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: A contact fuser assembly for use in electrostatic reproducing apparatus including a heated fuser roll structure cooperating with a backup roll to form a nip through which copy sheets 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 contaminants therefrom. The cleaning arrangement is further characterized by the provision of means for rejuvenating the tacky surface of the cleaning roll wherein polymer material is applied to the cleaning roll and is tacky at the operating temperature of the fuser apparatus.

Abstract: An improved pressure heated fusing apparatus for a copier/duplicator machine capable of simplex and duplex operation wherein the copy sheets make two passes through processing stations including a first roll which is heated to a temperature sufficient to fuse toner images onto paper support sheet material and a second roll made of an elastic material arranged axially parallel with said first roll to define a nip through which the paper support sheet material bearing toner images is passed having a longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a maximum diameter at the ends and a minimum diameter at the center.

Abstract: The heat and pressure rolls of a fusing apparatus for an electrophotographic copying machine are shifted into pressure contact with one another while a support sheet bearing a toner powder image passes therebetween, and are separated while the sheet is not therebetween. A driving mechanism drives both rolls when not in contact, while one of the rolls drives the other while in pressure contact. A shifting mechanism is actuated by a sheet detector for shifting the rolls into and out of contact.In another embodiment, the rolls are in light rolling contact, with no sheet passing therebetween, under the weight of one of the rolls idly mounted in place. A pressing mechanism presses the rolls into pressure contact, upon actuation by a sheet detector, while the sheet passes between the rolls.

Abstract: An improved air stripping device for stripping copy sheets from the surface of an elastomeric fuser roll surface in which copies are fused under heat and pressure. The improved air stripping device utilizes the deformation in the elastomeric surface resulting from the pressure to strip the copy sheets without directly contacting the fuser roll surface. One or more apertures are formed in the tip portion of the stripping device which are connected to a source of air pressure. The tip portion can be either flat or curved and is positioned at an acute angle relative to tangential direction from which the copy sheet is stripped from the fuser roll surface which undergoes a rippled effect from the air pressure to facilitate the stripping of the copy sheets therefrom.

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 roller for cleaning the residual toner particles from the heated fuser roll of a heated pressure fusing system in an electrostatic copy machine. The cleaning roller is mounted on a carriage supporting one or more 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 cleaning roller has a core member which is covered with a sleeve of soft suitable material such that under the pressure loading condition the surface of the cleaning roller conforms to that of the heated fuser roll. The exterior surface of each cleaning roller has a toner coating mixed with silicone oil to insure proper release of the residual toner from the heated fuser roll onto the cleaning roller.

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: 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: 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.

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 havve 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 device comprising an offset preventing liquid supply roller of a novel construction which is capable of supplying a suitable amount of offset preventing liquid in one operation to a fixing roller of an electrophotographic copying apparatus and remaining in sevice over a prolonged time by merely being maintained in contact with the fixing roller with a low force. The supply roller comprises a reservoir disposed in its central portion for containing therein a substantial amount of offset preventing liquid, and a liquid permeable material layer disposed outwardly of the reservoir and capable of being permeated with the offset preventing liquid for supplying to the fixing roller the offset preventing liquid which oozes therethrough.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus wherein toner images are formed on various types of substrates, for example, plain paper and transparency materials such as cellulose acetate or polyester film. The fuser assembly is characterized by a provision of a plurality of fuser rolls forming a pair of nips through which the substrates pass in order to fuse the toner images thereto. Transport mechanism is provided for conveying the substrates to one or the other of the nips depending upon the particular material of the substrate. The surface of the roll provided for contacting the plain paper comprises a hard metal surface and the roll for contacting the toner images carried by the cellulose acetate, etc. comprises an elastomeric surface.

Abstract: Apparatus of the type which fuses toner images onto support material by heat and pressure. A heated fuser roll includes a cylindrical member made of quartz which transmits radiant energy from a lamp source located on the interior of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is covered with a layer made of elastomeric material which also transmits radiant energy. A first reflector member is positioned adjacent the lamp source for focusing the radiant energy along a heat transfer zone segment of the elastomeric layer. Positioned adjacent to the heat transfer zone is a second reflector member to reflect the energy back to the surface of the layer. Tack and detack corotrons tack sheets bearing powder images to be fused to the surface of the elastomeric layer to selectively heat the powder images. A pressure roll forms a nip with the layer at the exit of the heat transfer zone to apply heat and pressure thereat.

Abstract: Contact fuser for a xerographic reproducing apparatus characterized by the provision of means for stripping the copy paper from the heated fuser roll. The stripping means is characterized by the provision of a plurality of finger-like elements which are pivotally mounted such that the pivot point is disposed intermediate the fuser roll and an area contacted by the copy whereby the weight of the copy on the finger-like elements serves to minimize adverse forces of the elements on the fuser roll.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a sheet of support material having particles substantially permanently affixed thereto is separated from a heated fuser member. The heated fuser member is operatively associated with a back up member such that the sheet of support material passes therebetween. As the sheet of support material passes therebetween, the particles thereon contact the fuser member. In this manner, the particles are thermally fused to the sheet of support material. Thereafter the sheet of support material with the particles affixed thereto is separated from the fuser member.

