Patent ID: 6695501
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: B41J,B65C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
In an apparatus including a web printing assembly operable to print individual images on a continuously moving web, and a web cutting and applying assembly having a laser cutter operable to cut the individual images from the continuously moving web and an applicator for handling the laser cut images and applying the laser cut images, an improved web printing assembly comprising:a rotatable impression drum presenting an outer surface; at least one digital print head adjacent said drum outer surface; and a web guidance system operable to guide a continuous web around at least a portion of said drum outer surface and between the drum outer surface and print head for printing of the web with said individual images, and to thereafter guide the web into said web cutting and handling assembly, said web guidance system comprising: a pair of nip rollers located at circumferentially spaced locations about said drum surface and defining, with the drum surface, a web infeed nip and a web exit nip; and a servo roller adjacent said web infeed and web exit nips respectively for tensioning the web and maintaining the desired speed thereof.