Hardcopy apparatus and method for providing uniform pressure to hold down media
US6367999B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J13/226
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hardcopy apparatus includes a media holddown unit, having a platen, and a vacuum source for generating negative pressure on a medium positioned on said platen to keep it flat on said platen. The unit includes at least two vacuum chambers, both in air communication with the vacuum source. Each of the vacuum chambers can apply a negative pressure to a different portion of the medium positioned on a corresponding different region of the platen. A method for holding down a medium when placed on said platen. First the vacuum source is placed into independent air communication with a number of distinct regions of the platen, then the medium is positioned to cover one or more regions of the platen, and finally a negative pressure is applied to the back of the medium via the independent air communication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.