Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for fixing toner images onto a recording medium

US6360073B1 · kind B1 · utility

9Cited by
11References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 30, 2000
Grant dateMar 19, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 30, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03G2215/1695
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A fixing device for fixing toner images onto a recording medium comprises an endless fixing member urged into contact with an endless counter member to form a fixing nip there between through which the recording medium passes. A cleaning roller has a surface in contact with the fixing member downstream of the fixing nip, the surface carrying a layer of tacky cleaning material. A controllable applicator unit continuously provides fresh cleaning material to the cleaning roller. A spindle contacts the cleaning roller surface for transporting the fresh cleaning material from the applicator unit across the roller and for transporting the contaminated tacky cleaning material towards an edge of the cleaning roller. Improved removal of debris is thereby possible.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.