Abstract: A hardcopy apparatus includes a media drive roller and an independent media holddown unit. Such holddown unit includes a platen, on which a print zone is defined, and a vacuum source for generating a negative pressure for holding at least a portion of a medium substantially flat on the print zone. The platen is extending towards, and partially overlapping, the drive roller. In addition, a method for holding a medium to be printed on substantially flat over a print zone of a hardcopy apparatus includes indexing the medium over the print zone, generating a negative pressure capable of holding a portion of the medium flat on the print zone, extending the negative pressure generated to the print zone, to achieve a substantially uniform holding force over the print zone.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) includes: a) a rotatable, magnet-attracting imaging drum (300) arranged to mount a receiver sheet (32) and a donor sheet (36) in superposed relationship; b) a motor (258) for rotating the imaging drum; c) a sheet transport assembly (91); d) a printhead (500); e) a lead screw (250) for moving the printhead; f) a linear translation subsystem (210); and g) a magnetic load roller (350) for eliminating entrained air.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes transporting belt transporting a printing sheet in a flat surface region opposing to respective ejection openings of printing heads, suction force generating means for generating an electrostatic suction force on a transporting surface of the belt and control means for controlling to generate the suction force only in a region opposing to the head. The control means applies positive and negative high potential to the suction force generating means with reference to a potential of the head.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) for scanning and proofing an image at the same time includes: a) a rotatable drum (300) having a hollowed out interior port ion (304), and an imaging portion (461) on its exterior surface, and a scanning portion (462) on its interior surface, the drum (300) being mounted for rotation about an axis, the imaging portion (461) of the drum being arranged to mount a receiver sheet (32) and a donor sheet (36) in superposed relationship, the scanning portion of the drum being arranged to mount an input image (456) thereon; b) a motor (258) for rotating the drum (300); c) a printhead (500) external to the drum; d) an input scanner (455) inside the hollowed out interior portion (304) of the drum; e) a first lead screw (250) for moving the printhead (500) in a first direction, the printhead being mounted on the first lead screw (250), and a second lead screw (465) for moving the scanner (455) in a first direction, the scanner being mounted on the second lead screw (465); and f)

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for depositing a dielectric film in a gap having an aspect ratio at least as large as 6:1. By cycling the gas chemistry of a high-density-plasma chemical-vapor-deposition system between deposition and etching conditions, the gap may be substantially 100% filled. Such filling is achieved by adjusting the flow rates of the precursor gases such that the deposition to sputtering ratio during the deposition phases is within certain predetermined limits.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes transporting belt transporting a printing sheet in a flat surface region opposing to respective ejection openings of printing heads, suction force generating means for generating an electrostatic suction force on a transporting surface of the belt and control means for controlling to generate the suction force only in a region opposing to the head. The control means applies positive and negative high potential to the suction force generating means with reference to a potential of the head.

Abstract: The present invention provides pivot 207a of paper edge regulation element 207 that evens up the edges of placed sheets aside from rotation axis 206 of pickup roller 204, forms groove 208 into which rotation axis 206 that has ascended is fitted in paper edge regulation element 207, makes rotation axis 206 fit into groove 208 of paper edge regulation element 207 when pickup roller 204 is lifted to regulate the rotation of paper edge regulation element 207 and makes rotation axis 206 come off groove 208 of paper edge regulation element 207 and become free to rotate when pickup roller 204 is lowered.

Abstract: An image recording or reading apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is provided with a non-processed sheet storage portion, a processed sheet storage portion arranged to be parallel to the non-processed sheet storage portion, a sheet processing unit for performing recording processing or reading processing of recorded information for a sheet, the sheet processing unit having an optical unit for executing optical scanning for reading or reading in a main scanning direction of the sheet, and being arranged vertically and in parallel between the non-processed and processed sheet storage portion, and a sheet feed mechanism for feeding a non-processed sheet from the non-processed sheet storage portion to the sheet processing unit, and feeding a processed sheet from the sheet processing unit to the processed sheet storage portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording apparatus having a detachable automatic sheet supplying apparatus, wherein a projection protruding substantially in a horizontal direction is formed on the recording system or on the automatic sheet supplying apparatus, so that they can stand by themselves; a recess is formed in the automatic sheet supplying appparatus or in the recording system; and the recording system is connected to the automatic sheet supplying apparatus by fitting the projection into the recess.

