US3918397A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contact fusing apparatus for fixing toner images to a support member
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1974-07-22
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Granted: 1975-11-11
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Expires: 1994-07-22
Abstract
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 have a submicron 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.
Inventors
- 👤 Raghulinga R Thettu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 06:01
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/20; G03G15/2003; G03G15/2014; G03G15/2017; G03G15/2025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
Contact fuser apparatus for fixing toner images to support sheets, said apparatus comprising: a fuser roll structure having a rigid, thermally conductive outer surface; a resilient backup roll forming a nip with said fuser roll structure through which said support sheets move with said toner images contacting said fuser roll structure; means adapted to chemically react with said surface to form a thin toner impenetrable layer thereon; a sump containing a quantity of said chemically reacting material; means supporting said sump adjacent said fuser roll structure such that said surface contacts said chemically reacting material; and means for preventing direct contact of said chemically reacting material with said surface and simultaneous exposure to ambient air.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
Contact fuser apparatus for fixing toner images to support sheets, said apparatus comprising: a fuser roll structure having a rigid, thermally conductive outer surface; a resilient backup roll forming a nip with said fuser roll structure through which said support sheets move with said toner images contacting said fuser roll structure; means adapted to chemically react with said surface to form a thin toner impenetrable layer thereon; a sump containing a quantity of said chemically reacting material; means supporting said sump adjacent said fuser roll structure such that said surface contacts said chemically reacting material; and means for preventing direct contact of said chemically reacting material with said surface and simultaneous exposure to ambient air.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said contact preventing means comprises means supported in contact with said fuser roll structure adjacent the top of said sump.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said contact preventing means comprises a wiper blade fabricated from material which is compatible with said chemically reacting material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said chemically reacting material comprises a by-product of a thermally degradable material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said degradable material comprises polyethylene.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sump further comprises material for forming a thin release coating on said impenetrable layer which facilitates stripping of said support sheets with said toner images thereon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said material for forming said release coating comprises polyethylene.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein some of said polyethylene thermally degrades to form said chemically reacting material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said contact preventing means comprises a roll member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said roll member is rotated by said fuser roll structure and further including a wiper blade contacting said roll member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said sump further comprises material for forming a thin release coating on said impenetrable layer which facilitates dripping of said support sheets with said toner images thereon.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said material for forming said release coating comprises polyethylene.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein some of said polyethylene thermally degrades to form said chemically reacting material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said wiper blade is positioned so as to return toner and polyethylene removed from said fuser roll to sump.
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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) | 1978-11-10 | 1979-05-12 | 1979-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-10 | 1983-05-12 | 1983-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-10 | 1987-05-12 | 1987-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |