With Rubber Or Elastomer Cover Patents (Class 492/56)
  • Patent number: 5885410
    Abstract: The heated laminating roll of the present invention comprises a cylindrical core having an exterior surface, an electrical resistance heating wire disposed on the exterior surface of the cylindrical core, and a silicone rubber cover disposed on the core. The silicone rubber cover provides the exterior surface of the roll. A metallic mesh is disposed within the silicone rubber cover. The metallic mesh is electrically insulated from the heating wire and is also electrically grounded. The metallic mesh layer is typically constructed of copper. The roll also may include temperature sensing devices disposed within the silicone rubber cover. The temperature sensing devices may also be disposed within the interior of the cylindrical core. The heated laminating roll provides the benefits of using an electrical resistance heater wire and additionally includes means to effectively conduct heat throughout the roll as well as providing means to safely shield the user from electrical shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: William A. Berkan
  • Patent number: 5874172
    Abstract: An electrophotographic developer roller is made by casting urethane prepolymer mixed with a polybutadiene, a trifunctional curative, ferric chloride powder, and an antioxidant. After curing, the roller is baked, which oxidizes the outer surface. The oxidized surface layer is electrically resistive, which is desirable in a developer roller. An excellent developer roller is achieved at low production cost. The antioxidant provides stable electrical characteristics over extended time periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Leonard Beach, Jean Marie Massie, Johnny Dale Massie, II, Ronald Lloyd Roe
  • Patent number: 5869188
    Abstract: An electrostatographic member for use in electrostatographic processes is prepared by directly applying an elastomeric layer to a metal support (or core) that has been treated with corona discharge without primers or intermediate treatments. Adhesion of the elastomeric layer directly to the treated metal support is excellent. One or more such fuser members can be used in combination in an electrostatographic fuser system, such as the combination of a fuser roller and a pressure roller. Intermediate transfer members can also be prepared in this manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Alan R. Priebe, Michael E. Luckhurst
  • Patent number: 5868839
    Abstract: A liquid metering and coating assembly for use in a thermal toner fixation unit of a plain paper copier or printer. The assembly consists of a release oil-supply roll having a compliant and flexible porous permeation control layer and a cleaning blade. The cleaning blade is mounted so as to contact the surface of the permeation control material. The cleaning blade removes excess toner and other incidental debris from the surface of the permeation control layer thereby providing a freshly cleaned surface from which controlled amounts of release oil are uniformly coated onto the surface of an adjacent contacting roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Japan Gore-Tex, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Hiroyasu Kikukawa
  • Patent number: 5865298
    Abstract: A magnetic transport system (8) has at least one magnetic transport roller (20) mounted to a frame (10) for conveying a ferromagnetic web (12). The transport roller (20) has a magnetic core (22), a first bonding layer (24) at least partially surrounding and bonded to the core (22), a first layer (26) at least partially surrounding and bonded to the first bonding layer (24), a second bonding layer (28) for bonding second layer (30) to the core (20). Second layer (30) comprises a wear and abrasion resistant material. Further, a ferromagnetic web (12) is arranged for movement along the magnetic transport roller (20) for transporting materials thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward P. Furlani, Dilip K. Chatterjee, Syamal K. Ghosh
  • Patent number: 5863660
    Abstract: A fixing member suitable for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is formed by providing a silicone rubber surface layer containing a metal compound represented by M.sub.m X.sub.n, wherein M denotes a metal cation selected from Al, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Ga, X denotes an anion selected from halogens, inorganic acid ions and organic acid ions, and m and n are positive integers satisfying m.times.(valence of M)=n.times.(valence of X). The silicone rubber surface layer can exhibit improved wear resistance while retaining a good toner releasability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kumagai, Kazuo Kishino, Masaaki Takahashi, Hideo Kawamoto, Hideyuki Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 5863626
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric conductive roller comprising a rubber having a volume specific resistance of not more than 10.sup.12 .OMEGA.cm and an electric conductive filler mixed in the rubber, said electric conductive roller satisfying the following formulas (1) and (2):log R.gtoreq.log R.sub.0 -4 (1)log R<log R.sub.0 (2)wherein R is a resistance of the roller when the electric conductive filler is added, and R.sub.0 is a resistance of the roller when no electric conductive filler is added.This electric conductive roller has a low dependence of an electric resistance on a change in applied voltage and environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 5862447
