U.S. patent application number 13/015611 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-02 for core driving method for printer web medium supply.
Invention is credited to Rodney R. Bucks, Gary P. Lawniczak, Alan E. Rapkin, Donald S. Rimai, Eric C. Stelter.
Application Number | 20120193468 13/015611 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45755509 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120193468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lawniczak; Gary P. ; et
al. |
August 2, 2012 |
CORE DRIVING METHOD FOR PRINTER WEB MEDIUM SUPPLY
Abstract
Methods for operating a printer web medium supply are provided
in one aspect of the method. An input force is received and the
input force is distributed to supply first force at a first end of
a core having a web wound thereon and to supply a second force at a
second end of the core with the first force and the second force
being sufficient to control rotation the core against an inertial
load of the core and web medium wound thereon. Both the first force
and the second force are less than a third force applied to a
single driven end of an alternative core to rotate the alternative
core against the inertial load and wherein the core has a first
yield strength at the first end and a second yield strength at the
second end that are less than a third yield strength required to
receive the third force at the driven end of the alternative
core.
Inventors: |
Lawniczak; Gary P.;
(Rochester, NY) ; Bucks; Rodney R.; (Webster,
NY) ; Rimai; Donald S.; (Webster, NY) ;
Stelter; Eric C.; (Pittsford, NY) ; Rapkin; Alan
E.; (Pittsford, NY) |
Family ID: |
45755509 |
Appl. No.: |
13/015611 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/564 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2511/14 20130101;
B65H 75/30 20130101; B65H 2511/14 20130101; B65H 16/103 20130101;
B65H 2701/1848 20130101; B65H 2220/11 20130101; B65H 75/185
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/564 |
International
Class: |
B65H 16/10 20060101
B65H016/10; B65H 75/18 20060101 B65H075/18 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a printer web medium supply, the method
comprising; receiving an input force and distributing the input
force to supply first force at a first end of a core having a web
wound thereon and to supply a second force at a second end of the
core with the first force and the second force being sufficient to
control rotation of the core against an inertial load of the core
and web medium wound thereon; wherein both the first force and the
second force are less than a third force applied to a single driven
end of an alternative core to rotate the alternative core against
the inertial load and wherein the core has a first yield strength
at the first end and a second yield strength at the second end that
are less than a third yield strength required to receive the third
force at the driven end of the alternative core.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the volume of the core providing
the first yield strength and the second yield strength is less than
the volume of the alternative core providing the third yield
strength so that more volume is available the printer for the web
wound on the core than would be available if the alternative core
is used.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein a radius of the core having the
first yield strength and the second yield strength is less than a
radius of the alternative core providing the third yield strength
at the driven end, so that a volume of the web supplied by the core
creates less angular momentum than the same volume of web would
create if supplied by the alternative core.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein a radius of the core providing
the first yield strength and the second yield strength is less than
a radius of the alternative core providing the third yield
strength, so that the volume of a printer in which the core
operates can be made smaller than the volume of a printer in which
the alternative core operates while still supplying a common volume
of web.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the volume of the shaft of a core
having the first yield strength and second yield strength can be
made smaller than the volume of a shaft of an alternative core
having the third yield strength while using the same material for
fabrication of the core and for fabrication of the alternative
core.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the core can be made from a first
material that provides the first yield strength at a first end and
second yield strength in a determined configuration, but must be
made using a second material that is more dense than the first
material to provide the third yield strength to make the
alternative core in the determined configuration.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the core can be made from a first
material that provides the first yield strength and second yield
strength in a determined configuration, but must be made using a
second material that is more rigid than the first material to
provide the third yield strength to make the alternative core in
the determined configuration.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first force and the second
force are applied to cause the first end of the core and the second
end of the core to remain within a range of rotational positions
relative to each other with the range being defined so that the
differences in the rotational positions of the first end and the
second end create a determined range of shear stress in the
core.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of conveying
one of the first force and the second force from a side of the
housing confronting one of the first end and the second end to
another side of the housing confronting the other of the first end
and the second end to drive the other of the first end and the
second end without using the core to conveyor the force.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of
receiving an input force, distributing the input force as the first
force and the second force, and conveying the second force along a
path to the second end of the core along a path apart from the
core.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the core has an passageway from
the first end of the core to the second end of the core and where
the method further comprises the steps of mounting a first end of
the core to a first core mounting and a second end of the core to a
second core mounting and mechanically linking the first core
mounting to the second core mounting within the passage of the core
such that a portion of an input force can be transferred from a
first end of the core to a second end of the core through the
mechanical linkage of the first core mounting and the second core
mounting.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of distributing the
input force comprises distributing the input force as a first force
and second force that cause a difference in the rotational
positions of the first end and the second end of the core to create
a first portion of the shear stress in the core wherein the
inertial load induces a second portion of the shear stress in the
core, and wherein the first force and the second force are applied
so that the first portion is less than half of the total shear
stress induced in the core during rotation.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first force and the second
force are applied to cause the first end and the second end to
maintain a determined average rotational relationship over the
course of each rotation of the core.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first force and the second
force are applied to cause the first end and the second end to
maintain a determined average rate of rotation over the course of
each rotation of the core.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of sensing
a rotational position of the first end, sensing a rotational
position of the second end, and adapting the first force and the
second force to control the extent to which the first end and the
second end have different rotational positions.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein inertial load experienced by the
core is greater at one of the first end and the second end than at
the other of the first end and the second end so that a first
component of the inertial load experienced at the first end of the
core is at a first level and so that a second component the drag
experienced at the second end during rotation is at a second
different level, and wherein the first force and the second force
are in proportion to the component of the inertial load experienced
at the first end and the second end.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the core has a first end that
has a first engaged surface that is at a first engaged angle
relative to an axis of rotation wherein the first core mounting is
one of a plurality of first core mountings each having different
engagement surfaces at a plurality of different first engagement
angles and wherein the first core mounting has a first detectable
feature that differentiates the first core mounting among the
plurality of available core mountings and wherein a plurality of
different webs can be used in printer web medium supply and wherein
data regarding at least one of the plurality of different webs is
associated with the engaged angle of the first core mounting and
further comprising the step of sensing the first core mounting that
can be mounted to a core to allow a core to rotated about the axis
of rotation is indicative of the data and sensing first the
detectable feature and determining data regarding the web based
upon a detected first detectable feature of the first core
mounting.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the printer can be used with a
plurality of cores each core having different angular relationships
between rotational position the a first cylindric section at a
first end of the core and the rotational position of a second
cylindric section at a second end of the core such that the
rotational separation between the first cylindric section and the
second cylindric section are indicative of a characteristic of a
web medium wound on the core and further comprising the steps of
sensing the rotational position of the first cylindric section, the
rotational position of the second cylindric section and determining
a data regarding the web wound on the core based upon the
rotational separation between the first cylindric section and the
second cylindric section.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein step of detecting the
rotational position of the first cylindric section and the second
cylindric section comprises detecting a rotational position of a
first core mounting having a first engagement surface that
corresponds to the first cylindric section and mounted to the first
end and a second core mounting having a second engagement surface
that corresponds to the second cylindric section and mounted to a
second end.
20. A method for controlling rotation of a core in a web medium
supply, the method comprising: stiffening the core along a length
of the core by applying the first force to the first end of the
core and a second force to a second end of the core to induce a
tension in the core along a length of the core, further applying
the first force and the second force with the first force and the
second force being sufficient to rotate the core against an
inertial load of the core and the web on the core; wherein both the
first force and the second force are less than a third force
applied to a single driven end of an alternative core to rotate the
alternative core against the drag and wherein the core has a first
yield strength at the first end and a second yield strength at the
second end that are less than a third yield strength required to
receive the third force at the driven end of the alternative
core.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the stiffening of the core
reduces an ability of the core to flex perpendicular to an axis of
rotation while rotating against the inertial load to reduce the
extent of any additional load caused by any increase in friction
that can be experienced by the core when the core is allowed to
flex perpendicular to an axis of rotation to an extent that is
sufficient to bring at least one of the core and the web on the
core into contact with the web medium supply.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein at least a portion of the
stiffening reduces the extent of any curvature in the core along
the axis of rotation.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the stiffness is adjusted as a
function of an anticipated inertial load.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to commonly assigned, copending
U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Docket No. 96568RRS), filed
______, entitled: "METHOD FOR OPERATING PRINTER WEB MEDIUM SUPPLY";
U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Docket No. 96569RRS), filed
______, entitled: "PRINTER WEB MEDIUM SUPPLY"; U.S. application
Ser. No. ______, (Docket No. 96780RRS), filed ______, entitled:
"PRINTER WEB MEDIUM SUPPLY WITH DRIVE SYSTEM"; each of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention pertains to the field of printing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is well known to supply donor mediums and receiver
mediums used in printers in the form continuous webs that are wound
onto a core until used. This method of web medium storage is highly
efficient allowing a large amount of web medium to be supplied to a
printer in a form that is easy to manufacture and readily
accessible for use during printing. Accordingly, printers are often
designed with medium supplies that use core wound webs of
medium.
[0004] Typically, the large amount of web medium that can be stored
on a core has a high mass. This in turn requires that the core has
a beam strength that is sufficient to support the mass of web
medium when loaded in the printer and a yield strength along an
axis of rotation that is sufficient to transfer any forces required
to control rotation of the core and associated web medium. For
these reasons the core itself can have a relatively high mass and
thus the overall mass of a core and associated web can be
significant.
[0005] The high mass of a core and associated web medium increases
demands made upon the printer in applying forces to control
rotation of the core and associated web. Specifically, it will be
appreciated that controlled supply of a web medium from a core
requires an ability to precisely accelerate and decelerate the core
and associated web. The mass of the core and associated web creates
significant inertial loads that must be overcome by the forces that
create such acceleration and deceleration. Such inertial loads can
be particularly high where the core and associated web medium are
used in printers that draw web medium from the core at rates that
compel high speed rotation of the core.
[0006] Accordingly, an interface between the core and a mounting
that is rotated to apply forces to drive the core and associated
mounting must be engaged to the core in a manner that is secure
enough to keep the core from slipping relative to the mounting when
such forces are applied. In some printers, the core and core
mounting that drives the core will have mechanical features such as
notches or grooves that extend longitudinally along the length of
the core that can engage with protrusions provided by the
mountings. These approaches help to provide such a secure
engagement. One example of this is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
6,425,548, issued to Christensen et al. on Jul. 30, 2002 in which a
core and hub assembly are provided for a printing device. This
device provides keys that are mounted at a proximal end of a mount
which serve to transmit torque when engaged with a co-designed
core. It will be appreciated that this system requires the use of a
complex core and a complex mounting.
[0007] What is also needed therefore are printers and web medium
supplies for use in printers that can reliably apply forces that
drive the core and web against a high inertial load, yet do not
increase the complexity of core, mounting or the process of loading
a core in a printer web medium supply.
[0008] It is also desirable to provide a designer of a printer with
greater design freedom with respect to the size, weight complexity
and expense of the core and associated web and to further have
greater design freedom with respect to the size, weight, cost and
performance capability of the printer. However, the mass of the
core and associated web can reduce such freedom. Thus, what are
also needed are web medium supplies and methods that allow greater
design freedom despite the high mass and high inertial loads
provided by the core and associated web.
[0009] It is also well known that each web medium used by a printer
has characteristics that can influence the appearance of a print
made using the web medium. Many existing reader systems are known
that read markings on a core or that detect the presence of a radio
frequency identification tag to allow automatic determination of
data from which the characteristics of such a web can be
determined. However, reader systems can be complex and expensive.
Alternatively, less complex mechanical encodements such as notches
in a core can be detected using less complex readers. However such
encodements are vulnerable to damage. Thus what is also needed in
the art are web medium supplies and methods that can automatically
determine data regarding a web that is on a core using a less
complex, less expensive, and more robust approach.
[0010] Further, it will be appreciated that as the mass of a core
and associated web increases the demands made on an operator in
mounting the core and associated web in a printer also increase. As
an initial matter the high mass of the core and associated web can
be difficult to lift. Further, the high mass of the core and
associated web can make it difficult for an operator to adjust a
velocity of the core and associated web as is required to position
the core and associated web during loading. This is because the
inertia of the core and associated web is high and therefore any
attempt to accelerate or decelerate a core and associated web must
be made against an inertial load. These difficulties can cause a
user to drop or otherwise mis-handle a core when loading the core
into a printer which can damage the core, the web medium or the
printer.
[0011] In some instances, the process of loading a core and
associated web into a printer is further complicated because the
proper orientation of a core within a pair of mountings that hold
the core for rotation in a printer may not be apparent.
Mis-assembly of the core to mountings that hold the core for
rotation can interrupt or undermine the printing process for
example, by causing images to be printed on the wrong side of a
receiver medium.
[0012] What is further needed therefore are web medium supplies and
methods that reduces the risk that a core and associated web will
be mis-loaded or mis-assembled without making loading more
difficult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Methods for operating a printer web medium supply are
provided in one aspect of the method. An input force is received
and the input force is distributed to supply first force at a first
end of a core having a web wound thereon and to supply a second
force at a second end of the core with the first force and the
second force being sufficient to control rotation the core against
an inertial load of the core and web medium wound thereon.
[0014] Both the first force and the second force are less than a
third force applied to a single driven end of an alternative core
to rotate the alternative core against the inertial load and
wherein the core has a first yield strength at the first end and a
second yield strength at the second end that are less than a third
yield strength required to receive the third force at the driven
end of the alternative core.
[0015] In another method for controlling rotation of a core in a
web medium web supply, the core is stiffened along a length of the
core by applying the first force to the first end of the core and a
second force to a second end of the core to induce a tension in the
core along a length of the core, further applying the first force
and the second force with the first force and the second force
being sufficient to rotate the core against an inertial load of the
core and the web on the core.
[0016] Both the first force and the second force are less than a
third force applied to a single driven end of an alternative core
to rotate the alternative core against the drag and wherein the
core has a first yield strength at the first end and a second yield
strength at the second end that are less than a third yield
strength required to receive the third force at the driven end of
the alternative core.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a printer having a web
supply;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a web supply having
mountings and a core that is used in the web supply;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing the core
and mountings assembled.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 with the
assembled core and mountings mounted in the web supply.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment of web supply of FIGS. 2-4
and where the core assembled with mountings at wrong ends of the
core.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4 where the
core has an engaged angle that corresponds to an engagement angle
of the first core mounting.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4 where the
core has an engaged angle that does not correspond to an engagement
angle of the first core mounting.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4 where the
core has an engaged angle that does not correspond to the
engagement angle of the first core mounting.
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a web supply system
having core mounting supports that are joined to the frame and
positioned at a loading position.
[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates the embodiment of web supply system of
FIG. 9 in a loaded position.
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 10 where a core
is mounted that has an engaged surface with an engaged angle that
does not correspond to engagement angles of core mounting.
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates the web supply system of the embodiment
of FIG. 10 having both a first core mounting and a second core
mounting having engagement angles that are not perpendicular to the
axis of rotation separated for loading a core having engaged angles
that are not perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 12 in a loaded
position.
[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a medium supply
for use with a different embodiment of a core.
[0031] FIG. 15 shows the embodiment of FIG. 14 with the core of
FIG. 14 loaded therein.
[0032] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a medium supply that can
determine data regarding core loaded therein.
[0033] FIGS. 17A-17C show various first core mountings useful with
the embodiment of FIG. 16.
[0034] FIGS. 17D-17E show various optional second core mountings
useful with the embodiment of FIG. 16.
[0035] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of a web supply
system.
[0036] FIGS. 19A-19F illustrate various embodiments of cores having
different rotationally positioned edges useful with the embodiment
of FIG. 18.
[0037] FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate alternative embodiments of core
mountings useful with the cores of FIG. 19A-19F.
[0038] FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of a method for determining data
associated with a cores of FIGS. 19A-19F using the medium supply of
FIG. 18 and the core mountings of FIGS. 20A-20B.
[0039] FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a web medium supply that
controls rotation of a core using a first force that is applied at
a first end of the core and a second force applied at a second end
of the core.
[0040] FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of a web medium supply that
controls rotation of a core using a first force that is applied at
a first end of the core and a second force applied at a second end
of the core.
[0041] FIG. 24 shows still another embodiment of a web medium
supply that controls rotation of a core using a first force that is
applied at a first end of the core and a second force applied at a
second end of the core.
[0042] FIG. 25 shows yet another embodiment of a web medium supply
that controls rotation of a core using a first force that is
applied at a first end of the core and a second force applied at a
second end of the core.
[0043] FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate yet another embodiment of a web
medium supply.
[0044] FIG. 27 shows one embodiment of a method for operation a web
medium supply.
[0045] FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of a method for operation a
web medium supply.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a printer 20. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, printer 20 comprises a housing 21 having a
print engine 22 that applies markings or otherwise forms an image
on a receiver medium 24. Print engine 22 can record images on
receiver medium 24 using a variety of known technologies including,
but not limited to, conventional four color offset separation
printing or other contact printing, silk screening, dry
electrophotography such as is used in the NexPress 2500 printer
sold by Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y., USA, thermal
printing technology, drop on demand ink jet technology and
continuous inkjet technology. For the purpose of the following
discussions, print engine 22 will be described as being of a type
that generates color images. However, it will be appreciated that
this is not necessary and that the claimed methods and apparatuses
described and claimed herein can be practiced with a print engine
22 that prints monotone images such as black and white, grayscale
or sepia toned images or that prints functional materials such as
electronic, biological or optical materials or component
thereof.
[0047] A medium advance 26 is used to position receiver medium 24
relative to engine 22. Medium advance 26 can comprise, for example,
any number of well-known systems for moving receiver medium 24
within printer 20, including a motor 28 driving pinch rollers 30, a
motorized platen roller (not shown) or other well-known systems for
the movement of paper or other types of receiver medium 24.
[0048] Web medium supply 32 supplies a web 25 of a medium used by
printer 20 during printing. As is shown in FIG. 1, web 25 can
comprise a receiver medium 24 on which an image is formed. Examples
of receiver medium 24 include paper, films, fabrics, or any other
substrate that can be used to provide an image including but not
limited webs of material that are sensitized with materials that
react to print engine 22 to form images. Web 25 can also comprise a
donor medium that bears materials that can be used by print engine
22 or other components of printer 20 during printing. Examples of
donor mediums include thermal mass transfer donor webs 25 that
convey, for example, dyes, pigments, clear or opaque coatings,
protective materials, materials that can be used for authenticity,
metals or functional materials that can be transferred using for
example heat and pressure applied by a thermal type print engine
22, other print engine type or other systems in printer 20.
Although the following discussion of printer 20 will illustrate
examples of web medium supply 32 delivering a single web 25, it
will be appreciated that this is done for convenience only and that
web medium supply 32 can have a plurality of such systems that
operate in parallel to deliver more than one web 25 such as where a
thermal print engine 22 requires both a donor web 25 and a receiver
web 25 or in any other situation where any type of print engine 22
has need of multiple webs 25 of medium to print.
[0049] A processor 34 operates print engine 22, medium advance 26,
web medium supply 32 and other components of printer 20 described
herein. Processor 34 can include, but is not limited to, a
programmable digital computer, a programmable microprocessor, a
programmable logic processor, a series of electronic circuits, a
series of electronic circuits reduced to the form of an integrated
circuit, or a series of discrete components. Processor 34 operates
printer 20 based upon input signals from a user input system 36,
sensor system 38, a memory 40 and a communication system 54.
Processor 34 can be a unitary device or it can comprise any of a
combination of various components some of which may be within
housing 21 and others of which may be external thereto.
[0050] User input system 36 can comprise any form of transducer or
other device capable of receiving an input from a user and
converting this input into a form that can be used by processor 34.
For example, user input system 36 can comprise a touch screen
input, a touch pad input, a 4-way switch, a 6-way switch, an 8-way
switch, a stylus system, a trackball system, a joystick system, a
voice recognition system, a gesture recognition system, a keyboard,
a remote control or other such systems. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, user input system 36 includes an optional remote input 58
and a local input 68.
[0051] Sensor system 38 can include light sensors such as
photocells and imagers, contact sensors and related sensing
structures to actuate the contact sensors, proximity sensors of
Hall effect sensors, and or any other sensors known in the art that
can be used to detect conditions in the environment proximate to or
within printer 20 and any circuits or systems that can generate
signals indicative of the detected condition to convert this
information into a form that can be used by processor 34 in
governing operation of print engine 22 and/or other systems of
printer 20. Sensor system 38 can include audio sensors adapted to
capture sounds. Sensor system 38 can also include positioning and
other sensors used internally to monitor printer operations.
[0052] Memory 40 can include conventional memory devices including
solid state, magnetic, optical or other data storage devices.
Memory 40 can be fixed within printer 20 or it can be removable. In
the embodiment of FIG. 1, printer 20 is shown having a hard drive
42, a disk drive 44 for a removable disk such as an optical,
magnetic or other disk memory (not shown) and a memory card slot 46
that holds a removable memory 48 such as a removable memory card
and has a removable memory interface 50 for communicating with
removable memory 48. Data including but not limited to control
programs, digital images and metadata can also be stored in a
remote memory system 52 that is external to printer 20 such as a
personal computer, computer network or other digital system.
[0053] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, printer 20 has a
communication system 54 that is optionally used in this embodiment
to communicate with remote memory system 52, remote display 56, and
remote input 58. Remote input 58 can take a variety of forms,
including but not limited to, the remote keyboard 58a, remote mouse
58b or remote control handheld device 58c illustrated in FIG. 1.
Remote display 56 and/or remote input 58 can communicate with
communication system 54 wirelessly as illustrated or can
communicate in a wired fashion.
[0054] Similarly, local input 68 can take a variety of forms. In
the embodiment of FIG. 1, local input 68 is shown that includes a
local keyboard 68a and a local mouse 68b. Further, in the
embodiment of FIG. 1, local display 66 and local input 68 are shown
being within housing 21 and directly connected to processor 34. In
alternative embodiments, either or both of local display 66 and
local input 68 can be connected to processor 34 by way of a wired
or wireless connection with communication system 54 and can be
positioned outside of housing 21.
[0055] Communication system 54 can comprise for example, one or
more optical, radio frequency, or other transducer circuits or
other systems that convert image and other data into a form that
can be conveyed to a remote device such as remote memory system 52
or remote display 56 using an optical signal, radio frequency
signal or other form of signal. Communication system 54 can also be
used to receive a digital image and other data from a host computer
or network (not shown), remote memory system 52 or remote input 58.
Communication system 54 provides processor 34 with information and
instructions from signals received thereby.
[0056] Typically, communication system 54 will have circuits and
systems that communicate with other devices including a host
computer or network (not shown), remote memory system 52, a remote
input 58 by way a communication network such as a conventional
telecommunication or data transfer network such as the internet, a
cellular, peer-to-peer or other form of mobile telecommunication
network, a local communication network such as wired or wireless
local area network or any other conventional wired or wireless data
transfer system. In this regard communication system 54 can use any
conventional communication circuits or components.
[0057] In operation, printing instructions are received from local
input 68 or from communication system 54 causing a receiver medium
24 to be loaded from web medium supply 32 and causing print engine
22 and medium advance 26 to cooperate to cause a desired image to
be printed. These steps can be performed in a conventional
fashion.
Printer Medium Supply
[0058] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a web medium supply 32
for printer 20. As is shown in FIG. 2, web medium supply 32 has a
web supply frame 100 positioning a first mounting support 102 at a
separation distance 90 from a second mounting support 104 along or
parallel to an axis of rotation 92.
[0059] A first core mounting 110 is provided having a first surface
112 that is rotatably supportable by the first mounting support 102
and a first engagement end 119 to support a first end 142 of a core
140. A second core mounting 130 is also provided having a second
surface 132 that is rotatably supportable by the second mounting
104 and a second engagement end 139 to support a second end 144 of
core 140.
[0060] Core 140 has a first open area 143 beginning at first end
142 and extending toward second end 144 and a second open area 145
beginning at second end 144 and extending toward first end 142.
First open area 143 and second open area 145 are shaped to receive
first engagement end 119 and second engagement end 139.
[0061] In this embodiment, first surface 112 has a cylindrical
shape allowing first core mounting 110 to rotate about an axis of
rotation 80. Similarly, second surface 132 has a cylindrical shape
allowing second core mounting 130 to rotate about an axis of
rotation 84. Other shapes and mounting arrangements can be used for
first surface 112, second surface 132, first mounting support 102
and second mounting support 104 that enable rotation consistent
with what is described herein.
[0062] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, first core mounting 110 and
second core mounting 130 are shown taking the form of gudgeons that
are separable from web medium supply 32. Accordingly, first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 can be assembled to a
core 140 outside of the confines of web medium supply 32 or frame
100 where there is typically more room to manipulate first core
mounting 110, second core mounting 130 and core 140.
[0063] First engagement end 119 of first core mounting 110 has a
first core support surface 116 shaped for insertion into first open
area 143 at first end 142 of core 140 while second core mounting
130 has a second engagement end 139 with a second core support
surface 136 shaped for insertion into second open area 145 of core
140. First core support surface 116 and second core support surface
136 extend, respectively, into first open area 143 and second open
area 145 of core 140 to an extent that supports the weight of core
140 and any web 25 wound thereon and that allows core 140 to rotate
about axis of rotation 92 when first surface 112 is supported by
first mounting support 102 and when the second surface 132 is
supported by second mounting support 104.
[0064] As is shown in FIG. 3, when first core mounting 110 and
second core mounting 130 are joined to a core 140 they form a
core/mounting assembly 152. As is shown in FIG. 4, core/mounting
assembly 152 can be placed into frame 100 by positioning the
core/mounting assembly 152 so that first surface 112 and second
surface 132 are inserted into first mounting support 102 and second
mounting support 104. As is shown here, an optional actuator 182 is
provided that can engage a first drive surface 114 of first core
mounting 110 or in an alternative embodiment a second drive surface
134 of second core mounting 130 to drive core/mounting assembly 152
to rotate.
[0065] As is also shown in FIG. 2, first core mounting 110 further
has an first engagement surface 118 proximate first engagement end
119 that is at a first engagement angle 120 that is not
perpendicular to an axis of rotation 80 of first core mounting 110.
As is shown here first engagement surface 118 takes or generally
follows the form of a planar section of a hollow cylinder taken at
first engagement angle 120 relative to the axis of rotation 82 of
core 140. Similarly, first end 142 of core 140 has a first engaged
surface 146 that is at a first engaged angle 150 relative to an
axis of rotation 82 of core 140. First engaged surface 146 likewise
takes or generally follows the form of a planar section of core
140.
[0066] When first end 142 of core 140 is mounted to first core
mounting 110, and second end 144 of core 140 is mounted to second
core mounting 130 axis of rotation 80 of first core mounting 110
and axis of rotation 82 of core 140 are aligned with an axis of
rotation 84 of second core mounting 130. When first core mounting
110 and second core mounting 130 are installed on first mounting
support 102 and second mounting support 104 and the angular
relationship between first engagement angle 120 and the first
engaged angle 150 correspond, axes 80, 82 and 84 are collectively
aligned with axis of rotation 92.
[0067] The extent to which first core support surface 116 can be
inserted into first open area 143 of core 140 is determined by the
correspondence between first engagement angle 120 and first engaged
angle 150. Accordingly, when first engagement angle 120 and first
engaged angle 150 correspond, first core support surface 116 can be
inserted into first end 142 of core 140 to an extent that supports
first end 142 of core 140 and any web 25 stored thereon and allows
core/mounting assembly 152 to fit in the separation distance 90
between first mounting support 102 and second mounting support 104
such that core/mounting assembly 152 can rotate about axis of
rotation 92.
[0068] However, when first engagement angle 120 and first engaged
angle 150 do not correspond, first core mounting 110 and second
core mounting 130 do not support core 140 for rotation about axis
of rotation 92. This can occur, for example, because the first core
mounting 110 cannot be inserted into core 140 to an extent that is
sufficient to create a core/mounting assembly 152 having a length
that is within separation distance 90 or because first core
mounting 110 cannot be inserted into core 140 to an extent that is
sufficient to form a core/mounting assembly 152 that can support
the load of core 140 and associated web 25 in a manner that can be
rotated about axis of rotation 92.
[0069] These outcomes provide a clear indication that a particular
combination of a first core mounting 110, second core mounting 130
and core 140 is not correct as will be shown in the following
examples of various incorrect combinations of a core 140 with a
first core mounting 110 and a second core mounting 130.
[0070] In one example shown in FIG. 5, a common loading error is
illustrated that arises when second end 144 of core 140 is
assembled to first core mounting 110 and when a first end 142 of
core 140 is assembled to second core mounting 130. As is shown in
FIG. 5, second core mounting 130 has a second core support surface
136 with a second engagement surface 138 that is essentially
perpendicular to the axis of rotation 82 of core 140 and which
contacts first engaged surface 146 at a position that defines one
end of a separation distance 93 while first engagement surface 118
of first core mounting 110 engages second engaged surface 148 to
define a second end of separation distance 93. The mis-assembled
core/mounting assembly 154 requires separation distance 93 that is
greater than separation distance 90. Accordingly, such a
mis-assembled core/mounting assembly 154 cannot be loaded into
frame 100 and therefore cannot be supported by first mounting
support 102 and second mounting support 104 of frame 100 for
rotation about an axis of rotation 92. This inability to mount
core/mounting assembly 154 provides a clear indication that
something is incorrect with the assembly and further prevents any
attempt to use of core/mounting assembly 154.
[0071] In other examples shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a core 140 has
a first end 142 with a first engaged surface 146 having a first
engaged angle 150 that does not correspond with a first engagement
angle 120 of a first engagement surface 118. This can occur in a
variety of circumstances, including, but not limited to, situations
where, for example, core 140 being inserted into web medium supply
32 has a web 25 that is not intended for use with printer 20 or
that is not of a type (e.g. donor or receiver type) that is
consistent with a type of web 25 that is to be loaded on first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 in web medium supply 32,
or where, for other reasons first core mounting 110 or second core
mounting 130 are not intended for use with web medium supply 32 or
for use with core 140, such as where first core mounting 110 or
second core mounting 130 are designed for use in a different
printer or in any other situation where the combination of a
particular first core mounting 110 or second core mounting 130 with
core 140 is unintended, inappropriate, or incorrect.
[0072] In the example of FIG. 6 a mis-assembled core/mounting
assembly 156 is created having a first core mounting 110 at a first
engagement surface 118 with a first engagement angle 120 that is
less than a first engaged angle 150 of a core 140. As is
illustrated in FIG. 6, the extent to which first core support
surface 116 of first core mounting 110 can be inserted into first
end 142 of core 140 is limited to the extent of insertion provided
when first engagement surface 118 contacts first engaged surface
146. Accordingly, first core support surface 116 of first core
mounting 110 does not fully extend into first end 142 of core 140
and there is a separation 160 between first engagement surface 118
and a first engaged surface 146 opposite the point of contact. This
causes the core/mounting assembly 156 illustrated in FIG. 6
requires a separation distance 94 that is greater than separation
distance 90 thus preventing a mis-assembled core/mounting assembly
156 from being positioned for rotation within frame 100 of web
medium supply 32.
[0073] In another example illustrated in FIG. 7, a mis-assembled
core/mounting assembly 158 is shown with a core 140 that has a
first engaged surface 146 that is at a first engaged angle 150 that
is greater than a first engagement angle 120. As is illustrated in
FIG. 7, the extent to which first core support surface 116 of first
core mounting 110 can be inserted into first end 142 of core 140 is
limited to the extent of insertion provided when first engagement
surface 118 contact first engaged surface 146. Accordingly, first
core mounting 110 does not extent into first end 142 to an intended
extent and there is a separation 163 between first engagement
surface 118 and a first engaged surface 146 opposite from a point
of contact. This causes the mis-assembled core/mounting assembly
158 illustrated in FIG. 7 to require a separation distance 95 that
is greater than the separation distance 90 in frame 100. This
prevents mis-assembled core/mounting assembly 158 from being
positioned within web supply frame 100 for rotation around axis of
rotation 92 and provides a clear indication that an incorrect
combination has been used.
[0074] In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, a mis-assembled
core/mounting assembly 161 has a core 140 with a first engaged
surface 146 that is at a first engaged angle 150 that is greater
than first engagement angle 120 of first engagement surface 118
while still allowing first core mounting 110 to be mounted to core
140 to such that core/mounting assembly 161 has length 96 that is
within the separation distance 90 despite the presence of a first
engaged angle 150 that does not correspond to first engagement
angle 120. This is possible, for example, if core 140 is shortened
relative to a length of core 140 shown for example in FIGS. 5 and
6. Here first core support surface 116 can be inserted into core
140 to an extent that is less than the extent provided when the
first engagement angle 120 corresponds to the first engaged angle
150 and creates a separation 163. This limits the amount of support
that can be provided by first core mounting 140 and these limits
can cause separation of first core mounting 110 from core 140 or
that can introduce significant wobble or other rotation that is not
aligned with the axis of rotation 92. Such conditions also serve
notice to an operator that core/mounting assembly 161 is not
correct. Optionally as is shown in FIG. 8, first core mounting 110
can have a tapered end cap 126 on first core support surface 116
that is angled to increase the likelihood that insufficient
engagement will cause such separation or introduce such wobble.
[0075] It will be appreciated from the examples of FIGS. 5-8 that
the web medium supply 32 is capable of providing a clear indication
when a combination of a first core mounting 110, second core
mounting 130 and a core 140 is incorrect.
[0076] The foregoing embodiments have been described using
embodiments of web medium supply 32 having a first core mounting
110 and a second core mounting 130 that are separable from frame
100. This is not limiting. As will now be described with respect to
FIGS. 9-11, in other embodiments, web medium supply 32 can have
first core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 fixed to first
mounting support 102 and second mounting 104, respectively, such
that core 140 and associated web 25 are mounted to first mounting
support 102 and second mounting support 104 within frame 100.
[0077] In this embodiment of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, first surface 112
of first core mounting 110 and second surface 132 second core
mounting 130 are fixed to first mounting support 102 and second
mounting support 104. As is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when first
mounting support 102 and second mounting support 104 are separated
by loading separation 97 a core 140 can be positioned between first
core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130, and then first
mounting support 102 and second mounting support 104 can be moved
along tracks 106 and 108 toward a position where the first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 engage core 140 and are
separated by the separation distance 90. In alternative
embodiments, frame 100 can allow movement of first mounting support
102 or second mounting support 104 in other ways including but not
limited to movement along a pivotal path.
[0078] Where, as shown in FIG. 10, first core mounting 110 has an
first engagement surface 118 that is at a first engagement angle
120 that corresponds to a first engaged angle 150 of a first
engaged surface 146 of core 140, first core mounting 110 and second
core mounting 130 can be moved to a position where first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 support core 140 and web
25 associated with core 140 for rotation about axis of rotation
92.
[0079] However, as is shown in FIG. 11 where first core mounting
110 has a first engagement surface 118 that is at a first
engagement angle 120 that does not correspond to the first engaged
angle 150 of a first engaged surface of core 140, core 140 can
prevent first mounting 110 and second mounting 130 from moving to a
position that is separated by separation distance 90. This prevents
first core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 from engaging
core 140 to an extent that is sufficient to support core 140 and
associated web 25 for rotation about axis of rotation 92.
[0080] In this embodiment, this lack of support can stem from a
failure of first core mounting 102 and second core mounting 104 to
reach a position where first core mounting 102 and second core
mounting 104 can be held in place along tracks 106 and 108 or
because, even if held in this position, first core mounting 100 and
second core mounting 130 do not provide sufficient support to
enable core 140 to rotate about axis of rotation 92 and to permit
core 140 to rotate around axes other than axis of rotation 92.
Accordingly, this approach also provides a clear indication that a
combination of first core mounting 110, second core mounting 130
and core 140 is incorrect.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, in certain embodiments,
web medium supply 32 can be used with a core 140 that has a first
engaged surface 146 at first end 142 that is not perpendicular to
an axis of rotation 82 of the core 140 and a second engaged surface
148 at second end 144 that is not perpendicular to the axis of
rotation 82 of core 140. In such embodiments, web medium supply 32
provides a first core mounting 110 having a first engagement
surface 118 at a first engagement angle 120 and a second core
mounting 130 having a second engagement surface 135 at a second
engaged angle 151 that correspond respectively to the first engaged
angle 150 and a second engaged angle 151. As is shown in FIG. 13,
where the first engagement angle 120 corresponds to the first
engaged angle 150 and the second engagement angle 121 corresponds
to the second engaged angle 151, core 140 can be supported by first
core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 for rotation about
the axis of rotation 92.
[0082] However, where first engagement angle 120 and first engaged
angle 150 do not correspond or where the second engagement angle
121 and second engaged angle 151 do not correspond, first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 do not support core 140
for rotation about axis of rotation 92 for the reasons generally
described above.
[0083] It will also be appreciated that in addition to other
advantages to be described below, cores 140 of this type can be
used to provide an additional layer of protection against
mis-loading of core 140 to web medium supply 32. Similarly, when
cores 140 of the type illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 are used with
web medium supply 32, web medium supply 32 provides a clear
indication of an incorrect combination of a second end 144 of core
140 of this type with a second core mounting 120 resulting from any
of the examples of mis-assembly described above in FIGS. 6-9 with
reference to the first core mounting 110 and first end 142 of core
140.
[0084] FIGS. 14 and 15 show another embodiment of a core 140 that
can be used in any of the embodiments described herein but that is
shown for example, in this embodiment used with the embodiment of
web medium supply 32 consistent with that shown in FIGS. 12 and
13.
[0085] As is shown in FIG. 14 this embodiment, a core 140 is
provided having a first end 142 and a second end 144 that are
arranged such that a longest length L of core 140 between a the
first end 142 and second end 144 is within a width 98 of a web 25
wound on core 140. This arrangement makes core 140 and web 25 more
compact and of a less irregular shape. This facilitates shipping of
core 140 and web 25, by lowering packaging costs and reducing the
amount of space required of to ship core 140 and web 25. Further,
this arrangement makes core 140 and web 25 less likely to be
subject to an effect known as telescoping.
[0086] Telescoping can occur, for example, when a core 140 and a
web 25 are dropped or otherwise subject to unequal loads or
acceleration along the axis of rotation 82 of core 140. Such
unequal loads can cause the core 140 to move along the axis of
rotation 82 of core 140 relative to web 25 such that a portion of
the mass of the web 25 shifts laterally along the length of core
140. This telescoping effect can occur where, for example, a core
140 and web 25 are dropped such that core 140 strikes the ground
and decelerates at a rate that is significantly faster than the web
25 does. In such a case, core 140 immediately ceases movement while
the mass of web 25 continues to move causing web 25 to uncoil while
shifting laterally to create a telescopic appearance. Such
telescoping issues can also arise where core 140 and web 85 are
subject to a differential acceleration that can occur for example
during shipping or transport. The telescoping of web 25 can be
difficult to correct and can damage web 25.
[0087] In the embodiment of FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the risk of such
telescoping problems is substantially reduced by providing a core
140 that is, at a longest length within a width of a web 25 mounted
thereon. As can be seen in FIG. 15, this arrangement also
advantageously allows web medium supply 32 to be made smaller
laterally, which allows web medium supply 32 to be made smaller
because the separation distance 99 can be made smaller than, for
example, a separation distance 90 as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.
[0088] While first core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130
have been shown as being of a type that can have a first core
support surface 116 and a second core support surface 136
respectively that support core 140 from an inside portion, it will
be appreciated that in other embodiments, first core mounting 110
and second core mounting can support first end 142 of core 140 and
second end 144 of core 140 by support structures that overlap first
end 142 and a second end 144 of core 140 on an outside of core 140
to an extent that provides external support and that in such
embodiments first engagement surface 118 and second engagement
surface 138 will be positioned within the first core support
surface 116 and second core support surface 136.
[0089] It will be understood that correspondence of a first
engagement angle 120 to a first engaged angle 150 and
correspondence of a second engagement angle 121 to a second engaged
angle 151 do not require an exact match of angles as there are, of
course, various degree of tolerances within any system involving
multiple components and therefore the extent of correspondence
required in any system can vary based upon the dimensional
characteristics and stability of the web medium supply 32, the core
140, and the first core mounting 110 and the second core mounting
130, such as the lengthening of a core, the separation distance 90,
the extent of engagement between core 140 and first core mounting
110 and second core mounting 130. In general, therefore, the first
engaged angle 150 and the first engagement angle 120 correspond
where the first engaged angle 150 and the angle of the first
engagement angle 120 are such that core 140 can be mounted to first
core mounting 110 and the second core mounting 130 such that a
total length of the core 140, first core mounting 110 and second
core mounting 130 is within separation distance 90 within which
first core mounting 110 can be supported by the first mounting
support 102 and the second core mounting 120 can be supported by
the second mounting support 104 for rotation about the axis of
rotation 92.
Determining Data Related to the Web
[0090] FIG. 16 shows a first embodiment of a web medium supply 32
that is adapted to determine data related to a web 25 of medium on
a core 140. In this embodiment, a first engaged surface 146 of core
140 is provided with a first engaged angle 150 that is one of a
plurality of different first engaged angles 150. Each of the
plurality of different first engaged angles 150 is logically
associated with different data. Accordingly, by providing a sensor
system 38 that can sense the first engaged angle 150 or that can
sense conditions that are indicative of the first engaged angle 150
on a core 140 data regarding a web 25 wound on core 140 can be
determined.
[0091] In the embodiment of FIG. 16 web medium supply 32 has a
first mounting support 102 that is adapted to receive any of a
plurality of different first core mountings 110, illustrated for
example in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C, as first core mounting 110A,
first core mounting 11013 and first core mounting 110C.
[0092] As is illustrated in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C, a first core
mounting 110A has a first engagement surface 118A that is at a
first engagement angle 120A, another first core mounting 110B has a
first engagement surface 118B at a first engagement angle 120B
still another first core mounting 110C has a first engagement
surface 118C with a first engagement angle 120C. First engagement
angles 120A, 120B and 120C correspond to one of the plurality of
first engaged angles and are logically associated with the data.
Here, first engagement angles 120A, 120B and 120C are different. As
is also illustrated in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, each of the plurality
of first core mountings 110A, 11013 and 110C has one set of three
different first detectable features 180A, 180B and 180C.
[0093] Accordingly, processor 34 can determine data associated with
web 25 by detecting which one of first mounting 120A, 120B, or 120C
is mounted to core 140 when core 140 is joined to first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 to form a core/mounting
assembly 152 and the mounting/core assembly 152 is mounted between
first mounting support 102 and second mounting support 104.
[0094] Returning to FIG. 16, it will be observed that sensor system
38 provides a first sensor 162 that is positioned relative to frame
100 such that first sensor 162 can sense any of first detectable
features 180A, 180B and 180C. When first sensor 162 senses one of
the plurality of first detectable features 180A, 180B, and 180C,
first sensor 162 generates a first sensor signal from which
processor 34 can determine which one of first detectable features
180A, 180B and 180C is on a first core mounting 110.
[0095] Processor 34 can then determine data regarding web 25 wound
on core 140 based upon this information. This can be done, for
example by referencing a look up table (LUT) that correlates each
of the first detectable features 180A, 180B and 180C that can be
used to determine characteristics of the web 25 wound on core
140.
[0096] In the embodiments of FIG. 16, sensor system 38 is shown
having an optional a second sensor 164 that is positioned relative
to frame 100 such that second sensor 164 can sense an optional
second detectable feature 184 on second core mounting 130. This
allows additional information to be provided on core 140 by
defining core 140 to further have a second engaged surface 148 that
is at one of a plurality of second engaged angles 151 each
associated with some additional data. Here too, second sensor 164
can sense second engaged angle 151 or second sensor 164 can sense
conditions that are indicative of the second engaged angle 151 and
the additional data can be determined. In the embodiment of FIG.
16, this sensing is likewise done for example, by sensing which of
a plurality of second detectable features of a plurality of second
core mountings 130 shown in FIGS. 17D, 17E, and 17F is to second
end of core 140 when positioned in second mounting support 104.
[0097] As is illustrated in FIG. 16, an actuator 182 is provided
that is responsive to processor 34 to provide a force that, for
example, can be used to control rotation of core 140, for example,
to cause core 140 urge core 140 to rotate or to come to rest. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, actuator 182 comprises a motor
that engages a first drive surface 114 of first core mounting 110
and transfers forces from actuator 182 to drive rotation of core
140. However, accurate rotation of core 140 can require some degree
of feedback. Accordingly, first sensor 162 or second sensor 164 can
be used for the additional purpose of sending signals to processor
34 from which processor 34 can determine a rate of rotation of core
140 and can send signals to actuator 183 to adjust a rate of
rotation. In an alternative embodiment, actuator 182 can
alternatively drive a second drive surface 134 on second core
mounting 130 rather than driving first core mounting 110. In still
other embodiments, not illustrated, actuator 182 can be positioned
on frame 100 such that it can apply urging forces to either first
surface 112 or second surface 132 to influence rotation of core
140. In any of these configurations the use of signals from first
sensor 162 or second sensor 164 can be used to provide such
feedback signals in addition to providing sensing of first
detectable feature 180 and second detectable feature 184
respectively.
[0098] FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a web medium supply 32
that can be used to determine data related to a web 25 of medium on
a core 140. In this embodiment, this determination is made based
upon the relative rotational positions of first engaged surface 146
and second engaged surface 148 about the circumference of core 140.
In this regard, it will be appreciated that first engaged surface
146 and second engaged surface 148 generally follow cylindric
sections across core 140. These cylindric sections can be taken at
any rotational position around core 140. Accordingly, for a
particular core 140 first engaged surface 146 can follow a
cylindric section taken at a first rotational position while second
engaged surface 148 can follow a cylindric section taken at a
second rotational position. Data can be associated with particular
positional relationships such that the data regarding the web 25 on
core 140 can be determined by sensing the rotational position of
first engaged surface 146 and second engaged surface 148 or by
sensing conditions that are indicative of the relative rotational
positions.
[0099] FIGS. 19A-19E illustrate a plurality of different cores
140A, 140B, and 140C that can have data that is associated with the
separation between the rotational position of first engaged
surfaces 146A, 146B, 146C and the rotational positions of second
engaged surfaces 148A, 148B and 148C. As is shown here, first
engaged surface 146A is at a first rotational position 170A second
engaged surface 148B is at a second rotational position 170B and
second engaged surface 148C is at a third rotational position 170C
relative to position of first engaged surface 146. For clarity,
first engaged surface 146 is maintained in the same position for
each of the cores 140A, 140B and 140C.
[0100] As is shown in a side view in FIG. 19A and as illustrated in
top view in FIG. 19B core 140A at second engaged surface 148 has a
90 degree offset from first engaged surface 146A and faces in the
direction of the side view. This rotational separation can be
associated with first data regarding a web (not shown) on core
140A. Core 140B is shown in a top view in FIG. 19C and in a side
view in FIG. 19D as having a second engaged surface 148 that is at
a rotational position that is also 90 degrees offset from the
rotational position of the first engaged surface but in the
opposite direction this relative rotational separation can be
associated with second data regarding a web (not shown) on core
140B. Further, as is also shown in FIG. 19E and in top view in FIG.
19F, another core 140C has a second engaged surface 148 at the same
rotational position as first engaged surface 146 and therefore
provides no rotational separation. This relative rotational
separation can be logically associated with third data regarding a
web 25 on core 140C.
[0101] FIGS. 20A-20B show a first core mounting 110 and a second
core mounting 130 that can be used with any of cores 140A, 140B and
140C shown in FIGS. 19A-19F. As is shown in FIG. 20A, first core
mounting 110 has a first detectable feature 180 at a first
rotational position and that has a known rotational positional
relationship with the rotational position at which first engagement
surface 118 is taken. In FIG. 20A these rotational positions are
shown at an aligned rotational relationship. FIG. 20B shows a
second core mounting 130 that can be used with any of cores 140A,
140B and 140C. As is shown in FIG. 20B second core mounting 130 has
a second detectable feature 184A that is at a second rotational
position 175 and that is at a known positional relationship with
the second engagement surface 138. Here in FIG. 20B the positional
relationship is an opposing positional relationship with second
detectable feature 184 being arranged 180 degrees from an angle at
which second engagement surface 138 is taken.
[0102] Returning to FIG. 18, core 140A is illustrated as being
joined to first core mounting 110 and to second core mounting 130
and loaded within frame 100 for rotation about axis of rotation 92.
In this embodiment, printer 20 has a web medium supply 32 having a
first sensor 162 and a second sensor 164 joined to frame 100 and
positioned to sense, respectively when first detectable feature 180
is rotated past first sensor 162 and when second detectable feature
184 is rotated past second sensor 164.
[0103] FIG. 21 shows a first embodiment of a method for operating a
web medium supply 32 of a printer 20 to determine data regarding a
web 25 on a core 140 such as core 140A. As is shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 22 in a first step (step 190), a core data
condition is detected indicating that an automatic core data
acquisition process is to be executed. In one embodiment, a core
data condition can be a signal received from user input system 36
indicating that a new core is to be installed in web medium supply
32.
[0104] In other embodiments, sensor system 38 of printer 20 can
include sensors that can detect when a web medium supply access
door or panel (not shown) has been opened, when a load that is
borne by a first mounting support 102 or a second mounting support
104 is transitions from a loaded condition to an unloaded
condition, when a core 140 is not positioned between first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 or when there is
insufficient web 25 on core 140.
[0105] In still other embodiments, operational conditions can be
calculated or automatically determined that indicate that a change
of cores is required or that it is required to load a core between
the first core mounting and the second core mounting. This can
occur, for example where there is a need to change or replace a
receiver medium or donor medium because of operating conditions. A
core data condition can also arise at a startup or reset of printer
20. When any of these conditions or any other condition suggests
that capturing or verifying data regarding a web 25 on a core 140
would be useful or appropriate is sensed or determined by processor
34 for printer 20 can determine that the core data condition
exists.
[0106] After such a core data condition is sensed or determined
processor 34 causes sensor system 38 to sense conditions from which
a difference in the rotational positions of a first engaged surface
146 at a first end 142 of a core 140 and a second engaged surface
148 at a second end 144 of core 140 can be determined (step 192).
There are a variety of ways in which this can be done
automatically. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 18, processor
34 can cause actuator 182 to rotate first mounting 110, core 140A
and second core mounting 130 after a core such as core 140A mounted
to first core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130. During
rotation, a rotational position of a first detectable feature 180
on first core mounting 110 is sensed and a rotational position of
second detectable feature 184 on second core mounting 130 is
sensed.
[0107] As is illustrated in FIG. 20A first core mounting 110A has a
first detectable feature 180 at a known rotational position with
respect to first engagement surface 118. For the reasons discussed
above, first engagement surface 118 corresponds to first engaged
surface 146A of core 140A and arranged in a fashion that has first
engagement surface 118 rotationally aligned with the first engaged
surface 146 of a core 140 when mounted in frame 100. Accordingly,
the rotational position of first detectable feature 180 is
indicative of the rotational position of the first engaged surface
146A of core 140A.
[0108] Similarly, as is illustrated in FIG. 20B, second detectable
feature 184 on second core mounting 130 has a known rotational
position with respect to second engagement surface 138 for the
reasons also discussed above, is rotationally aligned with second
engaged surface 148A of core 140A to second end 144 of core 140 and
when assembled mounted in frame 100 such that the rotational
position of the second detectable feature 184 is indicative of the
rotational position of second engaged surface 148. In one example,
rotational positions can be assigned by sensing when during
rotation, the first detectable feature 180 of the first core
mounting 110 is sensed by sensor system 38 and the second
detectable feature 184 of the second core mounting 130 is sensed by
sensor system 38.
[0109] In the embodiment of FIG. 18, sensor system 38 uses first
sensor 162 and second sensor 164 to detect first detectable feature
180 and second detectable feature 184, however, other sensors can
be used. For example, sensor system 38 can provide an arrangement
of sensors (not shown) that can be provided at fixed locations
about the path of rotation the first core mounting 110 and second
core mounting 130 such that the rotational position of first
detectable feature 180 and second detectable feature 184 can be
determined without rotation of core 140.
[0110] Alternatively, sensor system 38 can have a first sensor 162
and second sensor 164 positioned as indicated in FIG. 18 and
capable of sensing the relative rotational positions of a first
detectable feature 180 and second detectable feature 184 without
rotating core 140. This can be done where first detectable feature
180 and second detectable feature 184 provide a plurality of
differentiable portions positioned at different rotational
positions on the first core mounting 110 and the second core
mounting such that sensor system 38 can provide signals that are
indicative of the relative rotational positions of first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 from which the relative
rotational positions can be determined. For example, the first
detectable feature 180 and second detectable feature 184 can be
provided such that they can be sensed with different intensities at
various rotational positions of first core mounting 110 and second
core mounting 130. Processor 34 can then determine the rotational
position of the first core mounting 110 and second core mounting
130 based upon the intensity of the portions of first detectable
feature 180 and second detectable feature 184 confronting first
sensor 162 and second sensor 164.
[0111] In another embodiment, the rotational positions of the first
engaged surface 146 and second engaged surface 148 can be sensed by
determining an initial rotational position of a first core mounting
110 and a second core mounting 130 when a core data condition is
sensed and detecting an amount of rotation of the first core
mounting 110 and the second core mounting 110 required to enable
the core 140A to be mounted on first core mounting 110 and second
core mounting 130. Optionally, the rotational positions of first
core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 can be mechanically
reset to a reference position upon detecting the core data
condition either by active controlled movement of the first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 by one or more actuators
(not shown) or by passive controlled movement of first core
mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 such as can occur where
the first core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 are
mechanically biased to a neutral position by a spring or other
resilient member or actuator (not shown).
[0112] Data regarding a web 25 on the core 140A is then determined
based upon the sensed conditions (step 194). In this regard,
processor 34 can then determine data regarding web 25 wound on core
140 based upon signals from the sensor system 38 from which a
rotational position of the first detectable feature 180 and second
detectable feature 184 can be determined. This can be done, for
example, by referencing a look up table (LUT) that correlates
rotational positions of first detectable feature 180 and second
detectable feature 184 with particular data that can be used to
determine characteristics of the web 25 wound on a core 140.
Alternatively, rotational positions of first detectable feature 180
and second detectable feature 184 can be used to determine the
rotational positions of the first engaged surface 146 and the
second engaged surface 148 using a LUT that correlates rotational
positions of the first engaged surface and the second engaged
surface or a calculated rotational separation between the first
engaged surface 146 and the second engaged surface 148 with
particular characteristics of a web 25. Other forms of logical
association can be used.
[0113] The data determined from the look up table or other logical
association can itself provide data regarding the web 25 on the
core 140A or the determined data indicate reference data that can
be used to obtain regarding the web 25 from a reference source,
such as data that instructs processor 34 where such data can be
obtained or derived for example, from a particular memory location
which can be local or in a remote memory system 52 such as a remote
data server or that provides data that can be used to identify a
formula or other calculation that can be used to calculate
information regarding the web, or data that can be used in such a
formula.
[0114] Processor 34 can use this data to establish appropriate
parameters for printing using the web. This data can be used to
adjust the printing process or to obtain data that can be used to
adjust the printing process based upon the characteristics of the
web medium. For example, and without limitation, the data can be
indicative of web characteristics including surface gloss,
thickness, age of the medium, the batch of the medium, grain
direction, dye composition, manufacturer identification, density
information, and color information. Processor 34 can use such data
to establish printing speeds, color densities, the need for an
overcoat, the need for gloss adjustment or any of a number of
operating characteristics of a printer.
[0115] In this manner it is possible to provide data that is
associated with any of a plurality of different webs by winding
each different web 25 on one of a plurality of cores 140 having
different rotational positions of a first engaged surface 146 at a
first end 142 of the core 140 and rotational positions of a second
engaged surface 148 at a second end 144 of the core 140 such that
the separation between the rotational position the first engaged
surface 146 and the second engaged surface 148 are indicative of
data related to the web 25 recorded thereon. Further, such data can
be obtained by steps of sensing the rotational position of the
first core mounting 110 and the second core mounting 130 and
determining the data based either upon the separation of the
rotational positions of the first core mounting 110 and second core
mounting 130 or by using the separation of the rotational
separation between the first core mounting 110 and second core
mounting 130 to determine the rotational position of the first
engaged surface 146 and the rotational position of the second
engaged surface 148 from which the data is then determined.
[0116] The first detectable feature 180 and second detectable
feature 184 can take many forms including but not limited to
optically detectable features such as comparatively reflective or
comparatively dark areas of first core mounting 110 and second core
mounting 130 or such as openings in first core mounting 110 or
second core mounting 130, mechanically detectable features,
electrically detectable features, or electromagnetically detectable
features.
[0117] The first detectable feature 180 and the second detectable
feature 184 can be assembled to first core mounting 110 and second
core mounting 130. Alternatively, the first detectable feature 180
and the second detectable feature 184 can be formed from a common
substrate with first core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130
or otherwise fabricated with the first core mounting 110 and the
second core mounting 130 such as where the first core mounting 110
and second core mounting 130 are fabricated having surface features
from which first detectable feature 180 and second detectable
feature 184.
[0118] Sensor system 38 can use sensors of conventional design such
as electro-optical, electro-mechanical, electromagnetic or other
sensors that can detect such embodiments of detectable features 180
and 184. Sensor system 38 need only be capable of sensing when a
first detectable feature 180 or second detectable feature 184 is
present in a defined area relative to the sensor system 38 or of
generating a differentiable signals that allows discrimination
between portions of first detectable feature 180 or of second
detectable feature 184 that are distributed rotationally around the
first core mounting and the second core mounting to indicate which
portion is in a defined area relative to sensor system 38, any
known sensor that can detect any feature of first core mounting 110
or second core mounting 130 ways can be used for this purpose. In
the embodiment of FIG. 18 there is no requirement that the sensor
system 38 is capable of reading any data encoded in markings or
RFID transponders.
[0119] It will also be appreciated that this arrangement is highly
robust as the detected planes are not as vulnerable to damage as
markings or RFID tags and as generic core 140 to be used to load
all of a plurality of different webs 25, the conditions that must
be sensed to determine the rotational positions on phase
differences between cores such as cores 140A, 140B, and 140C that
can be automatically detected during loading or during rotation
with presence/absence type sensors and sensing systems, or
intensity type sensors.
[0120] Optionally, the first engaged angle 150 or second engaged
angle 151 or the rotational positions at which first engaged
surface 146 or second engaged surface 148 are provided can be
defined on a core 140 after web 25 has been wound thereon using
slicing, cutting, or other processes that can be quickly and
cleanly executed thus allowing a core 140 to have these
features.
[0121] The different rotational positions of the first core
mounting 110 and the second core mounting 130 shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 19A-19F are exemplary only. A large number of
potential rotational separations are possible and plurality of
cores is possible that can be used to provide data regarding a
large number of different webs. It will be appreciated by using
this method, a sensor system 38 generate signals from which data
regarding the web 25 on a core 140 can be determined while being
simpler and more robust than readers required to read markings or
to sense RFID tags. Accordingly, a low cost and high reliability
method is provided that can provide information regarding a large
number of different web mediums.
Core Drive Arrangements
[0122] As is generally noted above, the inertial loads created by a
core 140 and associated web 25 can be significant. To control
movement of core 140 control forces are generated using an actuator
and then these forces are applied through, for example, first core
mounting 110 to core 140. To do this successfully, core 140 itself
should be capable of responding to such forces without either
disruptively damaging core 140 and without slipping relative to
first mounting 110. The design of a core 140 that meets these
requirements would suggest the use of a core that has a certain
range of size or weight or that is made from specialty materials or
complex designs. While such an approach can yield commercially
viable and highly useful systems, such an approach can limit design
freedom with respect to the size, weight, complexity or cost of
printer 20. Further the core cost, complexity, weight or volume
will be multiplied by the number of cores that web medium supply 32
is adapted to supply and therefore the design of a core 140 can
have a meaningful influence on the total cost of size of a printer
20 and can also influence the per print cost of such a printer.
[0123] Conversely, to the extent that the size, weight or component
cost of the cores 140 used in web medium supply 32 of printer 20
can be reduced, it is possible to achieve reductions in the size,
weight or complexity of components of web medium supply 32 and
printer 20, and the benefits of such reductions will also be
multiplied by the number of cores 140 web medium supply 32 is
adapted to supply.
[0124] With objectives of securing any of these and other benefits
in mind, FIG. 22 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a
web medium supply 32. As is shown in FIG. 22, web medium supply 32
comprises a frame 100 having a first mounting support 102 and
second mounting support 104 that are positioned along an axis of
rotation 92 and separated by a separation distance 90 during the
supply of web 25.
[0125] First core mounting 110 is also provided having a first
surface 112 that is supportable by the first mounting 102 for
rotation about the axis of rotation 92 and a first engagement end
119 to which a first end 142 of a core 140 can be mounted. First
core mounting 112 also has a first engagement surface 118 through
which a first force urging the first core mounting 110 to rotate
can be transmitted to core 140 to urge core 140 to rotate with
first core mounting 110.
[0126] A second core mounting 130 is also provided having a second
surface 132 that is rotatably supportable by the second mounting
104 for rotation about the axis of rotation 92 second core support
surface 136 to which a second end 144 of the core 140 can be
mounted. Second core mounting 112 also has a second drive surface
134 through which a second force urging the second core mounting
130 to rotate can be transmitted to core 140 to urge core 140 to
rotate with second core mounting 130.
[0127] As is shown in FIG. 22, web medium supply 32 has a drive
transmission 200 with an input end 202, a first output 204
mechanically linked to first core mounting 110 to apply the first
force to first core mounting 110 and a second output 210
mechanically linked to second core mounting 130 to apply the second
force to second core mounting 130.
[0128] In the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 23, drive
transmission 200 mechanically links input end 202 to first output
204 and to second output 210 and distributes an amount of force
supplied at input end 202 to first output 204 and to second output
210 so that first output 204 and second output 210 respectively
apply the first force to first core mounting 110 and the second
force to second core mounting 130 such that the first force and the
second force can, in combination, control rotation of first core
mounting 110, second core mounting 130, core 140 and web 25.
[0129] In this embodiment, drive transmission 200 is shown with a
transmission linkage 201 linking input end 202 to first output 204
and second output 210 by way of an input gear 212, a first output
gear 214 and a second output gear 216 that directly intermesh to
drive first output 204 and second output 210 such that first output
204 and second output 210 rotate according to the same input force.
In this embodiment, first output gear 214 and second output gear
216 match so that first output 204 and second output 210 move at
the same rate of rotation and in phase in response to rotation of
input end 202, for example, by an actuator 182. In this way, the
embodiment of drive transmission 200 illustrated in FIG. 22 can
ensure that first end 142 and second end 144 of core 140 are held
in a range of rotational positions relative to each other. This
arrangement of drive transmission 200 is not limiting and other
conventional types of transmissions can be used to the extent that
such other conventional transmissions perform the functions
described herein.
[0130] As is also shown in the embodiment of FIG. 22, first output
204 is mechanically linked to first drive surface 114 of first core
mounting 110 to provide an interface through which the first force
can be applied, while second output 210 is mechanically linked to
second drive surface 134 of second core mounting 134 to provide an
interface through which the second force can be applied.
[0131] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, first drive
surface 114 is geared and is mechanically linked to first output
204 by way of an intermeshing first drive gear 220 that is driven
by first output 204. Similarly second core mounting 130 has a
second drive surface 134 that is geared and that is mechanically
linked to intermeshing second drive gear 222 that is driven by
second output 210. In one embodiment, first drive gear 220 and
first drive surface 114 are geared so that they intermesh in the
same way that second drive gear 222 and second drive surface 134
intermesh so that an amount of input from first output 204 and
second output 210 will cause the same amount of rotation of first
core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130.
[0132] In certain embodiments, it may be necessary or useful to
provide differential gearing of first output gear 214 and second
output gear 216. This can be done as desired to the extent that any
differences in output caused by such differences can be compensated
for by way of other systems to ensure that the first end 142 and
second end 144, of core 140 maintain a rotational position that is
within a range of rotational positions. For example, it may be
useful or necessary to compensate for differences in the gearing of
first output gear 214 and second output gear 216 through
differences in the way in which first drive gear 220 and first
drive surface 114 and second drive gear 222 and second drive
surface 134 intermesh. This allows for some flexibility in the
design of the overall system as may be necessary to support other
considerations in the design of the overall printer 20.
[0133] It will be appreciated that by driving core 140 from both
first end 142 and second end 144 in phase, the first end 142 and
second end 144 of core 140 will remain within a fixed range of
rotational positions relative to each other, and the amount of
torque experienced in core 140 at each of first end 142 and second
end 144 will be significantly reduced as compared to an alternative
where, for example, all of the torque created by the inertial load
of core 140 and associated web 25 must pass through one end of core
140.
[0134] Because the amount of torque required to provide
controllable rotation of core 140 and web 25 including that
required manage the inertial loads is applied through first end 142
and second end 144, a first yield strength of core 140 at first end
142 and a second yield strength of core 140 at second end 144, can
be lower than a third yield strength required of an alternative
core (not shown in FIG. 22) having the same web 25 thereon and but
that is driven only from first end 142 or second end 144.
Accordingly, a core 140 driven in this way can be made smaller
lighter, or of less costly materials or of a simpler design than
such an alternative core.
[0135] It will also be appreciated that in these embodiments the
first force is transferred from first core mounting 110 to first
end 142 of core 140 at the interface between first engagement
surface 118 and first engaged surface 146. This provides an area of
driving contact that circumscribes core 140. Accordingly there is
no opportunity for slippage of first core mounting 110 relative to
core 140. Further, the extent of such contact area ensures that
there is tolerance for incidental damage to a portion of core 140
while still allowing the use of core 140 with first core mounting
110. Thus first end 142 can be damaged to an extent that would
destroy, for example, a notch used in a conventional interface
between a core and a mounting while still remaining useful. Similar
outcomes are achieved at the second end 144 of core 140, where the
second force is applied to the core 140 through an interface
between the second engagement surface 138 and the second engaged
surface 148. In other embodiments, the first engagement surface 118
and second engagement surface 138 can take other forms.
[0136] The driving of input end 202 can be done in any conventional
fashion. In the embodiment of FIG. 22, input end 202 is shown being
driven by actuator 182 which can be, for example and without
limitation, a motor.
[0137] In many cases, the amount of the first force and the second
force applied will be generally constant and the first force and
the second force are applied to cause the first end and the second
end to maintain a determined average rate of rotation over the
course of each rotation of the core 140 unless instructed to change
the rate of rotation. Alternatively, the first force and the second
force can be applied to cause the first end 142 and the second end
144 to maintain a determined average rotational relationship over
the course of each rotation of the core 140.
[0138] However, where the inertial load experienced by the core 140
is greater at one of the first end 142 and the second end 144 than
at the other of the first end 142 and the second end 144 so that a
first component of the inertial load experienced at the first end
142 of the core 140 is at a first level and so that a second
component the experienced at the second end during rotation is at a
second different level, and wherein the first force and the second
force are in proportion to the component of the inertial load
experienced at the first end 142 and the second end 144. In such a
situation, drive transmission 200 will be adapted to provide such
different levels of force.
[0139] FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment in which drive
transmission 200 further comprises a cross-core force conveyor 230
that extends from a side of frame 100 confronting first end 142 of
core 140 to a side of frame 100 confronting second end 144 of core
140. Cross-core force conveyor 230 is movable to convey a force
from an actuator 182 proximate to first end 142 of core 140 to
second end 144. As is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 23,
cross-core force conveyor 230 comprises a shaft that is positioned
outside of frame 100 and that can rotate in response to a
rotational force provided at an input end 202 by actuator 182. In
other embodiments, cross-core force conveyor 230 can comprise,
without limitation, any of a shaft, a rod, a belt, a chain, or a
wire.
[0140] As is also shown in FIG. 23, in this embodiment, a first
output 204 of drive transmission 200 is provided by a first
flexible link 234 between cross-core force conveyor 230 and first
end of core 140. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, first
flexible link 234 comprises a belt, however, other forms of
flexible interface including but not limited to wires, belts,
chains, and flexible tension members can be used.
[0141] Similarly, in this embodiment, a second output 210 of drive
transmission 200 is provided by a second flexible link 236 between
cross-core force conveyor 230 and second end 144 of core 140 of
first end 142. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, first
flexible link 234 comprises a belt, however, other forms of
flexible interface including but not limited to wires, belts,
chains, and flexible tension members can be used.
[0142] As is also shown in phantom in FIG. 23 are an alternative
first flexible link 234' and an alternative second flexible link
236' that engage first core mounting 110 and second core mounting
130 outside of frame 100.
[0143] FIG. 24 shows an alternative embodiment where drive
transmission 200 has a cross-core force conveyor 230 that passes
through core 140. Here, core 140 has a first open area 143 and a
second open area 145 that combine to define a passageway between
first end 142 and second end 144 through which first core mounting
110 and second core mounting 130 can extend. In this embodiment,
first core mounting 110 and second core mounting 130 can be joined
by interfacing members 111 and 131 when the first engagement
surface 118 has a first engagement angle 120 that corresponds to a
first engaged angle 150 of a first engaged surface 146 and
optionally when second engaged surface 148 has a second engaged
angle 151 that corresponds to a second engagement angle 121.
[0144] In the embodiment of FIG. 24, a drive transmission 200 is
formed by the combined first core mounting 110 and second core
mounting 130, such that an input force applied to either of first
core mounting 110 or second core mounting 130 is distributed
between first core mounting 110 and second mounting 130 and will
ensure that first end 142 and second end 144 of core 140 maintain a
desired rotational positional relationship between first end 142
and second end 144 of core 140.
[0145] FIG. 25 shows yet another embodiment of a web medium supply
32 that can apply a first force to a first end 142 of a core 140
and a second force to second end 144 of core 140. However, in this
embodiment a controller 300 uses a first actuator 182A to apply a
first force to first core mounting 110 at first output 204 and a
second actuator 182B to apply a second force to second core
mounting 130 at second output 210. First actuator 182A and second
actuator 182B typically comprise motors that can be rotated in
response to electrical signals provided thereto. In this regard, in
certain embodiments, first actuator 182A and second actuator 182B
can comprise stepper motors, or any other conventional direct
current or alternating current motors of conventional design. In
other embodiments first actuator 182A and second actuator 182B can
comprise any other form of electrically controlled actuators that
can receive an electrical signal and generate, in response to the
received electrical signal, a determined force within a range of
available forces that can be applied to first end 142 and second
end 144 of core 140 respectively to cause core 140 to rotate.
[0146] Similarly, first output 204 and can comprise any known form
of linkage between first actuator 182A and first core mounting 110
including but not limited to the types of first output 204 shown in
the embodiments above while second output 210 can comprise any
known form of linkage between second actuator 182B and second core
mounting 130 including but not limited to the embodiments of second
output 210 described above.
[0147] In the embodiment of FIG. 25, a first sensor 162 senses a
condition from which a rotational position of first end 142 of core
140 can be determined and generates a first sensor signal from
which the rotational position of the first end 142 of mixing core
140 can be determined. Similarly, a second sensor 164 senses a
condition from which a rotational position of a second end 144 of
core 140 can be determined and generates a second sensor signal
from which the rotational position of the second end 144 of the
core 140 can be determined.
[0148] First sensor 162 and second sensor 164 can comprise any type
of mechanical, electro-mechanical, optical, electrical or magnetic
sensor of any type that can sense any condition that is indicative
of a rotational position of first end 142 and second end 144 of
core 140 and that can provide a first sensor signal and a second
sensor signal from which processor 34 can determine the rotational
position of first end 142 and second end 144, and can, in certain
embodiments comprise any of the embodiments of first sensor 162 and
second sensor 164 described above and can be used for both the
purposes described above and those described here.
[0149] As is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 25, controller 300
receives the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and
generates a first control signal causing first actuator 182A to
operate so that a first force is applied to first core mounting 110
and from first core mounting 110 to the first end 142 of core 140.
Controller 300 also generates a second control signal causing
second actuator 184B to operate so that a second force is applied
to second core mounting 130 and from second core mounting 130 to
the second end 144 of the core 140. The first force and second
force work together to control rotation of core 140 against any
inertial loads created by the mass of core 140 and web 25.
[0150] Controller 300 can comprise any form of control circuit or
system that can receive the first sensor signal from first sensor
162 and the second sensor 164 of sensor system 38 and can determine
the relative rotation position of first end 142 and second end 144
of core 140, and based upon this determination, can determine a
first control signal to send to first actuator 182A and a second
control signal to send to second actuator 182B cause rotation of
core 140 as described herein. In this regard, controller 300 can
comprise any known type of logic or control circuit including but
not limited to a processor, a micro-controller, a micro-processor,
or hardwired control logic circuit. Controller 300 is responsive to
processor 34 to supply web 25 as required by processor 34. In
certain embodiments processor 34 can be used as controller 300.
[0151] It will be appreciated that in general, during steady state
rotation of a core/mounting assembly it will be desirable for
controller 300 to generate signals that are calculated to cause
first actuator 182A and second actuator 182B to apply equal amounts
of force to each of first core mounting 110 and second core
mounting 130. However, this may not always be a desirable
operational model. For example, as is shown and discussed above in
certain circumstances the steady state rotation of a core
mounting/mounting assembly may require application as different
levels of force at different ends of such a core/mounting
assembly.
[0152] Further, it may be useful for a controller 300 to have a
steady state of rotational operation wherein the first control
signal and second control signal cause the first end 142 of the
core 140 and the second end 144 of the core 140 to remain within a
range of rotational positions relative to each other with the range
being defined so that differences in the rotational positions of
the first end 142 and the second end 144 are created that cause a
determined range of shear stress to exist in the core 140. Such
rotation induced shear stress is used to stiffen a core 140 being
rotated in this manner as may be desirable under certain loading
conditions, rotation rates or printing conditions. For example, the
shear stress can be achieved when the first force causes first core
mounting 110 to apply force through first engagement surface 118
and the second force causes the second core mounting 130 to apply
force through second engagement surface 138 to respectively drive
first engaged surface 146 and first engagement surface 146 to have
a different rotational separation during rotation than they have in
an initial unloaded state.
[0153] Typically, this desired positional relationship is one where
any differences between the rotational position of first end 142
and the rotational position of the second end 244 are maintained at
a target level. In certain embodiments, the target can be a zero
difference level. However, in other embodiments, the target level
can include an offset level.
