Vacuum paper transport system for printer
US4792249A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 1986 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H5/222
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A controlled paper transport arrangement utilizes a flexible belt which attracts the paper to its surface by the application of a reduced air pressure on the other side. In a preferred embodiment, the belt operates in a continuous loop and in combination with a vacuum feed roller, the belt and the vacuum feed roller being arranged on respective sides of a print strike bar. The presence of the paper against the flexible belt causes trip valves to change state such that the full force of the air pressure differential between the ambient air and the reduced air pressure, on either side of the flexible belt, is applied only in the vicinity of the paper to be printed. In some embodiments, the vacuum feed roller is sectored so that the reduced air pressure is applied only in the region which communicates with the paper to be printed. The flexible belt and its associated assembly is tiltable about its vacuum supply inlet for achieving compact storage and for delivering printed sheets to a storage bin. In operation, the flexible belt and the vacuum roller can be driven in reverse to allow reprinting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.