Patent · US Expired

Preloaded stabilizer mechanism in a dot matrix printer

US6471425B1 · kind B1 · utility

2Cited by
12References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 10, 2000
Grant dateOct 29, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 10, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J19/02
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A preloaded stabilizer mechanism in a dot matrix line printer having a reciprocating carriage is provided to: (1) establish a rigid reference point that prevents the print line of the dot matrix line printer from drifting; (2) eliminate backlash; and, (3) create a carriage resonance frequency that is greater than the carriage operating frequency to enhance printer system stability and the reduction of vibration. The stabilizer mechanism is mounted on a support frame of the dot matrix line printer and includes a modified c-shaped bracket member and a spring plate. The spring plate is attached to one end of the bracket member to form a slot. The slot of the stabilizer mechanism receives an offset shaft that is coupled to a shuttle mechanism that provides the carriage with reciprocating motion. The spring plate of the stabilizer mechanism, being slightly deflected, imposes a force against the offset shaft. As the carriage is reciprocated back and forth along its line of movement, the offset shaft moves back and forth along a line that lies parallel to the carriage movement line. When the shuttle mechanism is out of balance with the carriage, the offset shaft imposes a force, correspon…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.