Resistive thermal printing apparatus and method having a non-contact heater
US6078344A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/315
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Printer apparatus and method for printing an image on a receiver, the printer having a non-contact heater for improving image protection and image stability on the receiver. The printer comprises a printhead for transferring a colorant to the receiver and a heater disposed in heat transfer communication with the receiver for heating the receiver, so that the colorant diffuses into the receiver. The heater is located adjacent to the receiver. The heater comprises a heating element capable of emitting radiant heat therefrom and includes a reflector oriented with respect to the heating element and the receiver so as to reflect heat from the heating element to the receiver. The heater also comprises a heater control arrangement connected to the heating element for controlling the heating element. Moreover, the heater may further include a temperature sensor disposed relative to the receiver to more accurately control the receiver temperature, by controlling the heater in response to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. A receiver transport mechanism capable of engaging the receiver and transporting the receiver adjacent the heater is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.