For Web Record-medium Patents (Class 400/583)
  • Patent number: 8118505
    Abstract: A label printing apparatus having a label peeling mechanism determines the appropriate time to run a process for setting the paper. Paper having a plurality of labels continuously affixed to a web liner is loaded inside the label printing apparatus when a main cover is open. A peeling mechanism cover is attached and openable from the main cover. When opened, the paper is routed through one path or another to exit the printer from one or another exit depending on whether or not the peeling mechanism is used. A control method for this printer has a step of waiting for a switch to be pressed by an operator after the operator puts the paper inside the label printer and closes the main cover, and a step of executing a paper setup process when the switch is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Go Hiroike, Toshihiro Tsukada, Toru Takami
  • Publication number: 20120014734
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein are to a printer is provided which includes a roll holding unit, an irradiation unit, a light-receiving unit, an identification unit, a control unit, and a print unit. The roll holding unit is configured to hold a roll wound with a web material. The irradiation unit is configured to irradiate light on a portion of the roll. The light-receiving unit is configured to receive light reflected from the portion of the roll. The identification unit is configured to identify whether an identifier is provided on the roll and whether the identifier is valid, based on the light reception result of the light-receiving unit. The control unit, in response to the identification results of the identification unit, is configured to perform a predetermined operation according to an operation mode or change the operation mode. The print unit is configured to print on a printing medium based on the operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takeshi Tashiro
  • Publication number: 20120014735
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a printer is provided which includes a roll holding unit, an irradiation unit, a light-receiving unit, an identification unit, a control unit, and a print unit. The roll holding unit is configured to hold a roll wound with a web material. The irradiation unit is configured to irradiate light on at least a portion of the web material wound around the roll. The light-receiving unit is configured to receive light reflected from the at least a portion of the web material. The identification unit is configured to identify whether an identifier is provided on the web material and whether the identifier is valid, based on the light reception result of the light-receiving unit. The control unit, in response to the identification results of the identification unit, is configured to perform a predetermined operation according to an operation mode or change the operation mode. The print unit is configured to print on a printing medium based on the operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takeshi Tashiro
  • Publication number: 20110311293
    Abstract: A conveying unit conveys a continuous sheet, with a first end of the continuous sheet as the leading end. After an image forming unit forms page images on a first side of the continuous sheet, a cutting unit cuts off the continuous sheet. Then, for image formation on a second side opposite the first side, a duplex conveying unit conveys the continuous sheet to the conveying unit, with a second end of the continuous sheet as the leading end. The second end is opposite the first end and has been formed by cutting off the continuous sheet. In image formation only on the first side, the continuous sheet is cut off at a first position behind the last page image formed on the first side. In image formation on both the first and second sides, the continuous sheet is cut off at a second position behind the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Yasuzaki
  • Publication number: 20110293349
    Abstract: Printers with variable receiver supply are provided. In one aspect a printer is provided having a source of image data and production data for use in printing a set of images, with each image having a defined size and shape and a receiver supply having a web of receiver and a cutter adapted to cut the web of receiver to a determined length. The printer also has print engine to print the images on the receiver and a finishing system that is configurable between at least two configurations. A user input system receives user input from which a priority setting can be determined between an output rate priority and an efficiency priority; and a controller determines the configuration of the finishing system, receives the image data and production data and determines a priority setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas N. Tombs, James D. Shifley, Walter B. Sherwood, Gary P. Lawniczak, David E. Bettiol
  • Publication number: 20110243637
    Abstract: In printing data of a plurality of pages on a continuous sheet, it is determined whether the data is to be printed on a single side of the continuous sheet or on both sides thereof. A first sequence of pages arranged on a first side of the continuous sheet occurring when it is determined that the data is to be printed on the single side and a second sequence of pages arranged on the first side of the continuous sheet occurring when it is determined that the data is to be printed on the both sides such that the first and second sequences are opposite to each other. Each of the first and second sequences indicates whether the pages are arranged in descending order or in ascending order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sho Nakamura, Kazunari Shishido, Koji Yasuzaki, Ruriko Mikami
  • Publication number: 20110243636
    Abstract: A method enables changes in the operation of a web printing system in response to web dimensional changes being detected. The method includes identifying a cross-process dimensional change in a web moving through a printing system, comparing the identified cross-process dimensional change to a predetermined threshold, and changing operation of a component in the web printing system in response to the cross-process dimensional change exceeding the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: R. Enrique Viturro, Howard A. Mizes
  • Patent number: 8029203
    Abstract: A printing device provided with a conveyer roller pair for holding sheet paper drawn out from a recording paper roll to feed the sheet paper forward or backward. The device includes a feeding roller pair disposed between the recording paper roll and the conveyer roller pair for drawing out the recording paper and feeding it to the conveyer roller pair and a color recording unit disposed downstream of the conveyer roller pair in the direction of conveyance of the recording paper for recording a color image on the recording paper that is being moved backward. A guide unit with pivotable guide member is disposed between the feeding roller pair and the conveyer roller pair for bending and guides the recording paper in an arc-shape at an acute angle. A reservation space is provided outside of the arc-shaped recording paper guiding path for accommodating the sagged recording paper therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Kase, Ichiro Furuki, Akira Sakuta, Akihito Ito
  • Publication number: 20110236111
    Abstract: An image forming system includes: first and second image forming units that respectively form images on first and second surfaces of a recording medium formed into a belt shape while transporting the recording medium spanning the first and second image forming units; first and second transportation controllers that control a pre-transportation operation performed from a transportation start of the recording medium to arrival at a predetermined transportation speed, and a post-transportation operation including return transportation of the recording medium to an upstream side in a transporting direction performed from a start of a transportation stop to a stop of the recording medium; and a recording medium amount setting unit that adjusts transportation amounts of the recording medium in the pre-transportation and post-transportation operations, and thereby sets a recording medium amount existing between the first and second image forming units to a predetermined recording medium amount after the transportati
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daisuke FUJII
  • Publication number: 20110236112
    Abstract: A print system includes: a first printer that performs printing on continuous form paper; a second printer that performs printing on the continuous form paper after the printing by the first printer; and a synchronization unit that synchronizes the printing by the first printer and the printing by the second printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tamotsu NISHIURA
  • Publication number: 20110217108
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a label producing apparatus comprising: a housing; a feeding device that feeds a label tape; a printing device that prints desired print; an optical sensor comprising a light projecting device and a light receiving device capable of outputting a detected voltage value; a light-on control portion that controls said optical sensor so that said light projecting device is turned on; an initial value storage device that stores a predetermined initial threshold value; a threshold value correction portion that calculates a corrected threshold value using said initial threshold value; a mark detecting portion that detects a positioning mark by an arrival of said detected voltage value at said corrected threshold value after calculation of said corrected threshold value; a feeding control portion that controls said feeding device; and a print control portion that controls a print operation of said printing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke IMAMURA, Yasuhiro IRIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20110200378
    Abstract: A printer (1) has a paper feed roller (11) and a tractor (6) for conveying continuous paper (2) passed a printing position. During printing, the paper feed roller (11) is intermittently rotationally driven at a speed enabling conveying the continuous paper (2) a second feed distance per unit time, and the tractor (6) is held in a state enabling it to be rotated pulled by the continuous paper by means of the paper feed roller (11) while being intermittently rotationally driven synchronously to the paper feed roller (11) at a speed enabling conveying the continuous paper (2) a first feed distance that is less than a second feed distance per unit time (steps ST1, ST2). Each time the continuous paper (2) is conveyed one page length, the paper feed roller (11) is additionally rotated to eliminate a feed distance deficiency due to slipping (steps ST31 to ST33). The printer can therefore convey continuous paper with good precision without applying a great load, and can prevent a drop in print quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryuji Moriyama
  • Publication number: 20110182644
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes plural detection parts, a storage part and a display part. The detection parts are respectively installed at specific positions in the image forming apparatus, and respectively detect whether sheet clogging occurs. The storage part stores data of a transmitted image of the image forming apparatus. The display part acquires the data of the transmitted image of the image forming apparatus from the storage part, and displays the data of the transmitted image, and further displays position information indicating installation places of the respective detection parts on the transmitted image, and emphasizes and displays position information corresponding to the detection part which now detects the sheet clogging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiji Tsuduki, Ryota Kashiwagi
  • Publication number: 20110103867
    Abstract: An image recording device, including: a first sheet conveying path; a recording portion to record an image on a sheet; a first roller pair to convey the sheet in a first direction; a second sheet conveying path; a path changing portion; a second roller pair to convey the sheet in a second direction; a third roller pair to convey, to the first path, the sheet that has been conveyed to the second conveying path; and a control portion to control a sheet conveyance rate by the second roller pair to be higher than that by the third roller pair, whereby a part of the sheet between the second and third roller pairs is slacked for separating, from the second roller pair, a trailing end of the sheet before a leading end thereof reaches a position where the leading end is opposed to the recording portion in the first conveying path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shota Iijima
  • Publication number: 20110097130
    Abstract: A printer is provided that includes a printing unit printing an image on a sheet being conveyed on a printing path, a first feeder unit configured such that a sheet placed thereon is fed to the printing path via a first feeding path, a second feeder unit configured such that a sheet placed thereon is fed to the printing path via a second feeding path even while the first feeder unit is being replenished with sheets, and a controller configured to, in response to a first requirement being satisfied while the first feeder unit is forbidden to be replenished with sheets during a continuous printing operation, switch an actually-working feeder unit that works for actual sheet feeding in the continuous printing operation, to the second feeder unit, the first requirement including a condition that one or more sheets are placed on the second feeder unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoki HASHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 7922409
    Abstract: A printer which prints to a roll paper medium under the control of the printer and to a printer control method for maintaining consistently in high quality printing even at the end of a roll paper print medium. The printer conveys roll paper 11 through a paper transportation path and prints to the roll paper 11 using a print head 21 carried on a carriage 23 that moves transverse to the transportation path. When the trailing end 11a of the roll paper is detected, the printer advances and then stops the print medium so that the trailing end 11a of the roll paper is positioned on the transportation path outside of the carriage path 53.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Murahashi
  • Publication number: 20110076082
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus wherein the controller is configured to adjust a distance between a first recording medium and a second recording medium fed subsequently to the first recording medium in a medium feeding direction on the basis of a length L1 of a trailing-end marginal area of the first recording medium, a length L2 of a leading-end marginal area of the second recording medium, and a length L0 of a feeding-path recording area on a medium feeding path in the medium feeding direction such that the first recording medium and the second recording medium are not overlapped with each other in the feeding-path recording area and such that respective image recorded areas of the first recording medium and the second recording medium are not disposed on the feeding-path recording area at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuya OUCHI
  • Publication number: 20110044746
    Abstract: A printing apparatus and a roll paper transportation device which reduces the space needed to accommodate a roll paper buffer mechanism unit and paper detection unit, and to reduce poor electrical contact in the contact part of the paper detection unit. The roll paper transportation device has a paper detection unit for detecting the presence of roll paper. The paper detection unit itself comprises a detection lever that pivots rotationally when in contact with the roll paper, a cam formed integrally with the detection lever and having a curved surface that is concentric to the rotary axis of the detection lever, and a switch lever that contacts the curved surface of the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Norio Nagata
  • Publication number: 20100310294
    Abstract: To improve precision in identifying the amount that remains of a recording medium, an apparatus includes a paper holder that supports an outer circumferential surface of a recording medium that is biased downward in a vertical direction by the weight of the recording medium, such that a position of a center of the recording medium moves on a straight-line trace, associated with consumption of the recording medium; and a light-reflecting sensor that is provided at a predetermined position at a side face of the paper holder and senses displacement per unit time at a position facing the predetermined position of the recording medium that is rotated by being pulled out of the paper holder, associated with the consumption of the recording medium, where based on the displacement sensed by the light-reflecting sensor, a radius of the recording medium at the time the light reflecting sensor senses the displacement is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicants: CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD., CITIZEN SYSTEMS JAPAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TSUGARU, Gen MATSUSHIMA, Katsutoshi MUKAIJIMA, Tetsuya YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20100247218
    Abstract: The first image which is a continuous image divided into pages is printed on the first surface of web by the first printer, and the start mark is printed at the head of each page. The second image which is a continuous image is printed on the second surface by the second printer in synchronization with recording synchronization pulses. In printing of the second image, obtained is a difference between the number of pulses inputted to the second printing mechanism between detections of preceding and succeeding start marks, and the number of pulses estimated to be inputted thereto in the case where expansion or shrinkage of web doesn't occur, to adjust the frequency of pulses on the basis of the difference. Therefore, the second image is printed in accordance with the first image on the web without being affected by expansion or shrinkage of web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Takashi SAKAMOTO, Toshio Maeda, Hiroshi Tomiya
  • Patent number: 7798732
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a printing apparatus comprising a feeding device that applies a driving force to feed a print-receiving medium; a print forming device that performs a print forming process on the print-receiving medium; a harmonization controlling portion that harmonizes and controlling a driving speed of the feeding device and the print forming process operation of the print forming device, based on an input of print information by using a predetermined harmonization correlation; and a harmonization changing portion that changes the harmonization correlation according to properties of the print-receiving medium or a bonding medium to be bonded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Moriyama, Koshiro Yamaguchi, Takamine Hokazono
  • Publication number: 20100232862
    Abstract: A composite tape supply for use in a tape printer comprising an image receiving layer; a backing layer; and a liner layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Kris Vandermeulen
  • Patent number: 7771134
    Abstract: The image coding apparatus includes conveying unit configured to convey a roll-shaped recording medium, a recording head adapted to record an image on the recording medium, a guide member configured for guiding the recording medium, and a cutting unit configured to cut the recording medium, wherein the guide member is provided with at least one friction member on a surface of the guide member, the at least one friction member configured to come into contact with the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takakazu Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7752968
    Abstract: In a method and device for determination of a marking of an endless carrier material relevant for positioning of the endless carrier material to be printed in a printer or copier, the endless carrier material is inserted into the printer or copier. The endless carrier material is positioned in the printer or copier such that the marking is arranged in a detection region of a sensor arrangement. The pointing device is positioned at a position of the marking relevant for the positioning of the carrier material in the printer or copier. The position of the positioned pointing device is detected with aid of the sensor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Oce Printing Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7726893
    Abstract: When a label tape 36 after the printing on a label 39 has been fed to a tape cutting position, heating elements R1-Rn of a thermal head 9 is situated to face a position slightly on the upstream side of a label front end position (at the downstream end in the feeding direction) of the next label 39 which will be printed on next and to face a position on the downstream side of a print start position of the next label 39 (a<b in FIG. 7), and a mark sensor 12 is situated on the upstream side of the heating elements R1-Rn and to face a position slightly on the downstream side of a position indication mark 39B (c<e in FIG. 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hironori Harada, Yoshihito Nonomura
