CA1193904A - Printing apparatus - Google Patents
Printing apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1193904A CA1193904A CA000424877A CA424877A CA1193904A CA 1193904 A CA1193904 A CA 1193904A CA 000424877 A CA000424877 A CA 000424877A CA 424877 A CA424877 A CA 424877A CA 1193904 A CA1193904 A CA 1193904A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- medium
- rolls
- developing
- light
- station
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Printers Or Recording Devices Using Electromagnetic And Radiation Means (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A low-cost printer is provided for use with data processing equipment. A light-shielding retainer provides a substantially continuous sheet supply of printing medium which is light sensitive and heat developed.
The printing medium has strips of a conductive-resistive material on one side. The medium is moved past a processing station. A first portion of the station includes an array of light emitting elements and a second portion in-cludes electrical contacts which engage the strips and apply current through them thereby heating the medium sufficient for developing the medium thus visibly exposing and fixing the characters on the medium. The use of discrete strips interrupts the spread of heat and limits the zone of heating of the medium to a region adjacent the printer. This permits light exposure and heat curing to occur at approximately the same location. Thus, any errors will be more readily noticed.
A low-cost printer is provided for use with data processing equipment. A light-shielding retainer provides a substantially continuous sheet supply of printing medium which is light sensitive and heat developed.
The printing medium has strips of a conductive-resistive material on one side. The medium is moved past a processing station. A first portion of the station includes an array of light emitting elements and a second portion in-cludes electrical contacts which engage the strips and apply current through them thereby heating the medium sufficient for developing the medium thus visibly exposing and fixing the characters on the medium. The use of discrete strips interrupts the spread of heat and limits the zone of heating of the medium to a region adjacent the printer. This permits light exposure and heat curing to occur at approximately the same location. Thus, any errors will be more readily noticed.
Description
This invention relates generally to printing and more particularly to a printing apparatus using a light senstive, heat developed paper.
Various printing rechniques have been used in combination with data processing equipment for printing output of data which has been processed.
An example of such a printer is a laser scanner printer which satisfies the requirement of having sufficient printing speed but is expensive to purchase and maintain.
With the advent of the home computer market, excessive moving parts, noise, reliablity, maintenace, and size have become important criteria for designing suitable printers. All of these criterial ultimately affect the cost of a printer and excessive cost is a major limitation of present known printers. Generally, reducing the nimber of moving parts in an apparatus can reduce limitations usually associated with the above-mentioned design criteria resluting in lower cost printers.
The foregoing illustrates limitation of the known prior art. Thus, it is apparent that it would be advatageous to provide an alternative directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations as set forth above. Accordingly, a suitable alternative is provided including features more fully disclosed hereinafter.
In one aspect of the present invention, this is accomblished by providing a printing apparatus including a retained suppluy of light sensitive and heat seveloped printing medium. The medium is moved from the retained supply and past a processing station. A first portion of the processing station includes an array of light emitting elements. A second portion of the processing station includes means for heating said medium sufficient for developing.
More particularly, the invention provides a printing apparatus comprising: means for retaining a substantially continuous supply of printing medium, said medium being of a construction sufficient to be light sensitive and heat developed; and having one side thereof a conductive-resistant coating in the form of a plurality of discrete strips; a print processing station; means for moving said medium from said reatainer past said station; means opeerable for exposting said moving medium to an image proiduced by array of light emit-ting elements located at said station; and means operable for incrementally developing said medium in response to operation of said light emitting elements for fixing said image on said medium, said means for developing including electrical contacts at said station for engaging the strips and applying electrical current thereto therby heating the medium and developing said image.
The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side elevation view graphically illustrating features of an embodiment of this inven-tion; and Figure 2 is an isometric view graphically illustrating features of an embodiment of this invention.
In Figures 1 and 2 a printing apparatus is illustrated ingraphical form generall designated 10. A housing 12 (not shown in Figure 2) is formed of commercially available material such as a suitable synthetic resin which is light shielding for protecting elements within housing 12 from light exposure. In additon to the material being light shielding, housing 12 is of a construction sufficient to limit light from entering therein.
Various printing rechniques have been used in combination with data processing equipment for printing output of data which has been processed.
An example of such a printer is a laser scanner printer which satisfies the requirement of having sufficient printing speed but is expensive to purchase and maintain.
With the advent of the home computer market, excessive moving parts, noise, reliablity, maintenace, and size have become important criteria for designing suitable printers. All of these criterial ultimately affect the cost of a printer and excessive cost is a major limitation of present known printers. Generally, reducing the nimber of moving parts in an apparatus can reduce limitations usually associated with the above-mentioned design criteria resluting in lower cost printers.
The foregoing illustrates limitation of the known prior art. Thus, it is apparent that it would be advatageous to provide an alternative directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations as set forth above. Accordingly, a suitable alternative is provided including features more fully disclosed hereinafter.
In one aspect of the present invention, this is accomblished by providing a printing apparatus including a retained suppluy of light sensitive and heat seveloped printing medium. The medium is moved from the retained supply and past a processing station. A first portion of the processing station includes an array of light emitting elements. A second portion of the processing station includes means for heating said medium sufficient for developing.
More particularly, the invention provides a printing apparatus comprising: means for retaining a substantially continuous supply of printing medium, said medium being of a construction sufficient to be light sensitive and heat developed; and having one side thereof a conductive-resistant coating in the form of a plurality of discrete strips; a print processing station; means for moving said medium from said reatainer past said station; means opeerable for exposting said moving medium to an image proiduced by array of light emit-ting elements located at said station; and means operable for incrementally developing said medium in response to operation of said light emitting elements for fixing said image on said medium, said means for developing including electrical contacts at said station for engaging the strips and applying electrical current thereto therby heating the medium and developing said image.
The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side elevation view graphically illustrating features of an embodiment of this inven-tion; and Figure 2 is an isometric view graphically illustrating features of an embodiment of this invention.
In Figures 1 and 2 a printing apparatus is illustrated ingraphical form generall designated 10. A housing 12 (not shown in Figure 2) is formed of commercially available material such as a suitable synthetic resin which is light shielding for protecting elements within housing 12 from light exposure. In additon to the material being light shielding, housing 12 is of a construction sufficient to limit light from entering therein.
-2-Housing 12 includes a retainer portion 14 for retaining a sustantially continuous supply of commercially available prin-ting medium 16 which is of a construction sufficient to be light senstive and head developed. Medium 16 is in the form of a con-tinuous sheet and includes opposed sides 18, 20, -2a-~3~
with side 18 being light sensitive. Such medium can receive a light image and, once heated, the medium is developed o-r cured to the extent that the image becomes fixed thereon and becomes visible. Another portion 2~ of housing 12 encloses a print processing station 26 and means 28 for moving medium 16 from retainer 14 past statlon 26.
Medium 16 is preferably supplied in rolls rotatably mounted by readily available means within retainer l~. In addition, retainer 14 is light shielding and is preferably detachable from portion 2~ of housing 12. Such a detachable feature can be accomplished by a variety of known methods. Medium 16 is preferably a modified version of a dry silver paper product such as type 7773 manufactured by the 3M Corporation.
Station 26 includes a first portion having a printing member 30 operably connected in housing 12 for printing by exposing the medium to appropriately actuated portions of a linear array of light emitting elements such as LED elements representing a dot matrix mode or a segmented alphanumeric character mode. Both modes are within known technology and the dot matrix mode is preferred since it will permit full alphanumeric and graphics capability as opposed to only fixed alphanumeric characters with limited graphics. Print-ing member 30 is adapted for electrical connection via wires 31.
Station 26 also includes a second portion having a pair of contacts 32, operably connected in housing 12 and resiliently urged via an exemplary resilient member 27 into engagement with side 20 of medium 16. Side 20 of medium 16 is provided with strips 22 of a conductive resistant coating which electrically connects contacts 32 and heats medium 16 sufficient for developing.
Such a coating has heretofore only been provided as a full coating on one side of a medium. This invention discloses applying such coating as a series of equally spaced parallel lines or strips 22 which may, for example, be in the
with side 18 being light sensitive. Such medium can receive a light image and, once heated, the medium is developed o-r cured to the extent that the image becomes fixed thereon and becomes visible. Another portion 2~ of housing 12 encloses a print processing station 26 and means 28 for moving medium 16 from retainer 14 past statlon 26.
Medium 16 is preferably supplied in rolls rotatably mounted by readily available means within retainer l~. In addition, retainer 14 is light shielding and is preferably detachable from portion 2~ of housing 12. Such a detachable feature can be accomplished by a variety of known methods. Medium 16 is preferably a modified version of a dry silver paper product such as type 7773 manufactured by the 3M Corporation.
