IP Library Granted Patent US 7,077,497
Granted Patent B2
US 7,077,497 · App. 11/088,897 · Granted Jul 18, 2006

Compact printer with capping mechanism

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,077,497
App. No.
11/088,897
Granted
Jul 18, 2006
Kind
B2
Abstract

A compact printer has a powered roller for moving printable media past a fixed printhead. A nozzle capping mechanism for the printhead includes a capping arm operatively associated with the powered roller, a cap supported by the capping arm and movable with the capping arm between a position protecting the printhead and a position spaced from the printhead. The cap rests adjacent the printhead with the capping arm moving the cap away from the printhead when the powered roller rotates.

Claims (16)

1. A compact printer comprising:

at least one powered roller for moving printable media past a fixed printhead;

a nozzle capping mechanism for the printhead, the nozzle capping mechanism having:

at least one capping arm operatively associated with the powered roller;

a cap supported by said capping arm movable with said capping arm between a position protecting the printhead and a position spaced from said printhead;

said cap resting adjacent said printhead and the capping arm moving said cap away from said printhead when said powered roller rotates.

2. The compact printer of claim 1 further comprising a clutch providing said operative association between said at least one capping arm and said powered roller.

3. The compact printer of claim 2 wherein the clutch is a frictional clutch.

4. The compact printer of claim 1 further comprising a motive means associated with said capping arm, said motive means moving said capping arm when said powered roller rotates.

5. The compact printer of claim 4 wherein said motive means is a solenoid.

6. The compact printer of claim 4 wherein said motive means is a gear between said at least one powered roller and said capping arm.

7. The compact printer of claim 1 wherein the cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said printhead.

8. The compact printer of claim 7 where there is a single seal that locates either side around said printhead.

9. The compact printer of claim 7 wherein said one or more seals are elastomeric seals.

10. The compact printer of claim 1 wherein said cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said printhead and a blotter that locates near said printhead.

11. The compact printer of claim 1 wherein there are two capping arms spaced apart to allow printable media to pass between said two capping arms.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 13, 2012
From: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY. LIMITED AND CLAMATE PTY LIMITED
To: ZAMTEC LIMITED
Reel/Frame 028548/0025 →