than the thin portions while the thin portions provide a minimal barrier to heat transfer from within the heated fuser structure to the external surface of the elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus including an internally heated fuser roll structure comprising a rigid or non-deformable, thermally conductive core to which is supplied a low molecular weight polyethylene release material which forms a toner impenetrable layer thereon. Additionally, in order to facilitate stripping of copy sheets from the fuser roll structure, a second release material, for example, talcum powder which is chemically inert and a solid at the operating temperature of the fuser roll structure is applied either to the toner images contained on the copy paper or to the fuser roll structure to thereby provide a layer of the second release material between the fuser roll structure and the toner.

Abstract: Fuser apparatus for fixing toner images to substrates comprising a heated fuser roll structure and a backup roll structure forming a nip through which the substrates pass with the toner images contacting the heated fuser roll structure to thereby soften the toner images. A cleaning roll structure for removing toner offset to said fuser roll structure comprises an outer layer of silicone rubber containing relatively high surface energy filler particles (i.e. surface energy on the order of 30-95 dynes/centimeter when utilized with a fuser roll structure surface comprising polytetrafluoroethylene) which have a high affinity for the offset toner.

Abstract: A silicone rubber surface for fixing resinous powder images to a substrate at elevated temperatures in a xerographic reproducing apparatus is disclosed. The silicone rubber surface prevents offset of the image by supplying inherently a release material to the surface. Dispersed in the silicone rubber is a catalytic agent which in the presence of water or moisture, promotes the degradation of the silicone rubber over a period of time at elevated temperatures. The release material is the degradation product of the silicone rubber, and release is possible throughout the lifetime of the fuser surface without the external application of release materials.

Abstract: An improved oil metering blade holding device for maintaining a uniform film of oil on the surface of a fuser roll of a heated pressure fusing apparatus for fusing toner images on copy sheets. An elastic blade member is received in a U-shaped holding member which is undercut to accommodate misalignment between the blade member and fuser roll surface under load conditions.

Abstract: A silicone rubber surface for fixing resinous powder images to a substrate at elevated temperatures in a xerographic reproducing apparatus is disclosed. The silicone rubber surface prevents offset of the image by supplying inherently a release material to the surface. Dispersed in the silicone rubber is an agent capable of supplying water over a period of time at elevated temperatures, and the release material is a degradation product of the silicone rubber provided by the hydrolysis of the silicone rubber.

Abstract: An improved oil metering blade assembly for maintaining a uniform film of oil on the surface of a fuser roll of a heated pressure fusing apparatus for fusing toner images. The assembly is mounted in such a manner as to be easily releasable from the frame for cleaning and/or replacement of the metering blade.

Abstract: An improved oil metering blade device for maintaining a uniform film of oil on the surface of a fuser roll of a heated pressure fusing apparatus for fusing toner images. The blade member is made from any suitable elastic material such as rubber with durometer between 57 and 67 and has a rectangular cross-section. In vicinity where it contacts the fuser roll surface the blade with a radially curved surface of between about 5 to about 20 mils.

Abstract: A fixing device for use in an electrophotographic duplicating machine, the fixing device comprising heat rollers through which is fed a copy medium supporting a toner image, the heat rollers fixing the toner image to the support medium, a feed member for feeding an offset preventive solution to at least the surface of the image-side heat roller, a transfer member for transferring the offset preventive solution to the feed member, a feed roller and an offset preventive solution reservoir for feeding the offset preventive solution to the transfer member, a blade for wiping off viscous material deposited on the surface of the image-side heat roller, and a moisture absorbent member for preventing flow of viscous material wipe by the blade, the moisture absorbent member having a base portion interposed between the transfer member and the feed member.

Abstract: An improved cleaning roll assembly for cleaning the residual toner particles from the heated fuser roll of a heated pressure fusing system in an electrostatic copy machine. A carriage supports a plurality of cleaning rollers in contact with the surface of the heated fuser roll. A pressure loading mechanism applies a force on the carriage and cleaning rollers against the surface of the heated fuser roll. Each of the cleaning rollers is rotatable on a shaft assembly which is connected to the carriage by a flexure member mounted on a shaft journaled in the carriage. The shaft assembly has a displaceable plunger member to receive and lockingly engage the cleaning roller on each end thereof.

Abstract: Web coating apparatus wherein a liquid coating material is pressure fed upwardly into the nip of rolls rotating in opposite directions through the nip by structure which prevents contact of the coating material with the atmosphere, enables desired temperature control, and enables vacuum degasing of coating material prior to being pressured into a region adjacent to nip. This coating apparatus is particularly suitable for applying molten resinous compositions to webs.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for supplying water or moisture to the surfaces of fuser members comprising water-degradable silicone rubbers. The water or moisture produces a degradation product of the silicone rubber which is a release material for electroscopic resin toners used in xerographic copiers.

Abstract: Mechanism for latching a backup roll into engagement with a heated fuser roll structure. The mechanism is characterized by a four pivot linkage including a first fixed pivot supporting the backup roll for movement. The linkage is so arranged as to require a minimum force for holding the backup roll in engagement with the fuser roll structure. Solenoid means serves to actuate the linkage mechanism and also provides the means for maintaining roll engagement at a substantially reduced power requirement compared to the actuating power required.

Abstract: Fuser apparatus for fixing toner images to substrates comprising a heated fuser roll structure and a backup roll structure forming a nip through which the substrates pass with the toner images contacting the heated fuser roll structure to thereby soften the toner images. A cleaning structure for removing toner offset to said fuser roll structure comprises a plurality of flexible fingers supported for wiping contact with the fuser roll structure. Spaces between the finger serve as areas for collecting the toner to prevent the toner from re-applied to the fuser roll. The cleaning structure contacts areas of the fuser roll prior to such areas being contacted by a wick employed for applying offset preventing liquid to the fuser roll, such positioning of the fuser roll structure serving to prolong the life of the wick.

Abstract: Apparatus for carbonizing a tissue paper web has an improved inking section which permits tissue to be coated, with or without uncoated striped areas, at speeds up to about 3,000 feet per minute. A first doctor blade positioned upstream of a second doctor blade and an equalizer rod contacts the paper very lightly so as to remove some of the excess thickness of ink on the paper, thus reducing the amount of ink to be removed by the second doctor blade and the equalizer rod. The equalizer rod is made of hardened wire of a very small diameter, preferably about 0.047 inches, and is supported under tension in a shallow v-groove by a pair of chucks which are rotated together.

Abstract: An improved plural cleaning rolls assembly for cleaning the residual toner particles from the heated fuser roll of a heated pressure fusing system in an electrostatic copy machine. The improved assembly includes a carriage supporting a plurality of cleaning rollers in contact with the surface of the heated fuser roll. A pressure loading mechanism applies a force on the carriage and cleaning rollers against the surface of the heated fuser roll. Each of the cleaning rollers is rotatably supported on a shaft which is connected to the carriage by a flexure member mounted on a shaft journaled in the carriage to enable independent flexure and alignment of the cleaning rolls relative to the fuser roll surface.