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. 22, 2004
Filed:
Apr. 06, 2001
Andrew Ciaschi, Lima, NY (US);
Carl Irvin Bouwens, Leroy, NY (US);
James Raymond Flick, Rochester, NY (US);
Nexpress Solutions LLC, Rochester, NY (US);
Abstract
A pre-heater for a fusing assembly for an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus, in which an image-wise pattern of pigmented marking particles is fixed to a receiver member transported along a travel path in operative relation with said fusing assembly. The pre-heater as described includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing internal chamber defines an opening adjacent to the receiver member travel path. A heating element is located within the housing internal chamber. An airflow system is provided including a blower, and a distribution plenum in flow communication between the blower and the heating element. An impingement member is positioned in the chamber opening adjacent to said travel path. An impingement plenum is in flow communication between the heating element and the impingement member, and a return conduit is in flow communication between the opening and the blower. Accordingly, air from the blower is delivered through and heated by the heating element, impinges upon a receiver member bearing a marking particle image in the opening, and is returned to the blower while being substantially prevented from escaping from the chamber.