Patent ID: 8831498

Claim:
A fixing device comprising: a rotatable, endless flexible belt looped into a generally cylindrical configuration; an elongated stationary pad stationarily disposed inside the loop of the belt; a rotatable pressure member disposed parallel to the stationary pad with the belt interposed between the pressure member and the stationary pad; a rotary driver operatively connected with the pressure member to impart torque to the pressure member; a releasable biasing mechanism operatively connected with the pressure member to apply a releasable pressure to the pressure member against the belt in a load direction, the releasable pressure being released as the pressure member moves away from the belt; a first guide member defining a first elongated opening extending in the load direction for displaceably accommodating a first longitudinal end of the pressure member therein; and a second guide member defining a second elongated opening extending transversely to the load direction for displaceably accommodating a second longitudinal end, opposite the first longitudinal end, of the pressure member therein.