Abstract: A media sheet handling system for duplex printing is disclosed. During duplex printing, the media sheet whose first side is printed is directed into a duplex print path, wherein the media sheet is reversed to a flipped over state with respect to its original position and the original leading edge is maintained to be the leading edge for subsequent printing.

Abstract: A media transport system for transporting a media sheet in a marking device includes an entrance drive assembly, an exit drive assembly and a vacuum generator that applies a vacuum force to the media sheet to form a wide, flat printing zone. The entrance drive assembly receives and transports the media sheet in a process direction by contacting top and bottom surfaces of the media sheet, thereby exerting an entrance drive force on the media sheet. The exit drive assembly receives and transports the media sheet by contacting the top and bottom surfaces of the media sheet, thereby exerting an exit drive force on the media sheet. The vacuum force is applied to the media sheet in an area of the media sheet between the entrance drive assembly and the exit drive assembly. The vacuum force on the media sheet acts in a vacuum force direction substantially normal to the process direction.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging media while supported at an imaging position on a support surface, the imaging system, includes a storage device for storing media to be imaged and a loading device for moving a medium to be imaged to the imaging position on the support surface. A delivery device moves the medium to be imaged over the support surface at a distanced therefrom, to thereby deliver the medium from the storage device to the loading device. By moving the medium to be imaged over the support surface, the medium can be removed from the storage device and buffered close to the loading device while another medium is positioned on the support surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a receiver from a micro-fluidic contact print head after ink image pixels have been printed by the print head on the receiver, including a print head having a plurality of ink channels for delivering ink to the receiver when the receiver is in ink transfer contact with the print head; air plenums which are associated with each ink channel and a member defining an air channel for conducting air to the air plenum; and the apparatus is effective after the ink has been transferred from the plurality of ink channels to the receiver for causing air to be delivered from the air channel into the air plenum to exert a pressure which causes the separation of the receiver from the print head.

Abstract: A recording method according to the present invention performs recording on recording materials using a recording apparatus having a separation pad which is brought into contact with a non-recording surface of one recording material of a recording material stack during feeding of the one recording material to a recording position to separate the one recording material from the other recording materials. The recording materials are those whose four sides are cut in a direction from the non-recording surface to a recording surface.

Abstract: The present invention is for an image processing apparatus (10) for sheet thermal print media. The image processing apparatus (10) comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300) for holding thermal print media (32) and dye donor sheet material (36) in registration on the vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the vacuum imaging drum (300) as the vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates. The printhead (500) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the dye donor sheet material (36) which causes color to transfer from the dye donor sheet material (36) to the thermal print media (32). The vacuum imaging drum (300), having media contours (328) on the outer surface to facilitate holding media onto a vacuum imaging drum (300) revolving at high speeds.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device and a recording apparatus using such a sheet feeding device include a feed mechanism for feeding a sheet material, a guide mechanism for guiding the end portions of the sheet material, which is shiftable in the width direction of the sheet material, and a discharge mechanism for discharging the sheet material being fed. The discharge mechanism is capable of changing its positions in accordance with the shift of the guide.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises transporting rollers for transporting a recording medium in a sandwiched state; a platen for supporting the recording medium at a recording position; and a releasing mechanism for moving the platen from a position at which the platen is located during a recording operation and releasing the recording medium sandwiched by the transporting rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the installation and alignment of side punches onto the internal drum of an imaging system. A side of the internal drum is provided with a T-shaped slot for movably positioning a plurality of side punches about the cylindrically shaped imaging surface of the internal drum. The proper radial alignment of the side punches along the T-slot is achieved using a unique band template. The band template includes a plurality of notches, each of which indicates the correct positioning of the pin of a side punch to be installed on the internal drum.

