Fuser roll temperature regulator probe

Claim 2

Apparatus for sensing surface temperatures of a heated roll utilized for fusing toner images, said apparatus comprising: temperature responsive means; a thermally conductive cap member having a generally planar surface with an area protruding outwardly therefrom to form a recess for receiving said temperature responsive means; a first support means for supporting said thermally conductive cap member, said first support means being thermally insulative, said temperature responsive means being recieved in said recess; and second support means carrying said first support means, said second support means being pivotally mounted by a pin member whereby said protruding area can be biased into contact with the surface of said heated roll.

Claim 3

Fuser apparatus comprising a pair of nip-forming members at least one member of which is heated and contacts toner images adhered to support members moved through said nip, said fuser apparatus comprising: temperature responsive means; a thermally conductive member having a generally planar surface with an area protruding in the direction of said heated one of said nip-forming member and forming a recess for receiving said temperature responsive means; means for pivotably supporting said thermally conductive member adjacent the heated one of said nip-forming members, said temperature responsive means being received in said recess; and means for effecting continuous frictional engagement between said protruding area and said heated one of said members.

Claim 4

Fuser apparatus comprising a pair of nip-forming members at least one member of which is heated and contacts toner images adhered to support members moved through said nip, said fuser apparatus comprising: temperature responsive means; a thermally conductive member having a generally planar surface with an area protruding in the direction of said heated one of said nip-forming member and forming a recess for receiving said temperature responsive means; means for pivotably supporting said thermally conductive member adjacent the heated one of said nip-forming members, said temperature responsive means being received in said recess; and means for effecting continuous frictional engagement between said protruding area and said heated one of said members.

Claim 5

Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said nip members comprise a pair of roll structures and said heated roll sturucture contains a friction reducing surface.

Claim 6

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said pivotal support means comprises integral bias means for effecting said continuous frictional contact.

Claim 7

Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said thermally conductive member comprises a cup-shaped cap member.

Claim 8

Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said temperature responsive means comprises a pair of glass bead thermistors epoxied in said recess.