US5179263A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image fixing apparatus with overshoot prevention means
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1990-03-29
•
Granted: 1993-01-12
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Expires: 2010-03-29
Abstract
Abstract An image fixing apparatus includes a heater; a film movable together with a recording material having a visualized image which is heated by the heater through the film; a temperature detecting element for detecting a temperature of the heater; control system for controlling power supply to the heater so as to provide a constant output of the temperature detecting element during fixing operation; wherein the control system controls the power supply to the heater in accordance with an output of the temperature detecting element from start of power supply to the heater to the temperature of the heater reaching a predetermined temperature.
Inventors
- 👤 Shokyo Koh
- 👤 Yoshihiko Suzuki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:37
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/20; G03G15/2003; G03G15/2014; G03G15/2039
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
An image fixing apparatus, comprising: a heater, a film movable together with a recording material having a visualized image to transfer heat from said heater to the visualized image, a temperature detecting element for detecting a temperature of said heater, and control means for controlling electric power supply to said heater in accordance with a temperature detected by said temperature detecting element to maintain a fixing temperature of said heater during a fixing operation; wherein after a start of power supply to said heater, said control means reduces the electric power with an increase of the temperature detected by said temperature detecting element, and after the detected temperature reaches the fixing temperature, said control means further reduces electric power to said heater to decrease the temperature of said heater.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
An image fixing apparatus, comprising: a heater, a film movable together with a recording material having a visualized image to transfer heat from said heater to the visualized image, a temperature detecting element for detecting a temperature of said heater, and control means for controlling electric power supply to said heater in accordance with a temperature detected by said temperature detecting element to maintain a fixing temperature of said heater during a fixing operation; wherein after a start of power supply to said heater, said control means reduces the electric power with an increase of the temperature detected by said temperature detecting element, and after the detected temperature reaches the fixing temperature, said control means further reduces electric power to said heater to decrease the temperature of said heater.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means stepwisely changes the power supply.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heater has a high thermal conductivity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heater includes a heat generating resistance layer for generating heat by electric power supply and a base plate of high thermal conductivity for supporting said heat generating resistance layer, wherein said temperature detecting means detects a temperature of said base plate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heater is supplied with the power in the form of electric pulses.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heater is stationary during the fixing operation, and wherein said film slides on said heater.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said film has a thickness of not more than 100 microns.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a back-up member for urging the recording material and said film to said heater.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein minimum energy supplied to said heater after the start of the power supply and before the reaching the fixing temperature is larger than energy transferred from said heater to said film, the recording material and said back-up member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when said temperature detecting means detects a temperature beyond the fixing temperature after the power supply to said heater, said control means further reduces the power supply while not stopping the power supply.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a back-up member for urging the recording material and said film to said heater, wherein when the temperature of said heater is higher than the fixing temperature, energy of the power supply is smaller than energy transferred to said film, the recording material and said back-up member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-01-12 | 1996-07-13 | 1997-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-01-12 | 2000-07-13 | 2001-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-01-12 | 2004-07-13 | 2005-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |