Abstract: A media cartridge is constructed as a case in which a roll of blank media may be deployed for supplying a wallpaper printer. The case has two halves, hinged together. An area between the two halves, when they are closed, defines a media supply slot. The case has internally and adjacent to the slot, a pair of rollers. At least one of the rollers is a driven roller which is supported at each end, by the case, for rotation by an external motor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for drying a web of media in a printer such as a wallpaper printer. The method includes the step of loading the web in a path that traverses a compartment in a dryer in the printer. The compartment has an opening across the top. The web is allowed to descend into the compartment, as required, to lengthen the path.

Abstract: Franchising an on-demand wallpaper printing business comprises a number of steps. Franchisees are provided with an on-demand printer. The printer is built into a cabinet in which is located a media path which extends from a media loading area to a printhead and from the printhead to a dispensing slot. The printer has one or more printer input devices which communicate with a processor to capture data regarding one or more customer requirements such as a customer selected pattern, or roll length or width. The franchisee may be provided with patterns in a digital storage medium that can be read by the printer, in lieu of new inventory. This enables the franchisee to print a roll of wallpaper, onto a web of blank media, on demand.

Abstract: The invention provides a dryer for a printer such as a print on demand wallpaper printer. The dryer has a compartment with an opening across the top. The opening is in a path of a moving media web which is printed on by the printer. The opening is optionally covered by a door. A source of heated air is located above the opening and blows heated air downwardly onto the door, or the opening if the door is open. In general, the door covers the opening and acts to support the web when the door is closed. When the door is open, the moving web can enter the compartment.

Abstract: A consumer tote for a roll of wallpaper is disclosed. The tote has a disposable exterior with a main access flap and a pair of core access openings, one at each end. The tote has an interior in which may be located a disposable core. The core aligns with the access openings. In some embodiments there is a gap between the access flap and an adjacent edge of the exterior, when the flap is closed. In preferred embodiments, the core is supported at each end by a molding having a hub which engages the core.

Abstract: A method for producing wallpaper on-demand is accomplished by utilizing an on-demand printer. The printer is housed in a cabinet in which is located a media path. The path passes a printhead on the way to a dispensing slot. A user selects a pattern and a configuration for a roll of wallpaper. The user provides preferences via one or more printer input devices which communicate with a processor. Preferences may include a pattern and a configuration. The printer prints a roll of wallpaper, onto a web of blank media, on demand, according to the selected pattern and configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for printing wallpaper onto a web of media. The method uses an on-demand printer having a cabinet in which is located a media path. The path extends from a media loading area to a winding area. A printhead is located in the media path. The cabinet houses a processor which accepts operator inputs from one or more input devices that communicate with the processor to capture data from an operator regarding a specification for an operator's requirements. The processor establishes a pattern or a configuration for the printer according to the data.

Abstract: A slitting mechanism has one or more slitting shafts between rotating brackets. Each shaft has one or more slitting disks arranged along its length. Each disk has a cutting edge and the slitting mechanism can either enter or not enter a path followed by a web of media such as wallpaper media, according to a requirement of an operator. An optional transverse cutter for the mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism and the cutter extend across a chassis with end plates. The end plates are separated enough to allow a web of media to pass between them. The end plates support a motorised cutting blade. The blade is supported at each end to perform a cutting stroke which begins on one side of the web and finished on an opposite side of the web.

Abstract: A printer for producing rolls of wallpaper has a housing in which is located a media path which extends from a blank media intake to a wallpaper exit slot. A multi-color roll width printhead located in the housing and across the media path. The printhead is supplied by separate ink reservoirs and the reservoirs are connected to the printhead by an ink supply harness. A disconnect coupling is placed between the reservoirs and the printhead. Inputs to the printer include one or more input devices for capturing operator instructions. A processor accepts the operator inputs and configures the printer for producing a particular roll.

