US4501483A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fuser apparatus
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
•
Filing: 1983-09-02
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Granted: 1985-02-26
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Expires: 2003-09-02
Abstract
Abstract Fuser apparatus for fusing a toner image to a support moved along a path which is inclined to the horizontal transversely to the direction of movement of the support. A fuser member is mounted adjacent to the path and has a wick for applying release material which is fluid at fusing temperatures to the fuser member. The wick is inclined to the horizontal and includes discontinuities or barriers to retard migration of release material to the lower end of the wick due to the influence of gravity.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Romansky
- 👤 Gary R. Matson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:39
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/20; G03G15/2003; G03G15/2014; G03G15/2017; G03G15/2025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
In reproduction apparatus in which a support carrying an unfused toner image is moved along a path which is inclined to the horizontal transversely to the direction of movement of said support, fuser apparatus comprising: a fuser member located adjacent to said path and having a fusing surface which contacts a support moved along the path; and wick means at least partially overlying said fusing surface for applying release material which is fluid at fusing temperatures to said fusing surface, said wick means being inclined to the horizontal and including means for retarding release material from migrating along said wick means due to gravity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
In reproduction apparatus in which a support carrying an unfused toner image is moved along a path which is inclined to the horizontal transversely to the direction of movement of said support, fuser apparatus comprising: a fuser member located adjacent to said path and having a fusing surface which contacts a support moved along the path; and wick means at least partially overlying said fusing surface for applying release material which is fluid at fusing temperatures to said fusing surface, said wick means being inclined to the horizontal and including means for retarding release material from migrating along said wick means due to gravity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fuser apparatus of claim 1 wherein said retarding means includes means defining laterally disposed discontinuities in said wick means to retard migration of said release material beyond said discontinuities.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The fuser apparatus of claim 2 wherein said wick means includes a segment contacting said fusing surface of said fuser member and wherein said segment includes said means for defining discontinuities.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The fuser apparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for defining includes at least one slit in said wick means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
Fuser apparatus comprising: a fuser roller having an axis of rotation inclined to the horizontal; and wick means disposed adjacent to said fuser roller for applying release material which is fluid at fusing temperatures to said fuser roller, said wick means including means for retarding release material from migrating along said wick means due to gravity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
Fuser apparatus comprising: a fuser roller having an axis of rotation inclined to the horizontal; and wick means disposed adjacent to said fuser roller for applying release material which is fluid at fusing temperatures to said fuser roller, said wick means including means for retarding release material from migrating along said wick means due to gravity.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The fuser apparatus of claim 5 wherein said retarding means includes means for defining at least one laterally disposed discontinuity to retard lateral migration of release material due to gravity beyond said discontinuity.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuser apparatus of claim 6 wherein said defining means includes at least one laterally disposed slit in said wick means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
The fuser apparatus of claim 6 wherein said wick means is of porous material and said defining means includes a plurality of spaced laterally disposed slits in said wick means, the spacing between said slits being a function of the angle said wick means is inclined to the horizontal and the capillarity of said porous material so that said wick means remains saturated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The fuser apparatus of claim 5 including a U-shaped member for supporting said wick means, said member partially surrounding said fuser roller for conserving heat, said member having a hinged segment for permitting access to said wick and said fuser roller.
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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) | 1988-02-26 | 1988-08-27 | 1989-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-26 | 1992-08-27 | 1993-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-26 | 1996-08-27 | 1997-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |