Abstract: A fuser, having a heater in a form of a planar plate and a holder supporting the heater, is provided. The heater has a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. The holder has a supporting base supporting the first face of the heater, a side wall protruding from the supporting base, a first contact portion, and a second contact portion. The first contact portion is located in an end area on one side in a lengthwise direction of the holder. The first contact portion protrudes from the side wall and contacts the second face of the heater. The second contact portion is located apart from the first contact portion in the lengthwise direction in an end area on the other side of the holder in the lengthwise direction. The second contact portion protrudes from the side wall and contacts the second face of the heater.

Abstract: In a caser where a first current is supplied to a first heater, a controller gradually increases the first current in a first period, supplies the first current based on a first duty cycle in a second period, and gradually reduces the first current to stop supplying the first current in a third period. In a case where a second current is supplied to a second heater, the controller gradually increases the second current in a fourth period, supply the second current based on a second duty cycle in a fifth period, and gradually reduces the second current to stop supplying the second current in a sixth period. The controller controls the supply of the second current such that part of the fourth period overlaps with the third period.

Abstract: The fixing device includes a fixing member, a heat source, a pressure member, a nip forming member, and a heat equalizing member. The heat equalizing member covers a face of the nip forming member, the face facing the fixing member, and transfers heat in an axial direction of the fixing member. The fixing member includes at least a tubular base made of metal and a sliding layer made of heat resistant resin on an inner circumferential surface of the base. The heat equalizing member made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes an alumite layer on a surface facing an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member. A plurality of micropores in the alumite layer is filled with a solid lubricant having a coefficient of friction lower than that of the alumite layer. The alumite layer has a thickness smaller than that of the sliding layer of the fixing member.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to selectively deflecting substrates. One example implementation includes an apparatus to selectively lift a part of a substrate away from a transfer member when the substrate is advancing in a substrate coating system relative to the transfer member, such that, across a width of the substrate, a first part of the substrate is coated by the transfer member and a second part of the substrate, that is lifted by the apparatus, remains uncoated.

Abstract: A heating device includes a heating unit that heats a member to be heated, which is transported, as a result of a contact portion of the heating unit being in contact with the member to be heated, a heat pipe that contacts with a portion of the heating unit different from the contact portion in such a manner as to extend in a widthwise direction crossing a transport direction of the member to be heated and that includes a crimped portion formed at a first end of the heat pipe, and a power-supply connection unit that is disposed on a second end side of the heat pipe and that is connected to a wiring line through which power is supplied to the heating unit.

Abstract: A conductive roll includes a support member, an elastic layer disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the support member, and a top layer disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer. In a case where a pushing amount of a metal roll into the conductive roll is 1.7%, the metal roll having an outer diameter identical to an outer diameter of the conductive roll, a shrinkage rate of a surface of the conductive roll with respect to the outer diameter of the conductive roll is equal to or more than 5%.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a heating member, a pressing member, and a guide portion. The heating member heats a toner image and includes an elastic body. The pressing member presses a recording medium against the heating member. The guide portion does not contact with the heating member, and guides the recording medium ejected from a nip of the heating member and the pressing member. The distance from an exit of the contact portion to an end portion of the guide portion adjacent the contact portion differs in accordance with the position in the longitudinal direction of the heating member. The distance at a position at which the pressure between the heating member and the pressing member is low is longer than the distance at a position at which the pressure between the heating member and the pressing member is high.

Abstract: A first stretch roller stretches a secondary transfer belt at a position where a tip in a conveying direction of a recording medium being conveyed through a secondary transfer portion can reach. The first stretch roller has a circumferential surface formed into a normal crown shape in which a straight area where a diameter of the first stretch roller is constant is provided at a center part in a direction of axis of rotation. A second stretch roller has a circumferential surface formed into an inverse crown shape in which a straight area where a diameter of the second stretch roller is constant is provided at a center part in a direction of axis of rotation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing portion for fixing an image formed on a recording material; and a guide member for guiding the recording material. The guide member is provided at an entrance to the fixing portion and at an end portion with respect to a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of the recording material The guide member is moved when the guide member is pushed by the recording material.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a heating member for heating a recording sheet and a pressuring member disposed below the heating member are supported by a fixing unit frame. A noncontact temperature sensor disposed facing the heating member detects a temperature of the heating member without contacting the heating member. An upper frame covers an upper portion of the heating member and an upstream portion of the heating member in a conveying direction of the recording sheet. A plate-shaped upper sheet guide protrudes upstream in the conveying direction from an upstream end of the upper frame and extends in a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and to a vertical direction. The upper sheet guide and a lower sheet guide disposed below and facing the upper sheet guide the recording sheet in the conveying direction toward the heating member and the pressuring member.

Abstract: A web-guiding system for guiding a web of media along a transport path comprising a drive roller rotated by a motor and a plurality of nip rollers. The drive roller includes a first section, a second section and a third section along the length of the roller, the second section being located between the first section and the third section. A diameter of a surface envelope around the exterior surface of the drive roller is substantially constant within the second section, and is larger in the first section and the third section than in the second section. The nip rollers are aligned with the second section of the drive roller, with the web of media passing between the drive roller and the nip rollers.

Abstract: An approach is provided for reducing release agent transfer to a pressure member in a fuser. The approach involves causing, at least in part, at least a first sheeted substrate and a second sheeted substrate to be advanced through a fuser in a process direction. The approach also involves determining the presence of the first sheeted substrate at a fusing position. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, a fuser member and a pressure member to engage to form a fusing nip at the fusing position based, at least in part, on the determined presence of the first sheeted substrate at the fusing position. The approach additionally involves determining the first sheeted substrate has advanced through the fusing nip. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, the fuser member and the pressure member to disengage.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a heat roller and a heater. The heat roller extends in an axial direction and includes a cylindrical-shaped roller section and a coil, the roller section having an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space therewithin and the coil being wound along the inner peripheral surface, the heat roller being configured of a plurality of zones in the axial direction, the plurality of zones including a low zone whose heat capacity is less than a predetermined value and a high zone whose heat capacity is not less than the predetermined value. The heater is disposed within the internal space of the roller section and has a heating wire configured to generate heat, the heating wire having at least a first portion which is in confrontation with the high zone and a second portion which is in confrontation with the low zone, and the heating wire being configured such that the first portion has an amount of heat generation greater than an amount of heat generation at the second portion.

Abstract: A belt-roll fuser system includes a belt-roll fuser module that is movable to engage and disengage to a main frame of the belt-roll fuser system. The belt-roll fuser has an internal pressure member that defines a fusing nip with an external pressure member of the main frame when the belt-roll fuser module is engaged. The belt-roll fuser module is movable by a latch, and when engaged, a nip load path crosses through a point at which the latch attaches to the belt-roll fuser module.

Abstract: In a roller to affect a temperature of a print substrate in a digital printer, a hollow roll is mounted to a shaft. Channels are provided for a heat transport medium in the hollow wall. A roller shell of the hollow roll is comprised of arc-shaped segments extending over a width of the hollow roll. The segments end laterally in arms designed so that the arms of adjacent segments are connected to each other. The channels extend over the width of the hollow roll and are assembled respectively from the segments of the roller shell. A respective covering plate is clamped between the arms of the respective segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a compressible printing layer, comprising a vulcanizing step comprising a first heating process in which one surface of a compressible printing layer including an unvulcanized compressible layer containing microcapsules is heated by bringing the one surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer, and a second heating process in which the other surface of the compressible printing layer is heated by bringing the other surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer.

Abstract: A heat roller having a cylindrical sheet-like heating element having a resistance member embedded in an insulating member. The sheet-like heating element is arranged between an inner tube and an outer tube. The outer tube is formed so as to be longer than the inner tube for reducing non-uniformity in heat of the heat roller. Further, a thermal expansion coefficient of a material of the outer tube is greater than that of a material of the inner tube. Moreover, a triple-tube heat roller is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a printing device comprising a hot roller having an inside surface and an outside surface. A heating element is present within the hot roller. The inside surface has a first region, wherein the first region is coated with a first type of material. The inside surface has a second region, wherein the second region is coated with the first type of material, and wherein second region is of a different dimension than the first region. The inside surface has a third region, wherein the third region is coated with a second type of material.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus and an image formation apparatus are disclosed. The fixing apparatus includes two or more heaters with temperature detecting function that generate heat with electric current and detect temperature; a heating unit that includes the heater with the temperature detecting function; a film, a surface of which slides on the heating unit; a thermal fixing unit that is heated by the heating unit through the film for fusing a toner image that is yet-to-be fixed on a recording paper at a predetermined fixing temperature; a pressurization roller for pressing the recording paper to the thermal fixing unit; and a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the heater to be a predetermined temperature based on the temperature of the heater detected by the heater with the temperature detecting function.

Abstract: A base sheet is spanned over a lower roller, and an upper roller pulls a cover sheet along a path and presses it against the base sheet at the lower roller. A preheater housing along the path upstream of the rollers is formed with a chamber open toward the path. A radiant heater in the chamber is directed transversely at the path so as to heat the cover sheet passing along the path. A sensor along the path adjacent the chamber detects atmosphere around the chamber and generates an output when the detected atmosphere indicates an unsafe hot condition of the cover sheet. A shutter can shift between a retracted position offset from the chamber and an advanced position closing the chamber. A controller connected to the sensor shifts the shutter from the retracted position to the advanced position when the output is generated by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a compressible printing layer, comprising a vulcanizing step comprising a first heating process in which one surface of a compressible printing layer including an unvulcanized compressible layer containing microcapsules is heated by bringing the one surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer, and a second heating process in which the other surface of the compressible printing layer is heated by bringing the other surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer.

Abstract: A preheat chamber for conditioning an imaging material having a conditioning threshold temperature and a developing threshold temperature. The preheat chamber includes a chamber housing and a heating system. The heating system is configured to heat imaging material to a desired conditioning temperature above the conditioning threshold temperature and below the developing threshold temperature as the imaging material is moved through the chamber housing.

Abstract: A heating device is used in an image forming apparatus. In the heating device, a resin layer is provided between a core metal of a fixing roller and a ball bearing. The resin layer is adhered to the core metal so as to obviate a noise, caused by a rubbing of the resin layer against a ball bearing, which is otherwise produced when the resin layer is provided as a separate part. Between the resin layer and the ball bearing, a material of the resin layer is selected and the resin layer is configured to have a rough surface with a coefficient of dynamic friction of the surface of the resin which is a predetermined value, and thereby minimizing the production of the noise.

Abstract: Fusing equipment of an image forming apparatus, includes: a fusing roller fixing a toner image on a printer paper and comprising a supporting layer formed at an inner portion of the fusing roller, a separating layer formed at an outermost portion of the fusing roller, an a heating layer formed between the supporting layer and the separating layer to supply heat; a thermistor detecting a temperature of the fusing roller to control the heating layer; and a pressing roller pressing the printing paper against an end of the fusing roller during a rotational movement of the fusing roller while being in contact with the fusing roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding the removal of an adhesively coated web disposed upon the surface of a rotating roll is disclosed. The apparatus includes a movable belt disposed about at least a portion of the surface of the roll and defining a contact region. The belt has a temperature that is different from the temperature of the roll so that as the adhesively coated web passes between the surface of the roll and the belt within the contact region, the web is cooled.

Abstract: In a xerographic printer including a fuser having a heating element, a first predetermined power level is applied to the heating element. The voltage associated with the heating element is measured, yielding an output code which is applied to a look-up table. The output of the look-up table relates to power to be applied to the heating element in a time interval T going forward: the output sets forth what power level is to be applied to the heating element for a smaller interval t within interval T, and what power level is to be applied to the heating element for the balance of the interval T.

Abstract: A printer fuser with a plurality of separately powerable heating zones along its length for permitting variably controllable heat application to a medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for zone controlling the temperature of a rotating roll. The apparatus includes a roll having a surface at a first temperature and a belt disposed adjacent at least a portion of the surface of the roll. The belt contacts the roll surface in a contact region and has a second temperature that is different from the first temperature of the roll such that the belt affects a temperature change in at least a portion of the surface of the roll in the contact region as the roll is rotated.

Abstract: A fusing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a fusing roller which includes a tubular heat pipe, both ends of which are sealed and in which a predetermined amount of a working fluid is contained, a cylindrical roller which surrounds the heat pipe, and a heater which is installed between the cylindrical roller and the heat pipe, and a pressing roller which presses a sheet of paper passing between the pressing roller and the fusing roller. A rubber layer having a predetermined thickness is formed on a surface of the cylindrical roller so as to form a fusing nip with the paper.

Abstract: A fusing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The fusing device includes a heat pipe, both ends of which are sealed and in which a predetermined amount of a working fluid is contained, a cylindrical roller which surrounds the heat pipe, and a heating element which is installed between the cylindrical roller and the heat pipe. The working fluid is supercooled at room temperature, and crystallizing and producing heat when acted on by a mechanical force, and at least one mechanical unit applies a mechanical force to the heat pipe and crystallizes the supercooled working fluid.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus comprises a fixing device which fixes a developer image by passing a toner image fixing material between a heating rotary body and a pressing rotary body which are pressed and contacted, wherein at least one of the heating rotary body and pressing rotary body has an elastic foam layer with a rubber hardness of 20-50 degrees, and a conductor layer formed on the surface of the elastic foam layer.

Abstract: An image fixing device of an image forming apparatus includes a pressure roller and a heating roller to rotate as if it is in contact with the pressure roller, with a paper fed therebetween, to fix a developed image to the paper by applying heat generated by a heating member installed inside therein. The heating roller is a heat pipe of a closed tube type. The heat pipe of the closed tube type has a fluid poured inside of a closed space thereof. The heating member is an induction heating body to generate a magnetic field to the heating roller. The heat generated by induction heating is applied to the heating roller including the heat pipe to keep a temperature around the surface thereof at a predetermined uniform level.

Abstract: A fusing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The fusing device includes a heat pipe, both ends of which are sealed and in which a predetermined amount of a working fluid is contained, a cylindrical roller which surrounds the heat pipe, and a heating element which is installed between the cylindrical roller and the heat pipe. The working fluid is supercooled at room temperature, and crystallizing and producing heat when acted on by a mechanical force, and at least one mechanical unit applies a mechanical force to the heat pipe and crystallizes the supercooled working fluid.

Abstract: A fusing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The fusing device includes a fusing roller with an outer rubber roller, a heating pipe, both ends of which are sealed and in which a predetermined amount of a working fluid is contained, a heater which is placed on the heat pipe, and a pressing roller which closely adheres paper passing between the pressing roller and the fusing roller to the fusing roller.

Abstract: A fusing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a fusing roller which includes a tubular heat pipe, both ends of which are sealed and in which a predetermined amount of a working fluid is contained, a cylindrical roller which surrounds the heat pipe, and a heater which is installed between the cylindrical roller and the heat pipe, and a pressing roller which presses a sheet of paper passing between the pressing roller and the fusing roller. A rubber layer having a predetermined thickness is formed on a surface of the cylindrical roller so as to form a fusing nip with the paper.

Abstract: A heating device is used in an image forming apparatus. In the heating device, a resin liver is provided between a core metal of a fixing roller and a ball bearing. The resin layer is adhered to the core metal so as to obviate a noise, caused by a rubbing of the resin layer against a ball bearing, which is otherwise produced when the resin layer is provided as a separate part. Between the resin layer and the ball bearing, a material of the resin layer is selected and the resin layer is configured to have a rough surface with a coefficient of dynamic friction of the surface of the resin which is a predetermined value, and thereby minimizing the production of the noise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for zone controlling the temperature of a rotating roll. The apparatus includes a roll having a surface at a first temperature and a belt disposed adjacent at least a portion of the roll. The belt contacts the roll surface in a contact region and has a second temperature that is different from the first temperature of the roll such that the belt affects a temperature change in at least a portion of the surface of the roll in the contact region as the roll is rotated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for zone controlling the temperature of a rotating roll. The apparatus includes a roll having a surface at a first temperature and a belt disposed adjacent at least a portion of the surface of the roll. The belt contacts the roll surface in a contact region and has a second temperature that is different from the first temperature of the roll such that the belt affects a temperature change in at least a portion of the surface of the roll in the contact region as the roll is rotated.

Abstract: A heating roller of a fixing apparatus capable of blocking power to a heating roller when temperature rises over a predetermined temperature. The heating roller comprises an OFC pipe, a heating coil disposed to cover an outer circumference of OFC pipe, an aluminum pipe covering an outer circumference of heating coil, an insulator to cover a surface of heating coil and separate the heating coil from contact with OFC pipe and aluminum pipe, and an electrode installed at both ends of the aluminum pipe and having a terminal in electrical contact with the heating coil that melts when its temperature rises above a predetermined temperature. The heating roller further comprises a brush which contacts an outside surface of the electrode to provide AC power to the electrode. Accordingly, when the temperature of the heating coil rises above a predetermined temperature, the terminal of the electrode melts and thus discontinues the supply of AC power from the brush to the heating coil.

Abstract: A fusing device of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a fusing unit which includes a heating portion, a fixing frame which fixes and supports the heating portion at one side, and a fusing film sliding along a circumference of the fixing frame, and a pressing roller which presses the fusing film to the heating portion to slide the fusing film. The heating portion is installed in contact with the pressing roller and forms a fusing nip portion having a predetermined width.

Abstract: A heating device is used in an image forming apparatus. In the heating device, a resin layer is provided between a core metal of a fixing roller and a ball bearing. The resin layer is adhered to the core metal so as to obviate a noise, caused by a rubbing of the resin layer against a ball bearing, which is otherwise produced when the resin layer is provided as a separate part. Between the resin layer and the ball bearing, a material of the resin layer is selected and the resin layer is configured to have a rough surface with a coefficient of dynamic friction of the surface of the resin which is a predetermined value, and thereby minimizing the production of the noise. The outer diameter of the portion of the heat roller supported by the bearing is larger than the portion of the heat roller that contacts a heated member.

Abstract: A fusing apparatus of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes an internal pipe having a tubular body portion and end portions integrally formed with the body portion at both ends of the body portion, a heat-generating portion installed to wrap the body portion to be in close contact with the body portion without a gap and to generate heat, and a fusing roller installed to wrap the heat-generating portion. The fusing apparatus provides a perfect contact between the heat-generating portion and the internal pipe, thereby maintaining an entire surface of the fusing roller at a uniform temperature without a temperature deviation. Therefore, an optimal efficiency in fixing a toner image on printer paper can be achieved.

Abstract: A direct heating type of fusing equipment of an image forming apparatus includes a fusing roller that has a supporting layer formed inside of the fusing roller, a separating layer formed on an outermost portion of the fusing roller, and a heating layer formed between the supporting layer and the separating layer to supply heat; a thermistor being in contact with an outermost surface of the fusing roller to detect a temperature of the surface of the fusing roller; and a pressing roller pressing a printing paper against the fusing roller while rotating together with the fusing roller and being in contact therewith. The heating layer includes a hot wire wound around an outer circumference of the supporting layer; an insulating material formed between the supporting layer and the hot wire; and an insulation resilient layer disposed in a first gap formed between windings of the hot wire created after the winding of the hot wire and also disposed in a second gap formed between the hot wire and the separating layer.

Abstract: A compact long nip fusing apparatus including (a) a frame; (b) a rotatable first member for mounting to the frame; (c) a heat source for heating the rotatable first member; and (d) a rotatable and compressable pneumatic member forming a long fusing nip against the rotatable first member for contacting and fusing a fusible image.

Abstract: A fusing roller of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is provided. The fusing roller includes an internal pipe having enclosed both ends in which a vacuum state of predetermined pressure is maintained and a predetermined amount of working fluid is stored, a fusing portion installed to surround the internal pipe, and a heating portion comprised of a helical resistance heating coil which is installed between the fusing portion and the internal pipe and generates heat. The distance between windings becomes smaller at the ends of the fusing roller than at the center to compensate for the higher dissipation of heat at the ends of the fusing roller than at the center. The result is a fusing roller that can quickly heat up and that has a uniform temperature along the surface of the fusing roller from end to end.

Abstract: A structurally improved fusing roller assembly based on the heat pipe principle is provided. The fusing roller assembly includes a fusing roller and a heat pipe coaxially mounted inside the fusing roller. A resistance heater is helically wound around the exterior cylindrical surface of the heat pipe, and rests between the inner cylindrical surface of the fusing roller and the exterior cylindrical surface of the hat pipe. The heat pipe is hermetically sealed with a quantity of a working fluid contained inside. The surface of fusing roller can be instantaneously heated up to a target fusing temperature. The fusing roller assembly can be heated up to a target fusing temperature within a shorter period of time without need for warm-up and stand-by period, so that power consumption decreases.

Abstract: A fusing and fixing unit used with an image forming apparatus including a fusing roller and an infrared heat source. The fusing roller has a main member that has hollow portions therein and is made of an opaque material and an infrared absorbent layer that is formed on the inner surface of the main member. The infrared heat source is installed inside the fusing roller and generates radiant heat having an infrared wavelength. Since the image forming apparatus uses an infrared heat source having a high efficiency of radiating heat as a heat source, a warm-up period can be greatly reduced. Also, since the main member of the fusing roller is formed of an opaque material, in particular, a metallic material, the image forming apparatus can be strong, low-priced, and have a large diameter.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing apparatus that has a fixing rotator in contact with a recording material supporting an unfixed image, a pressure rotator in pressure contact with the fixing rotator, a support member supporting the pressure rotator and swingable around a plurality of fulcrums, an elastic member for biasing the support member so that the pressure rotator is biased to the fixing rotator, and pressure contact force changing device for changing a pressure contact force by swinging the support member against the biasing force of the elastic member, wherein the pressure contact force changing device can change the pressure contact force while the pressure rotator is in pressure contact with the fixing rotator.

Abstract: A fuser assembly and associated method for an electrophotographic machine. The fuser assembly is preferably detachable and intended for use as a second or external fuser assembly. The fuser assembly contemplated may be used as a backup or a complimentary fuser assembly. An electrophotographic machine may include or be adapted to include a detachable or complimentary fuser assembly. Also, a method of electrophotographic printing or copying using a second or external fuser assembly.

Abstract: A belt-type fixing device is provided that allows reduction in driving torque for a fixing belt without deteriorating performance of heat transfer from a heating roller to the fixing belt. The belt-type fixing device of the present invention has an endless-sheet-like fixing belt to be heated that is wound around a rotatable heating roller and around a nip forming member fixed so as to be incapable of rotating, and has a pressurizing roller that can be driven to rotate and that is in pressure contact with the nip forming member with the fixing belt interposed between. Contact part between the fixing belt and the pressurizing roller forms a fixing nip. For a tension load W [N] on the fixing belt that is driven and rotated by the pressurizing roller, and a width L [m] of the fixing belt, W/L is set in a range from 18.0 to 107.9 [N/m].