Abstract: A printer includes a vacuum belt assembly for moving print media in a media feed direction along a media path. The vacuum belt assembly includes: a plurality of endless belts tensioned between first and second pulleys, the first and second pulleys having respective first and second axes of rotation perpendicular with the media feed direction; and a vacuum chamber for drawing print media onto an upper surface of the belts. Each belt is independently laterally slidable along one of the first and second axes.

Abstract: A method of transporting a print medium in a printer. The includes suctioning the print medium onto an upper surface of a plurality of moving belts. The print medium experiences greater suction at an upstream side of the belts relative to a downstream side of the belts, the upstream and downstream sides being defined relative to a media feed direction.

Abstract: A printer includes a vacuum belt assembly for moving print media in a media feed direction along a media path. The vacuum belt assembly includes: a plurality of spaced apart endless belts tensioned between first and second pulleys; a vacuum chamber for drawing print media onto an upper surface of the belts; and a plurality of vacuum antechambers communicating with the vacuum chamber, each vacuum antechamber having a perimeter opening for suction engagement with print media, a length dimension of each perimeter opening extending longitudinally in the media feed direction. A first perimeter opening of a first vacuum antechamber positioned towards an upstream side of the vacuum belt assembly is shorter than a second perimeter opening of a second vacuum antechamber positioned towards a downstream side of the vacuum belt assembly. The upstream and downstream sides are defined with respect to the media feed direction.

Abstract: A printer includes a vacuum belt assembly for moving print media in a media feed direction along a media path. The vacuum belt assembly includes a plurality of moving belt modules, each moving belt module including: a body having an internal chamber defining at least part of a vacuum chamber; a first pulley positioned at a first end of the body; a second pulley positioned at a second end of the body; and a set of spaced apart endless belts tensioned between the first and second pulleys. The belts are non-apertured and the vacuum chamber communicates with an interstitial gap defined between each adjacent pair of belts in the set so as to draw print media onto an upper surface of the moving belt module.

Abstract: A printer includes a vacuum belt assembly for moving print media in a media feed direction along a media path. The vacuum belt assembly includes: a plurality of spaced apart endless belts tensioned between first and second pulleys; a vacuum chamber for drawing print media onto an upper surface of the belts; and a plurality of vacuum antechambers communicating with the vacuum chamber, each vacuum antechamber having a perimeter opening for suction engagement with print media, a length dimension of each perimeter opening extending longitudinally in the media feed direction. A first perimeter opening of a first vacuum antechamber positioned towards an upstream side of the vacuum belt assembly is shorter than a second perimeter opening of a second vacuum antechamber positioned towards a downstream side of the vacuum belt assembly. The upstream and downstream sides are defined with respect to the media feed direction.

Abstract: A printer includes a vacuum belt assembly for moving print media in a media feed direction along a media path. The vacuum belt assembly includes: a plurality of endless belts tensioned between first and second pulleys, the first and second pulleys having respective first and second axes of rotation perpendicular with the media feed direction; and a vacuum chamber for drawing print media onto an upper surface of the belts. Each belt is independently laterally slidable along one of the first and second axes.

Abstract: A printer includes a vacuum belt assembly for moving print media in a media feed direction along a media path. The vacuum belt assembly includes a plurality of moving belt modules, each moving belt module including: a body having an internal chamber defining at least part of a vacuum chamber; a first pulley positioned at a first end of the body; a second pulley positioned at a second end of the body; and a set of spaced apart endless belts tensioned between the first and second pulleys. The belts are non-apertured and the vacuum chamber communicates with an interstitial gap defined between each adjacent pair of belts in the set so as to draw print media onto an upper surface of the moving belt module.

Abstract: A printer includes a vacuum belt assembly for moving print media in a media feed direction along a media path. The vacuum belt assembly includes: a plurality of spaced apart endless belts tensioned between first and second pulleys; a vacuum chamber for drawing print media onto an upper surface of the belts; and a plurality of vacuum antechambers communicating with the vacuum chamber, each vacuum antechamber having a perimeter opening for suction engagement with print media, a length dimension of each perimeter opening extending longitudinally in the media feed direction. A first perimeter opening of a first vacuum antechamber positioned towards an upstream side of the vacuum belt assembly is shorter than a second perimeter opening of a second vacuum antechamber positioned towards a downstream side of the vacuum belt assembly. The upstream and downstream sides are defined with respect to the media feed direction.