Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated wire or other elongated article including a means to extrude a polymer in tubular form around the wire or article and a means to increase the temperature of the wire or article before extrusion of the polymer thereon. The extruded polymer is elongated from the extrusion opening to the elongated article, forming a melt cone, were the relative feeding speed of the heated elongated article and the extrusion rate of the polymer are controlled and with the aid of at least a partial vacuum that is achieved in the extrusion tooling and inside the melt cone the extruded polymer tightly encases the wire achieving a thin polymer coating.

Abstract: A platen for use in a laminating press is provided which includes a body of material having first and second faces and spaced first and second ends. Preferably, at least one heating device is disposed in the body of material. First and second spaced cooling channels are formed in the body of material, the first cooling channel being adjacent the first face and having a fluid inlet port adjacent to or in the first end, and a fluid outlet port adjacent to or in the second end, and a second cooling channel being adjacent the second face and having a fluid inlet port adjacent to or in said second end, and a fluid outlet port adjacent to or in the first end. The invention also contemplates using such platens for laminating a book or stack of sheets of material to form a unitary single member having reduced stresses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing laminated material which can remove ear portions of a resin film extruded from an extruding machine and can directly laminate the resin film to a substrate and can make the processing of end portions of a laminated material after lamination unnecessary. The present invention also provides an apparatus used for such a manufacturing method. In the method for manufacturing laminated material which laminates a resin film formed by extruding molten thermoplastic resin from a T-die to a substrate, a laminating film is formed by cutting ear portions of the resin film before lamination and the laminating film is laminated to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for laminating a layered structure (1), consisting of at least two plastic strips in sections, comprising successive panels with designs, for producing plastic cards along a conveyor path. Said device comprises heating and cooling devices (8, 9, 10, 11) which are positioned one behind the other and consist of individual compression elements, located on a common support (14), whose temperature can be controlled and which accommodate a whole number of panels and a drive unit which displaces opposing compression belts (2, 3) which can be driven intermittently in a direction of transport and between which the plastic strips can be displaced in sections through the heating and cooling devices. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which permits the production of plastic cards with a higher laminate quality.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus includes a lamination object conveying unit for conveying an object, a laminating film conveying unit for conveying the laminating film, and a heating-pressurizing unit for overlapping the object with the laminating film, and heating and pressurizing the object and the laminating film. A heat dissipating unit is disposed downstream from the heating-pressurizing unit in a conveying direction, with the heat dissipating unit dissipating heat from the object and the laminating film overlapped by the heating-pressurizing unit. In addition, a heating-pressurizing releasing unit releases the heating-pressurizing by the heating-pressurizing unit.

Abstract: Filter cartridges may have a core element formed of a non-filtering, self-supporting non-woven mass of indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric core fibers, and at least one annular filtration zone layer formed of a mass of non-woven indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric filtration fibers. The non-woven core element is most preferably formed in situ during filter cartridge manufacturing by melt-blowing synthetic polymeric core fiber streams toward a forming mandrel. The non-woven core element is completely solidified prior to the filtration zone fibers being melt-blown thereon so that the core and filtration fibers are predominantly mechanically interlocked with one another, instead of being melt-bonded thereto. Filter cartridges of predetermined length may be cut from an upstream filter cartridge preform of indefinite length by subjecting the preform to forced cooling air to thereby minimize (if not eliminate entirely) significant filter cartridge shrinkage over time.

Abstract: Method and device for heat treatment of a disc, whereby the disc (1) is placed on a carrier (14) after which the disc is irradiated. During the radiation the carrier is kept on a desired temperature. The desired temperature of the carrier is about the temperature of the disc prior to placement on the carrier. The disc comprises two disc elements and an adhesive layer between the disc elements, whereby the adhesive layer is cured by the irradiation with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A process for ultrasound treatment of a strip of material and a device for implementing such a process. A strip of material passes through a treatment gap, which is formed by a roller device that includes a rotating roller body and a sonotrode that is directed approximately radially against the working surface of the roller body. In order to at least extensively prevent any concentricity defect of the roller body that might result from bending of the roller body, the roller body is cooled directly below the working surface of the roller body. For this purpose, the roller body has a number of lengthwise bores distributed uniformly over the circumference, preferably on an arc, through which a cooling medium flows in essentially uniform manner.

