Patent · US Active

Apparatus and method for printing on irregular surfaces

US8328444B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
3References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 28, 2005
Grant dateDec 11, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 7, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07B2017/00532
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method for presenting a substrate/print media having favorable surface conditions and optimum spatial orientation for printing purposes. The apparatus/method includes a mechanism for maintaining the substrate/print media in a substantially orthogonal spatial orientation relative to the direction of ink deposition, and a pressurization device for developing a pressure differential across a face surface of the substrate/print media such that positive pressure is applied to a surface opposing the face surface. The pressurization device provides a cushion of air to support the substrate/print media during ink deposition. The apparatus/method may further include a system for transporting the substrate/print media beneath or across a print head assembly for in-line printing on a mailpiece.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.