Abstract: A thermal printing apparatus for printing graphic images on sheet material, such as a vinyl sheet, utilizes a platen drive to move the sheet material between a roller platen and thermal print head. The thermal print head presses the sheet material into engagement with the roller platen along a linear zone of contact, and a drive motor is drivingly connected to the roller platen through a series of drive gears to rotatably drive the roller platen, and in turn move the sheet material between the platen and print head. A pair of registration sprockets are mounted on opposite ends of a common sprocket shaft, and engage corresponding feed holes formed in the marginal edges of the sheet material. The registration sprockets guide and steer the sheet material as it is driven between the roller platen and the print head, and substantially prevent buckling or like distortion of the sheet material.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus comprising first feeding device for feeding a sheet, second feeding device disposed at a downstream side of the first feeding device and adapted to pinch and feed the sheet, control device for controlling so as to drive the first and second feeding devices to feed the sheet in a predetermined direction until a leading end of the sheet passes through a nip of the second feeding device and exceeds the nip by a predetermined distance toward a downstream side while the sheet is being urged against the first feeding device, and urging device for urging the sheet against the first feeding device in such a manner that the sheet returned in the reverse direction by the second feeding device is slipped with respect to the first feeding device without flexing the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of precision finishing a vacuum imaging drum (300) comprising the steps of positioning a finishing tool (352) at an axial starting point; rotating said vacuum imaging drum (300) at a predetermined speed; moving the finishing tool (352) to a radial first position; translating the finishing tool (352) in a first direction, approximately parallel to an axis of rotation (301) of the vacuum imaging drum (300), until at least a portion of a surface of the vacuum imaging drum (300) is transversed; stopping rotation of the vacuum imaging drum (300), wherein a first axial recess (322) is located adjacent the finishing tool (352); returning the finishing tool (352) to the axial starting point; moving the finishing tool (352) to a second radial position (348), wherein the second radial position (348) is closer to the axis of rotation (301) than the first radial position (346); and repeating steps b-g until a predetermined amount of material has been removed from the surface of the v

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a stepping motor used in feeding a sheet, for example, in a facsimile device, includes a driving unit for driving a stepping motor, and an controller for controlling the drive unit, depending upon drive conditions of the stepping motor, to control at least one of the excitation method and the drive current of the stepping motor, thereby suppressing the generation of heat upon stopping of the motor, and stabilizing the rotation thereof.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is capable of freely selecting a plurality of sheet feeding units each having a different controlling method. It is discriminated as to which one among plural kinds of sheet feeding units is fitted, and printing and a motor for a sheet feeding-unit are controlled based on the result of the discrimination from an output from a sensor disposed on the sheet feeding unit. Especially, in the case that a roll shaped paper feeding unit is fitted, it is judged that a printing medium reaches the position where printing can be started when a TOF sensor detects black color, and in the case that a cut sheet feeding unit is fitted, it is judged that the recording medium reaches the position where printing can be started when the TOF sensor detects white color.

Abstract: Image recording apparatus characterized by being equipped with the carriers to carry recording sheet, recording head, carrier guides which is so arranged as placing the carriers in between the guides and the recording heads and pushing members provided in between the recording heads and the carrier guides, the carrier guides being rotatively supported.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of exposing imagesetter recording film (39) on a color-proofing apparatus (10). A sheet of support material (39) is loaded on a vacuum imaging drum (300). A sheet of imagesetter recording film (42) is loaded on the support material (39) and in registration with the support material (39). Images are formed on the imagesetter recording material (39) by removing dye from the imagesetter recording film (39).

Abstract: A sheet sorting apparatus is equipped with a control device for controlling the sorting of sheets from a sheet processing device and a memory for storing data concerning the number of sorted sheets. The memory has a back-up power source that is independent of the sheet processing device which discharges sheets to the sorter and includes a transmitter for transmitting the data stored in the memory to this upstream sheet processing device.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus using an ink jet recording head for recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium arranged in a recording area includes a device for feeding the recording medium. The feeding device is arranged along the recording area and is provided with a mechanism to provide an irregular configuration of the recording medium in the direction intersecting the feeding direction thereof. This minimizes each individual cockling that may take place due to the permeation of ink into the recording medium when images are recorded thereon by the ink jet recording apparatus, and also, orientates the cockling downward reliably in order to prevent the recording medium from being in contact with the recording head to obtain a good quality of recorded images.

Abstract: An ink printer for printing on a recording medium using a liquid ink includes at least one rotatable member arranged in a region of a transport path of the recording medium. The rotatable member is located so as to be capable of contacting liquid ink for forming an image on the recording medium. The rotatable member includes a radially outermost perimeter portion which serves as a recording medium contacting peripheral surface. The outermost perimeter portion has an outermost edge which is continuously contactable with the printing surface of the recording medium. The bonding force with respect to the ink on the outermost edge is less than the sum of a bonding force between the recording medium and the ink on a surface of the recording medium, and the cohesive force of the ink itself on the surface of the recording medium. As a result adherence of the ink to the contacting peripheral surface of the at least one rotatable member is prevented.

Abstract: In a recording apparatus, the size and the weight of the apparatus and the number of components are reduced, accumulated tolerance is reduced due to the decrease in the number of components, and the sheet feeding/discharging property, the conveying property, the adjustability of the distance between recording means and a sheet member, and the assembling capability of the apparatus are improved. The apparatus includes a first roller for conveying the sheet member toward a supporting surface, a second roller for grasping the sheet member together with the first roller, a third roller for discharging the sheet member from the supporting surface, and a fourth roller for grasping the sheet member together with the third roller. The apparatus also includes a first case including a carriage, the first roller and the third roller, and a second case including a platen, the second roller and the fourth roller.

Abstract: In a method for reinforcing a flexible sheet such that the flexible sheet will retain desired topographical features, a flexible sheet is positioned on a surface of a magnetic chuck. The surface of the magnetic chuck has a topography, such as a perfectly flat topography, such that a magnetic force of the magnetic chuck causes a first surface of the flexible sheet to be formed into a reverse topography of the topography of the magnetic chuck. A frame having greater rigidity than the flexible sheet is secured relative to the flexible sheet as the first surface of the flexible sheet is formed into the reverse topography of the topography of the magnetic chuck by the magnetic force of the magnetic chuck. The flexible sheet together with the frame secured thereto are removed from the magnetic chuck. The first surface of the flexible sheet retains the reverse topography of the topography of the magnetic chuck when the flexible sheet is removed from the magnetic chuck together with the frame secured thereto.

Abstract: A recording apparatus such as a laser beam printer has a laser beam unit for forming an image, a cassette for automatically feeding paper sheets, a manual insertion port for allowing manual insertion of paper sheets, a switch to allow selection of the cassette sheet feed or manual insertion sheet feed at the side of the printer, a timer to count a predetermined period of time, and a CPU for switching from the manual insertion sheet feed mode to the cassette sheet feed mode when no paper sheet is manually inserted in the manual insertion sheet feed mode after the time in the timer has elapsed. Undesired accumulation of data designating printing in the cassette sheet feed mode is prevented.

Abstract: A multiple-function printing device provides for picking pages from a stack of sheets in a sheet feeder for roller-driven movement along a first path through a printing station to an output stacker, and for picking pages from a stack of documents in a document feeder for roller-driven movement along a second path through a scanning station to the output stacker, with at least a portion of the first and second paths being commonly shared, the scanning station being underneath the commonly shared path, and with common mechanisms including a first pick and second pick for picking from the document and sheet pages, providing roller-driven movement through the processing stations. A media chassis is provided, including an integral platen, with integral spaced side walls which rotatively mount each of picks on and between at least one of the side walls. A prescan drive roller, a fixed deflector and a gear train are attached to a side wall of the chassis, the latter for driving the respective picks.

Abstract: Ink jet printing apparatus including a printing substrate cassette containing a multiplicity of printing substrates in rolled cut sheet form, an ink jet head assembly operative to print on a printing substrate and an ink supply assembly operative to provide ink to the ink jet head assembly.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprising a platen for supporting a sheet at a recording area, feeding means for feeding the sheet to the platen, recording means for recording an image on the sheet at the recording area, and an urging member disposed at a downstream side of the recording area and adapted to urge the sheet against the platen. The urging member has an urging surface for urging the sheet against the platen when the recording means is recording the image on the sheet.

Abstract: A printing system which controls whether to print on a manually-inserted sheet or a sheet fed from within a sheet cassette. Data received from a data source includes both print data and instruction data which indicates whether to print on a manually-inserted sheet or a sheet from within the sheet cassette. The received data is discriminated to determine whether it is instruction data or print data, and the instruction data is discriminated to determine whether it indicates to print on a manually-inserted sheet or a sheet from within the sheet cassette. The printer is thereafter controlled so as to print an image corresponding to the print data on a sheet fed in accordance with the discrimination of the instruction data.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a media handler which is capable of processing a supply of media sheets which can take the form of plates, aluminum or plastic used in lithographic printing presses or the like, or can be film which is advanced to a drum and scanned by a scanning process and thereafter removed from the drum surface by appropriate handling means.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus with a recording device for recording an image on a sheet; a first feeding roller disposed at an upstream side of the recording device and adapted to pinch the sheet and to feed the sheet at a first feeding speed; a second feeding roller disposed at a downstream side of the recording device and adapted to pinch the sheet and to feed the sheet at a second feeding speed faster than the frist feeding speed; and a controller for controlling the first and second feeding roller and adapted to perform different controls in accordance with the state that the sheet is fed by both of the first and second feeding roller, or the state that the sheet is fed by either one of first and second feeding roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording apparatus comprising convey means for conveying a sheet in a predetermined convey direction, a pair of rollers arranged downstream of the coney means in the convey direction for conveying the sheet in the convey direction or in a reverse direction by rotation in a forward direction or in a reverse direction, and control means for controlling the convey means and the pair of rollers. The control means controls these elements in such a manner that, after a sheet conveyed by the convey means is conveyed in the convey direction by a predetermined amount by the pair of rollers, the pair of rollers are rotated in the reverse direction while applying a conveying force in the convey direction to the sheet using the convey means, thereby conveying the sheet in the reverse direction until the sheet passes through a nip formed between the pair of rollers.

Abstract: A recording apparatus having a housing, a paper cassette insertable into the housing to a loaded position at which paper sheets may be advanced from the cassette to a paper feed path in the housing, the cassette being removable from the housing. A sheet handling device is supported by the housing to be located in the paper feed path downstream from the loaded position of the cassette. The sheet handling device includes a rotatable feed component, a pressing component to retain a sheet of paper against the feed component, and a movable holder to support the pressing component for movement between an active position against the feed component and a retracted position spaced from the feed component. Cooperating components on the paper cassette and the holder move the holder to locate and retain the pressing component in the active position upon insertion of the cassette to the loaded position and move the pressing component to the retracted position upon removal of the cassette from the housing.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus wherein ink is ejected on a recording medium to effect recording includes a platen for regulating a recording surface of the recording medium; a confining member contactable to the platen to confine the recording medium; and an elastic member, disposed at a bottom of the apparatus, for urging the confining member to the platen.

Abstract: A sheet transport apparatus includes a device for generating an electrostatic attraction force for attracting a sheet member to a surface of a transport belt disposed close to another surface of the transport belt opposite to the surface that contacts the sheet member. The apparatus is arranged to reduce a drive load on the transport belt caused by the electrostatic attraction force. To achieve this effect, at least one of a surface of the electrostatic attraction force generating device contacting the transport belt and a surface of the transport belt contacting the electrostatic attraction force generating device is roughened. Alternatively, an electrostatic attraction force generated at at least one particular portion of the transport belt by the electrostatic attraction force generating device is smaller than an electrostatic attraction force generated at another portion of the transport belt.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a recording device for recording an image on a recording medium, a transport device for transporting the recording medium past an area at which the recording device is provided, a platen provided in the area for supporting the recording medium, and a bearing provided in the platen for fitting therein a shaft of a transport roller of the transport device.

Abstract: A fixater has a fixing unit for expediting the fixation of an image recorded on a recording medium, a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium and a coupling unit detachably mountable in the mounting section of a cassette for stacking the recording medium for the recording apparatus. The fixater is mountable in place of the cassette for stacking the recording medium.

Abstract: A recording head having a plurality of recording elements arranged thereon is moved in a different direction than a direction of arrangement to make record scan and a recording sheet is fed by a distance corresponding to a recording width of the recording head for each scan. The record scan (main scan) and the sheet feed (sub-scan) are repeated to record received image data on the recording sheet. The feed amount of the recording sheet is counted, and the data is sent to a recording unit until the count reaches a predetermined count, that is, the data a predetermined amount before a trailing edge of the recording sheet is sent, without synchronization with the operation of the recording unit.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a memory for storing a correction for cancelling variations in a paper feed caused by a previously determined uneven paper feed, a first calculator for calculating an uneven paper feed in each of the lines to be printed, a second calculator for calculating a correction corresponding to the uneven paper feed calculated by the first calculator; and a control for controlling the paper feed in each of the lines according to the correction calculated by the second calculator.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine is provided having an endless photoreceptor belt arranged to move in a predetermined path through a plurality of processing stations. The apparatus is used in conjunction with a method for automatically and repeatedly measuring and updating a steering coefficient used in an automatic steering mode. The method includes centering the belt and finding the average "in" belt walk and "in" belt walk rate and the average "out" belt walk and "out" belt walk rate, in order to determine the steering control coefficient. The method allows for a single machine to have its steering coefficient repeatedly updated.

Abstract: An electronic checkbook (10) is provided for printing checks. electronic checkbook (10) is of a hand-held size and operates on two AAA batteries. An on/off switch (30) which includes a needle valve (410) controls ink flow. A print cap switch (26) is also provided for rugged applications. Checks are advanced under a printhead (38). The printhead (38) and a roller shaft (46) for advancing the checks are both driven by a single motor (56). A transmission (54) translates power from the motor (56) to the printhead (38) and the roller shaft (46). The position of both the motor (56) and the printhead (38) are sensed by use of a single LED (124) and photodetector (128). Ink is supplied to the printhead (38) from an ink cartridge (12). Data is stored in a non-volatile check register (16). Reconciliation of transactional information can be made by reference to information stored on a statement strip (20).

Abstract: The improved transporting apparatus for scanning exposure of a recording material as it is fixed on an exposure mount which is moved by means of a screw transmission mechanism is characterized in that the exposure mount for transporting the recording material is composed of a platen for carrying the recording material and a transport plate that holds the platen and which engages the screw transmission mechanism, with the platen and the transport plate being designed to be capable of relative displacement by small amounts, preferably in a non-contact relationship. Optionally, urging members may be provided to combine with the platen and the transport plate to form a vibration system that composes a vibration filter.

Abstract: A support arm for use in a pen plotter having a platen with a platen extension in front of it spaced to provide a slot therebetween to rotatably support a pinch roller above the platen to prevent the edges of plotting media inserted between the platen and the pinch roller from entering the slot. The arm is slidably supported under the platen on one end and passes through the slot to rotatably support a pinch roller above the platen on the opposite end. The arm has a bridging finger extending horizontally in the slot from a point adjacent the opposite end towards the plotting media from a side edge thereof. Preferably, the bridging finger is of a width substantially equal to the width of the slot and has a top surface at the same level as a top surface of the platen.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a data receiver for receiving encoded character or graphic information in the unit of a page from the outside; a pixel converter for converting the encoded character or graphic information into pixel information; an image forming device for forming an image on a recording medium based on the pixel information; and a feeder for feeding the recording medium to said image forming device. In the apparatus, the feeder is adapted to feed the recording medium to a predetermined position prior to the completion of pixel conversion of a page by the pixel converter.