Apparatus for reducing flash for thermal transfer printers
US9676179B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2202/34
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to a printing assembly that includes an image transfer station and a blower configured to intermittently provide a cooling stream of air to a product being printed upon. The blower may include a centrifugal fan and may have a single plenum providing air to two nozzles. The nozzles may be positioned such that the air targets the edges of the product to facilitate removal of the intermediate transfer media from the targeted areas and reduce the occurrence of flash. The blower may be configured to provide air when the product is expelled from the transfer assembly or while the intermediate transfer media is peeled from the product, but not to provide air when the product is being received by the transfer assembly. The printing assembly may include sensors and control circuitry for detecting the position of the product and controlling the blower accordingly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.