Electrostatographic reproduction machine including a dual function fusing belt deskewing and heating assembly

Abstract

An electrostatographic reproduction machine including a contact belt fusing apparatus for fusing copy sheets without belt skew defects. The fusing apparatus includes an endless fusing belt having an external fusing surface defining a path of movement and a plurality of support rollers for supporting and moving the endless fusing belt along the path of movement. The endless fusing belt as supported has a preferred fusing position properly aligned on the plurality of support rollers. The fusing apparatus includes a pressure roller forming a fusing nip with the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt for contacting and moving toner image carrying sheets therethrough. Importantly, the fusing apparatus also includes a dual function belt deskewing and heating assembly for heating the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt and deskewing the fusing belt from a sensed skewed position to the preferred fusing position. The dual function belt deskewing and heating assembly includes a heated roller for contacting and heating the fusing belt, and skewing means for skewing the heated roller to controllably move the endless fusing belt in a deskewing manner from a sensed skewed position to the preferred fusing position, thereby preventing belt skew defects on fused copies.