Reduced flicker fusing system for use in electrophotographic printers and copiers
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Company
InventorB. Mark Hirst
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A new linear power control topology coupled with simple control techniques are presented which virtually eliminate the flicker problem as well as providing excellent power quality over a wide range of power levels. A modified one dimensional LMS control system similar to the standard LMS algorithm with multiple operating points and gain scheduling is also described which when combined with the new power control topology yield a dramatic reduction in flicker while yielding a universal voltage interface for world wide use.
Claims20
An apparatus for regulating an amount of power a heating element consumes, said apparatus comprising:
- a power source;
- a full-wave rectifier;
- an inductor connected to said full-wave rectifier, said heating element connected to said inductor;
- a capacitor connected to said inductor and said full-wave rectifier;
- a switch connected to said heating element and said full-wave rectifier;
- and
- a controller means connected to said switch for turning said switch off and on thereby regulating said amount of power to said heating element.
An apparatus for heating a heating element to a desired temperature, said apparatus comprising:
- a power source;
- a full-wave rectifier;
- a switch connected to said heating element and said full-wave rectifier;
- an inductor connected to said full-wave rectifier, said heating element connected to said inductor;
- a capacitor connected to said inductor and said full-wave rectifier;
- an error detection means for quantifying an error between said desired temperature of said heating element and said temperature of said heating element;
- and
- a processor, said processor executes a control program to generate a pulse width modulation signal to minimize said error, said pulse width modulation signal controls said switch.
A circuit for controlling a temperature of a heat fixing device for use in an image forming apparatus, said circuit comprising:
- an inductor connected to a full-wave rectifier, said heat fixing device connected to said inductor;
- a capacitor connected to said inductor and said full-wave rectifier;
- a switch connected to said heat fixing device and said full-wave rectifier;
- and
- a controller means connected to said switch for turning said switch off and on thereby controlling said temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.