Printer with vacuum platen having movable belt providing selectable active area
US6672720B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J11/0085
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printer having a media transport with a rigid, air-transmissive platen. A movable air-transmissive flexible web overlays the platen, and a suction device communicates with the platen to draw air through the web and through the platen, such that a sheet of media carried on the web is biased toward the platen. A second movable web below the first web limits air flow through at least a selected portion of the platen other than a portion overlaid by the sheet. The movable web may be a continuous belt, which may have two separate air-blocking regions that are positioned beyond the platen when full airflow is desired, and at least partly registered with the platen to block airflow to peripheral platen portions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.