    Abstract: A digital copier is designed to minimize image imperfections by limiting pickup of contaminants by an image carrier. Paper sheets are conveyed to an image transfer area by use of a conveyor unit. The conveyor unit includes paper feed rollers. The image transfer area includes the image carrier and a transfer roller. The paper sheets pass between the image carrier and the transfer roller. When no paper sheets are in the image transfer area, the transfer roller is in contact with the image carrier. The transfer rollers and the paper feed rollers include a rubber material with a solubility parameter chosen to minimize transfer of contaminants to the image carrier. In one example, the transfer roller and the paper feed roller are formed from a rubber material having a solubility parameter greater than or equal to 8.2 (cal/cm.sup.3).sup.1/2. To further minimize imperfections in the image due to pickup of contaminants, the rubber material of the paper feed member has a dielectric constant greater than or equal to 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuo Matsumura
  • Patent number: 5860360
    Abstract: A replaceable sleeve having a working surface is provided which is adapted to be mounted on a carrier. The sleeve includes an inner polymeric layer, a reinforcing layer overlying the inner layer, an intermediate polymeric layer overlying the reinforcing layer, and an outer polymeric layer. The sleeve may include a cushion layer between the intermediate layer and the outer layer. The layers comprising the sleeve are formed around a support and then cured simultaneously in a single step. The resulting sleeve may be used in printing operations or in other applications such as coating, embossing, laminating, calendering and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Day International, Inc.
    Inventors: William James Lane, III, Michael Edward McLean, Thomas Gerald Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5857950
    Abstract: A fluid metering roll such as an anilox roll is comprised of a tubular carbon fiber composition core having one or more metallic layers intervening between the core and a surface layer comprised of ceramic, the ceramic having outwardly opening fluid metering cells. The method of forming the roll includes steps of thermal spray applying one or more layers comprised of metal over the roll surface the layers intervening between the roll and an external ceramic coating. Characterizing features of the application method reside in each of the thermal spray applied layers being directed toward the core at a negative rake angle of from about 111/2.degree. to about 131/2.degree. and preferably 121/2.degree., the core and layers which receive the thermal spray being simultaneously cooled to about 110.degree. Centigrade or less during application of the thermal spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Pamarco Incorporated
    Inventor: Stanley H. Hycner
  • Patent number: 5853893
    Abstract: A toner fuser member having improved toner release properties comprises a substrate and an outermost layer comprising a cured fluoroelastomer that includes at least about 21 mole percent of hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and at least 10 parts per weight of a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of cupric oxide, plumbous oxide, and mixtures thereof. Applying to the outermost layer of the fuser member an effective amount of a polymethyldisiloxane (PDMS) release agent that, optionally, includes at least one functional group reactive with the fluoroelastomer, followed by incubation at an elevated temperature, produces a surface having enhanced toner release characteristics on the outermost layer. A process for forming a toner fuser member having improved toner release properties comprises forming on a substrate an outermost layer having the above-described composition of cured fluoroelastomer and metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann H. Chen, Tonya D. Binga, William J. Staudenmayer
  • Patent number: 5851657
    Abstract: A charging member is disclosed, which charges an electrifiable member, e.g., a photoreceptor, when a voltage is applied thereto while the charging member is kept being pressed against the electrifiable member. This charging member 1 comprises an electroconductive substrate 1a and, fixed thereto, an electroconductive elastomer layer 1b comprising at least a crosslinked silicone rubber, in which the content of uncrosslinked silicone polymer components having a number-average molecular weight of 10,000 or higher is not higher than 1% by weight. The crosslinked silicone rubber is preferably a reaction product obtained by reacting a liquid polymethylsiloxane containing at least two vinyl group substituents and having a viscosity of 3,000 cP or lower with a polyorganohydrogensiloxane as a crosslinking agent in the presence of a platinum catalyst. The charging member need not have an antifouling layer for inhibiting the migration of low-polymerization-degree components to an electrifiable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiaki Yasuno, Minoru Rokutan
  • Patent number: 5851673
    Abstract: A toner fuser member having improved toner release properties comprises a substrate and an outermost layer comprising a cured fluoroelastomer that includes at least about 21 mole percent of hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and at least 10 parts per weight of a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of cupric oxide, plumbous oxide, and mixtures thereof. Applying to the outermost layer of the fuser member an effective amount of a polymethyldisiloxane (PDMS) release agent that, optionally, includes at least one functional group reactive with the fluoroelastomer, followed by incubation at an elevated temperature, produces a surface having enhanced toner release characteristics on the outermost layer. A process for forming a toner fuser member having improved toner release properties comprises forming on a substrate an outermost layer having the above-described composition of cured fluoroelastomer and metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann H. Chen, Tonya D. Binga, William J. Staudenmayer
  • Patent number: 5848958
    Abstract: A set of modular elements for the construction of a driving pulley (1) for belt conveyors or the like comprises a steel shaft (3), at least one disk element (2) of synthetic material and at least two end pieces (8), similarly of synthetic material, plus a number of bolts (11) with nuts (12) arranged for the tightening together of the end pieces around the disk element(s) in such a manner that the shaft is secured in the pulley.In the area for the disk elements (2), the shaft (3) is hexagonal in shape (5) and each disk element has a corresponding axial opening, and the shaft comprises an axial bearing journal (6) at each end and a trunnion (7) for at least one drive wheel (16).The driving pulley is preferably coated with a rubber or rubber-like lagging (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Maskinfabrikken Baeltix A/S
    Inventor: Poul Erik Damkj.ae butted.r
  • Patent number: 5849399
    Abstract: A biasable transfer system member for use in an electrographic printing apparatus for attracting electrically charged particles from an imaging substrate to the biasable transfer system member includes an electrically conductive core and an outer layer of a fluorinated carbon filled elastomer wherein the fluorinated carbon has a fluorine content of about 10 to about 30 weight percent based on the weight of fluorinated carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Kock-Yee Law, Joseph Mammino, Gerald M. Fletcher, Martin A. Abkowitz, Ihor W. Tarnawskyj, Kathleen M. McGrane
  • Patent number: 5848684
    Abstract: A magnetic transport system (8) has at least one magnetic transport roller (20) mounted to a frame (10) for conveying a ferromagnetic web (12). The transport roller (20) has a magnetic core (22), a first bonding layer (24) at least partially surrounding and bonded to the core (22), a first layer (26) at least partially surrounding and bonded to the first bonding layer (24), a second bonding layer 28 for bonding second layer 30 to the core (20). Second layer (30) comprises a wear and abrasion resistant material. Further, a ferromagnetic web (12) is arranged for movement along the magnetic transport roller (20) for transporting materials thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward P. Furlani, Syamal K. Ghosh, Dilip K. Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 5846643
    Abstract: A fuser member for use in an electrostatographic printing machine has at least one layer of an elastomer composition comprising a silicone elastomer and a mica-type layered silicate, the silicone elastomer and mica-type layered silicate forming a delaminated nanocomposite with silicone elastomer inserted among the delaminated layers of the mica-type layered silicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Santokh S. Badesha, Arnold W. Henry, Robert J. Gruber
  • Patent number: 5846175
    Abstract: A hand pressure roller adapted for spreading a sticky transparent film over a stripping paper for removing a back-glued cut pattern from said stripping paper, including a roller frame and a roller, the roller frame having an upright front panel, two forward front lugs bilaterally extended from the front panel for holding the roller, a handle backwardly extended from the front panel for moving the roller with the hand, and a back panel obliquely downwardly extended from the rear side and terminating in a smoothly curved upward tail for pressing over the workpiece, the roller having two bearings at two opposite ends of a roller shaft thereof pivotably connected between the front lugs of the roller frame by a respective pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Hu Chen
  • Patent number: 5836860
    Abstract: In a resin roll 5 for calendering a magnetic recording medium, a surface portion 3a of a thermosetting resin outer layer 3 has high storage elastic modulus (E') of 5.times.10.sup.10 to 5.times.10.sup.11 dyn/cm.sup.2 at a temperature of 50.degree. to 150.degree. C. at a frequency of 10 hertz (Hz). At the surface portion of the thermosetting resin outer layer, the expression representing the relation between storage elastic modulus (E') and the Poisson's ratio (.nu.) is within the following range, under the same conditions:2.times.10.sup.-12 cm.sup.2 /dyn<(1-.nu..sup.2)/E'<2.times.10.sup.-11 cm.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Yamauchi Corporation
    Inventors: Atsuo Watanabe, Kenjiro Nakayama, Tatsuyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 5834116
    Abstract: An electroconductive roller working stably in all environmental conditions without any large-capacity power supply and which is suitable for use in a system of which the power source is controlled for a constant current. The electroconductive roller has a resistance of 1.times.10.sup.3 to 1.times.10.sup.12 .OMEGA. when applied with a voltage of 500 V at a temperature of 25.degree. C. and relative humidity of 50% and has K.sub.HH .ltoreq.K.sub.NN .ltoreq.K.sub.LL, where K is a ratio of roller resistance at an application of 500 V to roller resistance at an application of 2,000 V, K.sub.HH is the ratio K at ambient conditions of 35.degree. C. and 85% relative humidity, K.sub.NN is the ratio K at ambient conditions of 25.degree. C. and 50% relative humidity, and K.sub.LL is the ratio K at ambient conditions of 10.degree. C. and 15% relative humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Sawa, Yuichiro Mori, Miho Saito
