US3849907A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fusing apparatus
Assignee: Xerox Corp
•
Filing: 1973-12-04
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Granted: 1974-11-26
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Expires: 1993-12-04
Abstract
Abstract A fusing apparatus is provided for heat fusing a toner image to a sheet of final support material. The apparatus includes curl reducing means comprising at least one seal adjacent the fusing zone for limiting air flow at the zone to an amount at which curl of the sheet is substantially reduced. At least one of the seals comprises an elongated brush-like member.
Inventors
- 👤 T Lynch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:03
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/20; G03G15/2003; G03G15/2007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
In a fusing apparatus for heat fusing a toner image to a sheet of final support material including: a fuser having a source of heat radiation for application to said sheet, said fuser defining a fusing zone wherein said heat source is effective to fuse said image to said sheet, and a flow of air at said zone; the improvement wherein said apparatus further includes: means cooperating with said fuser for reducing curl of said sheet during fusing, said curl reducing means comprising at least one seal adjacent said zone for limiting air flow at said zone to an amount at which curl of said sheet is substantially reduced, said seal comprising an elongated member having a brush-like configuration.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
In a fusing apparatus for heat fusing a toner image to a sheet of final support material including: a fuser having a source of heat radiation for application to said sheet, said fuser defining a fusing zone wherein said heat source is effective to fuse said image to said sheet, and a flow of air at said zone; the improvement wherein said apparatus further includes: means cooperating with said fuser for reducing curl of said sheet during fusing, said curl reducing means comprising at least one seal adjacent said zone for limiting air flow at said zone to an amount at which curl of said sheet is substantially reduced, said seal comprising an elongated member having a brush-like configuration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said brush-like member comprises a backing strip and a plurality of elongated fibers extending out from said strip in said brush-like configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said fibers are formed of a polymeric material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said fibers are formed of nylon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 further including first transport means for transporting said sheet, said transport means being located adjacent said fuser, and air channel being defined between said transport means and said fuser, and wherein said seal extends over a gap between said fuser and said transport means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said first transport means is located at a first side of said fuser and wherein a second transport means is provided at the opposing side of said fuser and wherein at least one of said first and second transport means includes suction means cooperating therewith to hold said sheet to said one of said transport means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus as in claim 6 including a plurality of said seals.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein a plurality of air channels are formed between the respective transport means and the fuser and wherein said seals are interposed in the channels extending over respective Gaps between the fuser and the respective transport means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said first transport means comprises a pair of pinch rolls and wherein said second transport means comprises a vacuum transport having said suction means and wherein said first transport is located downstream of said fuser and wherein said second transport is located upstream of said fuser.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said air flow is reduced to below 1 cubic foot per minute.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said air flow is reduced to below 0.2 cubic foot per minute.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-25 | 1978-05-27 | 1978-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-25 | 1982-05-27 | 1982-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-05-27 | 1986-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |