Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a belt unit and a detector unit including a detector that is disposed opposite a tension roller via a belt and a detector support that supports the detector. The detector support includes a first lateral end portion that is disposed at one lateral end of the detector support in an axial direction of the tension roller and is movably attached to an apparatus body. The detector support further includes a second lateral end portion that is disposed at another lateral end of the detector support in the axial direction of the tension roller and is attached to the apparatus body. The first lateral end portion includes an engaging groove that engages a shaft of the tension roller. The engaging groove has a mouth that is disposed at a downstream end of the engaging groove in a detaching direction of the belt unit.

Abstract: A drive unit includes a drive source and a driving force transmitter that includes a plurality of rotators, an endless belt stretched by the plurality of rotators, a pressing member to press the endless belt, a first support shaft, a first link member to hold the pressing member, a second support shaft, a second link member to press the first link member, a biasing member to bias the second link member. A relation of L1 to L2 satisfies L1>L2, where L1 denotes a distance between the second support shaft and a biasing position and L2 denotes a distance between the second support shaft and a first pressing position. A relation of L3 to L4 satisfies L3>L4, where L3 denotes a distance between the first support shaft and the pressing position and L4 denotes a distance between the first support shaft and a second pressing position.

Abstract: In example implementations, a printing device is provided. The printing device includes a printer module, a first driver roller, and a second drive roller. The printer module includes a single set of print bars. A first side of the single set of print bars is to print on a first side of a continuous web of print media and a second side of the single set of print bars is to print on a second side of the continuous web of print media. The continuous web of print media travels over a common set of idler rollers. The first driver roller is to control an amount of tension of the continuous web of print media on a first side. The second drive roller is to control an amount of tension of the continuous web of print media on a second side. The amount of tension of the continuous web of print media on the second side is greater than the amount of tension of the continuous web of print media on the first side.

Abstract: A medium feeding apparatus includes a roll holding portion which holds a roll body around which a printing medium is wound, a feeding roller which pulls out the printing medium from the roll body and feeds the printing medium, a roll motor which rotates the roll body held by the roll holding portion, a roll motor control portion which controls the roll motor, and rotation position detecting portions which detect a rotation position of the roll body, the roll motor control portion performs removing looseness of the printing medium pulled out from the roll body by driving the roll motor and rotating the roll body in a rewinding direction, and in the removing, driving of the roll motor is finished on the basis of movement of the rotation position detected by the rotation position detecting portions.

Abstract: A tandem printing system for imaging a continuous web of material includes a first printer serially coupled to a second printer wherein the speed of the web can be adjusted to maintain image quality and to compensate for a change in a diameter of a driver drum. The change in the diameter of the driver drum can be derived from characteristics of the printing system including the amount of sag of the continuous web of material moving between the first printer and the second printer.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a motor which drives a shaft of a roll body around which a medium is wound, in the feeding direction of the medium; a transport roller which transports the medium fed from the roll body; and a control section which supplies electric power for rotating the roll body to the motor, wherein the electric power that the control section supplies to the motor at the time of the start of the feeding of the medium is larger when the diameter of the medium that is wound around the roll body is R2 (<R1) than when the diameter of the medium that is wound around the roll body is R1.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a first support unit which is disposed at an intermediate location of a transport path of the target and supports the target; a second support unit which is disposed at a location of a downstream side of the transport path of the target further than the first support unit and supports the target; a tension applying member which is disposed at a location of the target transport path between the first support unit and the second support unit and pressures the target from one side thereof to apply a tension to the target; and an optical detection unit which is disposed at a location corresponding to the tension applying member to face the other side of the target and irradiates detection light to a surface of the other side of the target to which the tension is applied by the tension applying member.

Abstract: A load applying unit includes a motor and a rotation transmission mechanism. A unit for causing the motor to be in a state where the motor creates a counter-electromotive force when rotational force from the roll body is received by applying a voltage less than a minimum driving voltage to the motor and a unit for changing a conveyance speed with which the conveyance unit conveys the print medium are included. While the print medium is pulled out from the roll body and the print medium is set in a state where image forming can be started, the motor is caused to be in the state where the motor can create the counter-electromotive force, and the conveyance unit performs a conveyance operation by changing the conveyance speed of the print medium in accordance with a detection result of the detecting unit.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll printing system includes driven rolls to apply a feeding force to a flexible substrate so that the flexible substrate is fed from an unwinder to a rewinder, nip rolls respectively disposed above two opposite end portions of each of the driven rolls to pressurize two opposite side portions of the flexible substrate, nip roll driving motors connected to the nip rolls to rotate the nip rolls, and a control unit to receive information regarding change of torque values of the nip roll driving motors and control tension of the flexible substrate based on the information.

