US4170422A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Printhead alignment mechanism
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1976-04-28
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Granted: 1979-10-09
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Expires: 1996-04-28
Abstract
Abstract A printhead alignment mechanism is used in a non-impact type printer, such as a thermal printer for use, typically, in an electronic calculator. The printhead may pivot in a direction around an axis that is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the print roller over which the printing medium is driven. The printhead may also pivot in a direction around an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the print roller. This enables the printhead to follow small irregularities in the printing medium and the print roller. Substantially even pressure is thereby applied across the printhead to provide uniform printed characters.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank T. Bilek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 00:18
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J25/00; B41J25/304; B41J25/312
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
In a non-impact type printer having a printhead to be pressed against a recording medium, a printhead alignment mechanism comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a print roller, rotatably mounted on the frame for moving the print medium; (c) a mounting shaft mounted on the frame; (d) a bracket, to which the printhead is secured, having bearing means engaging the mounting shaft and a pivot projection, bearing against the mounting shaft, to permit pivoting in a direction around an axis that is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the print roller; and (e) resilient means, connected to the bracket to urge the printhead toward the print roller, permitting the printhead to pivot in a direction around an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the print roller.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
In a non-impact type printer having a printhead to be pressed against a recording medium, a printhead alignment mechanism comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a print roller, rotatably mounted on the frame for moving the print medium; (c) a mounting shaft mounted on the frame; (d) a bracket, to which the printhead is secured, having bearing means engaging the mounting shaft and a pivot projection, bearing against the mounting shaft, to permit pivoting in a direction around an axis that is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the print roller; and (e) resilient means, connected to the bracket to urge the printhead toward the print roller, permitting the printhead to pivot in a direction around an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the print roller.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the print roller is formed of a resilient material to permit pivoting of the printhead against the recording medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the resilient means comprise at least one spring connected to the bracket and to the mounting shaft to urge the bearing means against the mounting shaft, and to urge the printhead toward the print roller, against the printing medium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The mechanism of claim 2 wherein the resilient means further comprise at least one spring connected to the bracket and to the mounting shaft to urge the bearing means against the mounting shaft and to urge the printhead toward the print roller, against the printing medium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mechanism of claim 2 wherein the bearing means comprise a pair of bifurcations, positioned at opposite sides of the bracket to engage opposite ends of the mounting shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mechanism of claim 4 wherein the bearing means comprise a pair of bifurcations, positioned at opposite sides of the bracket to engage opposite ends of the mounting shaft.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
100 words
In a printer, a printhead alignment mechanism comprising a medium upon which printing is to be accomplished, printing means disposed in printing relationship to said medium, first adjustment means for adjusting the printing relationship between said printing means and said medium with respect to a first axis, second adjustment means for adjusting the printing relationship between said printing means and said medium with respect to a second axis, said second axis being at an angle to said first axis, and means for automatically adjusting said printing relationship with respect to said first and second axes to maintain said printing relationship.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
100 words
In a printer, a printhead alignment mechanism comprising a medium upon which printing is to be accomplished, printing means disposed in printing relationship to said medium, first adjustment means for adjusting the printing relationship between said printing means and said medium with respect to a first axis, second adjustment means for adjusting the printing relationship between said printing means and said medium with respect to a second axis, said second axis being at an angle to said first axis, and means for automatically adjusting said printing relationship with respect to said first and second axes to maintain said printing relationship.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The printhead alignment mechanism according to claim 7, wherein said first and second axes are disposed at right angles to each other.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
120 words
The printhead alignment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said first and second adjustment means comprise: (a) a mounting shaft, (b) a bracket to which the printhead is secured, having bearing means engaging said mounting shaft, whereby said bracket may pivot about the axis of said mounting shaft, and a pivot projection bearing against said mounting shaft, whereby said bracket may pivot about an axis disposed at an angle to the axis of said mounting shaft, and (c) resilient means connected to said bracket to urge said bracket toward said medium, whereby said bracket is caused to pivot about an axis parallel to and an axis disposed at an angle to said mounting shaft to maintain said predetermined printing relationship.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The printhead alignment mechanism according to claim 9, wherein said printhead and pivot projection are each located in a fixed relation to said bracket.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A printhead alignment mechanism as defined in claim 9, wherein said resilient means comprises at least one spring connected to said bracket and said mounting shaft.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
A printhead alignment mechanism as defined in claim 9, wherein said bearing means comprise a pair of bifurcations positioned at opposite sides of the bracket.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A printhead alignment mechanism as defined in claim 1, wherein said printing means comprise a non-impact type printer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
A printer according to claim 13, further including a mounting shaft whose axis coincides with said first axis, wherein said non-impact type printer remains at a predetermined location along the axis of said mounting shaft.
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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) | 1982-10-08 | 1983-04-09 | 1983-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-08 | 1987-04-09 | 1987-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-08 | 1991-04-09 | 1991-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |