Apparatus for protecting a lens array of a printhead used for copy restrictive documents
US5936652A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/451
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printhead protective cover (50) which includes a shutter blade (60), an actuator (70) for moving the shutter blade (60), and a light trap (54) to prevent light from the printhead (12) from passing around the shutter blade (60). In one embodiment, a sensor detects a position of the shutter blade (60) and sends a signal to shutoff the actuator (70) when the shutter blade (60) is in an open position, or the shutter blade (60) is in a closed position. In yet another embodiment, the actuator (70) closes the shutter blade (60) in response to a tear in a web or failure of a dryer. In a further embodiment, the shutter blade (60) slides on a base plate coated with a low friction, non-volatile, non-liquid material, and the shutter blade (60) slides at an oblique angle on the base plate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.