Clam shell printer
US6088049A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J23/36
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printer for printing on an outer layer of a print medium on a print medium roll. The printer includes a base and a cover, which are pivotally coupled in a "clamshell" configuration for movement between a closed position in which the printhead is located in a printing position proximate the path of the media and an open position that is spaced from the printing position. The printer may use thermal or inkjet printing. The printer is used without a mechanical paper drive mechanism. The printer monitors movement of an outer wrap of the print medium as the print medium roll rotates in response to a user pulling print medium from the print medium roll. In one embodiment, the printer detects movement of the print medium with a metering roller and an optical rotation sensor. In another embodiment, the printer monitors movement of the print medium by detecting movement of index marks on the print medium. From the monitored movement of the print medium, the printer identifies a portion of the print medium aligned to the printhead and selects image portions to print in the identified portion. The printer then activates the printhead to print the selected image portions in the corresponding…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.