  • Publication number: 20100124451
    Abstract: A label printing apparatus having a label peeling mechanism determines the appropriate time to run a process for setting the paper. Paper having a plurality of labels continuously affixed to a web liner is loaded inside the label printing apparatus when a main cover is open. A peeling mechanism cover is attached and openable from the main cover. When opened, the paper is routed through one path or another to exit the printer from one or another exit depending on whether or not the peeling mechanism is used. A control method for this printer has a step of waiting for a switch to be pressed by an operator after the operator puts the paper inside the label printer and closes the main cover, and a step of executing a paper setup process when the switch is pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Go Hiroike, Toshihiro Tsukada, Toru Takami
  • Patent number: 7686527
    Abstract: When a label tape 36 after the printing on a label 39 has been fed to a tape cutting position, heating elements R1-Rn of a thermal head 9 is situated to face a position slightly on the upstream side of a label front end position (at the downstream end in the feeding direction) of the next label 39 which will be printed on next and to face a position on the downstream side of a print start position of the next label 39 (a<b in FIG. 7), and a mark sensor 12 is situated on the upstream side of the heating elements R1-Rn and to face a position slightly on the downstream side of a position indication mark 39B (c<e in FIG. 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hironori Harada, Yoshihito Nonomura
  • Patent number: 7650838
    Abstract: In a method or device for control of a printer or copier, a series of discrete signal states is generated with which a drive unit for conveyance of a carrier material to be printed is controlled. A control signal is generated to end the conveyance of the carrier material. Based on the control signal, the generated series of the discrete signal states is changed at an earliest with a changed signal state following the control signal. A positioning error of the carrier material is caused due to a time period between the control signal and the changed signal state is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Oce Printing Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Bartosch, Heinrich Lay
  • Patent number: 7614810
    Abstract: A printer allowing changes of a paper size and an ink sheet in an intermediate stage of printing is obtained. This printer comprises a paper tray provided in correspondence to each of a plurality of paper sizes, a paper tray detecting portion for detecting the size of the paper corresponding to the paper tray, an ink sheet cartridge provided in correspondence to each of a plurality of types of ink sheets corresponding to the plurality of paper sizes respectively, a cartridge detecting portion for detecting the type of the ink sheet corresponding to the ink sheet cartridge and a control portion finally deciding a combination of a paper and the ink sheet subjected to printing after searching for the paper and the ink sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadahiro Naito
  • Publication number: 20090245911
    Abstract: A method of printing a plurality of images on a length of media comprises feeding the media from an input roll of media to a printing device where images are printed on the media. After images are printed on the media, the media is delivered to an output roll. The method further comprises determining a pile height differential on the printed media for at least one initial image. Based on the determined pile height differential, subsequent images printed on the media are modified. The subsequent images are modified in a manner designed to compensate for the determined pile height differential. Accordingly, a method of roll-to-roll printing is disclosed that may be used to balance the ink layer across the width of the roll of media and maintain the cylindrical shape of the output roll in various printing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shriram V. Revankar
  • Patent number: 6960037
    Abstract: An ink jet head is fed in a main-scan direction to record one line on a recording paper. Thereafter, the recording paper is fed in a sub-scan direction for one line. A corrected feeding amount A is calculated by adding a correction value C1 to a basic feeding amount B. The correction value C1 is determined by a formula, C1=2·D·(R?½), wherein p represents an interval between dots recorded on recording paper in the sub-scan direction, and k represents a range of unevenness in the feeding amount caused by structural factors of sub-scan feeding means. For example, D=(p?k)/2. R is a random number in a range between 0 and 1. Gradation unevenness and/or black and white streaks caused by periodical feeding unevenness become inconspicuous since the correction value C1 is changed on a random basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya Kojima, Katsumi Enomoto
  • Patent number: 6799507
    Abstract: A web printer has a buffer for adjusting the traveling position of the web under its slack status, a tension assigning unit for assigning fixed tension to the web delivered from the buffer, a device for detecting the traveling position of the web delivered from the tension assigning unit, a sew correction unit for adjusting the skew of the web according to the output from the detection device, and an image forming unit that forms images on the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Printing Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ohba, Akitomo Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 6592276
    Abstract: A printer capable of stably transporting a web at high speed and with a high accuracy has a printing unit (10) for forming images on a web (W); a yet-to-be-printed web control means (2, 3, 5) for controlling the traveling position and tension of the web at a position upstream in a web transporting direction of the printing unit; and an after-printed web control means (12, 13b, 13c, 13d) for controlling the traveling position and tension of the web at a position downstream in the web transporting direction of the printing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ohba, Tsukasa Onose, Takeshi Terakado
  • Publication number: 20020192001
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a photo album page. The apparatus includes a first supply of a media having a front and back side, a first print head located adjacent the front side of the media; a first transport mechanism for advancing the first supply of media in a first processing path; a second supply of a second media having a front and back side, the front side of the second media is such that digital images may be printed thereon; a second print head for providing images on the front side of the second media; a second first transport mechanism for advancing the first media along a first processing path, the first path and second path being positioned such that initially the paths are initially separated and later combined to form a single processing path such that the back sides of first media and second media will be co-extensive with each other; and a securing mechanism for bringing together and securing the first media and second media so as to form a substantially integral web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Dale F. McIntyre, Joseph A. Manico
  • Patent number: 6428224
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for accurately indexing print receiving media of various types. A media indexing system is provided that includes a roller capable of indexing a print receiving medium in response to an indexing operation. A relationship exists between a commanded indexing operation of the roller and resultant indexing of a first type of print receiving medium. A type of print receiving medium is supplied to the media indexing system. The type of the print receiving medium is generally identified. A desired amount by which the print receiving medium should be indexed is identified. A commanded indexing operation of the roller to index by the desired amount is modified based on the type of the print receiving medium and the relationship. The print receiving can be indexed by substantially the desired amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Alan Askren, Ronald Willard Baker, James Richard Franks, Michael Lewis Pawley, Steven Andrew Rice
  • Patent number: 6305860
    Abstract: A squeezing apparatus of a liquid electrophotographic printer includes a squeezing roller for squeezing out and removing the carrier from a developer which is applied on a photosensitive belt by its passive-rotational movement while being pressed into tight contact with the photosensitive belt at a certain pressure together with a squeezing backup roller, a squeezing brush selectively coming in contact with the outer circumference of the squeezing roller, for cleaning the squeezing roller by being rotated by a separate driving section, and a squeezing roller slip prevention mechanism disposed on both ends of a shaft of the squeezing roller to come in tight contact with the squeezing backup roller during the pressing of the squeezing roller, for preventing any occurrence of slip of the squeezing roller with respect to the photosensitive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woo-yong Park
  • Patent number: 6106174
    Abstract: A printing machine for plastic tile with a feeding correction device comprises a central electric sensing eye disposed on a first layer of the plastic tile for detecting a position of the tile. The first layer further has a length-sensing line detected by an electric length-sensing eye. The printing machine further has a calculation unit capable of caculating data from the electric eyes for correcting a roller of the first layer. A code translator is fitted to a spindle of the printing roller. A feeding roller is arranged in front of the first roller, and is driven by a feeding motor. The feeding motor is controlled in respect of speed by the calculation unit to print on the first layer having preset print in a desired position after the calculation unit has received the data from the electric eyes and a turning speed datum of the printing roller from the code translator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Win Ton Plastics Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Feng Shen
  • Patent number: 6068419
    Abstract: A base sheet path for peeled issue (29) for guiding a base sheet (7) in a direction different from a label issue port (22) after passing a peeling section (12) following the printing by a printing section (18) and a base sheet path for continuous issue (30) for guiding the base sheet to the label issue port (22) with labels (9) printed by the printing section (18) stuck on the base sheet are provided. Two operating modes, namely, the label peeled issue mode in which the base sheet is set to the base sheet path for peeled issue and the label continuous issue mode in which the base sheet is set to the base sheet path for continuous issue are executed selectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha (Toshiba TEC Corporation)
    Inventors: Tsugio Shiozaki, Takeshi Tashiro
  • Patent number: 5980139
    Abstract: A method of controlling a speed of a print medium through a printer includes the step of providing a print medium transport assembly with a range of print medium transport speeds between a minimum print medium transport speed and a maximum print medium transport speed. A print engine is provided with a print engine speed. The range of print medium transport speeds is divided into subranges of print medium transport speeds. A requested speed is provided to the print medium transport assembly which corresponds to the print engine speed. For each subrange, an acceleration profile control equation, a constant speed control equation, and a deceleration profile control equation is determined. The constant speed control equation is dependent upon the requested speed. One of the subranges of print medium transport speeds is identified which encompasses the requested speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Keith Chapman, Steven Wayne Parish, Kevin Dean Schoedinger
  • Patent number: 5980138
    Abstract: A base sheet path for peeled issue for guiding a base sheet in a direction different from a label issue port after passing a peeling section following the printing by a printing section and a base sheet path for continuous issue for guiding the base sheet to the label issue port with labels printed by the printing section stuck on the base sheet are provided. Two operating modes, namely, the label peeled issue mode in which the base sheet is set to the base sheet path for peeled issue and the label continuous issue mode in which the base sheet is set to the base sheet path for continuous issue are executed selectively. In this case, depending on the result of detection by a base sheet sensor arranged facing the base sheet path for peeled issue for detecting the presence of the base sheet, namely, depending on the setting state of the base sheet, the label peeled issue mode or the label continuous issue mode is recognized automatically for determining the issue mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsugio Shiozaki, Takeshi Tashiro, Yuji Yasui
  • Patent number: 5929894
    Abstract: In a continuous form printer, a passage of the leading edge of the continuous form sheet is detected by a top sensor located along a feeding path thereof. A system determines whether the detection of the leading edge by the top sensor is correct, by comparing the feeding amount of the continuous form sheet after the feeding is started until the leading edge is detected with the distance between a feeding start position and the top sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 5816721
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a label printing method and apparatus which includes a housing providing a zone for receiving printing tape on which an image is to be printed, a data input device for inputting information defining the image to be printed as a label, a printing mechanism including a group of printing elements to which pixel data defining the image to be printed is passed sequentially on a group-by-group basis by a printhead controller and a motor operable to drive the printing tape past the printing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Esselte N.V.
    Inventors: Mathew Richard Palmer, Anthony Roy Dunn
  • Patent number: 5779378
    Abstract: A printer includes a tractor unit for feeding continuous form paper, encoders driven in synchronization with a tractor belt, and detecting sensors for detecting rotation of the encoders to generate feed pulses at a standard interval. The printer further includes a paper top sensor which detects a leading edge of the continuous form paper to generate a paper top signal and is arranged to control the feeding of the paper based on a feed pulse generated after the paper top signal. In order to compensate for a delay of the paper top signal, the printer controller is arranged to determine if there is a delay in the paper top signal by comparing the time interval between the paper top signal and the feed pulse with a threshold value. The printer is so arranged that the threshold value is stored in a non-volatile memory and can be set after assembly of the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 5685655
    Abstract: A security system for an unattended printing mechanism, such as that found in an automatic teller machine. The security system has a programmable microprocessor which sends data to a journal printer and actuates a journal motor that controls the rotation of the paper take-up drum. A timing disk is rotationally attached to the take-up drum. A sensor mounted adjacent the timing disk senses the rotation of the timing disk and the rotation of the take-up drum. As the timing disk rotates, the sensor generates alternating high and low signals. The sensor signals are fed to the microprocessor, which assesses the number of high/low signals, and the amount of paper being fed to the take-up roll. When it does not see a proper number of high-to-low transitions for a given amount of journal motor rotation, the microprocessor provides a signal that a jam has occurred in the printing system. The microprocessor continually monitors the sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Del Signore, II, Andrew B. Nye, III, Hillis L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5564845
    Abstract: A continuous form printer is provided with two rotary encoders, corresponding to different paper feed intervals, and mounted coaxially on a drive shaft. The drive shaft drives a tractor for feeding the paper. The rotary encoders are read by photo-interruptor sensors, and the sensor signals are selected by a selector. The selector is able to select either one of the sensor signals generated by the encoders, or a signal formed by performing an AND operation on the two sensor signals. A controller controls a motor driving the drive shaft according to the selected signal, the selected signal corresponding to a chosen feeding interval. The controller is further able to precisely adjust the leading edge of the paper to a predetermined position based on the selected sensor signal, a known paper length, and a paper top sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Yoshimi Saito, Masahiro Kita, Tsutomu Sato
  • Patent number: 5524996
    Abstract: A label printer apparatus is arranged to produce printed labels from a continuing strip of adhesive-backed, linerless label material. By operation of a standard printer roller, the apparatus advances a strip of linerless material along a path from a roll of the material over a print head where a portion of the strip is printed. The printed portion is advanced past a cutting blade onto a label applicator and is severed from the remainder of the strip by operation of a cutting blade. A guide comprising a lower wall and a pair of opposing side walls is disposed along the path and serves as a guide for the adhesive back material from the roll to the printer. The printer roller is controlled by a control unit responsive to operator input instructions and the condition of a photosensor to position and reposition the leading edge of the strip relative to the print head, before and after printing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Label Company
    Inventors: George F. Carpenter, Karl Burdick
  • Patent number: 5511891
    Abstract: A tape is controlled in a printing machine by advancing a length of tape through a light pathway. Transmittance of the light through the tape is measured and values are stored associated with transmittances through the tape. The tape is advanced to a start position where measured transmittance of the tape at the start position corresponds with a stored value of a measured transmittance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Varitronic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Nehowig, David T. Gale, Scott W. Kullman, Brynn D. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5493318
    Abstract: A device for positioning a tip portion of a continuous form provided in a laser printer when the continuous form is set in the laser printer. The device includes a pair of fixing rollers provided at a position separated by a predetermined interval from a photosensitive drum, a tractor unit, a feed sensor, a tip sensor, and a control unit. The tractor unit is provided between the fixing rollers and the photosensitive drum to feed the continuous form toward the fixing rollers, the feed sensor outputs feed pulses in accordance with an amount fed of the continuous form, the tip sensor senses the tip portion of the continuous form. The control unit counts the number of feed pulses sensed by the feed sensor to feed one page of the continuous form so as, to discharge one page from the outlet mouth of the printer when a positioning of the tip portion is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ikuo Negoro, Kiyoshi Negishi, Masahiro Kita
  • Patent number: 5454653
    Abstract: A printing device which comprises a thermal head for printing a dot pattern image, a driving mechanism for moving a tape which serves as a recording medium, and a DC motor, is disclosed. Printing by the thermal head is inhibited while the DC motor is accelerating. Printing is then executed when the DC motor rotates at a constant speed. The dot pattern image data is printed utilizing a printing frequency having a constant value and which is obtained by dividing a CPU clock. The rotation speed of the DC motor is preset by elements incorporated in the control circuit of the DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Miwa
  • Patent number: 5410336
    Abstract: In a heat transfer recording apparatus, ink of an ink sheet is transferred to a recording medium to record images on the recording medium. The apparatus includes conveying motors for the ink sheet and recording medium, and a timer for counting a recording interval from the termination of the image recording until the next conveyance of the ink sheet or recording medium is started. A waiting time is determined which corresponds to the recording interval. The apparatus is controlled so that image recording is effected on the recording medium after the lapse of the waiting time after the start of ink sheet conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Ono, Takehiro Yoshida, Hisao Terajima, Satoshi Wada, Makoto Kobayashi, Yasushi Ishida, Akihiro Tomoda, Minoru Yokoyama, Takashi Awai