Co-operating mechanical subassemblies for a scanning carriage, digital wide-format color inkjet print engine

US6789876B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Aaron Barclay · Prior Lake, US
• Dale G. Nordenstrom · New Brighton, US
• Daniel Jankovich · Minneapolis, US
• Dennis B. Shell · Webster, US
• Ivor F. Matz · Sauk Centre, US
• John Knaack · Shakopee, US
• Kerry R. Anderson · Town of West Hartford, US
• Kevin Campion · Minnetonka, US
• Larry W. Gonier · Inver Grove Heights, US
• Mark E. Olsen · Savage, US
• Peter E. Malecha · Prior Lake, US
• Peter N. Ladas · Windom, US
• Richard J. Bigaoutte · Chaska, US
• Robert A. Schmidt · Prior Lake, US
• Steven L. Lidke · Brooklyn Park, US
• Wade Kragtorp · Shakopee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 20, 2002
• Grant date: Sep 14, 2004
• Expiry date: Mar 20, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41J25/308
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved, large-format digital inkjet print engine that includes a group of co-operating print engine subassemblies that embody various novel elements that both discreetly and cumulatively advance the current art. The group of subassemblies and sensors cooperate to produce high quality graphic images using a plurality of different colors of ink and different types of print media at speeds several times faster than similar conventional inkjet printers. In addition, the use of cooperating elements permit the manufacture of complex, large-format digital color inkjet print engines that are less expensive to fabricated, operated, and serviced. The present invention finds use in large-format digital color printing and imaging, where successful repeatable printing requires precise placement of droplets of ink, toner or other marking material on a print medium such as paper, vinyl, film, or similar substrate.