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. 01, 2011
Filed:
Dec. 17, 2007
Chikatsu Suzuki, Tokyo, JP;
Kenji Taki, Tokyo, JP;
Fusako Akimoto, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet, includes a controller which executes a cleaning mode in which the controller conveys the sheet from a sheet feed tray to a fixing device without forming a toner image on the sheet, removes toner that has been adhered to a fixing member to clean. In case the cleaning mode is executed, the controller controls a releasing section to release pressure contact of a pressing member before a leading edge of the sheet in a sheet conveyance direction reaches a nip portion between the fixing member and the pressing member, and to bring the pressing member into pressure contact with the fixing member after the leading edge of the sheet has passed through the nip portion.