Variable transfer assist blade force

US5923921A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Xerox Corporation · US

Inventors

• William M. OuYang · Pittsford, US
• David P. Cropek · Walworth, US
• Donald L. Miller · Horseheads, US
• Stephanie P. Burton · Rochester, US
• Julie A. Lapp · Rochester, US
• Eugene L. Smith · Rochester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 6, 1998
• Grant date: Jul 13, 1999
• Expiry date: Jul 6, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G03G2215/1666
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for mechanically assisting the transfer of an image from an image bearing member onto a substrate. The apparatus includes a transfer assist blade that forces a substrate toward an image bearing member, a motor, a mechanical assembly for coupling the motor to the transfer assist blade such that motor operation changes the transfer assist blade force, and a controller that controls the motor operation. The controller might receive inputs from a substrate sensor, an operator control panel, and/or a service adjustment. The controller might use those inputs to control the motor operation, and thus the transfer force. Alternatively, the controller might control the transfer force as a result of the operation of the overall machine, such as by changing the transfer force during duplex printing or during the transfer of various color images.