US5085962A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for reducing relief in toner images
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1990-05-25
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Granted: 1992-02-04
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Expires: 2010-05-25
Abstract
Abstract A toner image, for example, a multicolor toner image is formed on a thermoplastic layer on a receiving sheet. To fix the image without substantial visible objectionable relief, the toner image is first positioned between two members, one of which has a rough texture to it to apply a texture to the toner image and the thermoplastic layer carrying it. It is then positioned between a pair of smooth surfaced pressure members to reduce the texture and relief and to apply a gloss to the image.
Inventors
- 👤 Muhammad Aslam
- 👤 Thomas J. Farnand
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 03:28
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/20; G03G15/2003; G03G15/2014; G03G15/2064; G03G15/2017; G03G15/2021; G03G2215/00; G03G2215/00362; G03G2215/00789; G03G2215/00805; G03G2215/20; G03G2215/2003; G03G2215/2016; G03G2215/2025; G03G2215/2032; G03G2215/207; G03G2215/2074
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of treating a thermoplastic layer on a receiving sheet, said layer carrying a toner image, which toner image exhibits varying levels of relief according to varying amounts of toner making up the image, said method comprising: positioning said receiving sheet between a first pair of pressure members, one of said members having a rough textured surface, heating said thermoplastic layer to at least its softening point, applying sufficient pressure between said first pair of pressure members to form a texturized surface of toner and thermoplastic, then positioning said receiving sheet between a second pair of smooth surfaced pressure members in the presence of sufficient heat to soften said thermoplastic layers, and applying sufficient pressure between said second pair of pressure members to further reduce said relief and increase the gloss of said surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of treating a thermoplastic layer on a receiving sheet, said layer carrying a toner image, which toner image exhibits varying levels of relief according to varying amounts of toner making up the image, said method comprising: positioning said receiving sheet between a first pair of pressure members, one of said members having a rough textured surface, heating said thermoplastic layer to at least its softening point, applying sufficient pressure between said first pair of pressure members to form a texturized surface of toner and thermoplastic, then positioning said receiving sheet between a second pair of smooth surfaced pressure members in the presence of sufficient heat to soften said thermoplastic layers, and applying sufficient pressure between said second pair of pressure members to further reduce said relief and increase the gloss of said surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said first pair of pressure members are a pair of rollers at least one of which is heated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein the roller that is heated is the roller contacting the side of the receiving sheet opposite the toner image.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein said receiving sheet is heated prior to entering the nip between the first pair of pressure members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein said receiving sheet is heated prior to entering the nip between the first pair of pressure members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said second pair of pressure members are a roller and a belt, said belt being backed by a roller, and said sheet stays in contact with said belt until sufficiently cool to separate therefrom without said toner or thermoplastic layer offsetting onto said belt.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 6 wherein said roller backing said belt is heated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein said second pair of pressure members are a roller and a belt backed by a roller, and said sheet stays in contact with said belt until both said toner and said thermoplastic layer are below its glass transition temperature.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 8 wherein said roller backing said belt is heated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method according to claim 4 wherein said second pair of pressure members are a roller and a belt backed by a roller, and said sheet stays in contact with said belt until both the thermoplastic layer and said toner image are cooled below their glass transition temperature.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method according to claim 5 wherein said second pair of pressure members are a roller and a belt backed by a roller, and said sheet stays in contact with said belt until both said toner image and said thermoplastic layer cool below their glass transition temperature.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for treating a thermoplastic layer on a receiving sheet, said layer carrying a toner image which toner image exhibits varying levels of relief according to varying amounts of toner making up the image, said apparatus comprising means for first applying a texture to said toner image and thermoplastic layer, and means for then feeding said receiving sheet between a pair of smooth surfaced pressure members to both reduce the texture applied by said texture applying means and to apply a gloss to said toner and thermoplastic layer surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for treating a thermoplastic layer on a receiving sheet, said layer carrying a toner image which toner image exhibits varying levels of relief according to varying amounts of toner making up the image, said apparatus comprising means for first applying a texture to said toner image and thermoplastic layer, and means for then feeding said receiving sheet between a pair of smooth surfaced pressure members to both reduce the texture applied by said texture applying means and to apply a gloss to said toner and thermoplastic layer surface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-02-03 | 1995-08-05 | 1996-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-02-03 | 1999-08-05 | 2000-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-02-03 | 2003-08-05 | 2004-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |