Patent ID: 6823167
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
In a xerographic printing apparatus, a guide system for introducing paper having an unfixed image thereon and having a predetermined range of basis weights between a lightest basis weight and a heaviest basis weight into a fuser nip from a prefuser transport, the guide system comprising:a baffle system intermediate the prefuser transport and the fuser nip positioned in the path of the paper as it advances toward the fuser nip for engagement by a leading edge of the paper, the baffle system being adjustable in response to the basis weight of the paper to properly guide the leading edge of the paper into the fuser nip; wherein the baffle system includes: an entrance baffle extending between a mounting end and a free end; a hinge member pivotally supporting the entrance baffle at its mounting end for swinging movement between a minimal position and a maximal position of a range of positions as determined by the basis weight of the paper; a minimal stop member for engagement by the entrance baffle to define the minimal position; a maximal stop member for engagement by the entrance baffle to define the maximal position; and a resilient member biasing the entrance baffle into engagement with the minimal stop member, the bias of the spring being chosen such that as the leading edge of paper having the lightest basis weight in the predetermined range engages the entrance baffle, it is caused to bend around the free end thereof and thereby be guided into the fuser nip, and such that as the leading edge of paper having the heaviest basis weight in the predetermined range engages the entrance baffle, it forces the entrance baffle against the bias of the spring toward engagement with the second stop member and is guided by the free end of the entrance baffle into the fuser nip.