Patent ID: 6304740
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A fusing apparatus for fusing toner images on a receiver medium, comprising:a fuser member having a contact surface;a pressure member having a contact surface and being positioned adjacent said fuser member forming a nip therebetween to receive said receiver medium, said pressure member controllably exerting pressure on said fuser member and the receiver medium;a first heater member having a contact surface and being positioned adjacent said fuser member and external thereto, said surface of said heater member contacting said surface of said fuser member to transfer heat to said fuser member, said fuser member heating a toner image on the receiver medium thereby fusing such toner image to the receiver medium; anda first radiant heat assembly positioned externally of said first heater member for controllably heating said contact surface of said first heater member, said first radiant heat assembly including a radiant heat source directing radiant energy toward said first heater member and a radiation shield positioned about said heater member to prevent radiant energy emanating from said radiant heat source from directly impinging upon said fuser member.