Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an image fixing device has a hollow cylindrical fixing roller implemented as a heat pipe, and a pressing roller held in pressing contact with the fixing roller. The fixing roller is made up of a fixing portion, and a paper nipping portion against which the pressing roller is constantly urged. The paper nipping portion has a greater wall thickness than the heating section. This kind of configuration promotes rapid heat conduction from a halogen heater to a working fluid filled in the heat pipe, while preventing the paper nipping portion of the fixing roller from being deformed by the pressing roller.

Abstract: A heated roller for use in a fixing device has a heating portion and hollow shaft portions integrally molded from the same material. Conducting terminals capable of elastically expanding and contracting in the radial direction are closely fitted into the hollow shaft portions at both ends of the molded member. This ensures power supply from the conducting terminals, which are metallic parts, to the ceramic heating portion.

Abstract: A thermal conduction roller for use in industrial and office equipment includes a ceramic heater layer and a second ceramic layer disposed in between the ceramic heater layer and the core. The second ceramic layer has a resistance characteristic such that resistance of the roller decreases with heating to approximately the same order of magnitude as resistance in the longitudinal direction. This causes electrical current to be diverted from the ceramic heater layer to limit the temperature in that layer and any outer layer contacting a work object. The resistance of the second ceramic layer is controlled in part by controlling the parameters of plasma spraying process, including hydrogen secondary gas flow.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a heater; a heat transmitting member for transmitting the heat from the heater to an unfixed toner image while moving in contact with a recording material bearing the unfixed image; a pressure roller for forming a nip between the heat transmitting member and itself; wherein the heat transmitting member has a conductive surface; the pressure roller has a conductive core member; and wherein the image heating apparatus further contains a rotating conductive member on the conductive core material in contact with the conductive surface.

Abstract: A calender for treating a material web, particularly a paper web, with at least two rolls forming with each other a roll gap for passage of the web, with a heating system and with a removable cover system. The cover system comprises a foil which is tightened at least around part of the circumference of at least one of the rolls while forming a machine-wide gap between itself and the shell surface of the respective roll, and extending in planes situated parallel to the roll axes.

Abstract: An induction heating winding structure 5 is installed inside a hollow roller 1, which is closed at its opposite ends by flanges 2A, 2B. Driving shafts 4A, 4B integral with the flanges having coaxial holes are rotatably supported. The induction heating winding structure 5 is supported at its opposite side by support rods 9A, 9B. The support rods are in the coaxial holes 10A, 10B of the driving shafts through bearings. The roller 1 and flanges 2A, 2B are fastened together through taper fit. When it is desired to release the roller 1 from the flanges, the driving shafts and the support rods are temporarily fastened and one driving shaft 4B is supported in a cantilever manner. The roller 1 is mounted on a transport mechanism for mounting and dismounting.

Abstract: A sealing and severing apparatus is disclosed for sealing plastic bags formed in succession from stock plastic film material and then severing the sealed bags from one another. The bags are filled with a foamable composition while they are being formed so that when the formed and filled bags are placed in a container, the foamable composition fills the bag with foam to thereby produce a customized foam cushion for any objects in the container.

Abstract: A godet for heating an advancing yarn including a rotatably mounted godet casing of magnetically conductive material, a stationary primary winding, and a power supply for powering the primary winding at least about 300 Hz. The godet casing is formed of iron and acts as both the secondary winding and core for the primary winding. Accordingly, the godet casing does not need a separate and defined secondary winding, nor does the godet casing include a copper insert or copper coating on the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A heat roller having a resin layer for adhesion provided on the outer surface of a roller body, containing a silicone resin material of good thermal conductivity which is in the form of an oil in a temperature range of -50 to 150 degrees Celsius and is thermosettable above 150 degrees Celsius, which is interposed between the roller body and the resin layer by coating.

