The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 26, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 19, 2000
Paul Douglas Horrall, Lexington, KY (US);
Alexander Douglas Meade, Lexington, KY (US);
Edward Alan Rush, Lexington, KY (US);
Krikor Yosmali, Lexington, KY (US);
Lexmark International, Inc., Lexington, KY (US);
Abstract
A multi-functional fuser backup roll release mechanism and operating process are defined. In the event of a paper jam, the primary gear train from a prime mover to driven rolls of the imaging apparatus is interrupted, and a secondary drive train is engaged. The drive train operates a drive shaft, rotating a worm gear to control a cam and lever apparatus connected to springs and bellcranks at opposite ends of the backup roll. Upon the detection of a paper jam, or prolonged inactivity of the fuser, the nip between the fuser hot roll and backup roll is opened. During normal operation, the mechanism can be used to control the nip force between the fuser roll and the backup roll, to provide the optimal nip load for the media being processed, and the print glossiness desired.