Patent ID: 6687468
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A roll fusing apparatus for effectively heating and fusing quality toner images on various different thicknesses of substrates, the roll fusing apparatus comprising:(a) a frame; (b) a heated fuser roll having a first end and a second end respectively mounted to the frame; (c) a pressure device mounted to the frame and forming a fusing nip with the heated fuser roll, the heated fuser roll and the pressure device being movable for receiving, heating and applying a nip force to toner images being moved through the fusing nip for various different thicknesses of substrates, the pressure device being elongated and having first and second cam members at spaced apart locations; (d) a rotatable cam assembly mounted on the frame providing a varying amount of pressure to the pressure device in response to the thickness of the substrates being fed into the fusing nip of the roll fusing apparatus, the cam assembly including an elongated shaft extending between first and second ends and load cams at the first and second ends, respectively, engaged with the first and second cam follower members; (e) a drive shaft for rotating the rotatable cam assembly; and (f) a controller for selectively moving the rotatable cam assembly in response to the thickness of the substrates.