# US 2017/0282601 A1 · Adjustable s-rollers in a print system

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 2017/0282601 A1
- Document ID: US20170282601A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 15/088,845
- Filed: 2016-04-01
- Published: 2017-10-05
- Earliest claimed: 2016-04-01
- Assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
- Inventors: Stuart J. Boland; Dilan Nirushan Fernando; Robert F. Jessen
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170282601A1

## CPC

- B41J 11/0024: {using conduction means, e.g. by using a heated platen}
- B41J 15/165: {for tensioning continuous copy material by use of redirecting rollers or redirecting nonrevolving guides}
- B65H 20/02: by friction roller
- B65H 20/24: by looping or like devices
- B65H 23/1888: {and controlling web tension}
- B65H 2801/15: Digital printing machines
- G06K 15/022: {for printing on continuous media, e.g. tapes}
- B41J: TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B65H: HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- G06K: GRAPHICAL DATA READING (image or video recognition or understanding G06V); PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS

## Abstract

Systems and methods for adjustable S-rollers in a print system. One system is an apparatus that includes a pair of rollers configured to be positioned on opposite sides of a web of continuous-forms print media, and a coupling member that connects the pair of rollers, wherein the coupling member pivots about a common axis between the pair of rollers. The apparatus also includes a drive unit configured to pivot the coupling member and a controller to receive input that describes at least one property of the web, and to direct the drive unit to pivot the coupling member to a position that applies a normal force between the web and at least one of the pair of rollers based on the at least one property of the web.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus comprising:
a printer configured to apply ink to a web of continuous-forms print media;
a first pair of rollers configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the web;
a first coupling member to connect the first pair of rollers, wherein the first coupling member pivots about a first common axis between the first pair of rollers;
a first drive unit configured to pivot the first coupling member;
a second pair of rollers configured to be positioned on the opposite sides of the web;
a second coupling member to connect the second pair of rollers, wherein the second coupling member pivots about a second common axis between the second pair of rollers;
a second drive unit configured to pivot the second coupling member;
a graphical user interface of the apparatus to receive input identifying a media type among a plurality of media types for the web; and
a controller to direct the first drive unit to pivot the first coupling member to a first position among a first plurality of positons, and to direct the second drive unit to pivot the second coupling member to a second position among a plurality of second positions based on the media type identified at the graphical user interface of the apparatus;
wherein when the first pair of rollers are in the first position the first pair of rollers do not contact the web, and when the second pair of rollers are in the second position the second pair of rollers contact the web.

### Claim at position 2

2-20. (canceled)

### Claim 21 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a heating unit configured to apply heat to the first pair of rollers;
wherein the first pair of rollers are positioned downstream from printheads of the printer to dry ink applied to the web; and
wherein the second pair of rollers are unheated.

### Claim 22 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the media type includes a media thickness.

### Claim 23 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the media type is identified by a media name.

### Claim 24 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the media type is identified by a material.

### Claim 25 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the physical properties of the first pair of rollers are different than physical properties of the second pair of rollers.

### Claim 26 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a diameter of the first pair of rollers is different than a diameter of the second pair of rollers.

### Claim 27 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a surface texture of the first pair of rollers is different than a surface texture of the second pair of rollers.

### Claim 28 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller directs the first drive unit based on a first property of the first pair of rollers stored in memory, and directs the second drive unit based on a second property of the second pair of rollers stored in memory, wherein the first property and the second property are different.

### Claim 29

A method comprising:
receiving input at a graphical user interface of a printing system that identifies a media type for a web of continuous-forms print media that is to travel through a first pair of rollers positioned on opposite sides of the web and a second pair of rollers positioned on the opposite sides of the web, the first pair of rollers connected via a first coupling member that pivots about a first common axis between the first pair of rollers, and the second pair of rollers connected via a second coupling member that pivots about a second common axis between the second pair of rollers; and
pivoting the first coupling member about the first common axis to a first position among a plurality of first positions and pivoting the second coupling member about the second common axis to a second position among a plurality of second positions based on the media type identified at the graphical user interface of the printing system;
wherein when the first pair of rollers are in the first position the first pair of rollers do not contact the web, and when the second pair of rollers are in the second position the second pair of rollers contact the web.

### Claim 30

A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying programmed instructions which, when executed by a processor, are operable to perform a method comprising:
receiving input at a graphical user interface of a printing system that identifies a media type for a web of continuous-forms print media that is to travel through a first pair of rollers positioned on opposite sides of the web and a second pair of rollers positioned on the opposite sides of the web, the first pair of rollers connected via a first coupling member that pivots about a first common axis between the first pair of rollers, and the second pair of rollers connected via a second coupling member that pivots about a second common axis between the second pair of rollers; and
pivoting the first coupling member about the first common axis to a first position among a plurality of first positions and pivoting the second coupling member about the second common axis to a second position among a plurality of second positions based on the media type identified at the graphical user interface of the printing system;
wherein when the first pair of rollers are in the first position the first pair of rollers do not contact the web, and when the second pair of rollers are in the second position the second pair of rollers contact the web.
