Convertible media dryer for a large format ink jet print engine
US6425329B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J11/0022
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The apparatus of the present invention increases the operating envelope for large format thermal ink jet printing via a directed fluid flow from specially-designed orifices which promote fluid flow on a printed surface adjacent a printing zone in a large format ink jet printer where in addition to the optimized fluid flow one or more heating elements are inserted directly into the fluid flow to thereby promote drying of said printed surface. In one embodiment, a single dual-duct plennum spans the width of a roll-fed large format ink jet print engine and a first duct distributes heated air downward (in the direction of media web movement) and a second duct evacuates a printing space so that any potentially harmful ink vapors or other air-borne contaminant is appropriately fluidly coupled to either a remote exhaust vent or vapor capture vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.