US 8,576,264 B2 · Registration device for mail processing system having wide print nozzle arrays

Abstract

A registration device for a mail processing system having wide print nozzle arrays that reduces problems associated with printing on variable thickness media. A thin wire, held by guides, is strung across the print nozzle openings in the registration plate to support and guide the top (print) surface of a mail piece and to prevent the mail piece from protruding into the openings. The guides are positioned such that the wire passes between zones where there are no print nozzles located. A tensioning device is provided to adjust the tension of the wire to ensure the wire maintains its position within the openings. The wire acts as a guide to maintain the optimal gap between the mail piece top surface and the print nozzles.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A registration device for a printing system having a print head, the registration device comprising:

a registration plate located beneath the print head to register a surface of an article to be printed a predetermined distance from a nozzle array of the print head;
an opening in the registration plate to expose the nozzle array to the surface of the article for printing on the surface of the article as the article is being transported past the opening;
and
a wire strung across at least a portion of the opening in the registration plate, the wire acting as a barrier to prevent the article from protruding into the opening in the registration plate.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Registration device for mail processing system having wide print nozzle arrays

Life of this patent

Registration device for mail processing system having wide print nozzle arrays

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12