Abstract: Electrophotographic copying apparatus is disclosed including electrically heatable contact fixing means for fixing an electrophotographically produced toner image on an image carrier. The fixing means includes an electroconductive fixing layer mounted in insulated relation upon a continuously moving web which, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a cylindrical member. Heating electrical energy is supplied to said electroconductive fixing layer via contact cap means which are mounted on the ends of the cylinder member and which engage the free edges of the electroconductive layer throughout the length thereof, respectively, and stationary sintered bearing means that are electrically connectd both with the contact means and with the source of electrical energy.

Abstract: A method and a device using a pair of fixing rolls at least one of which is heated so that the two rolls are brought into pressing engagement with each other by thermal expansion of the heated roll. A copy sheet bearing a toner image formed thereon is fed between the two rolls so as to fix the toner image by thermal fusion.

Abstract: A toner image formed on a support sheet by toner particles adhering to selected areas of the sheet is fused either by simply disposing the sheet in with a heating surface, or by additionally pressing the sheet. After the toner image particles are fused, the sheet is cooled while maintaining its image bearing side in contact with the surface previously used for heating, so that the toner particles solidify and the toner image is stiffened. The sheet is then separated from the surface with which it was previously in contact. In the course of heating, some toner particles of the image may temporarily adhere to the heating surface, but in the course of the cooling step, these toner particles develop a stronger adhesion to the remainder of the image and to the sheet. Thus, after the cooling step, no toner particles remain on the surface contacted by the sheet, and the so-called "offset phenomenon" does not occur.

Abstract: Apparatus of the type which fuses toner images onto support material by heat and pressure including an instantly heated fuser roll and a pressure back-up roll having an elastomeric surface. The fuser roll has a cylindrical member made of quartz or other material which transmits radiant energy from a source located on the interior of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has a first layer made of elastomeric material which transmits radiant energy. The first layer is covered with a second layer of material which absorbs radiant energy. A third layer of material covers the second layer of heat absorbing material to effect a good toner release characteristic on the fuser roll surface. The third or image contacting layer may be made of an elastomeric material where dry fusing is preferred or alternatively a rigid material where a silicone oil is applied to the image contact layer to prevent toner offset onto the fuser roll surface.

Abstract: A composite metallic roll or other member comprising a body member of a base metal, a porous plasma flame spray plate of a nickel chromium alloy, and a continuous film of a Teflon deposited over said plate and impregnating the same for gradual exposure over a predetermined life. The corresponding method comprises the steps of applying the plasma flame spray plate with a porous finish and a subsequent application of a thin uniform deposit of a Teflon (tetraflouroethylene). The Teflon is thereupon heated to and is above its fusion temperature whereby to provide an impregnate film for gradual exposure over a predetermined life.

Abstract: An apparatus in which release material is applied to a heated fuser member. A back up member is in communication with the fuser member and a sheet of support material having particles thereon passes therebetween. The particles on the sheet of support material contact the fuser member. The apparatus reciprocates a bar of release material into and out of contact with the fuser member.The foregoing abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A contact-heat fixing device for electrophotography, characterized in that said fixing device comprises a cleaning member impregnated with an offset preventive liquid and a means for feeding said cleaning member in a state compressedly contacted with a heated body by means of a predetermined compressive force.

Abstract: Contact fusing system for utilization in the process of forming toner images on support sheets. The system is characterized by the provision of structure for cleaning toner material from an elastomeric backup member cooperating with a heated fuser member to move support sheets bearing the toner images therebetween with the toner images contacting the heated member. The cleaning structure comprises a sleeve of tetrafluoroethylene which is heat shrunk onto an angular-shaped support member whereby approximately one-third of the sleeve forms a cleaning surface which is contacted intermediate the ends thereof by the elastomeric backup member.

Abstract: For fixing electrostatically formed images of thermoplastic powder on copy sheets, an elastic roller and a heated rigid roller form a nip through which each sheet is passed with its image side engaged by the elastic roller, and the elastic roller has a pliable annular body formed with circumferential surface grooves or ribs which cooperate with organs of complementary form for separating each sheet from the roller surface behind the nip, yet which provide an even roller surface in the nip by being elastically deformed therein. The rigid roller is formed with circumferential surface grooves which also cooperate with complementary sheet separating organs. The separating organs cooperating with grooves may be blades extending into them behind the nip, or wires extending in them through the nip; those cooperating with ribs may be blades having profiled edges held almost in contact with ribbed regions of the elastic roller surface.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly for use in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus including an internally heated fuser roll structure comprising a rigid, thermally conductive core which is coated during operation of the assembly with a thin layer of a normally solid thermally stable material with subsequent application of a liquid release agent to the coated core. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the coating material comprises a fluorocarbon telomer such as Vydax 1000 and the liquid release agent comprises a liquid silicone oil.