Dual ribbon fuser
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorMark A. Hutner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fuser includes a pair of members defining a zone, a pair of electrical elements supported in series with a power supply by one of the members, and a thermostatic switch being electrically connected in parallel with one of the elements. When the temperature in the zone is below a predetermined level the switch is closed and shorts out the element with which it is in parallel. The switch opens when the temperature rises above said predetermined level, whereby less heat is provided for the zone. This arrangement provides a rapid warm up for the zone. Heat distribution in the zone is achieved by supporting the heating elements in zigzag fashion. Sagging of the elements thus mounted is prevented by bias means which maintain the elements under tension.
Claims5
Apparatus for fixing toner on a substrate, as the substrate is moved through a zone, comprising:
- a. first and second members disposed on opposite sides of said zone;
- b. an electrical power source;
- c. a pair of electric heating elements, connected in series, coupled to the power source;
- d. means coupling the heating elements to said first member for heating the zone;
- and
- e. means, responsive to the temperature in the zone, for shorting out one of the heating elements when the temperature in the zone is lower than a predetermined temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.