Paper tray moisture control
US6654573B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/00776
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A moisture-reducing paper tray including a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the environment of the paper tray and consequently the paper supply itself. As a result, the desiccant may become saturated as moisture is adsorbed. In one embodiment of the invention, the desiccant may be changed for a fresh desiccant. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the moisture-reducing paper tray may also include a drying mechanism which includes a heating element, a blower and a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is positioned to sense a humidity level in the paper tray. When a pre-selected humidity level in the paper tray is equaled or exceeded, the heating element and blower are energized and warm air passes into the paper tray drying the desiccant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.