Abstract: A printer is configured which includes, a printing head; a first transport mechanism which transports a printing medium along a transport path; a second transport mechanism which transports the printing medium along the transport path between the printing head and the first transport mechanism; a forward transport control unit which executes a forward transport control transporting the printing medium to the printing head side using the second transport mechanism while applying a load to the printing medium using the roller, and printing a coloring agent to the printing medium using the printing head; and a reverse transport control unit which executes a reverse transport control transporting the printing medium to the first transport mechanism side using the second transport mechanism while applying a load which is smaller than that in the forward transport control to the printing medium using the roller.

Abstract: According to the embodiment, a printing apparatus includes: a printing unit that forms an image on a web; a first feeding unit that feeds the web; a second feeding unit downstream of the printing unit in a feed direction; a buffer unit that has a buffer plate and absorbs flexure of the web generated by the two feeding units by operating the buffer plate; a first feeding control unit that causes the first feeding unit to execute a first deceleration operation; and a second feeding control unit that causes the second feeding unit to execute the first deceleration operation when a trigger for stopping the feed of the web has occurred, measures a feed amount of the web fed by the second feeding unit, and changes the first deceleration operation to a second deceleration operation based on the feed amount.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling drive settings in a press for printing on a web of media. A drive is provided to receive the web from an upstream location and to transport the received web downstream of the drive at a controllable speed. The speed of the drive is sampled plural times while operating the drive in a tension control mode that varies the speed to maintain a desired tension in the web adjacent the drive. An optimal speed of the drive is calculated from the sampled speeds. The drive is operated in a constant velocity mode at the optimal speed during printing.

Abstract: A printer includes a roll paper body driving mechanism that transports a medium by rotating a roll paper body on which the medium is wound, a first transport mechanism provided downstream of the roll paper body to transport the medium, a print head provided downstream of the first transport mechanism to carry out printing on the medium, a second transport mechanism provided between the roll paper body and the first transport mechanism to transport the medium, and a controller carries out control so that, in a range in which a velocity at which the first transport mechanism transports the media changes, the absolute value of a difference in an amount by which the medium is transported between transport mechanisms is larger between the roll paper body driving mechanism and the second transport mechanism than between the second transport mechanism and the first transport mechanism.

Abstract: A conveyance device including a drive roller that feeds a sheet medium from a media roll having the sheet medium wound in a roll that can rotate on a center axis of the roll, a drive roller that supplies the sheet medium from the media roll, a roll rotating unit that rotates the media roll and rewinds the supplied sheet medium, and first and second brake devices that apply a load to rotation of the media roll and are disposed to the roll rotating unit, wherein the first brake device is controlled to apply the load when not energized.

Abstract: An image recording device includes: a conveyor unit for conveying a recording medium; a drum for rotating under force of friction against the recording medium being conveyed by the conveyor unit, the recording medium being wound around the drum; and a recording unit for recording an image onto a portion, wound around the drum, of the recording medium being conveyed by the conveyor unit; the conveyor unit starting the conveyance of the recording medium in a state where a first tension has been applied to the recording medium, but executing a switching operation for switching the tension applied to the recording medium after the conveyance of the recording medium has been started, to a second tension that is lower than the first tension.

Abstract: A printer apparatus includes a printing part including a platen roller and a print head for printing objects onto a recording sheet, and a feeding part for feeding the recording sheet to the printing part. The feeding part includes a first feed port and a second feed port for feeding the recording sheet, a first roller for conveying a first recording sheet fed through the first feed port, a second roller for conveying a second recording sheet fed through the second feed port, a delivery port for feeding the recording sheet conveyed by the first roller and the second roller, a tension member having elasticity, a third roller rotatably connected to the tension member and being pressed toward the first roller by the tension member, and a fourth roller rotatably connected to the tension member and being pressed toward the second roller by the tension member.

Abstract: A system for applying back-tension on a print media, including a roll media print mechanism, a roll media spindle to hold a roll of print media thereon, and a servo motor coupled to the roll media spindle. The servo motor is to apply a first level of back-tension on the print media during a media advance that is not associated with printing and to apply a second level of back-tension on the print media during a media advance that is associated with printing. The first level of back tension is greater than the second level of back-tension.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a conveyance mechanism, a sticking section and an adjustment section. The conveyance mechanism has an adhesive belt on which a recording medium is placed, and configured and arranged to intermittently convey the recording medium. The sticking section is configured and arranged to apply pressure to the recording medium to stick the recording medium to the adhesive belt. The adjustment section is configured and arranged to adjust a pressure force applied by the sticking section to the recording medium. The adjustment section is configured and arranged to change the pressure force so that the pressure force during conveyance of the recording medium is greater than the pressure force during stopping of the recording medium.

Abstract: A method for adjusting tension to a media web in a printing system includes identifying a tension level between the media web and at least one roll that is in contact with the media web. The tension level is identified with reference to a slip condition between the media web and the at least one roll. The identified tension is stored in a memory in the printing system.

Abstract: A method of assisting in handling a print medium on a spindle, said spindle being operatively connected with a motor, said method comprising the following steps: rotating said spindle by an outside force in a first direction when handling the print medium, said rotation generating an electromotive force in said motor in a second direction, opposite to said first direction; and causing the motor to apply a torque in said first direction, said torque being proportional to the electromotive force generated in the second direction by the rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: A roll paper supply device has a roll paper compartment that stores roll paper with the axis of rotation transverse so that the roll paper can roll there inside; supply rollers that feed the roll paper from the roll paper compartment in a sheet; a roll paper cover that opens and closes the roll paper compartment; and a side pressure plate that contacts one side of the roll paper when the access cover is closed, and displaces away from the side of the roll paper when the access cover opens.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the tension of a continuous web of recording media in a printing system. The method includes identifying a tension in the continuous web and adjusting the tension in response to the amount of ink being deposited on the recording media. An offset tension value is determined, stored in memory, and used by a controller to adjust the velocity or tension of the continuous web moving through the printing system to improve the printing of images.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a tray having a set surface on which a recording medium is set; a recording section performing recording with respect to a region of the recorded matter, which is set on the set surface; and a pulling mechanism which applies a force from the set surface of the recorded matter to a protruding portion in a first direction and capable of pulling the portion of the recording medium, which is set on the set surface.

Abstract: Hybrid printer feeder mechanism, using a commercial printer of any type, such as LED, ink jet, thermal or dot matrix, allowing both single sheet fed input and alternately, continuous and variable width printable medium feedstock, including automated feed and cutting control, with minimal integration of the print engine and feeder.

Abstract: An automatically-adjusting tensioning mechanism for use in a roll-fed web media transport system, the tensioning mechanism adding tension to the web media, comprising a bracket assembly being adapted to freely pivot around a pivot axis, and first and second tensioning shoe having curved surfaces attached to the bracket assembly. The web media feeds through the tensioning mechanism in an S-shaped media path where the web media is wrapped around the first and second tensioning shoes. The pivot angle of the bracket assembly automatically adjusts in response to differences in a coefficient of friction between the web media and the tensioning shoes such that the tension in the web media has a reduced level of variability relative to configurations where the bracket assembly is held in a fixed position.

Abstract: A printer enables setting fanfold paper inserted from a paper inlet to a horizontal transportation path that passes the printing position without paper jams occurring. The horizontal paper transportation path is positioned downstream of a first transportation path that extends from the paper inlet and a second transportation path that extends from a roll paper compartment, all of which are formed inside the printer. An attachment of an access cover to the roll paper compartment forms an intermediate paper path that renders the first and horizontal paper paths continuous at a junction near the convergence of the first and second paper transportation paths. The intermediate paper transportation path not only renders a continuous path for the fanfold paper from the paper inlet to the printing position, it smoothes the flow of the fanfold paper to the horizontal paper transportation path.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reverse unit configured to wind a sheet printed at a print unit around the reverse unit and to reverse the sides of the sheet, and the reverse unit includes a winding rotary member having a cylindrical shape, and a skew correcting unit configured to correct skewing of sheets to be led into the winding rotary member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of securing and tensioning a printing form in an apparatus having a rotatable drum includes securing a first portion of the printing form to a first means for receiving that is coupled to a surface of the drum, and securing a second portion of the printing form to a second means for receiving that is disposed on a rotatable member that extends over a portion of the drum. The rotatable member is rotated so that the circumferential distance between the first receiving means and the second receiving means is about the same as a length of the printing form. A rotary torque means is coupled to the rotatable member to apply a substantially constant torque on the member and tension the printing form about the surface of the drum. The rotary torque means adjusts torque on the member which adjusts tension on the printing form.

Abstract: A label printing apparatus comprising a cassette receiving bay arranged to receive a cassette; and a cassette positioning mechanism. The cassette positioning mechanism is arranged to move a cassette inserted into the cassette receiving bay into a position in which printing can take place.

Abstract: A cassette is provided which includes a supply of label material and a brake. The brake has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the supply is clamped by the brake. In the second position, the supply is removable from the cassette.

Abstract: A method for controlling the web tension of a product web in a web processing machine includes reducing the effects of the web tension control on the web stretch before an impending change in at least one parameter influencing the web tension.

Abstract: A printer (1) comprises a printing section (2) and paper roll holder (3) located beside or under the printing section. The paper roll holder (3) has a receiving portion (7) supporting a paper roll (10) from below and a drawer portion (8). A guide member (12) that acts on a paper sheet is located between the receiving portion (7) and the drawer portion (8). The paper sheet between the receiving portion (7) and the drawer portion (8) is inclined to a horizontal side by the guide member (12).

Abstract: A method for adjusting tension to a media web in a printing system includes identifying a tension level between the media web and at least one roll that is in contact with the media web. The tension level is identified with reference to a slip condition between the media web and the at least one roll. The identified tension is stored in a memory in the printing system.

Abstract: A label tensioning board is provided for a label printer, including a body, at least one shaft, a resilient element, and at least one slide. The body forms a slot for rotatably accommodating the shaft. The resilient element is coupled to a proximal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the shaft is fixed to an enclosure of the label printer to allow for resilient rotation and returning of the body for adjustment of tension. The body forms at least one rail and a stop. The slide slidably engages the rail for sliding movement along the rail. The slide forms a positioning projection for setting a space between the slide and the stop that accommodate and guides the conveyance of a sheet of label paper. As such, a tensioning board featuring both adjustment of label tension and positioning of the label is provided.

Abstract: To release a medium securely from a fixed roll without damaging the medium. A releasing roller is disposed between a roll and a transport roller for nipping a medium and transporting the medium to a printing position. The releasing roller is rotated by a releasing motor so as to release the medium from the roll in a tangential direction of the roll. In addition, a sag part obtained by sagging the medium is formed between the releasing roller and the transport roller. A tension roller is placed on the sag part so that a constant tension is exerted on the released medium. A sag amount of the sag part is detected by monitoring a lower end part of the sag part with a sensor utilizing infrared rays. A printing apparatus releases the medium by the releasing roller to supply the medium so that the sag amount is within a predetermined range. The medium on which the constant tension is exerted is delivered by the transport roller onto a platen and is printed by a head.

Abstract: A recording device that records images on both sides of a recording medium using two recording heads suppresses slack in the recording medium and conveys the recording medium reliably. A first recording unit 21 holds and conveys the roll paper 20 between a first recording head 22 that records images to one side of the roll paper 20 and a first platen roller 27. A second recording unit 41 located downstream from the first recording unit 21 holds and conveys the roll paper 20 between a second recording head 42 that records images to the other side of the roll paper 20 and a second platen roller 47. The first platen roller drive unit turns so that the circumferential speed of the second platen roller 47 is faster than the circumferential speed of the first platen roller 27.

Abstract: A method of tensioning multiple webs of print media for a web printer is presented. The method comprises the steps of: feeding each print media web through a print media feeding path of the web printer; and attaching one or more tensioning weights to each print media web so as to impart a tension in each print media web. The total weight value of the one or more tensioning weights attached to each web of print media is substantially the same so that the tension imparted in each print media web is substantially equal.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a core, a cartridge housing defining a cavity that receives the core, a shaft extending from the cartridge housing into the cavity and at least part way into the core, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring is helically wound to define a coiled outer surface that is received in the core and also includes at least one end that engages the shaft. When the core is rotated in a first direction about the shaft, a circumference of the coiled outer surface of the torsion spring increases thereby restricting a rotation of the core in the first direction. When the core is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the coiled outer surface provides a controlled amount of drag to resist a rotation of the core in the second direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling tension in a ribbon spooling assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a ribbon tension control assembly for maintaining substantially constant tension in a ribbon, the assembly including a payout core having a cylindrical shape, a first ribbon spool mounted on the payout core and attached thereto, a second ribbon spool mounted on the payout core, the second ribbon spool configured to move independent from the payout core, a takeup core configured to receive a ribbon from each of the first ribbon spool and second ribbon spool, and a load applicator configured to limit movement of the second ribbon spool.

Abstract: A label printing apparatus comprising a cassette receiving bay arranged to receive a cassette; and an engagement member. The engagement member is movable between a first position, in which the engagement member is engaged with the cassette, and a second position in which the engagement member is disengaged with the cassette.

Abstract: An improved back tensioning system for a roll fed printer is provided. A spring loaded arm keeps a roller in direct contact with the outer diameter of the unwind roll. The roller is coupled to a slip clutch that exerts a constant force against the roll of media. Since this system does not apply a torque about the axis of rotation, as was the case in the prior art, the back tension does not vary with unwind roll size. As a result, linear back tension is provided in a manner that critically improves web handling and the printing process. As a result the problem is eliminated by applying resistance directly to the outer diameter of the roll of media.

Abstract: A paper roll printer has a paper roll compartment that stores paper roll so that it can roll with the axis of rotation transverse, and a side pressure plate inclined so that it touches part of the side of the paper roll and approaches the side with decreasing proximity to a supply roller. The paper roll transportation position of the supply roller that supplies paper from the paper roll is disposed to vertically overlap a paper roll of the maximum diameter that can be stored in the paper roll compartment. A movement limiting member that restricts movement of the paper roll horizontally and upwardly in the paper roll compartment is disposed opposite the supply roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an endless belt that travels circularly by a drive member and has an outer peripheral surface on which an image is formed; a tension applying member around which the endless belt is trained and that applies tension to the endless belt by pressing an inner peripheral surface of the endless belt; a detection member that detects the image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt; a support member to which the detection member is attached and that movably supports the detection member with respect to an apparatus main body; and a positioning member that positions the detection member with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt at a portion pressed by the tension applying member.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining uniform tension across a width of a web is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a roller, a first coupling, a second coupling, and a third coupling. The roller includes a shaft about which the roller rotates. The roller shaft defines an axis of rotation and includes a first end and a second end. The first coupling includes a first arm and a first joint that couples the first end of the roller shaft to the frame such that the roller shaft is free to rotate. The first joint is offset relative to the roller axis by a first distance. The second coupling includes a second arm, a second joint, and a third joint that couples the second end of the roller shaft to the frame. The second arm is free to pivot relative to the roller shaft and the frame through the second joint and the third joint. The third joint is offset relative to the roller axis by a second distance that is substantially equal to the first distance and in the same direction relative to the roller axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining uniform tension across a width of a web includes a roller, a first arm and a second arm, a plurality of devices, and a plurality of links. The roller includes a shaft, about which the roller rotates, that defines an axis of rotation. The first arm and the second arm are coupled to opposite sides of the shaft of the roller. The first arm and the second arm are coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of devices. The location of the coupling is at the same distance from the axis of rotation of the roller such that each device is allowed two degrees of rotational freedom about the arm to which it is coupled. Each of the devices is pivotably coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of links. Each link is pivotably coupled to the shaft of the roller through the device to which it is coupled such that the roller is allowed to pivot about a first axis. Each link is pivotably coupled to a stationary frame such that the roller is allowed to pivot about a second axis.

Abstract: Print substrate roll axle, comprising a support portion arranged to support a substrate roll near one end, a transmission member arranged to connect to a substrate roll drive mechanism, and a resilient member for engaging the substrate roll, wherein at least a part of the resilient member is arranged to move in a circumferential direction with respect to the axle for transmitting a torque to the substrate roll.

Abstract: A method of tensioning multiple webs of print media for a web printer is presented. The method comprises the steps of: feeding each print media web through a print media feeding path of the web printer; and attaching one or more tensioning weights to each print media web so as to impart a tension in each print media web. The total weight value of the one or more tensioning weights attached to each web of print media is substantially the same so that the tension imparted in each print media web is substantially equal.

Abstract: A ribbon supply shaft drive motor (8) and a ribbon take-up shaft drive motor (10) are drivingly controlled separately. If the state of a ribbon is not changed after a control cycle is repeated for a set time, the rotational speed of the drive motors (8, 10) is increased step by step.

Abstract: An apparatus for imprinting a sheet web includes two cylinders that rotate with a circumferential speed that corresponds to the speed of the web and which support the web over a specified angle region. Contactless printing heads are arranged side by side and at a distance to the circumferential surface of the associated cylinder and positioned transverse to the rotational direction of the associated cylinder. The printing heads each have a face oriented tangential to the associated cylinder and a center line that is essentially radial to the circumferential surface of the associated cylinder. A guiding device includes first and second guide devices associated with the respective cylinders to guide the web. Each guide device includes at least one pressure roller that fits against the surface of the associated cylinder and an element arranged to pull the web tangentially from the circumferential surface of the associated cylinder along a tangential path section.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a first support unit which is disposed at an intermediate location of a transport path of the target and supports the target; a second support unit which is disposed at a location of a downstream side of the transport path of the target further than the first support unit and supports the target; a tension applying member which is disposed at a location of the target transport path between the first support unit and the second support unit and pressures the target from one side thereof to apply a tension to the target; and an optical detection unit which is disposed at a location corresponding to the tension applying member to face the other side of the target and irradiates detection light to a surface of the other side of the target to which the tension is applied by the tension applying member.