Patent · US Expired

Vertical stand-alone printer

US4828416A · kind A · utility

28Cited by
11References
38Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 10, 1987
Grant dateMay 9, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 10, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J3/36
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A bottom-weighted, free-standing, self-contained, self-supported printer in which the printer is provided with two vertical hoppers in spaced-apart adjacency, with the first hopper to house a supply of cut paper and with the second hopper for paper retrieval in a first in/first out (FIFO) sequence, in which the printer has an exceedingly small footprint so that it may be utilized adjacent the display for a personal computer. Various features include an L-shaped structure to house various size printing assemblies; bottom weighting for stability; electronics carried between the hoppers; an optional front opening for paper retrieval from the front of the printer; a combination of a bidirectional motor and unidirectional clutches for driving picker and exit rollers as well as the platen; a specialized paper guide; an alternative paper path for cut or continuous paper sheets to provide a "limp mode" operation; a paper leading and trailing edge sensor; and swing way sides for easy access to hoppers and printing apparatus.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.