Abstract: A heater that has a plate shaped substrate with two holes penetrating through the substrate. Both holes are at one end of the substrate. The heater has a heating film mounted on the surface of the substrate for generating heat. The film is made of electrically conductive material and formed into a stripe shape having a first end and a second end. The first end is located near the hole. The heater also has an end film coated on the surface of the heating film around the hole and electrically connected with the heating film for supplying electric power to the heating film. The end film has higher electrical conductivity than the heating film. The substrate has means provided at the hole for supplying the electric power to the end film. The hole enables high reliability in electrical connection between the outer terminal and the heater because of the hole and the electric power supply means at the hole.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus includes a drum having an image bearing surface, apparatus for forming an electrostatic image on the image bearing surface, apparatus for developing the electrostatic image using a toner comprising charged toner particles to form a toner image, and an intermediate transfer member. The intermediate transfer member is operative for transfering the toner image from the image bearing surface to a transfer surface of the intermediate transfer member, and pfor subsequent transfer of the image to a substrate. The intermediate transfer member comprises a rigid core and an intermediate transfer blanket attached to the core.

Abstract: A release agent management system incorporated in an electrophotographic printing machine having a heat and pressure fuser assembly. The fuser assembly includes a heated fuser roll, a pressure roll and a wick for applying fuser oil to the surface of the heated fuser roll. The wick is moved into and out of engagement with the fuser roll and release agent material is supplied to the wick in accordance with the number of prints fused from which a print equivalency value is calculated. The print equivalency corresponds favorably to actual oil consumed. A predetermined print equivalency value is used for determining when oil is supplied to the wick.

Abstract: A system using a printer with a fuser-heater has control means for turning off the fuser-heater during times when no printing is required, while leaving the rest of the printing system operable. Time between print requests is monitored, and the fuser-heater is turned off when a preset time is reached without a print request. A next request turns the fuser-heater back on again. Data is accepted at a reduced rate while a heater warms up.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus, for fixing a toner on a recording material by using Joule heat which is generated by applying a voltage across the conductors or across the electrodes to supply a current mostly to a fixing portion, (I) comprises a heating device having a first conductive layer, a pressure-sensitive conductive resin layer which is formed on the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer formed on the pressure-sensitive conductive resin layer, (II) comprises a heating device having a first conductor and a fixing sheet substantially made of a pressure-sensitive conductive resin layer and a second conductive layer, or (III) comprises a heating device having a fixing sheet made of a heat-generating resistor and first and second electrodes insulated from each other.

Abstract: An image fixing apparatus includes a heater for producing heat upon electric power supply a film movable in sliding contact with the heater, wherein an unfixed toner image on a recording material is fixed by heat from the heater through the film; a temperature detecting element for detecting a temperature of the heater; wherein movement of the film is started when the temperature detected by the detecting element reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A mill roll having a pair of thick-walled refractory rollers, some having chambers therein the rollers to be heated to incandescent temperatures is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique which enables good electric contact to be surely made between a heat roller and conducting terminals serving as feed means. The heat roller comprises a heating portion and shaft portions which are integrally molded from the same material in the form of a molded member at least both end portions of which are hollow. The conducting terminals are capable of elastically expanding and contracting in the radial direction and are closely fitted into the hollow portions at both ends of the molded member.

Abstract: Apparatus for fusing a thermoplastic image onto a substrate including a fuser element having a thin fusing member and apparatus for tensioning the thin fusing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring liquid toner images from an image forming surface (10) to an intermediate transfer member (40) for subsequent transfer to a final substrate (42). the liquid toner images include carrier liquid and pigmented polymeric toner particles which are essentially non-soluble in the carrier liquid at room temperature, and which form a single phase at elevated temperatures. The method includes the steps of: concentrating the liquid toner image by compacting the solids portion of the liquid toner image and removing carrier liquid therefrom; transferring the liquid toner image to the intermediate transfer member (40), heating the liquid toner image on the intermediate transfer member (40) to a temperature at which the toner particles and the carrier liquid form a single phase; and transferring the heated liquid toner image to a final substrate (42).

Abstract: A composition of matter including: (A) a release coating silicone polymer; (B) a cross-linker for (A) in an amount insufficient to substantially cross-link (A); and (C) a soft silicone rubber formulation, the weight ratio of (A) to (C) being in the range of from about 1:1.5 to 1:20. The composition is useful in the manufacture of fuser rollers.

Abstract: A fusing apparatus for fusing toner images onto a substrate. The fusing apparatus has a generally cylindrical pressure roller, a fuser roller, and a device for applying toner release oil to the surface there of. The fuser roller further includes a first length portion that has a generally cylindrical outer shape for contacting the pressure roller to form a fusing nip through which the substrate can be moved. In order to prevent damage to the surface of the fuser roller, the fuser roller includes a second length portion which lies towards an end of the fuser roller away from the fusing nip and has a generally conical outer shape for preventing contact between the fuser roller and pressure roller.

Abstract: A fusing apparatus for fusing toner images onto a substrate. The fusing apparatus includes a heated first fusing member, a second timing member and a fusing mix formed by the first and second members. A substrate carrying and unfused toner image on a first on a first side thereof is routed through the fusing nip such that the unfused toner image directly faces the heated first member, and the second side thereof directly faces the second fusing member. In order to prevent melting or remelting of a toner image on such second side, the fusing apparatus includes a device for cooling and maintaining the temperature of the second fusing member at a point below the melting temperature of toner particles forming the image on such second side.

Abstract: A heat pipe roller includes a rotatable outer tube having a primary internal chamber for containing a fluid, a heater operable to heat the fluid and hence the tube, and a sensor. The sensor has a movable member which communicates with the primary chamber and is mounted on the tube for rotation therewith, and a fixed member situated in the region of the axis of rotation of the tube and so mounted relative to the tube that rotation of the tube does not rotate the fixed member. The fixed member is adapted to be connected to equipment for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sensor. The arrangement is such that, in use, the movable member moves in response to a temperature change or temperature related physical change in the primary chamber, thereby causing a corresponding change in the electrical characteristic of the sensor.

Abstract: A combination fusing and media direction control method and apparatus wherein a fuser roller is positioned adjacent to a pair of idler pressure rollers located at predetermined locations adjacent to the surface of the motor driven fuser roller which is operative to receive printed media from a photo-conductive drum within a printer housing. The printed media enters a location between the surface of the fuser roller and one of the idler pressure rollers where it then traverses an approximately 90.degree. contoured path around approximately one-quarter (1/4) of the surface area of the fuser roller where it then exits the fuser roller at the intersection of the fuser roller and the second idler pressure roller. From this point, the direction of media travel is maintained substantially in a horizontal direction until the time the media comes to rest in an output paper collection tray of the printer.

Abstract: A heating element for a plastic film laminator has a cylindrical base member. A heating layer of conductive resin such as conductive silicone is molded to the base member. An outer layer of dielectric material may cover the heating layer. Resistive electrical contacts are connected to the heating layer. An electrical power supply is connectable to the contacts. The resistive contacts create a voltage drop within the contact along the axis of current flow. This lowers the current density at the interfaces of the contacts and heating layer to prevent localized overheating of the conductive resin.

Abstract: A laminating machine for paper protection, particularly a laminating machine with a motor and a transmission device located within a casing composed of an upper casing member and a lower casing member, a pair of rollers rotating in opposite direction; having a heating element, a thermal sensor, a heat distribution plate and a heater base to melt plastic film and adhere it to paper or card; and incorporated with a pair of back to back cooling plates to cool down the laminated paper or card.

Abstract: A heating device, which can be used in the fixing unit of an image forming apparatus, such as an electrophotographic copying or printing machine, for fixing a toner image on a sheet of image transferring medium, includes a ceramic heat roller whose body is formed of a resistor material having positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTC), capable of self-heating and self-regulating the temperature.

Abstract: A heat roll fixing unit for fusing a toner image on a recording sheet in an image recording device is provided with a heat roller and a backup roller arranged oppositely to the heat roller. The recording sheet bearing a toner image is fed between the backup roller and the heat roller. At least one of the heat roller and the backup roller has a plurality of slits at an end thereof and a gear member having a plurality of protrusions on the inner periphery thereof is provided. The protrusions are fitted in the slits, respectively, and driving means for driving the gear member to rotate the rollers is also provided.

Abstract: A fixing unit for picture image forming equipment including a heating roller and a pressure roller, fixes unfixed picture images formed on paper by applying heat thereto. The fixing unit for a picture image forming equipment includes a pressure roller having a structure consisting of three layers, namely, a silicone sponge layer, a silicone rubber layer, and a relatively hard tubular layer, which are arranged in the stated order outwards from the central part to the outermost shell. The tubular layer is a tetrafluoroethylene fluorocarbon polymer layer having a thickness in the range from 30 .mu.m to 70 .mu.m. The silicone sponge layer has a thickness in the range of 50% to 60% of the outside diameter of the pressure roller.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a heater having a heating surface; a base member for supporting said heater, said base member having an edge; a holder for supporting said base member; a film movable with a recording material in sliding contact with the heating surface; wherein said holder has a rounded projection for preventing contact of said film with the edge.

Abstract: Apparatus for fusing a thermoplastic image onto a substrate including a fuser element having a thin fusing member and apparatus for tensioning the thin fusing member.

Abstract: An image fixing rotatable member includes an elastic layer into which inorganic filler material is mixed; a bonding layer on the elastic layer, containing resin material; and a resin layer applied and sintered on the bonding layer. The elastic layer below the bonding layer has a heat conductivity higher than that of the resin material in the bonding layer and contains an inorganic filler having a heat conductivity higher than that of the resin material used in the bonding layer. Because of these specific features of the bonding layer and the elastic layer, the resin in the bonding layer functions as a thermal barrier during the sintering of the resin and therefore the heat transmitted to the rubber layer is not accumulated but is effectively dissipated as a result of the high conductivity of the inorganic filler.

Abstract: A heatable roll, in particular for processing web-like materials, for example paper, which includes a roll body having peripheral passages or bores which are preferably arranged parallel to the axis of the roll body, and at least one, and preferably two, screwed-on flange journals. Heating elements are arranged in the bores which extend in the axial direction parallel to the roll body.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a heat rotary member, a heater arranged in the heat rotary member along a rotation center line thereof and having a low heat-conductive base member at each end, and a holder member for holding at least one of the base members. One base member has an outer configuration larger than that of the other base member. In addition, the heater can be removed from the heat rotary member along the rotation center line without removing the holder member.

Abstract: A method of heat fixing a toner image comprises heat fixing a toner image on a recording material with a heating member fixed and supported and a pressurizing member which is opposed to, in pressure contact with said heating member and adapted to bring said recording material into pressure contact with said heat member through a film, wherein said toner image is formed of a toner, said toner comprises a binder resin and a colorant, said binder resin has a melt viscosity of 0.1 to 10.sup.7 centipoise at 140.degree. C. and the gradient (.theta.) of the straight line represented by the following formula comprising the reciprocal number (1/T) of the absolute temperature when the toner is melted by heating with the heating member and the logarithm (log .eta.) of the melt viscosity of the binder resin at this time is 10.sup.2 to 3.times.10.sup.3 :log .eta.=.theta..multidot.

Abstract: A mill roll having a pair of ceramic, hollow rollers with the chambers defined in each filled with a plurality of particles with spaces defined therebetween including means to enter fuel therein to be burned to heat the rollers to incandescent temperatures.

Abstract: An imaging system including an image bearing surface and an intermediate transfer member having an image transfer surface and being operative for transfer of toner images from the image bearing surface to the image transfer surface and for subsequent transfer to a substrate. The intermediate transfer member includes a backing layer, a compressible layer disposed between the image transfer surface and the backing layer and a heating layer which is disposed between the backing layer and the compressible layer.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a heating element fixedly supported during a fixing procedure, a film, apparatus enabling the film to slide against the heating element, and a pressurizing roller for pressing a recording material on which a toner image is supported against the film. The heating element has a substrate, a heat generating layer provided on the substrate, and a heat-melting portion provided on the substrate. The heat-melting portion melts at a temperature higher than the fixing temperature and lower than the withstanding temperature of the substrate and thereby disconnects the heat generating layer from its power source.

Abstract: A heating element for a plastic film laminator has a base member, either flat or cylindrical. An insulating layer of non-conductive material is formed on the base member. A heating layer formed of conductive resin such as conductive silicone is molded to the base member, with the insulating layer between the base and heating layer. An outer layer of non-conductive silicone may cover the heating layer. Electrical contacts are connected to opposite sides of the heating layer. An electrical power supply is connectable to the contacts. Current passing through the heating layer provides uniform heating which is transferred to the plastic to be laminated.

Abstract: A run-through grill has at least two rolls which are mounted for rotation about horizontal axes. Each of the rolls comprises a jacket, which is heatable through a heating element arranged in the roll. A cavity is provided substantially symmetrically within the jacket, and contains the heating element. A filling of a heat-conductive material which is fluid is provided in the cavity. The filling quantity is chosen so that on the one hand an unfilled portion of the cavity remains, and on the other hand, at least sections of the heating element are continually in heat-transmitting connection with the filling. With this arrangement, the region of the jacket which borders on the unfilled cavity assumes a different temperature during passage of a cooking product to be treated than the region of the jacket in which the filling is present.

Abstract: An electrostatographic copier or printer includes front end apparatus for forming and developing copies of images electrostatically, and back end apparatus which include a multiple function fusing roller that also functions as an image transfer roller. The multi-function fusing apparatus selectively includes a contact fusing operation or a non-contact fusing operation. A vacuum roller holds the copy sheet while either a radiant fuser or a pressure nip fuser will fix a toner image onto the substrate. The vacuum roller may be internally heated and the pressure roller which creates the fusing nip is selectively moved into and out of contact with the vacuum roller dependent upon the operation selected.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus includes rotatable member contactable to a material carrying a toner image to fix the toner image thereon, a first contacting member in sliding contact with a surface of the rotatable member, the first contacting member is reciprocable in a direction of a generating line of the rotatable member, a second contacting member in sliding contact with the surface of the rotatable member at a position different from the first contacting member in a rotational direction, the second contacting member being reciprocable in a direction of generating line of the rotatable member, wherein the first contacting member having a reciprocable movable range without overlapping with a reciprocable movable range of the second contacting member.

Abstract: An image system including an image bearing surface and an intermediate transfer member operative for transfer of liquid toner images from the image bearing surface to a substrate provides for first transfer engagement between the intermediate transfer member and the image bearing surface for transfer of an image from the image bearing surface to the intermediate transfer member at a first pressure, producing deformation of the intermediate transfer member to a first deformation degree. The system provides for second transfer engagement between the intermediate transfer member and the substrate for transfer of the image from the intermediate transfer member to the substrate at a second pressure, producing deformation of the intermediate transfer member to a second deformation degree.

Abstract: A low mass fuser roll fusing system incorporates a thin web member to maintain copy sheets in biased contact with a fuser roll during a fusing operation. The copy sheets are introduced to the fusing area at an entrance nip formed by a biasing assembly. The lead edge of the copy sheet is introduced into the entrance nip by a reciprocating mecahnism which moves, the web member and the copy sheet supported thereon into the entrance nip. The web member motion is then stopped and the copy sheet progresses through the fusing cycle until the copy sheet emerges from the fusing area, at which time the web member is returned to its original position.

Abstract: A thermostatic device particularly usable in sensing the surface tempoerature of a rotatable member in a fuser includes a rotatable roller mountable in rolling engagement with a moving surface. A heat sensor located inside the roller senses temperature variations in the roller. For example, a pin that is spring-urged against the inside surface of the roller, moves a switch between open and closed conditions as the inside diameter of the roller varies with a change in its temperature. Alternatively, a bimetallic disc positioned in engagement with the inside surface of the roller is sensed to open or close a switch in response to the roller temperature reaching a given threshold.

Abstract: A selected finish is applied to a electrophotographic print of a photographic negative at a fusing station. One of a plurality of finishing rollers is moved into operative engagement with a fusing roller to provide the desired finish. The fusing roller is heated internally. The finishing rollers which are rotatable brought into contact with the fusing roller each have a different and distinct surface characteristic. Three types are surfaces are described these being a glossy surface, a matte surface and a textured surface.

Abstract: A fixing device for use in copiers. First and second rotatable members are in contact with each other so as to form a nip region through which a substrate is transported to fix a toner image, supported thereon, by heat and pressure. The fixing device is so constructed that the position of the nip region between the rotatable members is angularly displaced in accordance with the amount of anticipated or actual curl of the substrate.

Abstract: An elastic rotatable member conveniently usable as an image fixing member has a base member, a first primer layer, an elastic layer, a second primer layer and a resin layer in the order named. The first primer layer has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the second primer layer. Using the elastic rotatable member, its sheet conveying properties, releasability, wear resistance and durability are improved. When used for an image fixing rotatable member, its image fixing properties are improved.

Abstract: A fusing apparatus including a heater roll disposed transverse the direction of movement of the support material, the heater roll being stiff in the longitudinal direction and conforming in the hoop direction, a core supporting the heater roll, the heater roll being disposed about the circumference of the core, the core being conforming in the hoop direction, and a back up role disposed transverse the direction of movement of the support material, the back up role being stiff in the longitudinal direction and conforming in the hoop direction, the engagement of the heater role and the back up role defining an elongated, essentially flat nip.

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.