Tractor mechanism compensating for paper taper
AssigneeSeiko Epson Corporation
InventorNaoto Yamaguchi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tractor and a continuous paper feed mechanism using the same which can more accurately convey continuous paper in a forward or reverse paper conveying direction by compensating for an increase or decrease in the width (taper) of the continuous paper due to a change in temperature or humidity. The change in paper width is compensated for by either employing a tractor having a pin belt that can incline relative to the paper conveying direction or by employing a tractor that pivots in accordance with the change in paper width to incline the pin belt.
Claims19
A tractor for feeding continuous paper with holes in the sides thereof in a paper conveying direction, comprising:
- at least one frame;
- a drive pulley supported by said frame;
- a pin belt coupled to said drive pulley for advancement thereby and formed with pins for engaging in the holes of the continuous paper;
- and
- means for permitting said pin belt to incline in the lateral direction of said paper for the purpose of compensating for taper in said paper due to climate variation.
A tractor for mounting on a drive shaft extending laterally of a paper conveying direction for feeding continuous paper with holes in the sides thereof in the paper conveying direction, comprising:
- at least one frame;
- a drive pulley rotatably mounted on said frame;
- a pin belt coupled to said drive pulley for being driven thereby;
- and
- means for coupling said drive pulley to said drive shaft for rotation of said drive pulley by said drive shaft to drive said pin belt and for permitting the pivoting of said drive pulley and frame relative to said drive shaft so that said pin belt can incline in the lateral direction of said paper for the purpose of compensating for taper in said paper due to climate variation.
A continuous paper feed mechanism for feeding continuous sheets of paper with holes in the sides thereof in a paper conveying direction, comprising:
- a drive shaft and a guide shaft, each extending laterally of the paper conveying direction in parallel spaced relation;
- a first tractor and a second tractor each including a pin belt, at least one of said first and second tractors including means for supporting the associated pin belt relative to the drive shaft so that said associated pin belt can incline in the lateral direction of said paper for the purpose of compensating for taper in said paper due to climate variation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.