Electrophotographic toner transfer and fusing method
US4015027A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 1975 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/161
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method is disclosed for transferring non-fused xerographic toner images from a first support material, such as a photoconductive insulating surface, to a second support material, such as paper, and fusing the toner images to the second support material. Such method utilizes an intermediate transfer member having a smooth surface of low surface free energy and a hardness of from 3 to 70 durometers. The intermediate transfer member can be, for example, a 0.1-10 mil layer of silicone rubber coated onto a polyimide support. The member can be formed into belt or drum configuration. Toner images are transferred from the first support material to the intermediate transfer member; this can be by any conventional transfer method, but pressure transfer is preferred. Next, the toner image is heated on the intermediate transfer member to at least its melting point temperature. Preferably the heating is selective, and one means of selectively heating toner is to provide radiant heating means and a belt formed from a transparent silicone rubber on a reflecting intermediate member support. After the toner is heated, second support material is brought into pressure contact with hot toner whereby t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.