  • Patent number: 5827160
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a rubber roller as a developing roller in a electrophotographic printer of which the silicone rubber forming the rubber layer on and around a metallic core mandrel is electrically semiconductive. The printing characteristics and abrasion resistance of the rubber roller to ensure good durability of the rubber roller in printing services can be greatly improved by the irradiation treatment of the rubber surface with ultraviolet light having principal wavelengths of 253.7 nm and 184.9 nm in an irradiation dose of 1.2 to 76 J/cm.sup.2, preferably, in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to form an ultraviolet-hardened surface layer of which the rubber surface has a specified surface rough-ness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneo Ohki, Shuji Oguchi, Masahiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5823929
    Abstract: Used, spent or physically degraded primary charge rollers (PCR's) may be rejuvenated to an extent that is operationally comparable to (or exceeds) the print quality and service life of an OEM-supplied PCR. The used PCR is treated so as to apply an overcoating of a dispersion which includes an electrically conductive particulate material, such as graphite or carbon black, and a polymeric binder (e.g., polyurethane latex). The electrically conductive material imparts the necessary electrical properties to the PCR for purposes of "rejuvenation", while the presence of the polymeric binder serves to impart long-term service life to the PCR and also permits the use of less electrically conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Genicom Corporation
    Inventors: Vytas A. Kavolius, Joseph E. White, Bradford G. Buttner
  • Patent number: 5819646
    Abstract: A fixing device comprises a thermal fixing roll and a pressing roll forming a nip portion together with the thermal fixing roll. The pressing roll included in the fixing device comprises a core, a sponge rubber layer covering the outer circumferential surface of the core and provided with a large number of through-holes extending in parallel with the axis of the core and arranged equidistantly from the outer circumferential surface of the core, a rubbery elastic layer formed in a thickness of 350 to 4500 .mu.m to cover the outer circumferential surface of the sponge layer, and a fluorocarbon resin layer formed to cover the outer circumferential surface of the rubbery elastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Kinyosha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noritomo Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 5819142
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a charging member which is energized to charge a chargeable member by contact-electrification and which comprises a conductive elastic layer having a surface layer containing a polymer having a main chain containing a structural unit of the following formula:--O--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --O--CO--wherein n is an integer of from 4 to 10.With stable charging properties, the charging member of the present invention has relatively uniform surface resistance, little dependency on the environmental conditions, and decreased contamination of photosensitive bodies and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kaubshiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Murata, Yoshiaki Nishimura, Akiya Kume, Hiroshi Mayuzumi
  • Patent number: 5813959
    Abstract: The roller is provided for pressure treatment of a strip of paper, textile, plastic film, sheet metal or similar material. It includes a hollow roller made of a fiber-reinforced synthetic resin material, and a cross-beam which passes through the hollow roller lengthwise. The cross-beam is mounted at its ends, in external supports, so as not to rotate. Hydrostatic support elements are arranged on the cross-beam on the side on which pressure is exerted. The elements can be pressed against the inside circumference of the hollow roller by means of a hydraulic fluid. The support elements have a length not exceeding 20 cm in the longitudinal direction of the hollow roller, follow each other closely in the longitudinal direction of the cross-beam, and can all be controlled independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Eduard Kusters Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Hader, Klaus Kubik
  • Patent number: 5813961
    Abstract: An inking, water form and metering roller (5) having an elongated and generally cylindrical core (7) comprising a first elastomeric material in which a continuous helical groove (12) is defined and extends along the length thereof. The core is fully enclosed in a jacket (18) of a second elastomeric material. Both the core and the jacket of the roller have predetermined durometer hardnesses, the durometer hardness of the jacket being greater than the durometer hardness of the core. An inking, water form and metering roller (35) is also disclosed having an elongated and generally cylindrical core (37) of an elastomeric material with a predetermined durometer hardness in which a continuous helical groove (42) is defined, and in which a separate ribbon (48) of the elastomeric material comprising the core and having the same durometer hardness as the core is helically interwound and finished flush with the exterior surface of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Diamond Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald R. Buchwald