Abstract: A load-applying device used in a double facer that manufactures a corrugated board, the load-applying device comprising load bodies that are caused to ride above a corrugated board sheet only by the weight of weight blocks are disposed in a sheet conveying direction and in a direction at right angles of such sheet conveying direction; thus applying a load to the corrugated board sheet and bonding the corrugated board sheet without causing crushing of the corrugated board sheet or faulty bonding.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for bonding optical disk substrates, includes placing a pair of optical disk substrates on a stage while securing a height difference at an upper face of the stage loading the substrates between an upper face at a side of a center of the substrates and an upper face at a side of an outer circumference of the substrates. The method and the apparatus also includes photosetting the adhesive layer on the stage by irradiating a setting light to the substrate pair, thereby photosetting the adhesive layer and bonding the substrates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: A device for laminating at least one substrate to an adhesive-coated substrate for forming a laminate, in which the adhesive-coated substrate is supplied to a laminating point formed between a driven roller and a laminating roller, the substrate being supplied by means of the laminating roller to the substrate provided with adhesive and bonded with this substrate in a laminating point; and to a device for coating a layer on a substrate for the production of a coated length of material; the laminate formed from the substrates, or the coated length of material, being guided directly after the laminating point at least over a few angular degrees along the laminating roller; and the laminating roller being constituted as a temperature-adjustable roller.

Abstract: A fastener tape for use in the manufacture of reclosable plastic bags is provided. The fastener tape comprises an intermediate layer and a reclosable fastener profile thereon. The intermediate layer includes three layers of co-extruded plastic, with not more than 4% EVA as the outer two layers and HDPE as the middle layer. The intermediate layer is folded so as to bring portions of the intermediate layer into an opposing relationship. These opposing portions are then sealed together by a pair of seal bars. By carefully controlling the sealing temperature, a consistent peel seal is created between the opposing portions of the intermediate layer without the need for an adhesive.

Abstract: A method of producing an extrusion-laminated member comprises extruding a thermoplastic resin from a T-die into the form of a film and laminating the film on a heated metallic base member using a pair of laminating rolls, wherein a pre-roll is disposed between the T-die and one of the laminating rolls to receive the film on the side opposite to the side that adheres onto the base member over the whole width of the film. The film is wound on the pre-roll at an angle (&agr;) of from 10 to 90 degrees. The film received by the pre-roll is fed to the laminating rolls, conveyed by being supported by the laminating rolls on the side opposite to the side that adheres onto the base member, and is fed to a nipping position so as to be melt-adhered onto the heated metallic base member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: The apparatus is adapted to weld ultrasonically two or more layers of fabric. The fabrics may be a woven or non-woven fabric of nylon, polyethylene or other polymeric material. The apparatus includes first and second opposed ultrasonically vibratable horns so spaced from one another that the layers of fabric may be passed between them. At least one, and optionally both, of the first and second horns is vibratable in an axial mode.

Abstract: A multilayer plastic film having a heat-sealable surface layer is initially provided at a process temperature above a heat-sealing temperature of the surface layer. To prevent the surface layer from adhering onto a deflection roller, this layer must be cooled below the heat-sealing temperature. A cooling arrangement is positioned directly upstream from the deflection roller and blows cold air onto the heat-sealable surface layer. Thereby, the surface layer is rapidly cooled below the heat-sealing temperature, while most of the multilayer film is not substantially cooled and remains close to the process temperature. A counter-heater may heat the opposite surface of the plastic film as the cooling arrangement cools the heat-sealable surface layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between the two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.

