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:
Mar. 31, 2009
Filed:
Sep. 12, 2005
Toshiaki Higaya, Kawasaki, JP;
Toshiaki Higaya, Kawasaki, JP;
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit for fixing a toner image on a recording sheet. In the fixing unit, a magnetic flux generator generates magnetic flux to induce heat in a fixing roller. The recording sheet having the toner image is inserted between the fixing roller and a pressure roller pressingly contacting the fixing roller. The fixing roller applies heat to the recording sheet. The pressure roller applies pressure to the recording sheet. The heat and pressure fix the toner image on the recording sheet. The magnetic flux generator is disposed to face outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the fixing roller. The magnetic flux generator is formed in a U-like or loop-like shape, and the fixing roller is placed in a gap or a loop of the magnetic flux generator. The magnetic flux generator may include a single wire.