Large inkjet print swath media support system
January 31, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesReciprocating paper handling apparatus for use in an ink jet copier Constant velocity copy sheet transport with ink jet printing Vacuum feeder for continuous web Paper feed mechanism for printer Substrate transport apparatus, especially for mail handling Ink jet printer having a paper handling and maintenance station assembly Codestrip in a large-format image-related device Paper moving system for a printer/plotter Continuous web printing apparatus Print medium handling system including cockle ribs to control pen-to-print medium spacing during printing InventorsApplicationNo. 595009 filed on 01/31/1996US Classes:347/104Physical handlingExaminersPrimary: Barlow, JohnAssistant: Stephens, Juanita Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassB41J 002/01AbstractTo maintain a uniform spacing between the print media, such as paper, and an inkjet printhead having a large print swath, for instance about 25 millimeters (one inch) wide, a new media support system is provided for inkjet printing mechanisms, such as printers or plotters. The support system employs an endless belt driven from the belt interior surface by a roller drive system that uniformly supports the print media under the reciprocating printhead. The belt may be lined with anti-cockle ribs to support the media when saturated. The belt may also be foraminous, with a vacuum applied thereunder to pull the media onto the belt. A method is also provided for supporting and transporting a large sheet of print media through a printzone of an inkjet printing mechanism, such as an inkjet plotter, that uses such a large swath inkjet printhead.Other References
Field of SearchPhysical handlingOf spacing between fluid ejector and receiving medium Medium and processing means Including friction-feed means (e.g., band) By endless-feed band On endless belt or chain With cooperating surface Comprising endless belt or chain With gripper(s) mounted thereon To stop and/or start movement of material By pneumatic pressure Pins on flexible belt or chain With means to effect supplementary pin movement With control or adjustment means To vary diameter of roll To vary bite of contacting pinch members Infinitesimally variable By endless conveyor Operation controlled by delivered sheet With delivery end movably relative to pack receiver Moving away from increasing delivered pack By pneumatic conveyor Unidirectionally-moving suction member or surface Including pneumatic means Curl correction Continuous web Having upwardly facing trough configuration in transverse direction on conveying reach Formed or including transverse plates tandemly disposed lengthwise of carrier belt Carrier belt structure Formed of or including pivotally interconnected rigid links | |
