Image forming apparatus with variable gap size based on recording media supply level
US6567620B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/00729
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Toner is conserved in an image forming apparatus, such as an electrophotographic printer (e.g., laser printer), by varying the interpage gap when approaching an exhaustion of the recording media supply (“paper out”). A supply level sensor is used to determine whether the supply of discrete recording media (e.g., paper sheets) is above or below a predetermined level. A smaller value interpage gap is used when the supply level is above the predetermined level. The interpage gap is automatically lengthened to a second larger value when the sensed media supply level drops below the predetermined level. The longer second interpage gap allows for “paper out condition” that may result from printing of sheet N−1 to be determined prior to image formation beginning for sheet N. The interpage gap may be reset to the smaller value when the supply has been refilled to above the pre-determined level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.