Multi-media printer including paper path sensors

US7116343B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CODONICS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Peter Botten · Lakewood, US
• Michael Kolberg · Hinckley, US
• Lawrence Srnka · Northfield Center, US
• Christopher Tainer · Strongsville, US
• Donald Rahe · Brook Park, US
• Joseph Miller · Rittman, US
• Peter Adam · Wuppertal, DE
• Robert Colbrunn · Hinckley, US
• Vladimir Dzodzo · Akron, US
• Kevin Roach · Parma Heights, US
• Owen Patton · Parma, US
• Eric Lab · Akron, US
• Neal Somos · Zanesville, US
• James Bias · North Royalton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 29, 2004
• Grant date: Oct 3, 2006
• Expiry date: Nov 29, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41J29/38
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A printer capable of transferring images to different types of media is disclosed. Media sheets of different sizes and types may be dispensed through a single input path to a print station including a printhead and a platen. The printhead is adapted for transferring images to media using either a direct thermal or dye diffusion process. A capstan roller, platen roller, picker assemblies and kicker assemblies are driven by a single motor, allowing for substantial cost and space savings. Other features are directed to improving the quality of images using the direct thermal and dye diffusion processes.