Michael P David

US Patent:

20020110393, Aug 15, 2002

Filed:

Dec 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/735855

Inventors:

Michael David - Lexington KY, US
Edward Rush - Lexington KY, US

International Classification:

G03G015/20

US Classification:

399/325000

Abstract:

A fuser oil supply roller comprising an oil impregnated rubber roller and an outer metering layer of known fluid transfer characteristics for an electrophotographic printer fuser. The roller allows silicone oil to be secreted from the metering layer onto a fuser hot roller to prevent toner from adhering to the fuser hot roller, as well as serving to provide a smooth toner surface. Such a roller provides oil delivery to the fuser hot roller without the need for a separate oil reservoir and delivery system. The oil impregnated roller and surrounding metering layer minimizes the potential for large surges of oil onto the print media, while continuing to provide a controlled delivery of oil to the fuser hot roller. Therefore, a precisely metered supply of oil is provided to the fuser hot roller while reducing complexity and moving parts which increase maintenance and production costs. A buffer layer is also provided for minimizing the roller volume given to the oil impregnated rubber roller. A metering layer may be employed with the buffer layer to prevent oil migration into the buffer layer.