Abstract: A tool and method for bonding two carpet pieces by use of a vacuum which forces air to move upwardly through the carpet and to cool the hot glue adhesive. The invention goes beyond providing a uniquely strong bond by leveling the carpets on both sides of the bond seam. Thus it also has the ability to bond a thin side of carpet with a thicker side of carpet because of leveling of the carpet on both sides of the bond seam thus hiding the seam more perfectly (many times when a carpet manufacturer shears a carpet one side will be thicker than the other side). Alternately, thin carpets may be bonded without risk of having a weak bond. When several carpets are bonded together with multiple seams, the carpet may be stretched more than conventionally bonded carpets due to the great strength of bonds made in accordance with this invention. All species of the invention enjoy a substantial savings in time needed for seaming.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming bristle sub-assemblies includes a vertically oriented slot, which is formed by two endless belts. A wheel disposed above the slot pushes a bristle string into the slot. The bristle string has a plurality of bristles connected to a base string in two rows. The bristle rows can be horizontally oriented, so that all of the bristles are co-planar in a horizontal plane, or they can be angularly oriented with the base string at the vertex of the angle. When the bristles are pushed into the slot, they bend to adopt a new, substantially parallel orientation. An ultrasonic heater heats the bent bristles to re-set the thermoplastic material from which the bristles are made so that after cooling, the parallel orientation is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminating apparatus for sealing or sealing in flat material with the aid of at least one plastic laminating film coated with an adhesive. The laminating apparatus includes a laminating unit and a deposition unit. Lamination is performed as the material passes through a laminating unit, which has at least one pair of rolls with transport rolls driven in opposite senses in the pass direction. To obtain laminates free from curvature, the invention proposes that the transport rolls of the at least one pair of rolls are arranged in pairs at the same height and delimit a nip which can be supplied in a vertically downward pass direction, and in that the deposition unit is arranged underneath the laminating unit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated thermoplastic resin sheet having an improved transparency without generating a wrinkle and an apparatus therefor are provided. The laminated thermoplastic resin sheet is manufactured by using an apparatus including an endless belt wound between a first cooling roll having an elastic material, a second cooling roll and a third cooling roll brought into contact with the first cooling roll through the belt, arranging a guide roll near the first roll so as to introduce a molten thermoplastic resin sheet between the first and third cooling rolls in such a manner as to be brought into contact with the belt and the third cooling roll substantially at the same time, and introducing a thermoplastic resin film between the belt and the third cooling roll via the guide roll.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming a multi-layer laminate of thermoplastic polymeric films wherein one surface thereof has a precision pattern of embossed elements thereon and wherein the thermoplastic polymeric films can be dissimilar. A generally cylindrical seamless metal embossing tool with an outer surface having the reverse of the pattern to be formed on the surface of the sheeting is used. The laminate is formed by continuously feeding onto a heated embossing tool a superimposed first resinous film and a first carrier film wherein the first resinous film is pressed against the embossing tool and is heated above its glass transition temperature thereby becoming embossed with the pattern, while the first carrier film remains at a temperature below its glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A heated wheel for applying heat activated tape to wood. The wheel includes a rim with a longitudinal axis and a cylindrical outer surface for engaging heat activated tape. An electrical heater is supported within, and in fixed relation to, the rim. The wheel also includes a solid body of polymer and a bearing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a thermoplastic filter material laid in folds, with the folds fixed in close vicinity. The thermoplastic filter material which has been heated for forming the folds is accumulated within a cooling path such that the folds are pushed together and fixed by cooling with respect to their shape.

Abstract: A system and method cures a combination of a top and a bottom substrate with a resin disposed in-between. A cure device inherently warps the combination in one direction as a result of a curing operation that the cure device performs on the combination. A temperature gradient inducing device is disposed closer to one of the top and bottom substrates to create a temperature gradient between the top and bottom substrate and thereby warp the combination in a direction opposite to the one direction.

Abstract: A card straightener is used for cooling a card that has been processed using heat, such as in a printing or lamination process. The card straightener includes a plate member that has a heat sink in heat conducting relation. The plate member is positioned to receive a card from the heated process. The card is passed over the plate and is urged against the plate so that the card is cooled while held flat while it becomes rigid, so it remains planar after cooling.

Abstract: Improved efficiency of deposition work between a protection trimming and a clip seat of an automobile is provided with an automatic deposition machine having wire heating elements (3a and 3b), a first connection member (1) connected to one end of the wire heating elements (3a and 3b), a movement mechanism for moving the first connection member (1), a second connection member (2) that can be connected to the other end side of the wire heating elements (3a) and (3b) and a bending jig (5) for overlapping the clip seat the member for the protection trimming. The dip seat and the protection trimming are interconnected, to the rear face of the protection trimming via the wire state heating elements (3a and 3b), the retainer member (4) for retaining the said overlapped clip seats, and the power source for carrying the electric current between the said first connection member and the said second connection member. In addition, the wire heating element is designed with a pipe structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the manufacture of a non-slip fabric, comprising: a drum made to rotate around its own axis with a number of cup-shaped seatings on its surface, which seatings communicate with the inside of the drum, the inside of the drum being maintained at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure; an extrusion head designed to extrude a thin plastic film onto the surface of the said drum; a second head, downstream of the previous one, designed to extrude a second, flat layer of thin plastic film; systems designed to bond the said films on the surface of the said drum; systems designed to convey a strip of fabric and bond it to the said films around the said drum; systems designed to cool the surface of said drum; systems designed to remove the laminate so obtained. The invention relates also to the relevant manufacturing method.

Abstract: An apparatus for longitudinally welding and severing superposed thermoplastic films forming a packaging hose includes first and second feed rollers each having an outer periphery contacting one another for advancing the films passing therebetween; a drive for rotating at least one of the feed rollers; a circular heating disk mounted in the first feed roller coaxially therewith and having an outer diameter greater than the peripheral diameter of the first feed roller; and a circumferential groove provided in the second feed roller in alignment with the heating disk. Peripheral portions of the heating disk project into the circumferential groove of the second feed roller.

Abstract: The invention includes of a system and method of ultrasonically perforating adhesive bandage backings. The invention eliminates the gap between the ultrasonic horn and the pin roll, and provides for a wear resistant release coating on the pin roll. Further, the method and system disclose cooling the ultrasonic horn with a forced air stream, and provide for a pre- or post-nip roll to control the tension of the continuous web of backing. The web of backing is kept under tension with a nip roll, and passes between an ultrasonic horn and an immediately adjacent pin roll for perforation by the ultrasonic horn. The resulting material of the web backing is smoother, and has better hole quality than that seen in the prior art.

Abstract: A lamination machine for adhesively heat laminating adjacent surfaces of two or more layers of material to each other. The machine includes upper and lower opposing conveyor belts disposed one above the other to form a lamination passage therebetween and through which layers of material travel during lamination. At least one pressure roller is tensioned against the layers to be laminated. A heating module is disposed between the entrance and pressure roller, while a cooling module is disposed between the pressure roller and an exit. The heating module provides a plurality of rigidly maintained single-structure extruded heater components for melting an adhesion constituent disposed between the layers of material in preparation for lamination.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for continuously embossing a precision pattern of micro-prismatic elements on a surface of a resinous sheeting material with the aid of an endless metal embossing belt. The method includes the steps of moving the belt along a closed path through a heating station and a cooling station, conveying superimposed resinous film and sheeting material into proximity with the belt, passing the film and sheeting between the belt and a series of sonic welding heads to thereby begin to impress a pattern of micro-prismatic formations of the belt into one surface of the sheeting, pressing the film and sheeting against the heated belt until the one surface of the sheeting fully conforms to the embossing pattern, and stripping the film and embossed sheeting from the belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a patch comprising a foam supplier for supplying a foam backing having a predetermined porosity, a dispensing device for applying an ointment to the foam backing in a predetermined pattern, and a cooling device for cooling the foam backing prior to application of the ointment, wherein the ointment thickens and cures upon contact with the cooled foam backing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing prestressed piezoelectric actuators which maximizes output, and increases the precision and efficiency with which the multi-layer actuators are made. Individual layers of the piezoelectric actuators are automatically stacked and registered with respect to each other within press members prior to bonding the layers to each other with a thermoplastic adhesive. Compressive force is applied while heat is conductively transferred from a heating element to the actuator in order to raise the temperature of each of the layers above the melting point of the thermoplastic. The temperature of the heating element is then decreased until the temperature of the actuator layers drops to below the melting point of the thermoplastic adhesive, thereby bonding the layers. Compressive force is then released, and the actuators are removed, further cooled and polarized.

Abstract: The present invention protects from excessive heating at least one component on an object during curing of paint at a localized area on the object by exposure to a heat source. The present invention circulates air including cold air near the at least one component to be protected. An air pocket is formed adjacent the at least one component to be protected. This air pocket has an inlet and an outlet. A cold air source is coupled to the inlet via a tubing that directs cold air from the cold air source into the air pocket. Heated air within the air pocket flows out through the outlet of the air pocket such that air circulates through the air pocket. In this manner, the temperature of the at least one component to be protected is maintained below a predetermined temperature when the localized area of the object is exposed to the heat source for curing of the paint at the localized area.

Abstract: A device for eliminating static electricity from protective film of a laminated sheet in a laminator is disclosed. A longitudinal fan is set in the laminator. An air suction port is formed on the bottom wall of the laminator, thus guiding atmospheric air to the fan. An air passage is formed in the laminator so as to guide the pressurized air current from the fan to the rear wall of the laminator. An air exhaust port is formed on the rear wall of the laminator at a position around the rear end of the air passage, thus discharging the pressurized air into the atmosphere. In the fan, a drive motor is installed at one end of a longitudinal housing, while a plurality of longitudinal blades are regularly arranged in the housing so as to form a cylindrical blade body.

Abstract: A lamination machine for adhesively heat laminating adjacent surfaces of two lengths of material to each other. The machine includes a flatbed pre-laminating station with upper and lower pre-lamination conveyor belts and banks of heater components immediately above and below. At least one pre-lamination belt is vertically movable to establish and adjust a gap between belts while its associated bank of heating elements is vertically pressuredly movable to thereby tightly maintain proximity of heater elements, belts, and laminate materials. Situated immediately downstream is a pressure roller independently vertically movable to establish and adjust laminate gap distance and, during lamination operation, tensioned against a lower conveyor belt guide roller and movable by a roller pressure driver toward the guide roller.

Abstract: A lamination machine for adhesively heat laminating adjacent surfaces of two or more layers of material to each other. The machine includes upper and lower opposing conveyor belts disposed one above the other to form a lamination passage therebetween and through which layers of material travel during lamination. At least one pressure roller is tensioned against the layers to be laminated. A heating module is disposed between the entrance and pressure roller, while a cooling module is disposed between the pressure roller and an exit. The heating module provides a plurality of rigidly maintained single-structure extruded heater components for melting an adhesion constituent disposed between the layers of material in preparation for lamination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding thermoformed sheets of plastic material having lands formed therein such that the lands are welded to one another utilizing tubes which are positioned to be in line with the lands in a stack of thermoformed sheets so as to direct hot and cold gas to the lands to complete the welding process. In some embodiments, a plurality of tubes are inserted from opposite sides of blocks of stacked thermoformed sheets such that the tubes enter cells defined between the sheets of the block.

Abstract: A free turning chilling wheel assembly for use with a hot melt dispenser affording quick disassembly for cleaning, inspection, repair or replacement, and having an outer ring with an inner bronze bearing to rotate about a stationary inner cooling chamber, which is sealed to avoid wear and leaks. The outer ring is chilled by fluid flowing through the chamber and the sides of the outer ring are shielded by shielding washers to avoid adhesive building up on the bearing surfaces and ends.

