Abstract: A printer is provided comprising substrate transport apparatus for moving substrates along a substrate path through the printer; a fuser assembly comprising a heat transfer member including a belt and a heater to heat the belt, a backup member adapted to engage the belt so as to define a fusing nip with the belt, and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of a portion of the backup member; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor. Based on signals generated by the temperature sensor, the controller determines whether a substrate moving along the substrate path has been contacted by the backup member portion.

Abstract: A printer is provided, including a substrate transport apparatus for moving substrates along a substrate path; a media sensor actuated by mid-width and full substrates but not by narrow width substrates; and a fuser assembly including a belt, a heater to heat the belt, a backup member to engage the belt so as to define a fusing nip with the belt, and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of a portion of the backup member engaging only full width substrates. A controller is coupled to the media sensor and the temperature sensor for determining whether a substrate moving through the fuser assembly is a narrow width, mid-width or full width substrate.

Abstract: A method for extending the operating life of a fuser used in an electrophotographic imaging apparatus is disclosed. A control algorithm monitors the number of substrates processed over the lifetime of the fuser and adjusts the fusing temperature of the fuser to compensate for changes occurring in the nip forming members of the fuser. The useful lifetime of the fuser is extended while fusing quality is maintained. A corresponding fuser assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A printer is provided comprising substrate transport apparatus for moving substrates along a substrate path through the printer; a fuser assembly comprising a heat transfer member including a belt and a heater to heat the belt, a backup member adapted to engage the belt so as to define a fusing nip with the belt, and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of a portion of the backup member; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor. Based on signals generated by the temperature sensor, the controller determines whether a substrate moving along the substrate path has been contacted by the backup member portion.

Abstract: A printer is provided comprising substrate transport apparatus for moving substrates along a substrate path through the printer; a fuser assembly comprising a heat transfer member including a belt and a heater to heat the belt, a backup member adapted to engage the belt so as to define a fusing nip with the belt, and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of a portion of the backup member; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor. Based on signals generated by the temperature sensor, the controller determines whether a substrate moving along the substrate path has been contacted by the backup member portion.

Abstract: A method for extending the operating life of a fuser used in an electrophotographic imaging apparatus is disclosed. A control algorithm monitors the number of substrates processed over the lifetime of the fuser and adjusts the fusing temperature of the fuser to compensate for changes occurring in the nip forming members of the fuser. The useful lifetime of the fuser is extended while fusing quality is maintained. A corresponding fuser assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sheets (3) have a narrow margin (3a) which are the first part of the sheet to enter nip rollers (5 and 7). This concentrates the pressure of the nip rollers on the narrow margin to assure a firm grip without slippage. Once the sheet is moving, continuing movement without slippage is assured from the momentum. This is particularly useful when the nip rollers are fixing rollers which are oiled to minimize toner transfer and when the sheet is a smooth transparency.

Abstract: A toner fuser system suitable for producing high quality color transparencies is provided. The fuser system includes a media conditioning assembly located directly downstream of a fuser assembly, which may be a roll fuser or an instant-on belt fuser. The conditioner assembly includes a convective heat source, a heating zone, and a convective circulation path past the heat source and the heating zone to provide convective heat transfer to a transparency in the heating zone. A transparency (or other media) with toner to be fused travels on a media path first through the fuser assembly and then through the heating zone of the conditioner assembly. The fuser assembly causes toner to adhere to the transparency just well enough to allow the transparency to pass into the conditioner. In the conditioner, the toner is reheated, thereby causing the surface of the toner to reflow into a smooth, glossy, and uniform surface that increases light transmission efficiency of color transparencies.