Abstract: A system for delivering desired magnitudes of AC power to a load. A three-cycle power mode includes a 1st and 3rd cycle in which either no AC power, or full power, is delivered to the load, and a 2nd cycle in which an AC switch is triggered at a desired phase angle to deliver the desired increments of AC power during the 2nd cycle. AC power is delivered in each cycle in a manner to provide a net zero DC offset in the AC current delivered to the load. A two-cycle mode can be achieved by using the 1st and 2nd cycle, or by using the 2nd and 3rd cycles to optimize power delivery performance. A multi-cycle power delivery system can employ both the three-cycle and the two-cycle modes together to minimize the harmonic content during delivery of various power levels.

Abstract: A belt fuser assembly for a color EP printer that quickly warms up the fusing belt before allowing a first sheet of print media to run through the printing stations at the fuser assembly. The warm-up cycle includes: (1) a preheat mode, (2) a first portion of a belt temperature warm-up mode, (3) a second portion of the belt temperature warm-up mode, and (4) a tight belt temperature control mode. The preheat mode operates the fuser's heater at less than full power, and prevents the fuser belt from rotating. The first portion of the belt temperature warm-up mode operates the heater at full power, and the fuser belt begins rotating, but not at its full speed. The second portion of the belt temperature warm-up mode operates the heater at less than full power, and the fuser belt begins rotating at its full speed.

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 setting a heater element of a fuser assembly to a consistent starting condition to achieve consistency in heating power measurement is provided. The heater element is heated to a first predefined temperature when the temperature of the heater element is less than the first predefined temperature. The temperature of the heater element is maintained within a predefined range for a predefined period of time. This sets the temperature of the heater element in the fuser assembly to a consistent starting condition. Thereafter, the heating power estimation measurement is made and heating power supplied to the fuser assembly is estimated. This controls the heating power delivered to the fuser assembly in a consistent manner.

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 system for delivering desired magnitudes of AC power to a load. A three-cycle power mode includes a 1st and 3rd cycle in which either no AC power, or full power, is delivered to the load, and a 2nd cycle in which an AC switch is triggered at a desired phase angle to deliver the desired increments of AC power during the 2nd cycle. AC power is delivered in each cycle in a manner to provide a net zero DC offset in the AC current delivered to the load. A two-cycle mode can be achieved by using the 1st and 2nd cycle, or by using the 2nd and 3rd cycles to optimize power delivery performance. A multi-cycle power delivery system can employ both the three-cycle and the two-cycle modes together to minimize the harmonic content during delivery of various power levels.

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 belt fuser assembly for a color EP printer that quickly warms up the fusing belt before allowing a first sheet of print media to run through the printing stations at the fuser assembly. The warm-up cycle includes: (1) a preheat mode, (2) a first portion of a belt temperature warm-up mode, (3) a second portion of the belt temperature warm-up mode, and (4) a tight belt temperature control mode. The preheat mode operates the fuser's heater at less than full power, and prevents the fuser belt from rotating. The first portion of the belt temperature warm-up mode operates the heater at full power, and the fuser belt begins rotating, but not at its full speed. The second portion of the belt temperature warm-up mode operates the heater at less than full power, and the fuser belt begins rotating at its full speed.