Abstract: A laminator assembly and method utilizes an endless belt (17a, 17b, 300) and roller arrangement to apply pressure to media (100) to be laminated and to convey the media in a controlled manner to heated pressure rollers (11a, 11b, 301, 307). In one feature of the invention, control nips can be provided on one or both sides of the heated pressure rollers so as to minimize or eliminate flutes or ripples in the media to be laminated. The control nips can be applied by plate assemblies (29, 30, 315) which create the control nip and also serve to gain control of the media to be laminated prior to the media reaching the heated pressure roller arrangement. In the case where the plate assembly is downstream of the heated pressure roller arrangement, the plates can serve to hold the media flat while it cools down. The endless belts apply a tapering and controlled pressure to the media prior to the media reaching the heated pressure rollers where lamination occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the peel-plate dispensability of die-cut and matrix-stripped label constructions which do not generally have the required minimum stiffness to be successfully peel-plate dispensed, particularly at room temperature. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of improving the peel-plate dispensability of a die-cut and matrix-stripped polymer film label construction comprising a facestock, a release liner, and a substrate adhesive layer between the facestock and the liner, which method comprises maintaining the temperature of at least the leading edge of the label below about 20° C. as the leading edge of the label construction moves over a peel-plate and the label is separated from the release liner. Maintaining the temperature of the label, of at least the leading edge of the label at a reduced temperature such as from about −15 to about +15° or even 20° C.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for continuously embossing a precision pattern of micro-prismatic elements on a surface of a resinous sheeting material with the aid of an endless metal embossing belt. The method includes the steps of moving the belt along a closed path through a heating station and a cooling station, conveying superimposed resinous film and sheeting material into proximity with the belt, passing the film and sheeting between the belt and a series of sonic welding heads to thereby begin to impress a pattern of micro-prismatic formations of the belt into one surface of the sheeting, pressing the film and sheeting against the heated belt until the one surface of the sheeting fully conforms to the embossing pattern, and stripping the film and embossed sheeting from the belt.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an apparatus for manufacturing adhesive layers which can be manufactured in a manufacturing process which is fine, which exhibits an excellent mounting efficiency, which does not require a plating process and which is clean, double-sided substrates and multilayer substrates. A bonding-layer forming portion (5) incorporates a bonding portion (1), a hole machining portion (2), a charging portion (3) and a separating portion (4). A double-sided-substrate forming portion incorporates a bonding portion (6), a hole machining portion (7), a charging portion (8) and a separating portion (9), further incorporating a laminating portion (10), a resin hardening portion (11) and a pattern forming portion (12).

Abstract: A device for adhering a protective film to a personal data recording surface of an individual identification booklet comprising a heat press board and a pressure receiving board disposed in vertically opposed relationship, an upper and a lower belt disposed between opposing surfaces of the heat press board and the pressure receiving board, and a booklet transfer mechanism interposed between opposing surfaces of the upper and lower belts and adapted to intermittently transfer an identification booklet. The upper and lower belts and the identification booklet interposed between the upper and lower belts are heated while being held under pressure between the opposing surfaces of the heat press board and the pressure receiving board so that the protective film bound into the identification booklet is thermally adhered to the personal data recording surface when the book transfer mechanism stops transferring of the identification booklet.

Abstract: A method for bonding a tube into an article, each of which is formed from a thermoplastic polymer, especially an aliphatic polyamide. The article has a plurality of channels into which tubes are placed in sliding engagement. The article is moved towards a heating block having pins, such that a pin is inserted into each tube. The article and heating block are brought into a juxtaposed position such that the polymer of the tubes melts and forms a coating on said article. The method is particularly useful in the formation of tubed heat exchangers, for example with 100-300 or more tubes, in one cycle.

Abstract: In a method of making such a decorative film, a thermoplastic adhesive formulation is heated to a temperature in excess of the softening temperature of the thermoplastic in the formulation to form a molten adhesive formulation, which is then applied to a decorative layer on the carrier sheet thereby forming a transfer layer having a transfer surface and the transfer layer and carrier sheet form the decorative film. The decorative film is then chilled.

Abstract: A system and method cures a combination of a top and a bottom substrate with a resin disposed in-between. A cure device inherently warps the combination in one direction as a result of a curing operation that the cure device performs on the combination. A temperature gradient inducing device is disposed closer to one of the top and bottom substrates to create a temperature gradient between the top and bottom substrate and thereby warp the combination in a direction opposite to the one direction.

Abstract: In a toner removing apparatus in which, after toner attached to transferring paper is heated and adheres to a peeling-off belt, transferring paper is separated from the belt and thereby toner is peeled off from transferring paper, the peeling-off belt is cooled by a cooling fan and thereafter toner is removed therefrom. The transferring paper is tightly attached to the peeling-off belt, and a cleaning fan is provided so as to oppose to the peeling-off belt passing through the pressurizing portions of upper and lower heating rollers for heating the belt and moving to the cleaning portion in the belt cleaning apparatus. The temperature of toner is lowered in order to harden toner to an extent that the condensation of the image forming substance sticking on the peeling-off belt turns out to be larger than the sticking force between the image forming substance and the peeling-off belt member.