  • Patent number: 5810705
    Abstract: A developing apparatus of a toner delivery system by contacting a developer roller with an electrostatic latent image-carrying member eliminates a protective layer in the conventional concept from a surface of the developing roller, and provides a covering layer which is formed by adhering particles of toner or a material having electrical characteristics and mechanical characteristics equal to those of the toner on the surface of the developing roller. Those particles are adhered utilizing a surface tackiness of an elastomer layer itself which is a structural element of the developing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kanegafuchi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Mimura, Yoshihisa Tawada, Shigeo Akimoto, Kenji Kobayashi, Yasunori Matsunari, Susumu Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5804309
    Abstract: A charging roll which is held in contact with an outer circumferential surface of an image bearing medium for charging the surface of the image bearing medium by application of a DC voltage and an AC voltage which is superimposed on the DC voltage, the charging roll comprising: a center shaft; an electrically conductive base layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft; an outer structure formed on an outer circumferential surface of the conductive base layer; and the charging roll having Asker C hardness of less than 48 degrees as measured upon application of 1 kg load thereto and micro rubber hardness in a range of 65-85 degrees as measured upon application of 33.85 g load thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Itoh, Takafumi Yamamoto, Hiroki Sugiura, Atsuhiro Kawano, Wataru Imamura, Saburou Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5805963
    Abstract: An imaging system and method incorporate an apparatus and method for cleaning developer liquid from an imaging substrate such as a photoreceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Teschendorf, W. Blake Kolb, Thomas M. Milbourn
  • Patent number: 5803887
    Abstract: A heat-fixing roll which includes a core shaft, and a rubber layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the core shaft, wherein the rubber layer is formed of a silicone rubber compound of addition reaction curing type having a thermal conductivity of 1.5.times.10.sup.-3 cal/cm.multidot.sec.multidot..degree.C. or more and containing 1.5 parts by weight or more of silicone resin powder having an average particle diameter of 1 to 20 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kinyosha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noritomo Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 5797322
    Abstract: A printing sleeve for a rotogravure or flexo printing roll is provided that as a base sleeve with a slightly conical or tapered geometry adapted to be mounted over the printing roll which also has a slightly conical or tapered geometry. The printing sleeve also comprises a layer of compressible material mounted to the base sleeve, a layer of foamed spacer material, and an outer tube mounted over the layer of foamed spacer material. Further, an engravable layer is typically applied to the exterior of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Polywest Kunstofftechnik, Sauressig & Partner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz-W. Lorig, Karl Sauressig
  • Patent number: 5792533
    Abstract: An electrostatic charging roller having at least two layers; namely an elastic layer and a surface layer covering a surface of the elastic layer; wherein the surface layer contains low structure acetylene with a particle diameter of 44 to 60 m.mu. to improve uniformity in electrification by the electrostatic charging roller having a surface layer in which conductive particles and non-adhesive resin are dispersed therein. Also dependency of the electrostatic charging roller on humidity is suppressed to a lower level, which makes smaller fluctuation of the electrifying characteristics caused by changes in environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Kurokawa, Takeshi Tabuchi
  • Patent number: 5786091
    Abstract: In a charging device included in an image forming apparatus for charging an image carrier uniformly, a charge roller has an elastic layer and a surface layer. The elastic layer is made of a substance having a medium electric resistance and having no conductive particles dispersed therein. The surface layer is made of a non-adhering substance having a greater non-adhering property than the substance constituting the elastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Kurokawa, Kazuo Nojima, Masako Chiba, Toshio Nakahara
  • Patent number: 5782730
    Abstract: A pressure roller is disclosed which comprises: a metal core; an elastic layer formed around the metal core; and a top layer provided over the elastic layer, the top layer having a thickness of not greater than 0.1 mm and being made of a fluororesin, the fluororesin having a coefficient of dynamic friction of 0.25 or more. The pressure roller is capable of forming a high quality image free of image failure and has excellent durability. The fluororesin having a coefficient of dynamic friction as high as 0.25 or more can be obtained by incorporation of a second component having high viscoelasticity into a fluororesin such as PFA, FEP, MFA or EPA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Arai Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawasaki, Shigeru Maruyama
