Patent ID: 6074504
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: B29C,B29L,G03G

Abstract:
A process for treating a seamed flexible electrostatographic imaging belt comprisingproviding an imaging belt having two parallel edges, the belt comprisingat least one layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix anda welded seam extending from one edge of the belt to the other, the seam having an imaginary centerline,providing an elongated support member having at arcuate supporting surface and mass, the arcuate surface having at least a substantially semicircular cross section having a radius of curvature of between about 9.5 millimeters and about 50 millimeters,supporting the seam on the arcuate surface with the region of the belt adjacent each side of the seam conforming to the arcuate supporting surface of the support member,precisely traversing the length of the seam from one edge of the belt to the other with thermal energy radiation having a narrow Gaussian wavelength distribution of between about 10.4 micrometers and about 11.2 micrometers emitted from a carbon dioxide laser, the thermal energy radiation forming a spot straddling the seam during traverse, the spot having a width of between about 3 millimeters and about 25 millimeters measured in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary centerline of the seam to substantially instantaneously heat the thermoplastic polymer matrix in the seam and the region of the belt adjacent each side of the seam directly under the heating spot to between the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix and a temperature about 25.degree. C. greater than the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix, andrapidly quenching the seam by thermal conduction of heat from the seam to the mass of the support member to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix while the region of the belt adjacent each side of the seam conforms to the arcuate supporting surface of the support member.