Method and apparatus for determining when a layer of tacky material present on a cleaning member needs to be rejuvenated

摘要

A method and a device are provided for determining the moment that a layer of tacky material needs to be rejuvenated. Typically, the layer is present on a cleaning member for removing contaminants such as paper dust and softened toner material from a fusing surface. The method includes measuring the light reflection value of the layer of tacky material, comparing the measured light reflection value with a reference value and rejuvenating the layer of tacky material as soon as the measured light reflection value differs by a predetermined value from the reference value. The device implements the method of the present invention.