Method and apparatus for controlling media-to-image registration of a single-pass intermediate transfer member-based printing apparatus
US6370354B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0119
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved printing apparatus provides for very accurate synchronization between cut sheet print media and the unfixed image which is conveyed on an Intermediate Transfer Member (ITM) such as a belt or a drum, and which is targeted for said print media. The printing apparatus is constructed as a single-pass ITM-based electrophotographic (e.g., laser) printer, and the length of the input print media pathway prior to image-to-media transfer is significantly shorter than the sum of the lengths of the image travel along a photoconductive drum and ITM. The print media is typically launched after imaging has been initiated on the photoconductive drum by an imaging apparatus. Variance in the leading edge of the print media with respect to the leading edge of image can be introduced due to phenomena such as pick errors, velocity variation, and uncertainties in the paper stack height. The present invention minimizes this leading edge variance to a tightly targeted specification by accurately sensing the positions of the print media and the ITM image, and correcting the print media's position by controlling the velocity of the print media prior to arriving at the transfer nip. In addition, …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.