Multi-media printer including paper path sensors
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A printer for transferring images to media sheets using a direct thermal process, comprising:
- a print station including a printhead, the printhead thermally transferring images to the media sheets;
a capstan and pinch roller combination for translating the media sheets in a forward direction through the print station in response to a torque applied to the capstan and pinch roller combination;
a platen roller for translating the media sheets in both a backward direction and a forward direction; and
a clutch to drive the platen roller to translate the media in the backward direction, to then drive the platen roller to translate the media sheets in a forward direction as the printhead thermally transfers a blackened border on the leading edge of the media sheets, and to stop driving the clutch once the media sheets are translated back to the capstan and pinch roller combination.
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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.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A printer for transferring images to media sheets using a direct thermal process, comprising:
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a print station including a printhead, the printhead thermally transferring images to the media sheets; a capstan and pinch roller combination for translating the media sheets in a forward direction through the print station in response to a torque applied to the capstan and pinch roller combination; a platen roller for translating the media sheets in both a backward direction and a forward direction; and a clutch to drive the platen roller to translate the media in the backward direction, to then drive the platen roller to translate the media sheets in a forward direction as the printhead thermally transfers a blackened border on the leading edge of the media sheets, and to stop driving the clutch once the media sheets are translated back to the capstan and pinch roller combination.
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2. A printer for transferring images to media sheets using a direct thermal process, each media sheet having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the printer comprising:
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a print station including a printhead and a platen for receiving media sheets translated through an input path, the printhead thermally transferring images to the media sheets leaving an unprinted border on at least the leading edge of the media sheets; and a capstan and pinch roller combination for translating the media sheets in a forward direction through the print station in response to a torque applied to the capstan, wherein the platen roller, in response to a torque applied thereto, translates media sheets in the forward direction while the printhead blackens the border at the leading edge.
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3. A printer for transferring an image to a media sheet, the media sheet having a first side edge and a second side edge, the printer comprising:
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a print station including a printhead and a platen for receiving the media sheet translated through an input path; a capstan and pinch roller combination for translating the media sheet through the print station to an output path; and a sensor in the output path positioned to detect a first side edge of the media sheet while the media sheet is being translated through the output path, said sensor producing output indicating a lateral alignment of the media sheet relative to the printhead. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 9)
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7. A printer for transferring images to a media sheet, said media sheet having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the printer comprising:
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a print station including a printhead and a platen for receiving said media sheet translated through an input path, the printhead thermally transferring images to the media sheet; a capstan and pinch roller combination for translating said media sheet from the print station through an output path; and a sensor in the output path at a known distance from the printhead for detecting the leading edge of the media sheet when translated in the output path, wherein the printhead thermally blackens the trailing edge of the media sheet after the printhead thermally transfers the images to a media sheet.
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8. A method of transferring images to media sheets using a direct thermal process, comprising:
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translating a media sheet from a picker assembly to a capstan and pinch roller combination causing the media sheet to move in a forward direction; registering the media sheet to create proper alignment in the capstan and pinch roller combination; applying a torque from a clutch to drive a platen roller in a reverse direction, wherein the driving of the platen roller causes the media sheet to move in the reverse direction; applying a torque from the clutch to drive the platen roller in the forward direction and printing a blackened border on a top margin of the media sheet; stopping the clutch from driving the platen roller when the media sheet is translated to the capstan and pinch roller combination, the capstan and pinch roller combination translating the media sheet in a forward direction; and printing an image on the media sheet as the capstan and pinch roller combination translates the media sheet in the forward direction.
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10. A printer for transferring an image to a media sheet, the media sheet having a first side edge and a second side edge, the printer comprising:
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a print station including a printhead and a platen for receiving the media sheet translated through an input path; a capstan and pinch roller combination for translating the media sheet through the print station to an output path; a transmitter to transmit light across the output path; a receiver to receive the light across the output path; and a pair of polarizers and a wave retarding filter, the pair of polarizers and the wave retarding filter being positioned between the transmitter and receiver, wherein the wave retarding filter and the pair of polarizers filter the transmitted light to adjust light energy received by the receiver to allow the receiver to detect the first side edge of the media sheet. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification