Vacuum imaging drum with an optimized surface
US6002419A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J13/226
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is for an imaging processing apparatus (10) for thermal print medium. The image processor apparatus (10) comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300) for holding thermal print media(32) and donor sheets (36) in registration on the vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the imaging drum (300) as the imaging drum (300) rotates. The printhead (500) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the donor (36) which causes color to transfer from the donor (36) to the thermal print media (32). At least part of a surface of the vacuum imaging drum (300) has micropaths over at least a portion of a surface of the vacuum imaging drum (300). In one embodiment the micropaths are produced by sandblasting (330). At least one vacuum hole or slot is located on the surface of the vacuum imaging drum (300), connecting to the micropaths. The micropaths act in cooperation with the vacuum holes (306) to increase the force holding sheets of thermal media (32) and dye donor (36) material to the drum (300), allowing higher rotational speeds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.