The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 11, 1991
Filed:
Apr. 16, 1990
Dennis J Kluy, Stillwater, MN (US);
Gregory L Zwadlo, Ellsworth, MN (US);
John L Marty, White Bear Lake, MN (US);
William V Dower, St. Paul, MN (US);
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
An automated lamination system for transferring an image to a print medium includes a photoconductive drum bearing a toned image on an electrostatic outer surface thereof. A dual purpose, heated lamination roller is moved to a first lamination position adjacent the drum to define a first nip between the drum and roller. The first nip in part defines a path for an image transfer web, and forces a thermally activated adhesive layer on the web against the drum. The image on the drum surface is embedded in the heated and softened adhesive layer as the web is advanced under pressure through the first nip. The dual purpose roller is later moved to a second lamination position adjacent a second lamination roller, to define a second nip therebetween. The second nip is configured to receive an image transfer substrate in registry with the latent image embedded in the adhesive of the web. The substrate and web are advanced through the second nip under heat and pressure, which forces the substrate against the adhesive layer and causes the substrate to adhere to the adhesive. A separation roller assembly spaced from the second nip along the path separates the web from the substrate so that the image embedded in the adhesive layer is borne by the image transfer substrate. The substrate is further processed through an optional inline deglossing station, while the web is rewound to align the remaining adhesive thereon with the drum for the transfer of another image.