Adjustable printhead loading device and method for document imaging apparatus
AssigneeEastman Kodak Company
InventorEric J. Connor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for recording an image on an image recording medium employs an imaging member in pressure engagement with the medium. The imaging member may comprise a thermal printer in pressure engagement with the medium wherein a donor sheet is between the printhead and the recording medium. In response to sensing an operating parameter of a recording operation, such as pressure, temperature, recording medium type or donor medium type, the position and/or amount of pressure is adjusted.
Claims32
A printing method of recording on an image recording medium using an imaging member in pressure engagement with the medium, the imaging member having a plurality of recording elements arranged in a second direction transverse to a first direction of movement of the medium, the method comprising
- sensing an operating parameter of a recording operation upon the recording medium, the recording medium moving in the first direction during the recording operation;
- and in response to said sensing
- automatically adjusting the position of a pressure applying member in the second direction for adjusting a pressure profile on a recording medium for recording on the recording medium.
An apparatus for recording information on an image recording medium, the apparatus comprising:
- a support for supporting an image recording medium during movement of the image recording medium in a first direction;
- an imaging member in pressure application with a recording medium;
- a sensor for sensing an operating parameter of a recording operation during pressure application of the imaging member with the recording medium and generating a first signal relative to sensing of the parameter;
- a controller responsive to the first signal from the sensor for providing an output signal for adjusting a pressure profile for recording in response to the first signal;
- a pressure applying member movable in a second direction transverse to the first direction in response to the output signal and cooperating with the imaging member to adjust the pressure profile of the imaging member upon the recording medium, wherein the imaging member is a printhead having a plurality of recording elements, the printhead's recording elements being arranged in the second direction;
- and
- wherein the pressure applying member comprises an extension rod, a carriage supporting the extension rod for movement in the second direction to permit adjustment of location of application of pressure to the printhead in said second direction.
A printing method for recording an image on an image recording medium using a printhead in pressure application with the medium, the method comprising:
- sensing an operating parameter of a recording operation during recording by the printhead;
- in response to said sensing, adjusting a pressure profile operating on the medium by the printhead to provide an adjusted pressure profile used in recording the image on the medium, wherein the printhead has a plurality of recording elements, the printhead recording elements being arranged in a first direction transverse to a second direction of movement of the recording medium;
- and
- wherein a carriage supports a pressure applying member for movement in the first direction and the pressure applying member is moved in the first direction to adjust location of application of pressure to the printhead to adjust pressure profile of the printhead on the image recording medium.
A printing method for recording an image on an image recording medium using a printhead in pressure engagement with the medium, the method comprising:
- sensing an operating parameter of a recording operation during recording by the printhead;
- in response to said sensing adjusting a pressure profile operating on the medium by the printhead to provide an adjusted pressure profile used in recording the image on the medium, wherein the printhead has a plurality of recording elements, the printhead's recording elements are arranged in a first direction transverse to a second direction of movement of the recording medium;
- and
- wherein the pressure applying member includes an extension rod that is mounted for movement towards and away from the printhead, and a spring biased loading rod is associated with the extension rod and a motor is actuated and adjusts a loading force of the loading rod on the extension rod.
A printing method for recording an image on an image recording medium using an imaging member in pressure engagement with the medium, the method comprising:
- sensing an operating parameter of a recording operation during recording by the imaging member;
- in response to said sensing adjusting a pressure profile operating on the medium by the imaging member to provide an adjusted pressure profile used in recording the image on the medium;
- and
- wherein a microprocessor controls a pressure applying member for adjusting the pressure profile operating on the medium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.