EP1359104A2 - Method and apparatus for buffer transfer of media sheets between components in an imaging system - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for buffer transfer of media sheets between components in an imaging system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1359104A2 EP1359104A2 EP03101167A EP03101167A EP1359104A2 EP 1359104 A2 EP1359104 A2 EP 1359104A2 EP 03101167 A EP03101167 A EP 03101167A EP 03101167 A EP03101167 A EP 03101167A EP 1359104 A2 EP1359104 A2 EP 1359104A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- storage device
- section
- media
- recording media
- transfer buffer
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/18—Constructional details
- B65H75/28—Arrangements for positively securing ends of material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
- B65H29/006—Winding articles into rolls
- B65H29/008—Winding single articles into single rolls
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the buffering and transferring of sheets of recording media between functional components having different processing speeds within an imaging system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and system for compensating for a speed differential between an imaging system and an on-line development/finishing processor in an electronic pre-press system using a transfer buffer having a plurality of storage devices.
- images to be printed by offset printing are generally scanned from photographic sources and digitized.
- the digitized images are then transmitted to a raster image processor (RIP) for half-tone screening and image rasterization.
- the rasterized image is then transmitted to an imaging system such as an imagesetter or platesetter where the rasterized image is recorded onto a supply of recording media.
- the recording media may comprise film, printing plates, etc.
- a typical photographic imaging system operates to record a predefined image onto a supply of recording media, for example by first mounting the recording media onto the internal surface of a drum (e.g., in an internal drum imagesetter or platesetter), then exposing the recording media with a laser beam via a rotatable, optically reflective element.
- the recording media is typically supplied as a web or as a cut sheet.
- the imaged recording media is passed to a development/finishing processor.
- the imaged recording media may undergo chemical processing during which the media is photographically developed, fixed and washed. Alternately, the imaged recording media may undergo mechanical finishing in the processor. If the recording media was supplied by a continuous web, each sheet of imaged recording media is cut prior to entry into the processor.
- the imagesetter may have to be stalled, waiting for the bridge to become available. Such stalling of the imagesetter potentially causes an unacceptable reduction in overall media throughput.
- existing bridge mechanisms often have high profiles, resulting in undesirably large form factors for products in which they are included.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,260 to Krupica et al. providing a transfer buffer having at least two storage devices for transferring imaged sheets of recording media between a drum of an imagesetter and a media processor.
- the transfer buffer is rotated to align a first storage device with a media path from the drum and to concurrently align a second storage device with an input to the media processor.
- a first sheet of the imaged recording media is transferred from the drum through a media path to the first storage device.
- the transfer buffer is rotated to align the first storage device with the input to the media processor and to concurrently align the second storage device with the media path from the drum.
- the first sheet of imaged recording media is transferred to the input of the media processor while a second sheet of imaged recording media is simultaneously transferred through the media path to the second storage device.
- FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 An example of a storage device 10 used in Krupica et al. is illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.
- the storage device 10 generally comprises a roller-shaped body 12 having a surface 14.
- the body 12 is rotatable about an axle 16.
- a plurality of leaf springs 18 are fastened to the surface 14 via fasteners 20.
- a retaining rod 22 is fastened to the leaf springs 18 by fasteners 24.
- a wheel bearing 26 is coupled to each end of the retaining rod 22.
- an end of the imaged recording media 28 is displaced until it is positioned between the surface 14 and the bearings 26.
- the body 12 of the storage device 10 is rotated about its axle 16, which causes the retaining rod 22 to clamp down on the imaged recording media 28.
- the leaf springs 18 contract and the bearings 26 pinch the imaged recording media 28 against the surface 14, thereby holding the media 28 in place as it wraps around the body 12.
- the storage device 10 provides a convenient mechanism for capturing and storing a sheet of imaged recoding media 28 within the transfer buffer of Krupica et al.
- the storage device 10 has a high part count and is expensive to manufacture. Further, because of its shape, the body 12 is unbalanced during rotation. In addition, the clamping bar 22, bearings 26, and other components of the storage device 10 may damage the imaged recording media 28 as it is captured, wrapped around the body 12, and released.
- the present invention provides a system an apparatus and method for transferring and buffering sheets of imaged recording media between two components in an imaging system so as to compensate for any transfer speed differential between the components.
- the present invention provides a storage device for media, comprising a first section having first and second surfaces, a second section having first and second surfaces, and a system for securing the first and second sections together to form a storage device, wherein the storage device has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a capture slot for capturing a leading end of the media, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second sections form the capture slot, and wherein the second surfaces of the first and second sections form an exterior surface of the storage device.
- the present invention further provides a transfer buffer, comprising a plurality of storage devices and a drive system for rotating the transfer buffer to exchange positions of the plurality of storage devices, wherein each storage device comprises a first section having first and second surfaces, a second section having first and second surfaces; and a system for securing the first and second sections together to form a storage device, wherein the storage device has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a capture slot for capturing a leading end of a supply of media, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second sections form the capture slot, and wherein the second surfaces of the first and second sections form an exterior surface of the storage device.
- the present invention also provides a method for transferring sheets of recording media between first and second components of an imaging system, comprising rotating a transfer buffer to align a first storage device with the first component while concurrently aligning a second storage device with the second component, wherein the first and second storage devices each comprise a first section having first and second surfaces, a second section having first and second surfaces, and a securing system for securing the first and second sections together to form a storage device transferring a first sheet of the media from the first component to the first storage device moving the transfer buffer to align the first storage device with the second component while concurrently aligning the second storage device with the first component; and transferring the first sheet of the media from the first storage device to the second component while simultaneously transferring a second sheet of the media from the first component to the second storage device; wherein each storage device has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a capture slot for capturing a leading end of a supply of media, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second sections form the capture slot, and wherein the second surfaces of the first and second
- FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic pre-press system 40 including an internal drum imagesetter 42, and an on-line development/finishing processor 44.
- the imagesetter 42 includes a media supply cassette 46 that supplies a web of photosensitive recording media 28, drum input rollers 48, an imaging drum 50, drum output rollers 52, web cutters 54, a first sensor 56, a transfer buffer 58, a second sensor 60, and a controller 62.
- the controller 62 automatically controls and runs a predetermined sequence of operations of the pre-press system 40.
- the processor 44 includes a pair of input rollers 64.
- the transfer buffer 58 of the present invention may be used in conjunction with a wide variety of other types of internal drum, external drum, or flatbed imaging systems without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- a portion of the recording media 28 resident in the media supply cassette 46 is drawn onto the internal drum surface 66 of the imaging drum 50 by the drum input rollers 48 until the leading edge of the recording media 28 is detected by the sensor 56.
- the media supply cassette 46 of FIG. 3 may be replaced by a source of precut sheets of recording media.
- a laser imaging system (not shown) of a type known in the art transfers and records an image onto the recording media 28 positioned on the internal drum surface 66 of the imaging drum 50.
- the output beam from the laser scanning system is scanned by a rotating mirror across the recording media 28 position on internal drum surface 66 in successive circumferentially extending bands or paths referred to as scan lines.
- the output beam of the laser imaging system exposes specific pixel locations on the recording media 28 along the scan lines to form the desired image. Because the imaged recording media 28 is associated with a single color component of the image, the laser scanning system is modulated according to those pixel locations that contain that color component.
- the imaged recording media 28 is transferred from the imaging drum 50 to the transfer buffer 58 via drum output rollers 52.
- the imaged recording media 28 is transferred by the drum output rollers 52 along a media path from the imaging drum 50 to an opening 68 located between a pair of platens 70.
- the web cutters 54 cut the imaged recording media 28.
- the sheet of cut, imaged recording media 28 entering the transfer buffer 58 continues to be drawn into the transfer buffer 58 by drive rollers 72 until the trailing edge of the sheet of imaged recording media 28 is in the vicinity of the opening 68.
- Another length of the recording media 28 is drawn from the media supply cassette 46 into the imaging drum 50 by drum input rollers 48 until the leading edge of the recording media 28 is again detected by the sensor 56.
- the operations of the pre-press system 40 are controlled by a software program stored in the controller 62.
- the transfer buffer 58 includes two storage devices 74 and 76, although more than two storage devices could be used if desired.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the transfer buffer 58 in its home position, with the nip between the drive rollers 72 aligned with the opening 68 between the platens 70.
- a sheet of imaged recording media 28 is shown being drawn by the drive rollers 72 toward the storage device 74.
- the storage device 74 captures the leading end of the sheet of imaged recording media 28, and is subsequently rotated to wind the media around its outer surface.
- the nip between drive rollers 78 is concurrently aligned with an opening 80 formed between platens 82, and the opening 80 is in turn aligned with a media input opening 84 of the processor 44.
- the pair of drive rollers 72 operate to draw the sheet of imaged recording media 28 into the storage device 74 until the trailing edge of the sheet is in the vicinity of the opening 68.
- the rollers 72 and 78 may comprise a pair of driven rollers or a driven roller in combination with an idler roller.
- nip between the drive rollers 72 is aligned with the opening 80 between the platens 82, and the nip between the rollers 78 is aligned with the opening 68 between the platens 70.
- Drive systems such as a motor or the like may be used to rotate the storage devices 74, 76, and the transfer buffer 58.
- the axes 86, 90 (see below), and 88 are also intended to depict the corresponding drive systems of the storage devices 74, 76, and the transfer buffer 58, respectively.
- the drive rollers 72 transfer the sheet of imaged recording media 28 from the storage device 74 to the processor 44. Another sheet of imaged recording media 28 is simultaneously transported through the opening 68 between the platens 70 to the nip between the drive rollers 78.
- the storage device 76 captures the leading end of the sheet of imaged recording media 28, and is subsequently rotated about its axis 90 to wind the media around its outer surface.
- the media present signal may be used to initiate driving of the input rollers 64 in the processor 44.
- a storage device 74 (or 76) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
- the storage device 74 comprises first and second sections 102, 104.
- the first and second sections 102, 104 are each separately formed using an extrusion process from a lightweight and strong material such as an aluminum alloy or the like.
- an extrusion press is used to force a billet of material (e.g., a billet of an aluminum alloy) through a suitably designed die.
- a different die is used to form the first and second sections 102, 104, of the storage device 74.
- each die includes solid areas corresponding to the hollow portions of the corresponding section 102, 104, and hollow areas corresponding to the solid portions of the first and second sections 102, 104.
- a length of a product corresponding to the corresponding section 102, 104 is produced.
- the extruded product is then cut to length and machined to form the finished first and second sections 102, 104, of the storage device 74.
- Storage devices 74 of varying length can easily be produced by cutting the extruded product to the desired length.
- the resulting storage device 74 has a substantially cylindrical shape as best seen in FIG. 8.
- the storage device 74 has a smooth exterior surface 106 to prevent damage to the imaged recording media 28 when it is wound around the storage device 74.
- the first and second sections 102, 104 are captured and secured together using a pair of end plates 108.
- Each end plate 108 is attached to the first and second sections 102, 104, using screws 110 or other suitable securing hardware.
- the positions of the holes 112 for receiving the screws 110 are depicted in FIG. 8.
- the first section 102 of the storage device 74 comprises a hub 114, an outer wall 116, and a plurality of radial spokes 118 extending between the hub 114 and the outer wall 116.
- the storage device 74 is rotated by a drive system via shafts 120 coupled to the ends of the hub 114.
- a first surface 122 of the first section 102 forms a portion of a curved capture slot 124 that is used to capture the leading end of the imaged recording media 28 as it is fed toward the storage device 74 by the drive rollers 72. As shown in FIG. 8, the capture slot 124 extends through a substantial portion of the storage device 74.
- the first surface 122 includes a rounded area 126 at the entry of the curved slot 124 to help guide the leading edge of the imaged recording media 28 into the curved slot 124 and to prevent damage to the leading edge of the imaged recording media 28 as it enters and exits the curved slot 124.
- the first surface 122 also includes a groove 128 that is configured to mate with a corresponding tongue 130 of the second section 104 of the storage device 74.
- a second surface 106A of the first section 102 forms a portion of the exterior surface 106 of the storage device 74.
- One or more sections 136 of the outer wall 116 may be provided with extra material (i.e., extra mass) to balance the storage device 74 during rotation.
- the second section 104 of the storage device 74 is formed in the shape of a hollow crescent.
- a first surface 132 of the second section 104 forms a portion of the curved capture slot 124.
- the first surface 132 of the second section 104 includes a rounded area 134 at the entry of the curved slot 124 to help guide the leading edge of the imaged recording media 28 into the curved slot 124 and to prevent damage to the leading edge of the imaged recording media 28.
- a second surface 106B of the second section 104 forms a portion of the exterior surface 106 of the storage device 74.
- the operation of the pre-press system 40 including the transfer buffer 58 of the present invention is detailed by the flow chart of FIG. 9.
- the operating sequence is controlled by the controller 62 which, in turn, is dependent upon software executed therein.
- recording media 28 is provided to the imagesetter 42 from the media supply cassette 46. Recording media 28 may alternatively be supplied by a number of pre-cut sheets, for example stored in a stack.
- the drum input rollers 48 displace the recording media 28 onto the internal drum surface 66 of the imaging drum 50.
- the imagesetter 42 records a predetermined image onto the recording media 28 while it is located on internal drum surface 66 of the imaging drum 50.
- the transfer buffer 58 is initialized at step 166.
- the steps of initialization include: (i) aligning the nip of the drive rollers 72 with the opening 68 between the platens 70, and (ii) aligning the nip of the drive rollers 78 with the opening 80 between the platens 82.
- the curved slot 124 of the storage device 74 is aligned with the opening 68 between the platens 70 to receive the leading edge of the imaged recording media 28.
- the imaged recording media 28 is removed from the imaging drum 50 by the drum output rollers 52 and unexposed recording media 28 is displaced onto the imaging drum 50 from the supply cassette 46 by the drum input rollers 48.
- the sensor 56 detects the traversal of the leading edge of the imaged recording media 28 and activates the drive rollers 72 at the same transfer speed as both the drum input and output rollers 48 and 52.
- the transfer speed of the various drive rollers indicates to the controller 62 the exact position of the leading edge of the imaged recording media 28.
- the drive rollers 72 displace the leading edge of the imaged recording media 28 into the curved slot 124 of the storage device 74.
- the storage device 74 is activated at the same transfer speed as the other drive rollers, causing the imaged recording media 28 to be wrapped around the exterior surface 106 of the storage device 74.
- the web cutters 54 cut the imaged recording media 28 at step 172 into a sheet and the drum input and output rollers 48 and 52 stop rotating.
- the drive rollers 72 continue to rotate until the trailing edge of the sheet of imaged recording media 28 is in the vicinity of the opening 68.
- the unexposed recording media 28 on the imaging drum 50 is then imaged.
- the transfer buffer 58 is moved to exchange the positions of the storage devices 74, 76.
- the transfer buffer 58 is rotated until the nip of the drive rollers 72 is aligned with the opening 80 between the platens 82 and the nip of the drive rollers 78 is aligned with the opening 68 between the platens 70.
- the sheet of imaged recording media 28 that has been previously wrapped around the storage device 74 is ready for transfer into the processor 44, while the storage device 74 is available to receive the next sheet of imaged recording media 28 from the imaging drum 50.
- the drive rollers 72 and the storage device 74 are activated to unwrap and transfer the sheet of imaged recording media 28 through the opening 80 between the platens 82 into the media input opening 84 of the processor 44.
- the sensor 60 detects the leading edge of the imaged recording media 28, it transmits an electronic signal to the controller 62 which, in turn, activates the input rollers 64 of the processor 44 at the same transfer rate as the drive rollers 72 and the storage device 74.
- the drive rollers 72 and the storage device 74 are deactivated.
- the particular shape of the transfer buffer 58 is not critical to the principles of the invention. Hence, the transfer buffer 58 is not limited to the cylindrical shape described above. Further, the movement of the storage devices 74, 76, from one point to another within the transfer buffer 58 can be implemented by any known transfer means, such as via a belt or chain driven transfer system. For example, the transfer buffer 58 could cause the storage devices 74, 76, to move in a linear path or along a combination of linear and angular paths. Any path for transferring the media (via multiple storage devices) from one component to another within the pre-press system 40 is a viable alternative for implementing the concepts of the present invention.
- the foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art may be included within the scope of this invention.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Feeding Of Articles By Means Other Than Belts Or Rollers (AREA)
- Delivering By Means Of Belts And Rollers (AREA)
- Registering Or Overturning Sheets (AREA)
- Advancing Webs (AREA)
- Discharge By Other Means (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for
compensating for a speed differential between an imaging system (42)
and an on-line development/finishing processor (44) in an electronic
pre-press system (40) using a transfer buffer (58) having a
plurality of storage devices (74,76). Each storage device comprises
a first section (102) having first and second surfaces, a second
section (104) having first and second surfaces, and a system for
securing the first and second sections together to form a storage
device (74), wherein the storage device (74) has a substantially
cylindrical shape and includes a capture slot (124) for capturing a
leading end of the media (28), wherein the first surfaces of the
first and second sections form the capture slot (124), and wherein
the second surfaces of the first and second sections form an
exterior surface (106) of the storage device.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to the buffering and transferring of sheets of recording media between functional components having different processing speeds within an imaging system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and system for compensating for a speed differential between an imaging system and an on-line development/finishing processor in an electronic pre-press system using a transfer buffer having a plurality of storage devices.
- In existing electronic pre-press systems, images to be printed by offset printing are generally scanned from photographic sources and digitized. The digitized images are then transmitted to a raster image processor (RIP) for half-tone screening and image rasterization. The rasterized image is then transmitted to an imaging system such as an imagesetter or platesetter where the rasterized image is recorded onto a supply of recording media. The recording media may comprise film, printing plates, etc.
- Existing pre-press systems include independent functional units for recording images onto the recording media and for subsequent processing of the exposed recording media. A typical photographic imaging system operates to record a predefined image onto a supply of recording media, for example by first mounting the recording media onto the internal surface of a drum (e.g., in an internal drum imagesetter or platesetter), then exposing the recording media with a laser beam via a rotatable, optically reflective element. The recording media is typically supplied as a web or as a cut sheet. Subsequent to imaging, the imaged recording media is passed to a development/finishing processor. In the processor, the imaged recording media may undergo chemical processing during which the media is photographically developed, fixed and washed. Alternately, the imaged recording media may undergo mechanical finishing in the processor. If the recording media was supplied by a continuous web, each sheet of imaged recording media is cut prior to entry into the processor.
- Early pre-press systems typically used off-line development processors. In such early systems, imaged recording media was collected onto a take up cassette connected to an output of the imaging system, and then manually transported to the off-line processor. More recent systems have coupled the imaging system to an on-line processor, which receives the imaged media directly and automatically from the imaging system.
- A significant drawback of existing systems using on-line processors results from the different processing speeds of the imaging system and the processor. This and other problems have been addressed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,301 to Hebert et al. disclosing a media transport bridge for use in the transporting and buffering of imaged recording media between an imagesetter and a processor. When imaged recording media is output from the imagesetter, it is transferred to a bridge mechanism between the imagesetter and the processor. The bridge mechanism holds the imaged recording media for a predetermined period of time while waiting for the processor to become available. When the processor's availability is detected, the imaged recording media is transferred from the bridge to the processor, and the bridge thereafter becomes available to store a second sheet of imaged recording media from the imagesetter. However, during the time that the bridge is waiting for the processor to accept the second sheet of imaged recording media, the imagesetter may have to be stalled, waiting for the bridge to become available. Such stalling of the imagesetter potentially causes an unacceptable reduction in overall media throughput. Moreover, existing bridge mechanisms often have high profiles, resulting in undesirably large form factors for products in which they are included.
- One system that obviates the above-described stalling is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,260 to Krupica et al. providing a transfer buffer having at least two storage devices for transferring imaged sheets of recording media between a drum of an imagesetter and a media processor. The transfer buffer is rotated to align a first storage device with a media path from the drum and to concurrently align a second storage device with an input to the media processor. A first sheet of the imaged recording media is transferred from the drum through a media path to the first storage device. The transfer buffer is rotated to align the first storage device with the input to the media processor and to concurrently align the second storage device with the media path from the drum. The first sheet of imaged recording media is transferred to the input of the media processor while a second sheet of imaged recording media is simultaneously transferred through the media path to the second storage device.
- An example of a
storage device 10 used in Krupica et al. is illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. Thestorage device 10 generally comprises a roller-shaped body 12 having asurface 14. Thebody 12 is rotatable about anaxle 16. A plurality ofleaf springs 18 are fastened to thesurface 14 viafasteners 20. Aretaining rod 22 is fastened to theleaf springs 18 byfasteners 24. A wheel bearing 26 is coupled to each end of theretaining rod 22. - After imaging, as shown in FIG. 1A, an end of the imaged
recording media 28 is displaced until it is positioned between thesurface 14 and thebearings 26. At this point, thebody 12 of thestorage device 10 is rotated about itsaxle 16, which causes theretaining rod 22 to clamp down on the imagedrecording media 28. As thebody 12 begins to rotate, as shown in FIG. 1B, the leaf springs 18 contract and thebearings 26 pinch the imagedrecording media 28 against thesurface 14, thereby holding themedia 28 in place as it wraps around thebody 12. - The
storage device 10 provides a convenient mechanism for capturing and storing a sheet of imagedrecoding media 28 within the transfer buffer of Krupica et al. Thestorage device 10, however, has a high part count and is expensive to manufacture. Further, because of its shape, thebody 12 is unbalanced during rotation. In addition, theclamping bar 22,bearings 26, and other components of thestorage device 10 may damage the imagedrecording media 28 as it is captured, wrapped around thebody 12, and released. - The above-mentioned problems are solved by a storage device having the specific features set out in
claim 1 and by a method having the specific features set out in claim 11. Specific features for preferred embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. - The present invention provides a system an apparatus and method for transferring and buffering sheets of imaged recording media between two components in an imaging system so as to compensate for any transfer speed differential between the components.
- Generally, the present invention provides a storage device for media, comprising a first section having first and second surfaces, a second section having first and second surfaces, and a system for securing the first and second sections together to form a storage device, wherein the storage device has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a capture slot for capturing a leading end of the media, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second sections form the capture slot, and wherein the second surfaces of the first and second sections form an exterior surface of the storage device. The present invention further provides a transfer buffer, comprising a plurality of storage devices and a drive system for rotating the transfer buffer to exchange positions of the plurality of storage devices, wherein each storage device comprises a first section having first and second surfaces, a second section having first and second surfaces; and a system for securing the first and second sections together to form a storage device, wherein the storage device has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a capture slot for capturing a leading end of a supply of media, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second sections form the capture slot, and wherein the second surfaces of the first and second sections form an exterior surface of the storage device.
- The present invention also provides a method for transferring sheets of recording media between first and second components of an imaging system, comprising rotating a transfer buffer to align a first storage device with the first component while concurrently aligning a second storage device with the second component, wherein the first and second storage devices each comprise a first section having first and second surfaces, a second section having first and second surfaces, and a securing system for securing the first and second sections together to form a storage device transferring a first sheet of the media from the first component to the first storage device moving the transfer buffer to align the first storage device with the second component while concurrently aligning the second storage device with the first component; and transferring the first sheet of the media from the first storage device to the second component while simultaneously transferring a second sheet of the media from the first component to the second storage device; wherein each storage device has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a capture slot for capturing a leading end of a supply of media, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second sections form the capture slot, and wherein the second surfaces of the first and second sections form an exterior surface of the storage device.
- Further advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.
- The features of the present invention will best be understood from a detailed description of the invention and embodiments thereof selected for the purpose of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, illustrate a storage device of a transfer buffer in accordance with the related art.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic pre-press system including an internal drum imagesetter, a transfer buffer in accordance with the present invention, and an on-line processor.
- FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, illustrate the operation of the transfer buffer of FIG. 3.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a storage device in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 7.
- FIG. 9 is a flow chart outlining the operation of the pre-press system of FIG. 3.
-
- The features of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. Although the drawings are intended to illustrate the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic
pre-press system 40 including aninternal drum imagesetter 42, and an on-line development/finishingprocessor 44. Theimagesetter 42 includes amedia supply cassette 46 that supplies a web ofphotosensitive recording media 28, druminput rollers 48, animaging drum 50,drum output rollers 52,web cutters 54, afirst sensor 56, atransfer buffer 58, asecond sensor 60, and acontroller 62. Thecontroller 62 automatically controls and runs a predetermined sequence of operations of thepre-press system 40. Theprocessor 44 includes a pair ofinput rollers 64. Although described below with regard to an internal drum imagesetter, thetransfer buffer 58 of the present invention may be used in conjunction with a wide variety of other types of internal drum, external drum, or flatbed imaging systems without departing from the scope of the present invention. - During operation of the
pre-press system 40 of FIG. 3, a portion of therecording media 28 resident in themedia supply cassette 46 is drawn onto theinternal drum surface 66 of theimaging drum 50 by thedrum input rollers 48 until the leading edge of therecording media 28 is detected by thesensor 56. Alternately, themedia supply cassette 46 of FIG. 3 may be replaced by a source of precut sheets of recording media. A laser imaging system (not shown) of a type known in the art transfers and records an image onto therecording media 28 positioned on theinternal drum surface 66 of theimaging drum 50. The output beam from the laser scanning system is scanned by a rotating mirror across therecording media 28 position oninternal drum surface 66 in successive circumferentially extending bands or paths referred to as scan lines. The output beam of the laser imaging system exposes specific pixel locations on therecording media 28 along the scan lines to form the desired image. Because the imagedrecording media 28 is associated with a single color component of the image, the laser scanning system is modulated according to those pixel locations that contain that color component. - After imaging, the imaged
recording media 28 is transferred from theimaging drum 50 to thetransfer buffer 58 viadrum output rollers 52. The imagedrecording media 28 is transferred by thedrum output rollers 52 along a media path from theimaging drum 50 to anopening 68 located between a pair ofplatens 70. After a predetermined length of the imagedrecording media 28 has passed by thefirst sensor 56, theweb cutters 54 cut the imagedrecording media 28. - The sheet of cut, imaged
recording media 28 entering thetransfer buffer 58 continues to be drawn into thetransfer buffer 58 bydrive rollers 72 until the trailing edge of the sheet of imagedrecording media 28 is in the vicinity of theopening 68. Another length of therecording media 28 is drawn from themedia supply cassette 46 into theimaging drum 50 bydrum input rollers 48 until the leading edge of therecording media 28 is again detected by thesensor 56. The operations of thepre-press system 40 are controlled by a software program stored in thecontroller 62. - As described above, sheets of cut, imaged
recording media 28 are displaced into thetransfer buffer 58 after imaging. In thetransfer buffer 58, the sheets of imagedrecording media 28 are captured and wound around one of a plurality of storage devices before being transferred to theprocessor 44. In FIG. 3, thetransfer buffer 58 includes twostorage devices - FIG. 4 illustrates the
transfer buffer 58 in its home position, with the nip between thedrive rollers 72 aligned with theopening 68 between theplatens 70. A sheet of imagedrecording media 28 is shown being drawn by thedrive rollers 72 toward thestorage device 74. Thestorage device 74 captures the leading end of the sheet of imagedrecording media 28, and is subsequently rotated to wind the media around its outer surface. The nip betweendrive rollers 78 is concurrently aligned with anopening 80 formed betweenplatens 82, and theopening 80 is in turn aligned with a media input opening 84 of theprocessor 44. The pair ofdrive rollers 72 operate to draw the sheet of imagedrecording media 28 into thestorage device 74 until the trailing edge of the sheet is in the vicinity of theopening 68. Therollers recording media 28 is wound around thestorage device 74 in response to a rotation of thestorage device 74 about itsaxis 86, thetransfer buffer 58 is rotated about itsaxis 88 as shown in FIG. 5 to a subsequent orientation shown in FIG. 6 where the nip between thedrive rollers 72 is aligned with theopening 80 between theplatens 82, and the nip between therollers 78 is aligned with theopening 68 between theplatens 70. Drive systems such as a motor or the like may be used to rotate thestorage devices transfer buffer 58. For clarity, theaxes 86, 90 (see below), and 88 are also intended to depict the corresponding drive systems of thestorage devices transfer buffer 58, respectively. Note that during rotation of thestorage device 74 about itsaxis 86 within thetransfer buffer 58, a portion of the sheet of imagedrecording media 28 remains in contact with thedrive rollers 72 so that the sheet can be subsequently easily removed from the storage device via thedrive rollers 72. - In FIG. 6, the
drive rollers 72 transfer the sheet of imagedrecording media 28 from thestorage device 74 to theprocessor 44. Another sheet of imagedrecording media 28 is simultaneously transported through theopening 68 between theplatens 70 to the nip between thedrive rollers 78. Thestorage device 76 captures the leading end of the sheet of imagedrecording media 28, and is subsequently rotated about itsaxis 90 to wind the media around its outer surface. - As the sheet of exposed
recording media 28 exits thetransfer buffer 58 and moves towards theprocessor 44, it is detected by sensor 60 (see FIG. 3), which operates to generate a media present signal. - The media present signal may be used to initiate driving of the
input rollers 64 in theprocessor 44. - A storage device 74 (or 76) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The
storage device 74 comprises first andsecond sections second sections second sections storage device 74. Generally, each die includes solid areas corresponding to the hollow portions of thecorresponding section second sections corresponding section second sections storage device 74.Storage devices 74 of varying length can easily be produced by cutting the extruded product to the desired length. - When the first and
second sections storage device 74 has a substantially cylindrical shape as best seen in FIG. 8. Thestorage device 74 has a smoothexterior surface 106 to prevent damage to the imagedrecording media 28 when it is wound around thestorage device 74. - The first and
second sections end plates 108. Eachend plate 108 is attached to the first andsecond sections screws 110 or other suitable securing hardware. The positions of the holes 112 for receiving thescrews 110 are depicted in FIG. 8. - The
first section 102 of thestorage device 74 comprises ahub 114, anouter wall 116, and a plurality ofradial spokes 118 extending between thehub 114 and theouter wall 116. Thestorage device 74 is rotated by a drive system viashafts 120 coupled to the ends of thehub 114. Afirst surface 122 of thefirst section 102 forms a portion of acurved capture slot 124 that is used to capture the leading end of the imagedrecording media 28 as it is fed toward thestorage device 74 by thedrive rollers 72. As shown in FIG. 8, thecapture slot 124 extends through a substantial portion of thestorage device 74. Thefirst surface 122 includes arounded area 126 at the entry of thecurved slot 124 to help guide the leading edge of the imagedrecording media 28 into thecurved slot 124 and to prevent damage to the leading edge of the imagedrecording media 28 as it enters and exits thecurved slot 124. Thefirst surface 122 also includes agroove 128 that is configured to mate with acorresponding tongue 130 of thesecond section 104 of thestorage device 74. Asecond surface 106A of thefirst section 102 forms a portion of theexterior surface 106 of thestorage device 74. One ormore sections 136 of theouter wall 116 may be provided with extra material (i.e., extra mass) to balance thestorage device 74 during rotation. - The
second section 104 of thestorage device 74 is formed in the shape of a hollow crescent. Afirst surface 132 of thesecond section 104 forms a portion of thecurved capture slot 124. Thefirst surface 132 of thesecond section 104 includes arounded area 134 at the entry of thecurved slot 124 to help guide the leading edge of the imagedrecording media 28 into thecurved slot 124 and to prevent damage to the leading edge of the imagedrecording media 28. Asecond surface 106B of thesecond section 104 forms a portion of theexterior surface 106 of thestorage device 74. - The operation of the