Station 26 includes a first portion having a printing member 30 operably connected in housing 12 for printing by exposing the medium to appropriately actuated portions of a linear array of light emitting elements such as LED elements representing a dot matrix mode or a segmented alphanumeric character mode. Both modes are within known technology and the dot matrix mode is preferred since it will permit full alphanumeric and graphics capability as opposed to only fixed alphanumeric characters with limited graphics. Print-ing member 30 is adapted for electrical connection via wires 31.
Station 26 also includes a second portion having a pair of contacts 32, operably connected in housing 12 and resiliently urged via an exemplary resilient member 27 into engagement with side 20 of medium 16. Side 20 of medium 16 is provided with strips 22 of a conductive resistant coating which electrically connects contacts 32 and heats medium 16 sufficient for developing.
Such a coating has heretofore only been provided as a full coating on one side of a medium. This invention discloses applying such coating as a series of equally spaced parallel lines or strips 22 which may, for example, be in the
3~
range of from about 0.005" to about 0.020" wide and spaced apart at from about 0.002" to about 0.010". In this manner, the medlum becomes incrementally developed as each strip 22 is sequentially engaged by contacts 22. The area developed on medium 16 is larger than the area of strip 22 itself. lhis area is a function of the voltage applied to the strip 22 and the length of time that the voltage is applied. This permits printing to be positioned anywhere on side 18. Printing member 30 and contacts 32 are opposed and medium 16 passes therebetween. This requires an electrical timing device 21 operably connected to permit the light emitting elements to be exposed to medium 16 prior to heating. Such timing devices are well within known technology.
Contacts 32 are adapted for electrical connection via a wire 33. Each strip 22 is continuous but is shown as a dotted line since they are on side 20 of medium 16.
Means are provided for moving medium 16 from retainer 1~ past station 26. Such means pre~erably includes a- pair of elongated rubber faced, rotatably mounted rolls 34, 36 provided so that medium 16 passes therebetween.
With roll 36 suitably positioned, roll 34 is resillently urged toward roll 36 by an exemplary resilient member 35. This provides rolls 3~, 36 in gripping engagement with medium 16.
Means, such as a known stepping motor 38, are operably provided to rotatably drive roll 36 via a drive belt or chain 37 in a stepp0d manner for stepped exposure of strips 22 to processing station 26. A suitable solenoid and ratchet device can provide equivalent stepping. Motor 38 is adapted for electrical connection via wires 39.
In operation, medium 16 is drawn between rolls 34, 36 in stepped increments and past 5tation 26 between printing member 30 and heating contacts 32. Light sensitive side 18 is first exposed to light and then to heat due to current applied by contacts 32 to coated strips 22 on side 20. As a ~3~
result, printing is accomplished as images become fixed on medium 16. When a roll of medium 16 expires, retainer 1~ can be detached and a fresh supply of medium re-attached. Also, it is anticipated that retainers 1~ can be provided as cassettes loaded with rolls of medium 16. This will eliminate a need to immedia-tely refill retainer 1~ when it becomes empty. In addition, when a new roll of medium 16 is to be started, it may be desirable to mechanically separate contacts 32 from printing member 30 and feed medium 16 past contacts 32 and into rolls 3~, 36.
Heating contacts 32 could be spaced from printing member 30 and operated without a ~iming device such as where the medium first passes a printing member then subsequently, after the medium has traveled a specified distance, the medium can then pass the contacts. Various modifications may be made as long as heat does not affect the medium prior to light exposure.
Rolls 3~, 36 may be either steppedisr continuously driven by a motor rather than step driven by a solenoid. Also, the rolls may be in the form of opposed wheel pairs located at the edges of the medium on either side of printing member 30 rather than being in elongated form as illustrated.
The foregoing has described a low cost printer which is reliable, requires minimal maintenance and has ~ew moving parts. A removable retainer can quickly provide a substantially continuous supply of printing medium.
Movement of the medium between a printer and an opposed (or slightly of~set) heater provides almost immediate visual perception of desired printed matter. Additionally, when the rolls are in the form of wheel pairs, located as stated above, the printed matter is almost immediately available for removal from apparatus 10.
., .
range of from about 0.005" to about 0.020" wide and spaced apart at from about 0.002" to about 0.010". In this manner, the medlum becomes incrementally developed as each strip 22 is sequentially engaged by contacts 22. The area developed on medium 16 is larger than the area of strip 22 itself. lhis area is a function of the voltage applied to the strip 22 and the length of time that the voltage is applied. This permits printing to be positioned anywhere on side 18. Printing member 30 and contacts 32 are opposed and medium 16 passes therebetween. This requires an electrical timing device 21 operably connected to permit the light emitting elements to be exposed to medium 16 prior to heating. Such timing devices are well within known technology.
Contacts 32 are adapted for electrical connection via a wire 33. Each strip 22 is continuous but is shown as a dotted line since they are on side 20 of medium 16.
Means are provided for moving medium 16 from retainer 1~ past station 26. Such means pre~erably includes a- pair of elongated rubber faced, rotatably mounted rolls 34, 36 provided so that medium 16 passes therebetween.
With roll 36 suitably positioned, roll 34 is resillently urged toward roll 36 by an exemplary resilient member 35. This provides rolls 3~, 36 in gripping engagement with medium 16.
Means, such as a known stepping motor 38, are operably provided to rotatably drive roll 36 via a drive belt or chain 37 in a stepp0d manner for stepped exposure of strips 22 to processing station 26. A suitable solenoid and ratchet device can provide equivalent stepping. Motor 38 is adapted for electrical connection via wires 39.
In operation, medium 16 is drawn between rolls 34, 36 in stepped increments and past 5tation 26 between printing member 30 and heating contacts 32. Light sensitive side 18 is first exposed to light and then to heat due to current applied by contacts 32 to coated strips 22 on side 20. As a ~3~
result, printing is accomplished as images become fixed on medium 16. When a roll of medium 16 expires, retainer 1~ can be detached and a fresh supply of medium re-attached. Also, it is anticipated that retainers 1~ can be provided as cassettes loaded with rolls of medium 16. This will eliminate a need to immedia-tely refill retainer 1~ when it becomes empty. In addition, when a new roll of medium 16 is to be started, it may be desirable to mechanically separate contacts 32 from printing member 30 and feed medium 16 past contacts 32 and into rolls 3~, 36.
Heating contacts 32 could be spaced from printing member 30 and operated without a ~iming device such as where the medium first passes a printing member then subsequently, after the medium has traveled a specified distance, the medium can then pass the contacts. Various modifications may be made as long as heat does not affect the medium prior to light exposure.
Rolls 3~, 36 may be either steppedisr continuously driven by a motor rather than step driven by a solenoid. Also, the rolls may be in the form of opposed wheel pairs located at the edges of the medium on either side of printing member 30 rather than being in elongated form as illustrated.
The foregoing has described a low cost printer which is reliable, requires minimal maintenance and has ~ew moving parts. A removable retainer can quickly provide a substantially continuous supply of printing medium.
Movement of the medium between a printer and an opposed (or slightly of~set) heater provides almost immediate visual perception of desired printed matter. Additionally, when the rolls are in the form of wheel pairs, located as stated above, the printed matter is almost immediately available for removal from apparatus 10.
., .
Claims (7)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A printing apparatus comprising: means for retaining a substantially continuous supply of printing medium, said medium being of a construction sufficient to be light sensitive and heat developed and having on one side thereof a conductive-resistant coating in the form of a plurality of discrete strips; a print processing station; means for moving said medium from said retain-er past said station; means operable for exposing said moving medium to an image produced by an array of light emitting elements located at said station; and means operable for incrementally developing said medium in response to operation of said light emitting elements for fixing said image on said medium, said means for developing including electrical contacts at said station for engaging the strips and applying electrical current thereto there-by heating the medium and developing said image.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 including; means for shielding said medium from light.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said means for retain-ing said supply of medium includes a light shielding container detachably connected to said apparatus.
4. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said means for moving includes a pair of opposed rolls, said medium being between said rolls, and at least one of said rolls being in resilient contact with the other of said rolls and in gripping engagement with said medium.
5. The apparatus of Claim 4 including: means operably con-nected for driving at least one of said rolls.
6. The apparatus of Claim 5 wherein said rolls are step driven by a solenoid.
7. The apparatus of Claim 1 including: means operable for timing actuation of said developing means in response to actuation of said exposing means, said means including a timing member elec-trically interconnecting said developing means and said exposing means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/411,755 US4625305A (en) | 1981-09-01 | 1982-08-26 | Multiplexing of optical signals |
| US411,755 | 1982-08-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1193904A true CA1193904A (en) | 1985-09-24 |
Family
ID=23630182
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000424877A Expired CA1193904A (en) | 1982-08-26 | 1983-03-30 | Printing apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1193904A (en) |
-
1983
- 1983-03-30 CA CA000424877A patent/CA1193904A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |