Printer media alignment apparatus and method

US6585439B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. · US

Inventors

• Bruce G. Johnson · Boise, US
• Antonio Gomez · Vancouver, US
• Richard Alan Kelley · Vancouver, US
• Michael W. Munro · Vancouver, US
• Richard Olson · Paynesville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 2000
• Grant date: Jul 1, 2003
• Expiry date: May 16, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2404/7232
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A printer having a media transport mechanism defining a media path. The path extends from a media supply past a print engine. A media alignment element moves between an extended position intersecting the path between the supply and the engine, and a retracted position away from the path. The printer may include a pair of rollers between the supply and the alignment element and encompassing the path, so that the sheet may be gripped by the rollers at a position adjacent the alignment to preserve the alignment by the element. The rollers may retract the sheet from the alignment element, which may move aside from the media path, so that the media may be fed toward a print engine.