pre-press system 40 including thetransfer buffer 58 of the present invention is detailed by the flow chart of FIG. 9. The operating sequence is controlled by thecontroller 62 which, in turn, is dependent upon software executed therein. Atstep 160,recording media 28 is provided to theimagesetter 42 from themedia supply cassette 46. Recordingmedia 28 may alternatively be supplied by a number of pre-cut sheets, for example stored in a stack. Atstep 162, thedrum input rollers 48 displace therecording media 28 onto theinternal drum surface 66 of theimaging drum 50. At step 164, theimagesetter 42 records a predetermined image onto therecording media 28 while it is located oninternal drum surface 66 of theimaging drum 50. After or during the recording of the image onto therecording media 28 and prior to removal of therecording media 28 from theinternal drum surface 66, thetransfer buffer 58 is initialized atstep 166. The steps of initialization include: (i) aligning the nip of thedrive rollers 72 with theopening 68 between theplatens 70, and (ii) aligning the nip of thedrive rollers 78 with theopening 80 between theplatens 82. In addition, thecurved slot 124 of thestorage device 74 is aligned with theopening 68 between theplatens 70 to receive the leading edge of the imagedrecording media 28. Atstep 168, once the initialization is complete, the imagedrecording media 28 is removed from theimaging drum 50 by thedrum output rollers 52 andunexposed recording media 28 is displaced onto theimaging drum 50 from thesupply cassette 46 by thedrum input rollers 48. Atstep 170, thesensor 56 detects the traversal of the leading edge of the imagedrecording media 28 and activates thedrive rollers 72 at the same transfer speed as both the drum input andoutput rollers controller 62 the exact position of the leading edge of the imagedrecording media 28. Thedrive rollers 72 displace the leading edge of the imagedrecording media 28 into thecurved slot 124 of thestorage device 74. At this point, thestorage device 74 is activated at the same transfer speed as the other drive rollers, causing the imagedrecording media 28 to be wrapped around theexterior surface 106 of thestorage device 74. - When the appropriate length of the imaged
recording media 28 has passed by thesensor 56, theweb cutters 54 cut the imagedrecording media 28 atstep 172 into a sheet and the drum input andoutput rollers drive rollers 72 continue to rotate until the trailing edge of the sheet of imagedrecording media 28 is in the vicinity of theopening 68. Theunexposed recording media 28 on theimaging drum 50 is then imaged. - Meanwhile, at
step 174, thetransfer buffer 58 is moved to exchange the positions of thestorage devices transfer buffer 58 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, thetransfer buffer 58 is rotated until the nip of thedrive rollers 72 is aligned with theopening 80 between theplatens 82 and the nip of thedrive rollers 78 is aligned with theopening 68 between theplatens 70. In this way, the sheet of imagedrecording media 28 that has been previously wrapped around thestorage device 74 is ready for transfer into theprocessor 44, while thestorage device 74 is available to receive the next sheet of imagedrecording media 28 from theimaging drum 50. Atstep 176, thedrive rollers 72 and thestorage device 74 are activated to unwrap and transfer the sheet of imagedrecording media 28 through theopening 80 between theplatens 82 into the media input opening 84 of theprocessor 44. When thesensor 60 detects the leading edge of the imagedrecording media 28, it transmits an electronic signal to thecontroller 62 which, in turn, activates theinput rollers 64 of theprocessor 44 at the same transfer rate as thedrive rollers 72 and thestorage device 74. When the trailing edge of the imagedrecording media 28 being transferred into theprocessor 44 is detected by thesensor 60, thedrive rollers 72 and thestorage device 74 are deactivated. - The above described process is repeated for each subsequent sheet of imaged
recording media 28. Thus, sheets ofrecording media 28 are simultaneously being loaded onto theimaging drum 50 or imaged, transferred from theimaging drum 50 into thetransfer buffer 58, and transferred from thetransfer buffer 58 to theprocessor 44. In this manner, thepre-press system 40 operates at a high level of efficiency. - It should be noted that the particular shape of the
transfer buffer 58 is not critical to the principles of the invention. Hence, thetransfer buffer 58 is not limited to the cylindrical shape described above. Further, the movement of thestorage devices transfer buffer 58 can be implemented by any known transfer means, such as via a belt or chain driven transfer system. For example, thetransfer buffer 58 could cause thestorage devices pre-press system 40 is a viable alternative for implementing the concepts of the present invention. The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art may be included within the scope of this invention.
Claims (11)
- A storage device (74,76) for media (28), comprising:a first section (102) having a first surface (122) and a second surface (106A);a second section (104) having a first surface (132) and a second surface (104); anda system (108,110,112,128,130) for securing the first (102) and second (104) sections together to form said storage device (74), wherein the storage device (74) has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a capture slot (124) for capturing a leading end of the media (28), wherein the first surface (122) of the first section (102) and the first surface (132) of the second section (104) form said capture slot (124), and wherein the second surface (106A) of the first section (102) and the second surface (106B) of the second section (104) form an exterior surface (106) of the storage device (74).
- The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the securing system comprises a pair of end plates (108).
- The storage device (74,76) according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a drive system for rotating the storage device (74,76) to wrap the media about the exterior surface (106) of the storage device (74,76).
- The storage device (74,76) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first (102) and second (104) sections comprise an extruded material.
- The storage device (74,76) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the capture slot (124) is curved.
- The storage device (74,76) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first section (102) includes a groove (128), and wherein the second section (104) includes a tongue (130) for mating with said groove (128).
- The storage device (74,76) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first section (102) comprises a hub (114), an outer wall (116), and a plurality of radial spokes (118) extending between the hub (114) and the outer wall (116).
- The storage device (74,76) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the second section (104) is crescent shaped.
- The storage device (74,76) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first surface (122) of the first section (102) and the first surface (132) of the second section (104) include a rounded area (126,134) at an entry to the capture slot (124).
- A transfer buffer (58), comprising:a plurality of storage devices (74,76) according to any one of the previous claims; anda drive system for rotating the transfer buffer (58) to exchange positions of the plurality of storage devices (74,76).
- A method for transferring sheets of recording media (28) between first (42) and second (44) components of an imaging system (40), the method comprising:rotating a transfer buffer (58) to align a first storage device (74) with the first component (42) while concurrently aligning a second storage device (76) with the second component (44), wherein the first (74) and second (76) storage devices each comprise a first section (102) having a first surface (122) and a second surface (106A), a second section (104) having a first surface (132) and a second surface (106B), and a securing system (108,110,112,128,130) for securing the first (102) and second (104) sections together to form said storage device (74,76);transferring a first sheet of the media (28) from the first component (42) to the first storage device (74);moving the transfer buffer (58) to align the first storage device (74) with the second component (44) while concurrently aligning the second storage device (76) with the first component (42); andtransferring the first sheet of the media (28) from the first storage device (74) to the second component (44) while simultaneously transferring a second sheet of the media (28) from the first component (42) to the second storage device (76);wherein each storage device (74,76) has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a capture slot (124) for capturing a leading end of a supply of media (28), wherein the first surface (122) of the first section (102) and the first surface (132) of the second section (104) form the capture slot (124), and wherein the second surface (106A) of the first section (102) and the second surface (106B) of the second section (104) form an exterior surface (106) of the storage device.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US136833 | 2002-05-02 | ||
US10/136,833 US20030205639A1 (en) | 2002-05-02 | 2002-05-02 | Method and apparatus for buffer transfer of media sheets between components in an imaging system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1359104A2 true EP1359104A2 (en) | 2003-11-05 |
Family
ID=29215682
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP03101167A Withdrawn EP1359104A2 (en) | 2002-05-02 | 2003-04-29 | Method and apparatus for buffer transfer of media sheets between components in an imaging system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030205639A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1359104A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003335432A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN111410074A (en) * | 2020-04-29 | 2020-07-14 | 中冶赛迪技术研究中心有限公司 | Device and method for processing leftover materials after longitudinal cutting of thermal-state plate strips |
CN111517145A (en) * | 2020-04-29 | 2020-08-11 | 中冶赛迪技术研究中心有限公司 | Thermal state plate strip longitudinally-cut edge crushing device and edge crushing method |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5079038B2 (en) * | 2010-02-26 | 2012-11-21 | キヤノン株式会社 | Printing apparatus, sheet processing apparatus, and sheet winding apparatus |
US20120287323A1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2012-11-15 | John Norvold Border | Imaging apparatus with dual switchable beam deflectors |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2373704A (en) * | 1939-10-15 | 1945-04-17 | Obolensky Prince Dmitri | Reel or spool for motion-picture films |
US2299532A (en) * | 1941-09-17 | 1942-10-20 | Patent Button Co | Film spool |
US3003713A (en) * | 1960-06-06 | 1961-10-10 | Koppers Co Inc | Coiler reel for reversing hot strip mills |
US3318549A (en) * | 1965-01-05 | 1967-05-09 | Cons Lithographing Corp | Web attachment means for spools |
US3856229A (en) * | 1973-12-06 | 1974-12-24 | Ibm | Web winding spool |
JPH0665575B2 (en) * | 1987-09-01 | 1994-08-24 | 沖電気工業株式会社 | Slip issuing device |
US5295634A (en) * | 1991-11-18 | 1994-03-22 | Eastman Kodak Company | Film cassette with spool core having fastening hook |
DE4204340A1 (en) * | 1992-02-11 | 1993-08-12 | Mannesmann Ag | RECORDING CASSETTE FOR RAILWAY MATERIAL, ESPECIALLY FOR AN EXPOSED FILM RAIL |
US5449126A (en) * | 1993-09-27 | 1995-09-12 | Yee; Chang J. | Method and apparatus for snap-action, split-core roller clamp |
BE1009160A3 (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1996-12-03 | Bekaert Sa Nv | METHOD FOR IN BOBBIN WINDS OF A STRIP juxtaposed WIRES AS BONDED WIRES. |
US5967454A (en) * | 1998-11-30 | 1999-10-19 | Formall, Inc. | Twin sheet reel core |
US6240260B1 (en) * | 1999-01-29 | 2001-05-29 | Agfa Corporation | Method and apparatus for buffer transfer of media sheets between components in an imagesetting system |
-
2002
- 2002-05-02 US US10/136,833 patent/US20030205639A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2003
- 2003-04-29 EP EP03101167A patent/EP1359104A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-05-02 JP JP2003127140A patent/JP2003335432A/en active Pending
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN111410074A (en) * | 2020-04-29 | 2020-07-14 | 中冶赛迪技术研究中心有限公司 | Device and method for processing leftover materials after longitudinal cutting of thermal-state plate strips |
CN111517145A (en) * | 2020-04-29 | 2020-08-11 | 中冶赛迪技术研究中心有限公司 | Thermal state plate strip longitudinally-cut edge crushing device and edge crushing method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030205639A1 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
JP2003335432A (en) | 2003-11-25 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5699099A (en) | Electronic prepress system including thermal imaging apparatus with multiple color separation modes | |
JP3224335B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for media transport bridge | |
US5737988A (en) | System for buffering moving material between two modular machines | |
EP1359104A2 (en) | Method and apparatus for buffer transfer of media sheets between components in an imaging system | |
US6240260B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for buffer transfer of media sheets between components in an imagesetting system | |
JPH09193426A (en) | Output conveyor for thermal image forming apparatus | |
JP3054495B2 (en) | Recording material conveying method and apparatus, and image recording / reading apparatus | |
EP0663615B1 (en) | Dual media buffer with over-running clutch system | |
US6772691B2 (en) | System and method for registering media in an imaging system | |
US4866472A (en) | Sheet transport apparatus | |
JP2007039170A (en) | Carrying device | |
JPH09193425A (en) | Thermal image forming apparatus for distribution and adaptation of material and method therefor | |
US6786154B2 (en) | Mechanism for correcting unbalance of a rotor | |
JP2002062601A (en) | Image recording device | |
US6779450B1 (en) | Thin-wall drum for external drum imaging system | |
JPS63176232A (en) | Sheet supply device | |
JP3529211B2 (en) | Method of forming image position information | |
JP2003156802A (en) | Image reader | |
JP2003295333A (en) | Distributing apparatus | |
JP2007050997A (en) | Automatic supply device for planographic printing plate | |
JP2002014428A (en) | Image recorder | |
JP2007140039A (en) | Image forming apparatus | |
JPH03143843A (en) | Method and apparatus for transporting photosensitive material | |
JPH05257206A (en) | Printing processing method and device | |
JP2004091198A (en) | Sheet material rotating device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN |
|
18W | Application withdrawn |
Effective date: 20040424 |