Printer with an integrally formed spring for biasing the printhead
US6068420A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J29/02
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clamshell printer having a base and a cover pivotally mounted to the base for movement between an open and a closed position, wherein the open position provides unhindered access to a media path and a print head in the printer. The printer may include a platen formed integrally therein or a platen rollingly supported in the printer. A media supply, such as a continuous sheet of linerless thermal media in the form of a roll may be quickly and efficiently drop-loaded into the printer, with no threading of the media required. Unhindered access to the print head is also provided. The printer may or may not include a drive mechanism for advancing the media through the printer. The print head is controlled by a microprocessor mounted to a circuit board in the printer. The circuit board may be spring-biased to urge the print head toward a printing position, which is located at an effective printing distance from the media and the platen. A window may be formed in the printer for observing the media supply.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.