Abstract: A method of controlling a fuser assembly within an image forming apparatus having a fuser assembly including a heating member and a backup member cooperating with the heating member to form a nip therebetween for fusing images onto substrates passing through the nip. The method is provided to minimize or avoid a temperature droop condition of the fuser and includes the steps of determining a set point temperature for performing a fusing operation, and determining whether the image forming apparatus has transitioned from a standby mode to a print mode upon receipt of a print job. If a sensed temperature of the fuser is within a temperature range having an upper threshold temperature that is less than the heating temperature and greater than the set point temperature or a lower threshold temperature, a power control for the fuser is switched to operate in a high power region, increasing power to the fuser, to provide heat energy to the heating member.

Abstract: A power supply control system for a fuser assembly in an electrophotographic apparatus includes a power supply and a fuser assembly. The power supply includes a first electrical path designated for a fuser assembly that operates at a first voltage and a second electrical path designated for a fuser assembly that operates at a second voltage. The fuser assembly is configured to operate at a select one of the first voltage or the second voltage and is connected to the first electrical path if the fuser assembly operates at the first voltage, and the fuser assembly is connected to the second electrical path if the fuser assembly operates at the second voltage. The first and second electrical paths allow different device features including power limiting devices such as fuses, switches, relays, etc., to be placed in each path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ink-jet printing including an intermediate transfer medium, a transfer medium, and an ink-jet print head to jet ink toward the intermediate transfer medium, to transfer an ink image from the intermediate transfer medium to media with an optimum image transfer and optical density. The optimum image transfer and optical density is accomplished by generating uniform pressure across a nip generated by the intermediate transfer medium and the transfer medium, and control of a release coating thickness resident on the intermediate transfer medium and a time delay between a jetting of ink toward the intermediate transfer medium and transfer of jetted ink resident on a surface of the intermediate transfer medium to the media.

Abstract: A method for controlling power to an electrical load using dual pulse width modulation (PWM) to minimize in-rush current to the electrical load, such as a heater element. An output from a power source, supplying an alternating current, is modulated by a first PWM control signal to provide a first modulated power level to the electrical load. The first modulated power level is modulated by a second PWM control signal to control power supplied to the electrical load at the first modulated power level. The first PWM control signal operates to control the number of half cycles of current in order to provide one-third, two-thirds or full cycle power. The second PWM control signal operates to define a duty cycle and period for providing the power defined by the first PWM control signal to the electrical load.

Abstract: A fuser for fusing an image to print media in a color electrophotographic printer. The fuser includes an endless idling belt defining an inner loop, and a ceramic heater positioned in contact with the belt, within the inner loop. A pressure roller defines a nip with the belt. The belt includes a compliant layer for conforming to variations in toner pile height. The heater is configured to provide a cooler nip exit and a hotter nip entrance.

Abstract: A fuser for fusing an image to print media in a color electrophotographic printer. The fuser includes an endless idling belt defining an inner loop, and a ceramic heater positioned in contact with the belt, within the inner loop. A pressure roller defines a nip with the belt. The belt includes a compliant layer for conforming to variations in toner pile height. Operating methods improve printer performance by reducing variations in media transport velocity through the fuser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ink-jet printing including an intermediate transfer medium, a transfer medium, and an ink-jet print head to jet ink toward the intermediate transfer medium, to transfer an ink image from the intermediate transfer medium to media with an optimum image transfer and optical density. The optimum image transfer and optical density is accomplished by generating uniform pressure across a nip generated by the intermediate transfer medium and the transfer medium, and control of a release coating thickness resident on the intermediate transfer medium and a time delay between a jetting of ink toward the intermediate transfer medium and transfer of jetted ink resident on a surface of the intermediate transfer medium to the media.

Abstract: A fuser for fusing an image to print media in a color electrophotographic printer. The fuser includes an endless idling belt defining an inner loop, and a ceramic heater positioned in contact with the belt, within the inner loop. A pressure roller defines a nip with the belt. The belt includes a compliant layer for conforming to variations in toner pile height. The heater is configured to provide a cooler nip exit and a hotter nip entrance.

Abstract: A fuser for fusing an image to print media in a color electrophotographic printer. The fuser includes an endless idling belt defining an inner loop, and a ceramic heater positioned in contact with the belt, within the inner loop. A pressure roller defines a nip with the belt. The belt includes a compliant layer for conforming to variations in toner pile height. Operating methods improve printer performance by reducing variations in media transport velocity through the fuser.

Abstract: A fuser for fusing an image to a toner side of a print medium in an electrophotographic printer. The fuser includes an endless belt defining an inner loop. A heater is positioned in contact with the belt within the inner loop. A pressure roller defines a nip with the belt and is positioned adjacent the toner side of the print medium.

Abstract: A fuser for fusing an image to a toner side of a print medium in an electrophotographic printer. The fuser includes an endless belt defining an inner loop. A heater is positioned in contact with the belt within the inner loop. A pressure roller defines a nip with the belt and is positioned adjacent the toner side of the print medium.

Abstract: A method for controlling power to an electrical load using dual pulse width modulation (PWM) to minimize in-rush current to the electrical load, such as a heater element. An output from a power source, supplying an alternating current, is modulated by a first PWM control signal to provide a first modulated power level to the electrical load. The first modulated power level is modulated by a second PWM control signal to control power supplied to the electrical load at the first modulated power level. The first PWM control signal operates to control the number of half cycles of current in order to provide one-third, two-thirds or full cycle power. The second PWM control signal operates to define a duty cycle and period for providing the power defined by the first PWM control signal to the electrical load.

Abstract: A device and method of supporting a doctor blade within an image forming apparatus. The device has a housing for positioning a doctor blade such that a bottom edge contacts a developer roller. One or more extensions are positioned to support a first side of the doctor blade. The one or more extensions may include dampeners which are constructed of a resilient material. Supports are positioned on a second side of the doctor blade. The doctor blade is sized to fit between the one or more extensions and the supports. A method of supporting the doctor blade includes positioning the doctor blade to dampen vibrations and velocity fluctuations caused by sticking and slipping of the bottom edge of the doctor blade against the developer roller.