US3826892A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fusing apparatus
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1972-10-25
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Granted: 1974-07-30
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Expires: 1992-10-25
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus in which a powder pattern deposited on a support material is permanently affixed thereto. The support material is heated during the movement thereof into thermal communication with a radiant energy output. In this manner, the powder pattern is coalesced and fixed permanently to the support material. 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.
Inventors
- 👤 V Draugelis
- 👤 G Tsilibes
- 👤 J Vineski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 14:15
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/20; G03G15/2003; G03G15/2007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
An electrophotographic printing machine of the type having a powder pattern formed on a sheet of support material, wherein the improvement includes: means for transporting the sheet of support material with the powder pattern deposited on one surface thereof along a path of movement, said transport means being arranged to be in substantial contact with the other surface of the sheet of support material; means for heating said transport means; and a radiant energy source arranged to be in thermal communication with the sheet of support material for supplying the energy output thereof onto the sheet of support material being moved with the powder pattern thereon by said transport means along the path of movement coalescing and affixing substantially permanently the powder pattern to the sheet of support material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
An electrophotographic printing machine of the type having a powder pattern formed on a sheet of support material, wherein the improvement includes: means for transporting the sheet of support material with the powder pattern deposited on one surface thereof along a path of movement, said transport means being arranged to be in substantial contact with the other surface of the sheet of support material; means for heating said transport means; and a radiant energy source arranged to be in thermal communication with the sheet of support material for supplying the energy output thereof onto the sheet of support material being moved with the powder pattern thereon by said transport means along the path of movement coalescing and affixing substantially permanently the powder pattern to the sheet of support material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
123 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 1, further including: first control means arranged to actuate said heating means in response to the printing machine being energized for rapidly heating and regulating said transport means at about a standby temperature; and second control means arranged to actuate said radiant energy source, in response to the printing machine being energized, for rapidly heating said transport means to about the standby temperature; and deactuating said radiant energy source at about the standby temperature, said second control means, responsive to the sheet of support material being positioned on said transport means, for regulating said radiant energy source about a predetermined temperature at a lower power level and below the predetermined temperature at a higher power level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
114 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 2, wherein said second control means includes: means for sensing the temperature in the region of said radiant energy source and generating an electrical output signal corresponding thereto; means for developing a reference corresponding to the predetermined temperature; means for comparing the electrical output signal with the reference to generate an electrical error signal indicative of the difference therebetween for regulating the power output from said radiant energy source; and means for switching said radiant energy source to the lower power level from the higher power level in response to the electrical error signal from said comparing means indicating said sensing means being above the predetermined temperature.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
74 words
A pringing machine as recited in claim 2, wherein said first control means includes: means for sensing the temperature in the region of said transport means and generating an electrical output signal corresponding thereto; means for developing a reference corresponding to the standby temperature; and means for comparing the reference with the electrical output signal and generating an electrical error signal indicative of the difference therebetween for regulating the power from said heating means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
112 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 1 wherein said transport means includes: a lower housing member defining an interior open ended chamber; a frame member mounted removably in the chamber of said lower housing member; a plurality of rollers mounted rotatably on said frame member, said rollers being positioned spaced from one another and having the axes of rotation thereof substantially parallel to one another; an endless belt member having a plurality of apertures therein, said belt member being entrained about said rollers; and means for removing air from the chamber of said lower housing to secure releasably the sheet of support material to the exterior surface of said belt member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 5, wherein said endless belt member preferably is made from a high temperature elastomer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
94 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 5, wherein said heating means includes: a plate member having a plurality of apertures therein, said plate member being mounted in the open end of the chamber of said lower housing interposed between said rollers and substantially contacting the interior surface of said belt member; and at least one resistance heating element disposed in the chamber of said lower housing member, said heating element being positioned in the path of movement of the air being removed from the chamber heating the air which heats said belt member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
103 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 5, wherein said radiant energy source includes: a cover member mounted on said lower housing member and defining with said lower housing member a passage way enabling said endless belt member to move support material therethrough; at least one radiant heat stRip secured to said cover member, said heat strip being configured to furnish substantially uniform radiation across the surface of the sheet of support material; and reflecting means interposed between said cover member and said radiant strip directing the energy output therefrom onto the support material to coalesce and permanently affix the powder pattern thereto.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 8, wherein said heat strip is preferably made from a helically wound ribbon of low thermal mass.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
59 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 9, further including a pair of opposed spaced support members having said helical ribbon entrained thereabout, one of said support members being mounted substantially fixedly on said cover member and the other of said support members being mounted resiliently on said cover member to compensate for thermal expansion of said helical ribbon.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A printing machine as recited in claim 8 wherein said heat strip is preferably made from high temperature nickel chromium alloy.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-29 | 1978-01-28 | 1978-07-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-29 | 1982-01-28 | 1982-07-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-29 | 1986-01-28 | 1986-07-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |