Hardcopy apparatus and method for holding down media
US6554415B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J13/22
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hardcopy apparatus includes a media drive roller and an independent media holddown unit. Such holddown unit includes a platen, on which a print zone is defined, and a vacuum source for generating a negative pressure for holding at least a portion of a medium substantially flat on the print zone. The platen is extending towards, and partially overlapping, the drive roller. In addition, a method for holding a medium to be printed on substantially flat over a print zone of a hardcopy apparatus includes indexing the medium over the print zone, generating a negative pressure capable of holding a portion of the medium flat on the print zone, extending the negative pressure generated to the print zone, to achieve a substantially uniform holding force over the print zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.