Abstract: A consumer tote for a roll of wallpaper is disclosed. The tote comprises a disposable exterior in which formed a main access flap and a pair of axially disposed core access openings. The tote has an interior in which is located a disposable core which is aligned with the access openings. Both openings expose a molded coupling, one coupling attached to each end of the core. At least one of the couplings is a driven coupling and adapted to engage a driving spindle that rotates the core.

Abstract: An on-demand printer produces rolls of wallpaper in accordance with operator selections and preferences. The printer resides in a cabinet. In the cabinet there is a media path which extends from a media loading area to a winding area. A printhead is located in the media path. A processor in the printer accepts operator inputs from one or more input devices that are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll. In some embodiments the winding area is adapted to load and hold a core and wind wallpaper produced by the printer onto the core.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed for producing rolls of wallpaper. The printer has a frame in which is located a media path which extends from a media loading area to a winding area. A printhead located across the media path. One or more input devices are used for capturing operator instructions. A processor accepts operator inputs which are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll. The winding area is adapted to hold a core and wind onto it, wallpaper produced by the printer, preferably on demand.

Abstract: Operating an on-demand wallpaper printing business comprises a number of steps. The business operator uses an on-demand printer comprising a cabinet in which is located a media path which extends from a media loading area to a printhead and from the printhead to a dispensing slot. One or more printer input devices communicate with a processor to capture data regarding one or more customer's requirements. The captured data includes at least a customer selected pattern. From the data, a roll of wallpaper is printed onto a web of blank media, on demand. A customer is charged accordingly.

Abstract: A self threading printer is disclosed for producing rolls of wallpaper. It features a media loading area adapted to support a media cartridge in a position so that a media supply slot of the cartridge is closely adjacent to a pilot guide. The device's cabinet contains a media path which extends from the pilot guide to a printed media dispensing slot. A printhead is located across the media path and an internal processor accepts operator inputs which are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll. A motor within the cabinet advances a media web out of the media cartridge and one or more other motors urge the media along the path and out of the dispensing slot.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for printing wallpaper onto a web of media. The method uses an on-demand printer having a cabinet in which is located a media path. The path extends from a media loading area to a winding area. A printhead is located in the media path. The cabinet houses a processor which accepts operator inputs from one or more input devices that communicate with the processor to capture data from an operator regarding a specification for an operator's requirements. The processor establishes a pattern or a configuration for the printer according to the data.

Abstract: A consumer tote for a roll of wallpaper is disclosed. The tote has a disposable exterior with a main access flap and a pair of core access openings, one at each end. The tote has an interior in which may be located a disposable core. The core aligns with the access openings. In some embodiments there is a gap between the access flap and an adjacent edge of the exterior, when the flap is closed. In preferred embodiments, the core is supported at each end by a molding having a hub which engages the core.

Abstract: A self contained printer produces rolls of wallpaper on demand. The unit is contained in a cabinet through which runs a media path. The path extends from a replaceable media cartridge a to a winding area which holds a customer tote. A full width digital color printhead is located internally and across the media path. The printer's processor accepts operator inputs which are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll.

Abstract: A video display device includes a digital frame store to store a digitized version of a displayed image. A print control chip is coupled to the digital frame store and is also responsive to commands generated by means for processing user input. The print control chip operates a printing assembly that is integrated into the video display device including a pagewidth printer and a print media transport mechanism. In use printed sheets corresponding to the displayed image are printed in accordance with user input. In a preferred embodiment the video display device comprises a data projector.

Abstract: A telescope (800) includes a lens (802) and an eyepiece (801) by which a person can view a remote object. The telescope includes a built-in printer to provide an instantaneous permanent record of an image viewed by the person. Upon activation of a trigger (817), a permanent graphic image is printed onto a sheet (816) that passes out of the telescope via slot (804).

Abstract: A data projector includes projector control circuitry for receiving analogue data signals from a computer-based machine representing images to be projected at a viewing surface. An analogue to digital converter is connected to the control circuitry for receiving the analogue data signals from the control circuitry and for converting said signals into digital signals. A printhead prints images represented by the digital signals. Printer control circuitry controls operation of the printhead and delivery of data to the printhead.