X{14 y web translating apparatus

Abstract

Abstract An ''''X-Y'''' pinch roll arrangement for translating a web in two transverse directions wherein a pair of transversely oriented pinch roll assemblies (e.g. for ''''column-shift'''' and ''''lineshift'''') are adapted to cooperate in shifting a web (e.g. a printed page) in two orthogonal directions. According to related, dependent features, each such assembly may comprise one or more pinch roll sets, each set including an idler roll and a drive roll, adapted to be selectively interengaged about the web for holding it, or for translating it when the rolls are rotated; these rolls may be made magnetically ''''self-attracting''''; each roll may comprise a plurality of spaced wheels for frictionally driving the web, and better steering it therewhile; the idler rolls may be flexure-suspended; the drive rolls may be, in turn, rotated selectively by a ''''step motor''''; the magnetically selfattracting pinch rolls may be ''''locked to hold'''' the web between incrementings thereof; the drive roll means in both pinch roll assemblies may be driven from a common source through a ''''right angle'''' coupling; and, certain pinch roll parts may be fabricated from plastic. Certain printer environments are also described and indicate advantageous employment of such ''''X-Y'''' pinch roll arrangements- these environments comprising means for mounting certain pinch roll elements together with certain printing elements (especially the lighter, more compact, passive elements) in a cantilevered arm housing, or, analogously, in an ''''overhanging bar'''' housing, either housing spanning the designated ''''paper path.'''' These will also be indicated in cooperation with certain advantageous ''''supply means'''' for supplying and manipulating print webs across a double-width platen surface, such as a ''''free coil'''' length of paper, wound loosely and so to be laterally slideable in a ''''coil compartment'''' at one, or both, ends of a ''''double-width'''' platen (twice the expected web width); or such as a continuous form-feed with a slideable ''''form-loop'''' maintained between input and output storage areas for permitting relatively free translation of the intermediate web length across the ''''double width'''' platen.

Inventors

• 👤 David W Bernard

Bibliographic Details