Patents Examined by Ngo Hoang
  • Patent number: 6882820
    Abstract: A fixing device for an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes fixing roller and a pressing belt forming a nip therebetween. The fixing belt is passed over a drive roller and a driven roller and formed of a nonconductive material. A charge roller applies a charge opposite in polarity to a toner image carried on a sheet to the pressing belt from the outside surface of the belt. On contacting the pressing belt, the sheet is polarized with the result that a force attracting it toward the pressing belt increases. The sheet is therefore conveyed via the nip while being attracted by the belt 19 and does not or substantially does not wrap around the fixing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Shinshi, Naoki Iwaya