Method for Aligning a Media Sheet in an Image Forming Apparatus
AssigneeLexmark International, Inc.
InventorsBrian Allen Blair, Kristi Ann Kappes, Jason Lee Rowe, Edward Lynn Triplett
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for aligning a media sheet in a media path of an image forming apparatus includes aligning the media sheet against a first reference edge of an input tray. The media sheet may then move through an alignment nip which is constructed to laterally move the media sheet against a reference edge. The media sheet moves along the reference edge and becomes aligned prior to moving to a transport belt. The media sheet may then move through one or more transfer nips to receive one or more images.
Claims20
A system to align a media sheet in a media path of an image forming apparatus comprising:
- an input area including a support member to support the media sheet and a first reference edge to initially align a lateral side of the media sheet;
- a second reference edge located downstream along the media path from the input area, the second reference edge offset laterally from the first reference edge;
- an alignment nip located downstream along the media path from the input area, the alignment nip comprising a drive roll aligned parallel with the second reference edge and a backup roll aligned transverse to the second reference edge;
- a transport belt located downstream along the media path from the alignment nip;
- and
- a transfer nip formed between a photoconductive member and the transport belt.
A system to align a media sheet in a media path of an image forming apparatus comprising:
- an input tray sized to hold the media sheet and including a floor, a contact member on a first side of the tray that is movable relative to the floor, and a first reference edge on a second side of the tray opposite from the contact member;
- a second reference edge positioned downstream from the input tray and positioned laterally outward from the first reference edge of the input tray;
- an alignment nip positioned downstream from the input tray and including a drive roll and a backup roll, a centerline of the backup roll positioned at a non-parallel angle to the drive roll to direct the media sheet laterally against the second reference edge;
- a transport belt located downstream from the alignment nip and the second reference edge;
- a transfer nip formed between a photoconductive member and the transport belt;
- each of the first and second reference edges being flat to align a lateral side of the media sheet.
A method of aligning a media sheet in an image forming apparatus comprising:
- aligning the media sheet against a first reference edge of an input tray;
- moving the media sheet out of the input tray;
- moving the media sheet through an alignment nip and laterally moving the media sheet against a second reference edge;
- moving the media sheet to a transport belt positioned downstream from the alignment nip;
- and
- moving the media sheet through a transfer nip along the transport belt while the media sheet remains in the alignment nip, the transfer nip moving the media sheet at a slower speed than the alignment nip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.