Abstract: A compressible roller especially useful in high speed printing systems consists of a rigid core and a compressible cover. The cover consists of a first relatively thick layer of compressible foam which is bonded to the core, an elastomeric seal bonded to the foam; and an outer print layer of a compatible elastomer bonded to the seal. A method of preparing the roller also is disclosed.

Abstract: A pressurizing roller for use in a laminator to bond a film to a panel has a hollow outer shell and flanges on both ends. A roller shaft extending through the flanges and the outer shell transfers its angular moment of force via bearings directly to the flanges and via the flanges to the outer shell to provide uniform distribution of pressure by the roller outer shell to the film and panel. The outer shell is heated to a uniform temperature throughout.

Abstract: A fixing and developing apparatus in which sheet material to be treated is passed through a high pressure nip defined by a pair of rollers. At least one of the rollers may have a composite construction. The composite roller includes an elongated tubular shell with a pressure applying external surface, an elongated core positioned within the tubular shell, and an elastomeric material disposed between the core and shell to support the shell on the core. The core may be of a number of configurations and may increase in transverse cross-sectional dimension from the respective ends of the core toward the center of the core. The core may taper continuously or in discrete steps from its center toward its first and second ends. In addition, the core may have a longitudinal cross-section with a crown in the shape of a beam deflection curve for a simply supported, uniformly constant cross-section beam. The shell may be similarly configured along its interior surface.

Abstract: A thermal fixing device having a heating roller and a pressing member for thermally fixing a toner image held on the front side of the recording sheet. The heating roller is provided to confront the toner image of the recording sheet and the pressing member is provided to confront the back side of the sheet for making pressure contact with said heating roller through the sheet when the recording sheet is transported between the heating roller and the pressing member. The heating roller and the pressing member respectively include heat-resistant elastic layers the surface of which have the triboelectricity to the recording sheet. The heat-resistant elastic layer of the pressing member has higher triboelectricity to the recording sheet than the heat-resistant elastic layer of the heating roller.