Patent ID: 8906190

Claim:
A method of applying at least one steering rib to an intermediate transfer belt of an electrophotographic marking system, comprising: providing a cylindrical ribbing application fixture including: a base structure, above the base structure, a recessed portion including a lower plenum, and above the recessed portion including the lower plenum, a non-recessed portion including an upper plenum, applying a vacuum to the lower plenum to hold a precut strip of the at least one steering rib that is positioned around the lower plenum, exposing to an inner surface of the belt, an outer surface of the at least one steering rib, an adhesive being located on the outer surface of the at least one steering rib, applying compressed air to the upper plenum while positioning the belt around the cylindrical ribbing application fixture, applying vacuum to the upper plenum, securing the belt in place, applying compressed air to the lower plenum forcing the at least one steering rib with the adhesive against the inner surface of the belt, removing the vacuum from the upper plenum, reapplying compressed air to the upper plenum, and removing the belt with the at least one steering rib affixed thereto from the cylindrical ribbing application fixture, a vacuum generating device connected to the upper and lower plenums, and a compressed air device connected to the upper and lower plenums.