US3907492A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fusing apparatus
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1974-03-28
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Granted: 1975-09-23
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Expires: 1994-03-28
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus in which a powder pattern deposited on a support material is permanently affixed thereto. The support material is heated during the movement thereof into thermal communication with a radiant energy output. In this manner, the powder pattern is coalesced and fixed permanently to the support material.
Inventors
- 👤 Vaidevutis C Draugelis
- 👤 George N Tsilibes
- 👤 John E Vineski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:36
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/20; G03G15/2003; G03G15/2007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
234 words
An apparatus for coalescing and affixing permanently a powder pattern to a sheet of support material, including: means for transporting the sheet of support material with the powder pattern deposited on one surface thereof along a path of movement, said transport means being arranged to be in substantial contact with the other surface of the sheet of support material; means for heating said transport means; a radiant energy source arranged to be in thermal communication with the sheet of support material for supplying the energy output thereof onto the sheet of support material being moved with the powder pattern thereon by said transport means along the path of movement coalescing and affixing substantially permanently the powder pattern to the sheet of support material; first control means arranged to actuate said heating means in response to the apparatus being energized for rapidly heating and regulating said transport means at about a standby temperature; and second control means arranged to actuate said radiant energy source, in response to the apparatus being energized, for rapidly heating said transport means to about the standby temperature and deactuating said radiant energy source at about the standby temperature, said second control means, responsive to the sheet of support material being positioned on said transport means, for regulating said radiant energy source above a predetermined temperature at a lower power level and below the predetermined temperature at a higher power level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
234 words
An apparatus for coalescing and affixing permanently a powder pattern to a sheet of support material, including: means for transporting the sheet of support material with the powder pattern deposited on one surface thereof along a path of movement, said transport means being arranged to be in substantial contact with the other surface of the sheet of support material; means for heating said transport means; a radiant energy source arranged to be in thermal communication with the sheet of support material for supplying the energy output thereof onto the sheet of support material being moved with the powder pattern thereon by said transport means along the path of movement coalescing and affixing substantially permanently the powder pattern to the sheet of support material; first control means arranged to actuate said heating means in response to the apparatus being energized for rapidly heating and regulating said transport means at about a standby temperature; and second control means arranged to actuate said radiant energy source, in response to the apparatus being energized, for rapidly heating said transport means to about the standby temperature and deactuating said radiant energy source at about the standby temperature, said second control means, responsive to the sheet of support material being positioned on said transport means, for regulating said radiant energy source above a predetermined temperature at a lower power level and below the predetermined temperature at a higher power level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
111 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said transport means includes: a lower housing member defining an interior open ended chamber; a frame member mounted removably in the chamber of said lower housing member; a plurality of rollers mounted rotatably on said frame member, said rollers being positioned spaced from one another and having the axes of rotation thereof substantially parallel to one another; an endless belt member having a plurality of apertures therein, said belt member being entrained about said rollers; and means for removing air from the chamber of said lower housing to secure releasably the sheet of support material to the exterior surface of said belt member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said endless belt member preferably is made from a high temperature elastomer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
93 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said heating means includes: a plate member having a plurality of apertures therein, said plate member being mounted in the open end of the chamber of said lower housing interposed between said rollers and substantially contacting the interior surface of said belt member; and at least one resistance heating element disposed in the chamber of said lower housing member, said heating element being positioned in the path of movement of the air being removed from the chamber heating the air which heats said belt member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
102 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said radiant energy source includes: a cover member mounted on said lower housing member and defining with said lower housing member a passage way enabling said endless belt member to move support material therethrough; at least one radiant heat strip secured to said cover member, said heat strip being configured to furnish substantially uniform radiation across the surface of the sheet of support material; and reflecting means interposed between said cover member and said radiant strip directing the energy output therefrom onto the support material to coalesce and permanently affix the powder pattern thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said heat strip includes a helically wound ribbon of low thermal mass.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 6, further including a pair of opposed spaced support members having said helical ribbon entrained thereabout, one of said support members being mounted substantially fixedly on said cover member and the other of said support members being mounted resiliently on said cover member to compensate for thermal expansion of said helical ribbon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said heat strip is preferably made from a high temperature nickel chromium alloy.
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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) | 1978-09-22 | 1979-03-24 | 1979-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-22 | 1983-03-24 | 1983-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-22 | 1987-03-24 | 1987-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |