Typewriting machines – Sheet or web – Including friction-feed means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-14
2001-03-27
Funk, Stephen R. (Department: 2854)
Typewriting machines
Sheet or web
Including friction-feed means
C400S636000, C400S637000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206592
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to inkjet printers and, more particularly, to an improved method and system for guiding recording media, such as paper, through a printer.
2. Description of the Related Technology
In typical inkjet printing processes, droplets of ink are emitted from ink jet nozzles, or apertures, onto a recording medium, such as paper, which is fed through a printing area of the inkjet printer. The pattern in which the droplets of ink are “sprayed” onto the recording medium is typically directed by computer control.
In many prior art printers, most commonly large format printers, a plurality of single wheel pinch rollers are spread across the width of a printing surface to assist in the guidance of recording media, such as paper, across the platen of the printer during the printing process. Often, however, the alignment of one or more of the rollers in a prior art printer is slightly skewed from the direction of motion of the paper from the feeder apparatus. This can cause a misalignment of the paper as it is fed through the printer and, consequently, can detrimentally affect the printing quality of the printer. In some cases, noticeable wrinkling of the paper may result.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, the invention comprises a horizontal platen for supporting media to be printed and a support structure mounted above the horizontal platen. A plurality of roller units are coupled to a lower portion of the support structure and extend outward in the direction of media travel. At least one of the roller units comprises a plurality of roller wheels.
In some embodiments, the roller unit comprises a rearwardly extending portion surrounded by a spring, and the rearwardly extending portion is pivotably coupled to the support structure. In addition, the roller unit may be biased downward by a spring extending between a guide rod and the roller unit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4221489 (1980-09-01), Engle et al.
patent: 4364683 (1982-12-01), Shakib et al.
patent: 4630950 (1986-12-01), Chu et al.
patent: 4786193 (1988-11-01), Quinn, Jr.
patent: 4936696 (1990-06-01), Steppe
patent: 5011313 (1991-04-01), Sato
patent: 5018655 (1991-05-01), Koike et al.
patent: 5441354 (1995-08-01), Broder et al.
patent: 5482390 (1996-01-01), Murakami et al.
patent: 5580042 (1996-12-01), Taniguro et al.
patent: 5938356 (1999-08-01), Wirth et al.
Golobeff William
Ines Marni D.
Neese David A.
Wirth Steven J.
Encad, Inc.
Funk Stephen R.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
LandOfFree
Pinch roller for inkjet printer does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Pinch roller for inkjet printer, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Pinch roller for inkjet printer will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2441625