Electrostatographic reproduction machine having a fusing belt position changing mechanism

An electrostatographic reproduction machine for producing copy sheets without belt skew defects, comprising:

• (a) means including a movable image bearing member, for forming and transferring a toner image onto a substrate;
• and
• (b) a fusing apparatus for reducing belt skew defects on fused copies, the fusing apparatus including:
• (i) an endless fusing belt having an external surface defining a path of movement;
• (ii) a plurality of support rollers for supporting and moving said endless fusing belt along said path of movement, said endless fusing belt as supported having a first fusing position centered axially on said plurality of support rollers at a first location, and at least a second fusing position centered axially on said plurality of support rollers at a second location spaced axially from said first location thereon;
• (iii) heating means for heating said external surface of said endless fusing belt;
• (iv) a pressure roller forming a fusing nip with said external surface of said endless fusing belt for contacting and moving therethrough toner image carrying sheets having edges inducing wear on said external surface of said endless fusing belt;
• and
• (v) belt position changing means for controllably moving said endless fusing belt axially relative to said plurality of support rollers from said first fusing position to said at least second fusing position so as to reduce sheet edge wear on said external surface of said endless fusing belt, said belt position changing means comprising a rotatable and skewable roller that is movable into and out of driven engagement with said endless fusing belt.