[0154] There are a variety of ways in which the desired positional
relationship can be maintained once established. For example, the
first force and the second force can be applied to cause the first
end 142 and the second end 144 to maintain a determined average
rotational positional relationship over the course of each rotation
of the core 140. In another example, the first force and the second
force can be applied to cause the first end 142 and the second end
144 to maintain the desired positional relationship by maintaining
a determined average rate of rotational velocity at the ends of the
core 140 over the course of each rotation of the core 140. These
averages have been described in terms of frequency of rotation,
however, it will be appreciated that these averages can be
equivalently calculated or described in terms of units of time,
phase or other similar expressions.
[0155] In situations where it is desired that a core 140 be made
stiffer the first force and the second force are applied in a
manner that causes a shear stress to be induced in the core 140.
Typically this occurs where the forces are unequal. However,
depending on the inertial load on core 140 and the relative
arrangements of core 140, first core mounting 110, second core
mounting 130 and web 25 it is possible to create a stiffening shear
stress in core 140 even when the first force and second force are
equal.
[0156] The amount of stiffening of core 140, driven in accordance
with this embodiment, can be defined as a function of the extent to
which the rotational positions of first end 142 and second end 144
are offset from an initial state, with more shear stress and
accordingly more stiffening of core 140 when there is less
correspondence with the initial state.
[0157] It will further be appreciated that in certain embodiments
the extent to which such an offset is tolerated or required can be
a function of the elasticity of the material from which core 140 is
fabricated. That is, where core 140 is made using elastic materials
a greater range of variation can be tolerated when the core 140 is
fabricated using more elastic materials, while a lesser range of
variation can be tolerated when the core 140 is fabricated using
less elastic materials.
[0158] An advantage of allowing a greater range of elastic
variation for a core 140 that is more elastic is that fewer control
adjustments may be required. For example, the first force and the
second force can be applied to cause a difference to occur in the
rotational positions of the first end 142 and the second end 144
that create a first portion of the shear stress in core 140 while
the inertial load induces a second portion of the shear stress in
core 140. Where this is done, controller 300 can cause first
actuator 182A and second actuator 182B to provide the first force
and the second force so that the first portion is less than half of
the total shear stress induced in the core 140 during rotation.
This allows core 140 to be stiffened for example before attempting
to adjust a position of core 140 and web 25 such that adjustment of
the rotational position of core 140 and web 25 can be made in a
manner that is more responsive to the timing or extent of the
applied first force and the second force than would be possible for
an unstiffened core 140. Additionally, the stiffness can be
adjusted as a function of an anticipated inertial load such as
where controller 300 is instructed to change a rate of rotation of
core 140 or to initiate rotation from a stopped state. In such a
case, the inertial load to be experienced can be anticipated and
the stiffening of core 140 can be adjusted in anticipation, and the
first force and second force required at a level that will cause
the anticipated inertial load.
[0159] Alternatively, the stiffening of the core 140 can be used to
reduce an ability of the core to flex perpendicular to an axis of
rotation while rotating against the inertial load to reduce the
extent of any additional load caused by any friction that can be
experienced by the core when the core is allowed to flex
perpendicular to an axis of rotation to an extent that is
sufficient to bring the core into contact with the web medium
supply. Further, the stiffening of core 140 can also reduce the
extent of any curvature in core 140 along the axis of rotation that
can come to exist in core 140 as a product of manufacture or
fabrication methods used to make core 140 or as a product of post
manufacture handling.
[0160] It will be appreciated that the embodiments of FIGS. 22, 23
and 24 can also be used to create a stiffening of core 140. For
example, in the embodiment of FIG. 22, an input force can be
distributed by drive transmission 200 so that the first force and
the second force are applied to create a limited shear stress that
stiffens core 140 by differentially driving the first end 142 and
second end 144. Here too, a first portion of a total shear stress
induced by an inertial or other load on core 140 can be created in
this manner that is less than half of the total shear stress
induced in the core 140 during rotation.
[0161] FIGS. 26A and 2B illustrate another embodiment of the web
medium supply 32 wherein and the second core mounting 130 is
movable along the axis of rotation 92 between a range of driving
positions where second core mounting moves in phase with second
engagement surface 148 and a range of slip positions one example of
which is shown in FIG. 26A. As is shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B a
biasing member is provided that urges e second core mounting toward
the range of mounting positions. In the event that an amount of
torque is applied between second end of core 144 and second core
mounting 130 that is above a predetermined threshold this torque is
converted at the interface between second engagement surface 138
and second engaged surface 148 into a force that drives second core
mounting 130 against the bias force to extent that is sufficient to
allow second core mounting 130 and second engagement surface 148
have different rates of rotation. An example of this is shown in
FIG. 26B, where second core mounting 130 has been urge along the
axis for rotation 92 by an extent sufficient to all to this to
occur. As is also shown in FIG. 26B, second core mounting surface
136 extends sufficiently into second end 144 of core 140 to allow
core 140 to continue to rotate along axis of rotation 92. When the
torque diminishes, the urging of the biasing member drives second
core mounting 130 such that second engagement surface 138 and
second engaged surface 148 reengage. Also shown in FIGS. 26A and
26B is a sensor 166 that can detect when second core mounting 130
is moved to the range of slip positions, thus allowing processor 34
to detect when this occurs so that processor 34 can adjust control
inputs as necessary.
Methods for Operating a Web Medium Supply
[0162] FIG. 27 shows a first embodiment of a method for operating a
development station. It will be appreciated that this method can be
implemented automatically by way of electronic or mechanical logic
and control systems such as those that are described above.
[0163] As is shown in FIG. 27, in the first embodiment, a core is
received and mounted in web medium supply 32 (step 400), an input
force is received (step 402) and the input force is then
distributed (step 404) to the first end 142 and to the second end
144 of the core 140 as a first force that is applied to first end
142 of the core 140 and as a second force that is applied to a
second end 144 of core 140. In this embodiment, the first force and
the second force are sufficient to control rotation of core 140
against an inertial load created by the mass of core 140 and the
web 25.
[0164] Further, as is discussed above, both the first force and the
second force are less than a third force applied a single driven
end of an alternative core control related the alternative core
against the inertial load. Accordingly, a core used with this
method can have a first yield strength at the first end 142 and a
second yield strength at the second end 144 that are less than a
third yield strength required to receive the third force at the
driven end of the alternative core.
[0165] An optional step of automatically determining data from the
core is also shown (step 401). This method step can be performed
using, for example, the embodiments described in FIGS. 16-22.
Further, an optional step of stiffening core 140 can also be
performed (step 403). This stiffening of core 140 can be created,
by applying the first force to the first end and the second force
to the second end as is generally described above to cause the
first end 142 and the second end 144 have an offset from an initial
rotational separation therebetween. This offset can be established
before rotation of core 140 or during rotation. The offset can be
fixed or can vary as is also described generally above.
[0166] As is shown in FIG. 28, a second embodiment of a method for
operating a web medium supply 23 to control rotation of a core 140
having a web is provided. In a first step of this method, a core is
received (step 410), data regarding the core is optionally
determined (step 412), a first force is applied to a first end 142
of core 140 using a first actuator 182A and a second force is
applied to a second end 144 of core 140 using a second actuator
182B (step 416) to control rotation of core 140 and web 25.
[0167] In this embodiment, the first force and the second force are
sufficient to control rotation of core 140 against an inertial load
created by the core 140 and web 25. Further, as is discussed above,
both the first force and the second force are less than a third
force that would be applied at a single driven end of an
alternative core to rotate the alternative core against the
inertial load. Further, core 140 can have a first yield strength at
the first end 142 and a second yield strength at the second end 144
that are less than a third yield strength required to receive the
third force at the driven end of the alternative core. The amount
of the first force and the second force can be determined by
signals generated by controller 300.
[0168] The application of the first force and the second force can
optionally be applied to controllably stiffen core 140 (step 414).
As is discussed above, this stiffening of core 140 can be induced
by applying forces that drive the first end 142 of the core 140 and
the second end 144 of core 140 to have relative rotational
positions that are different than the rotational positions of the
first end 142 of core 140 and the second end 144 of core 140 at an
initial state. As noted above, it can be useful to adjust the
tension in core 140 so as to enhance the performance of the core.
For example, when there is a situation where core 140 and web 25
must be driven in a manner that will induce high inertial loads if
can be useful to pre-stiffen core 140. Accordingly, it can be
beneficial to perform the stiffening step (step 414) by receiving a
signal to indicating that operation conditions are to be such that
tension is useful and in response to such signal, increasing
tension in the core before initiating a change in velocity of the
core 140 and web 25.
[0169] Also shown in the embodiment of FIG. 27, are the additional
steps of sensing a rotational position of the first end, sensing a
rotational position of the second end (step 418) and adapting the
first force and the second force based upon the sensed rotational
position of the first end 142 and the sensed rotational position of
the second end 144 (step 420). These steps can be performed
generally in the same manner described above with reference to FIG.
18. To the extent that controller 310 determines that the core 140
is to continue rotating, this process can be repeated (step
422).
[0170] It will be appreciated that by providing a web medium supply
32 having the dual end drive in FIGS. 22-23 arranged or driven by a
core according to the methods described in FIGS. 22-28 as described
herein any of a number of the following technical effects can be
achieved:
[0171] For example, the methods and web medium supplies 32
described herein enable web to include core 140 having a volume
that provides the first yield strength at the first end and the
second yield strength end but that is less than the volume of the
alternative core providing the third yield strength so that more
volume is available a printer for web 25 than would be available if
the alternative core is used.
[0172] Similarly, the methods and web medium supplies 32 described
herein enable a radius of a core having the first yield strength
and the second yield strength to be less than a radius of the
alternative core providing the third yield strength at the driven
end, so that a volume of web 25 supplied on core 140 creates less
angular momentum than an equivalent amount of web 25 would create
if supplied on the alternative core.
[0173] Additionally, the methods and web medium supplies 32
described in FIGS. 22-28 can be used to enable a radius of a core
providing the first yield strength and the second yield strength to
be less than a radius of the alternative core providing the third
yield strength, so that the volume of a printer in which the core
is used operates can be made smaller than the volume of a
development station in which the alternative core operates while
supplying certain amount of web 25. This can occur both because the
radius of the core is smaller and because the core 140 is stiffened
to help ensure that the core 140 and web 25 rotate along an axis of
rotation 92.
[0174] Still further, the methods and web medium supplies 32
described in FIGS. 22-28 can enable a core 140 to be made from a
first material that provides the first yield strength and second
yield strength in a determined configuration, but must be made
using a second material that is more dense than the first material
to provide the third yield strength to make the alternative core in
the determined configuration. Similarly, the methods and web medium
supplies 32 provided in FIGS. 22-28 allow a core 140 can be made
from a first material that provides the first yield strength and
second yield strength in a determined configuration, but must be
made using a second material that is more rigid than the first
material to provide the third yield strength to make the
alternative core in the determined configuration.
[0175] The invention has been described in detail with particular
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be
understood that variations and modifications can be effected within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *