US5157447A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for preheating and pressure-fixing a toner image
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1991-09-03
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Granted: 1992-10-20
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Expires: 2011-09-03
Abstract
Abstract A toner image carried by a heat softenable layer of a receiving sheet is fixed by feeding it into a pressure nip between a pressure member and a ferrotyping belt. To preheat the heat softenable layer, it is urged against the belt by a pressure or squeegee roller which contacts the back of the receiving sheet and urges it into contact with the belt. The adhesive characteristics of the heat softenable layer when heated by the belt cause the receiving sheet to follow the belt from the squeegee roller into the pressure nip.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas J. Farnand
- 👤 Muhammad Aslam
- 👤 John P. Swapceinski
- 👤 Thomas W. Mort
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 15:12
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/20; G03G15/2003; G03G15/2014; G03G15/2064; G03G15/2017; G03G15/2021; G03G15/2053; G03G15/2057; G03G2215/00; G03G2215/20; G03G2215/2003; G03G2215/2016; G03G2215/2025; G03G2215/2032
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of fixing a toner image carried on a heat softenable outside layer of a receiving sheet, said method comprising: bringing said image and heat softenable layer into contact with a moving belt at a contact position at which said belt is backed by a heated roller, moving said belt around said roller while the heat softenable layer maintains contact with said belt until the receiving sheet enters a pressure nip between said belt and a pressure member, said pressure nip and said contact position being separated enough to substantially preheat said outside heat softenable layer, applying enough pressure and heat in said nip to fix said toner image, allowing said toner image and the heat softenable layer to cool while in contact with said belt, and separating said receiving sheet from said belt.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of fixing a toner image carried on a heat softenable outside layer of a receiving sheet, said method comprising: bringing said image and heat softenable layer into contact with a moving belt at a contact position at which said belt is backed by a heated roller, moving said belt around said roller while the heat softenable layer maintains contact with said belt until the receiving sheet enters a pressure nip between said belt and a pressure member, said pressure nip and said contact position being separated enough to substantially preheat said outside heat softenable layer, applying enough pressure and heat in said nip to fix said toner image, allowing said toner image and the heat softenable layer to cool while in contact with said belt, and separating said receiving sheet from said belt.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of bringing said image and heat softenable layer in contact with a moving belt includes the step of urging said sheet toward said belt at said contact position by contact of the side of the receiving sheet opposite said heat softenable layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein said urging step is accomplished with a roller which forms a nip with said belt at said contact position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said heat softenable layer becomes sufficiently adhesive to said belt to maintain contact with said belt between said contact position and said pressure nip.
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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) | 1995-10-20 | 1996-04-20 | 1996-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-20 | 2000-04-20 | 2000-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-20 | 2004-04-20 | 2004-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |