Multiple-flash fuser
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsJoel S. Miller, Dana G. Marsh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Flash fusing apparatus for fixing toner images to copy substrates. The apparatus is characterized by the provision of a power supply and control for a flash lamp which produces multiple flashes which are coupled to a discrete portion of a copy substrate. Each individual flash is insufficient to effect fusing of the toner images, however, a predetermined number of flashes impinging on the same discrete portion of a copy substrate will effect coalescence of the toner after which cooling of the toner takes place resulting in fixing thereof to the substrate.
Claims5
Apparatus for fixing toner images by coupling radiant energy to the toner;
- said apparatus comprising:
- a flash lamp;
- means for flashing said flash lamp a plurality of times, each flash being insufficient to cause coalescing of the toner forming the images;
- means for effecting relative movement between said flash lamp and a substrate carrying said toner images, said movement being at a rate permitting irradiation of a discrete portion of said copy substrate a plurality of times sufficient to effect coalescing of toner forming said images;
- means for supporting said substrate during said movement;
- and
- a reflector for focusing the irradiation from said flash lamp onto said substrate and images, said flash lamp being disposed intermediate said reflector and said supporting means, said reflector comprising five facets with a reflecting surface approximating the reflective pattern of an elliptical reflector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.