Systems and methods for printing on large or irregular items
US7827908B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J25/312
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods which employ a movable platen and associated print head which travel in a same direction to interact with a same surface of an item to be printed upon are shown. The movable platen according to embodiments includes a printing orifice through which the print head may interact with a surface of an item for printing. The movable platen preferably engages the surface of the item and applies a pressure thereto sufficient to substantially flatten the surface. Embodiments implement a print head platen which engages the surface of the item to be printed to provide flattening of the surface localized to the print head. A printer assembly of embodiments may not employ a lower platen or other structure to support an item to be printed, thereby facilitating the use of the printer with respect to any size of item.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.