  • Patent number: 5781834
    Abstract: An imaging system and method incorporate an apparatus and method for cleaning developer liquid from an imaging substrate such as a photoreceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Teschendorf, W. Blake Kolb, Thomas M. Milbourn
  • Patent number: 5779795
    Abstract: This invention provides a liquid metering and surface coating device which can satisfactorily perform the operation of applying a release liquid to at least the surface of toner image fixation rolls in plain paper copying, with exceptional accuracy, uniformity, and durability. The device comprises a porous support layer adhered to a metal shaft. The porous support layer is comprised of an open-celled thermosetting polymer foam internally reinforced to obtain the strength, resilience, and heat resistance needed for high durability in use as part of a hot toner image fixation mechanism in a PPC machine. The porous support is comprised of materials having high compatibility with and wettability by the liquids to be distributed and having high liquid holding capacity so as to provide smooth continuous liquid delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Andrew Bucher, Robert L. Sassa, Tit-Keung Lau
  • Patent number: 5776043
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid metering and coating device comprising a perforated hollow member; a liquid-absorbent porous material within said hollow member; at least one shaft component which seals the liquid-absorbent porous material within the hollow member, a means for air passage; a liquid diffusion layer in contact with the perimeter of the perforated hollow member; and a liquid permeation regulating layer in contact with the perimeter of the liquid diffusion layer. The liquid metering and coating device can satisfactorily apply a liquid to a surface with exceptional accuracy, uniformity and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Hiroyasu Kikukawa
  • Patent number: 5777650
    Abstract: A roller for applying pressure to a final receiving medium to transfer and fix an ink image thereon is provided. The roller includes a core surrounded by an inner elastomeric layer. A tubular elastomeric sleeve having a first, relatively high hardness surrounds the inner elastomeric layer. A thin outer compliant elastomeric layer is affixed to the outer surface of the sleeve and has a second hardness that is less than the first hardness of the sleeve. The outer compliant elastomeric layer of the roller has sufficient compliance to contact adjacent ink pixels having first and second heights and fix the ink pixels to the final receiving medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Blank
  • Patent number: 5769771
    Abstract: A calender roller for treating paper includes at least one roller having flanges disposed at both axial ends of the roller. Each of the flanges is formed in conjunction with a bearing journal. An exterior axial surface of the flanges include a plurality of axially projecting deflection bodies. A jacket includes a thin-walled tube and a layer of fiber-reinforced plastic, which covers the exterior surface of the flanges and a circumference of the tube. The fiber-reinforced plastic has fiber rovings which are wound onto the circumference of the tube and which, as a result of being deflected by the deflection bodies, also extend across the exterior axial surfaces of the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Finishing GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf van Haag
  • Patent number: 5766759
    Abstract: A release oil barrier layer is coated over the silicone rubber cushion layer of a toner fusing roll by means of a coating composition having a low VOC content and comprising an aqueous dispersion of a fluorocarbon polymer in particulate form and a water-dispersible polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Gary F. Roberts, Richard J. Kosakowski
  • Patent number: 5766753
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an elastic member and a charging roller for electrophotography which are provided with an electrical semi-conductive elastic layer on a conductive body with an adhesive layer arranged between them. The adhesive layer contains carbon black and graphite at a total content of 20 to 80 phr as conductive fillers and also contains a thermoplastic elastomer as a binder. Disclosed is an electrophotographic device having an elastic member and an electrophotographic photosensitive body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Murata, Yoshiaki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5763068
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluororesin-coated member having a fluororubber layer containing a fluororesin, and a fluororesin layer formed on the fluororubber layer. The fluororesin layer is a uniform layer formed by coating an aqueous fluororesin dispersion coating and burning it, and exhibits excellent surface smoothness and durability of adhesion to the fluororubber layer. The present invention also provides a method of producing the fluororesin-coated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Kishino, Hiroaki Kumagai, Masaaki Takahashi, Hideo Kawamoto, Hideyuki Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 5763129
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of increasing the gloss value of a fused toner image comprising the steps of:a) transferring toner to a receiver to make a toner bearing receiver; andb) passing the toner bearing receiver through a heated fuser system to create a fused toner image on a receiver; wherein said heated fuser system consists of a fuser roller and a pressure roller; said fuser roller has a surface roughness of less than or equal to 1.25 .mu.m Ra; said pressure roller comprises a metal core, and a fluoropolymer resin layer, said fluoropolymer resin layer has a thermal conductivity greater than 0.29 W/m.degree.C. and a surface energy less than or equal to 20 dyne/cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jiann H. Chen, Borden H. Mills, III, Robert G. Scheidt
  • Patent number: 5761581
    Abstract: A charging member is provided comprising an electroconductive substrate having sequential overlying layers of an elastic material comprising an epichlorohydrin rubber and a surface layer comprising an aqueous polyurethane resin. The resulting composite charging member represses adhesion of toner particles and dirt to the surface thereof, exhibits improved durability, and prevents lowering of the charging potential in a low temperature, low humidity environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Nojima
  • Patent number: 5758236
    Abstract: A development apparatus for developing a latent electrostatic image on an imaging substrate in a liquid electrographic imaging system includes a cleaning roller for removing back-plated developer from a development device such as a development roller, and a squeegee apparatus for.sub.-- removing both "drip-line" developer liquid and "wrap-around" developer liquid from the imaging substrate. The squeegee apparatus may include a squeegee roller having a crowned profile and a loading mechanism configured to achieve a uniform loading force across a pressure nip formed between the squeegee roller and the imaging substrate. The cleaning roller may include a fiber cleaning media and fluid delivery means for flushing back-plated developer from the cleaning media. The development apparatus also may include means for spacing the development apparatus relative to the imaging substrate without contacting the imaging substrate, thereby avoiding disruption of the motion quality of the imaging substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Teschendorf, Truman F. Kellie, Edward J. Moe, W. Blake Kolb, Joseph T. Brophy, Thomas M. Milbourn, Arthur V. Lang, Donald H. Larson, Alberto Goenaga, Steven C. Jensen, John D. Watson
  • Patent number: 5755156
    Abstract: A calender includes at least one roller stack. The upper roller and lower roller of the roller stacks are deflection compensation rollers. The upper roller and/or the lower roller have an outer covering made of a flexible plastic and is designed to bend easily. The roller adjacent to the upper and lower roller is a hard roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Finishing GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Stein, Dieter Junk
  • Patent number: 5753165
    Abstract: A process for producing a hard roll for use as an elastic roll for making paper calendering by casting a liquid thermosetting resin material into a space between a metal roll core and an outer mold, and thereafter heating the resin material from outside to cure a major portion of the material and to form an outer layer resin intermediate body, while cooling the resin material from the roll core side to leave a viscount liquid resin material layer inside the intermediate body. The intermediate body is subsequently cooled from outside the outer mold to contract the body, allowing an excess of the liquid material to be forced out upwardly with the contraction of the body. The material is thereafter heated from the roll core side to cure the remaining viscous liquid resin material. The hard roll can be produced without cracking due to the reaction contraction and thermal shrinkage of the thermosetting resin. The roll is usable without cracking in its surface hardness despite the influence of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Yamauchi Corporation
    Inventors: Atsuo Watanabe, Kenjiro Nakayama, Shunsuke Kato
  • Patent number: 5753361
    Abstract: A fuser member having a core and a layer overlying the core. The layer includes: an addition crosslinked polyorganosiloxane elastomer, and chromium oxide particles dispersed therein in a concentration of from about 5 to about 50 percent of the total volume of the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Susan Ann Visser
  • Patent number: 5753348
    Abstract: A fixing roller for thermally fixing an unfixed toner image is comprised of a core cylinder and a fluororesin tube fused on the core cylinder. The core cylinder is provided on its periphery with a minute groove means. On fusing the fluororesin tube on the core cylinder, the minute groove means gives to the surface of the fluororesin tube convexities or concavities extending in parallel in the peripheral direction of the fixing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Hatakeyama, Hiroaki Kumagai, Kazuo Kishino, Masaaki Takahashi, Hideo Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 5752444
    Abstract: The invention relates to a printing sleeve and a method for producing a sless printing sleeve particularly for a flexo printing cylinder with the printing sleeve being slidable onto a core roll when flexibly expanded by means of a pressurized air cushion and being slidable off therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Polywest Kunststofftechnik, Sauerssig & Partner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz-W. Lorig