Patent ID: 6418289
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An apparatus for drying a liquid image carried on a medium moving along a predetermined path from an upstream location towards a downstream location, the apparatus comprising:a device that moves air; a plenum having an intake that receives the air and an outlet permitting the air to exit the plenum, wherein the outlet is disposed about a central axis of the plenum; a channel communicating with the outlet of the plenum and disposed generally adjacent to a surface of the medium carrying the image, the channel including an upstream channel portion and a downstream channel portion such that air exiting the outlet of the plenum is diverted to flow towards the upstream location in the upstream channel portion and towards the downstream location in the downstream channel portion; and a heater associated with the medium to heat at least a portion of the medium and thus the image, wherein a substantial portion of the heater is located upstream of the central axis.