Multipurpose printer protecting print elements from adhesive on the medium
AssigneeNCR Corporation
InventorsMichael J. VanDemark, Mark E. Keeton, Timothy W. Rawlings
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multipurpose printer and techniques for operating the printer are presented. A printer includes first and second print elements. During a first mode of operation for the printer, both the first and second print elements are configured to image both first and second sides of print media passing through the printer. During a second mode of operation, the first print element is prevented from interfacing with at least portions of the first side of the media that include adhesive materials affixed thereto.
Claims21
A printer, comprising:
- a first print head configured to interface with a first side of media to image on the first side of the media during a first mode of operation for the printer;
- a second print head configured to interface with a second side of the media to image on the second side of the media during the first active printing mode for operation of the printer in which both the first and second print heads are enabled for printing;
- at least one sensor configured to detect adhesive material affixed to at least a portion of the first side of the media and thereby to enable a second active printing mode of operation for the printer in which the second print head is enabled for printing and the first print head is disabled for printing when adhesive material is detected by the at least one sensor;
- and
- a disengagement mechanism configured to protect the first print head from interfacing with the first side of the media during the second active printing mode of operation for the printer in which the second print head is enabled for printing and the first print head is disabled for printing.
A method for operating a printer in two active printing modes, the method having instructions to execute on one or more processors of the printer, the method comprising:
- engaging a first print head to image on a first side of media as the media passes through the printer during a first mode of operation for the printer;
- engaging a second print head to image on a second side of the media as the media passes through the printer during the first active printing mode of operation for the printer in which both the first and second print heads are enabled for printing;
- detecting adhesive material affixed to at least a portion of the first side of the media;
- enabling a second active printing mode of operation for the printer in which the second print head is enabled for printing and the first print head is disabled for printing in response to detection of adhesive material affixed to at least a portion of the first side of the media;
- and
- preventing at least a portion of the first print head from interfacing with the first side of the media as the media passes through the printer during the second active printing mode of operation for the printer in which the second print head is enabled for printing and the first print head is disabled for printing.
A method for operating a printer in two active printing modes, the method having instructions to execute on one or more processors of the printer, the method comprising:
- engaging a first print head to image on a first side of media as the media passes through the printer during a first mode of operation for the printer;
- engaging a second print head to image on a second side of the media as the media passes through the printer during the first active printing mode of operation for the printer in which both the first and second print heads are enabled for printing;
- detecting adhesive material affixed to at least a portion of the first side of the media;
- enabling a second active printing mode of operation for the printer in which the second print head is enabled for printing and the first print head is disabled for printing in response to detection of adhesive material affixed to at least a portion of the first side of the media;
- and
- preventing at least a portion of the first print head from physically contacting the first side of the media as the media passes through the printer during the second active printing mode of operation for the printer in which the second print head is enabled for printing and the first print head is disabled for printing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.