Multi-functional fuser backup roll release mechanism

An imaging apparatus fuser, comprising:

• a fuser gear train;
• a fuser roll mounted for rotation and operatively connected to said gear train;
• a backup roll mounted for rotation and disposed relative to said fuser roll for a nipped relationship with said fuser roll;
• a loading apparatus having multiple nip loading positions including an open position in which said fuser roll and said backup roll are in spaced realtion, and a plurality of force applying positions providing nip loading force to said backup roll;
• and
• an adjustment apparatus configured to move said loading apparatus between said multiple nip loading positions.

An imaging apparatus fuser, comprising:

• a fuser gear train including a driven gear;
• and a reversing drive;
• a fuser roll mounted for rotation and operatively connected to said gear train;
• a backup roll mounted for rotation and disposed relative to said fuser roll for a nipped relationship with said fuser roll;
• a loading apparatus having multiple nip loading positions providing nip loading force to said backup roll;
• and
• an adjustment apparatus including a drive train configured to move said loading apparatus between said multiple nip loading positions;
• and
• said reversing drive being adapted to alternatively connect said driven gear to said fuser gear train and said drive train.

An imaging apparatus fuser backup roll release process, comprising the steps of:

• providing an imaging apparatus fuser having a fuser roll and a backup roll in a nipped relationship, a fuser gear train, a swing arm having a reversing gear, and a backup roll release mechanism having a drive train;
• determining the existence of one of the conditions of a paper jam and prolonged inactivity of the imaging apparatus fuser;
• interrupting operation of the gear train;
• engaging the drive train of the fuser backup roll release mechanism;
• and
• operating the drive train to separate the fuser backup roll and the fuser roll;
• said interrupting step and said engaging step including operating the swing arm to reposition the reversing gear.

A process for controlling a nip load in an imaging apparatus fuser, comprising the steps of:

• providing a fuser roll, a backup roll, a fuser gear train, a prime mover operating said fuser gear train, and a nip load adjusting mechanism including a drive train operating said nip load adjusting mechanism;
• providing a controller for said prime mover and data received by said controller regarding at least one of data relevant to a media type to be processed by said fuser and data relevant to desired print qualities;
• and
• operating said prime mover and disengaging one of said fuser gear train and said drive train, and engaging the other of said fuser gear train and said drive train.