US 5,376,957 A · Ink jet printer

Abstract

The present invention is an ink jet printer utilized to enlarge color images. Signals from a scanned image are converted by a color correction computer into control signals representing the density of the individual pixels of that scanned image. The color density signals are used to control the application of ink from ink jet spray nozzles located on a pair of printheads. Thus, the ink jet printer of the present invention reproduces the image on both sides of a translucent substrate to enhance the quality of the viewed image. The present invention is further provided with dual air sources to apply the ink. A first source is pulse width modulated to control the amount of ink sprayed onto the substrate. A second air pressure source is continuously applied to the ink jet spray nozzles to remove the excess ink that accumulates about the nozzles during print operations. The present invention, additionally, is provided with heaters and a wiper arm and sponge which operate together to enhance adherence of ink onto the substrate.

Claims23

Dependent claims

An apparatus for reproducing an image on a first side of a substrate and a mirror image on a second side of said substrate, comprising:

a frame;
means for generating control signals representative of said image;
ink delivery means positioned on opposite sides of said substrate, said ink delivery means fluidly communicating with an ink source;
means mounted on said frame for supporting said ink delivery means;
means mounted on said frame for driving said ink delivery means relative to said substrate;
and
means, responsive to said control signals, for controlling said ink delivery means to produce said image on said first side of said substrate and said mirror image on said second side of said substrate.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Ink jet printer

Life of this patent

Ink jet printer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23