US3578138A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Paper adjusting mechanism
Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems America Inc
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Filing: 1968-07-18
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Granted: 1971-05-11
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Expires: 1988-07-18
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for use with a high speed printer which has four tractors that engage sprocket holes in the paper, to adjust for different paper widths or to adjust the lateral position of the paper. The apparatus comprises a pair of lead screws on each side of the printer, each lead screw coupled to one tractor. A pair of timing belts couple together the two lead screws on each side of the printer so that the tractors on each side move laterally together. A handwheel on the printer can be engaged either with only one belt to laterally move only the pair of tractors on one side of the printer, or with both belts to move all four tractors together.
Inventors
- 👤 Gill Cantwell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 15:48
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J11/00; B41J11/26; B41J11/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
345 words
Apparatus for adjusting the position of paper-holding tractors in a printer comprising: a frame with first and second sides, defining a printing area having first and second laterally displaced sides nearest said first and second sides of said frame, respectively, and having up-path and down-path ends; a first pair of tractors disposed on said first side of said frame, one at said up-path end and the other at said down-path end thereof; a second pair of tractors disposed on said second side of said path, one at said up-path end and the other at said down-path end; a first pair of lead screws rotatably mounted on said frame and extending laterally thereon, each threadably engaged with one of said tractors of said first pair of tractors; a second pair of lead screws rotatably mounted on said frame and extending laterally thereon, each threadably engaged with one of said tractors of said second pair of tractors; first driving means located on said first side of said printing area including a shaft rotatably mounted on said frame about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axes of rotation of said first pair of lead screws, a first sprocket wheel mounted on said shaft, and means for receiving hand-turning forces to rotate said shaft by an operator who is positioned at said first side of said frame; second and third sprocket wheels, each fixed to one of said lead screws of said first pair of lead screws; a timing belt with sprockets spaced therealong, said belt constructed to permit twisting at least about 90* about its length, and said belt extending about said first, second and third sprocket wheels; second timing belt means coupled to each of said lead screws of said second pair of lead screws; second manually operable driving means located on said second side of said printing area for driving said second timing belt means, to enable shifting of said second pair of tractors by an operator at said second side of said frame; and clutch means For selectively engaging said first and second driving means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
345 words
Apparatus for adjusting the position of paper-holding tractors in a printer comprising: a frame with first and second sides, defining a printing area having first and second laterally displaced sides nearest said first and second sides of said frame, respectively, and having up-path and down-path ends; a first pair of tractors disposed on said first side of said frame, one at said up-path end and the other at said down-path end thereof; a second pair of tractors disposed on said second side of said path, one at said up-path end and the other at said down-path end; a first pair of lead screws rotatably mounted on said frame and extending laterally thereon, each threadably engaged with one of said tractors of said first pair of tractors; a second pair of lead screws rotatably mounted on said frame and extending laterally thereon, each threadably engaged with one of said tractors of said second pair of tractors; first driving means located on said first side of said printing area including a shaft rotatably mounted on said frame about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axes of rotation of said first pair of lead screws, a first sprocket wheel mounted on said shaft, and means for receiving hand-turning forces to rotate said shaft by an operator who is positioned at said first side of said frame; second and third sprocket wheels, each fixed to one of said lead screws of said first pair of lead screws; a timing belt with sprockets spaced therealong, said belt constructed to permit twisting at least about 90* about its length, and said belt extending about said first, second and third sprocket wheels; second timing belt means coupled to each of said lead screws of said second pair of lead screws; second manually operable driving means located on said second side of said printing area for driving said second timing belt means, to enable shifting of said second pair of tractors by an operator at said second side of said frame; and clutch means For selectively engaging said first and second driving means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-10 | 1974-11-09 | 1975-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-10 | 1978-11-09 | 1979-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-10 | 1982-11-09 | 1983-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |