Electrophotography – Control of electrophotography process – Control of fixing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-10
2001-06-05
Braun, Fred L. (Department: 2852)
Electrophotography
Control of electrophotography process
Control of fixing
C399S045000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243545
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to electrophotographic imaging devices. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for reducing image defects that may result from the fixing process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrophotographic imaging devices, such as electrophotographic printers, electrophotographic copiers, fax machines, and the like, form images on media by generating a latent electrostatic image on the surface of a photoconductor onto which pigment particles, such as toner, are developed, transferring the image formed on the surface of the photoconductor to the media, and fixing the toner to the media. The quality of the output is affected by the fixing operation. A problem that can occur during the fixing operation is known as “toner offsetting.” Toner offsetting occurs when toner adheres to the fixing device and is placed on the media at a location offset from the desired location causing the formation of a double image. Another problem that can occur during the fixing process involves print defects occurring because of toner removed from the media accumulating on assemblies within the electrophotographic imaging device. Accumulated toner can break free from the assemblies and become deposited on the media, thereby causing a very visible print defect. A need exists for an apparatus and a method using the apparatus that will reduce the severity of these types of print defects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a method for reducing contamination from toner in an electrophotographic imaging device includes determining a value of a parameter related to resistivity of media. Additionally, the method includes supplying a bias to a fixing device based upon the value of the parameter.
A fixing device bias control system for use in an electrophotographic imaging device including a fixing device to fix toner to media includes a power supply to provide a bias to the fixing device. In addition, the fixing device bias control system includes a controller configured to determine a first parameter related to resistivity of the media. The controller includes a configuration for configuring the power supply to supply the bias to the fixing device based upon the first parameter.
An electrophotographic imaging device to form an image on media using toner includes a photoconductor and a photoconductor exposure device to form a latent electrostatic image on the photoconductor. Additionally, the electrophotographic imaging device includes a developing device to develop the toner onto the photoconductor and a transfer device to transfer the toner from the photoconductor to the media. Furthermore, the electrophotographic imaging device includes a fixing device to fix toner to the media and a fixing device bias control system to provide a bias to the fixing device based upon a value of a parameter related to a resistivity of the media.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5291253 (1994-03-01), Kumasaka et al.
patent: 5608506 (1997-03-01), Omoto
patent: 5809367 (1998-09-01), Yoo et al.
patent: 5905925 (1999-05-01), Kawabata et al.
patent: 6111594 (2000-08-01), Jeong
Braun Fred L.
Hewlett--Packard Company
Wisdom Gregg W.
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