Patent ID: 6481842
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in a printing device configured to dispose printing composition on a print medium, the apparatus comprising:a blower configured to provide an airflow; a heater configured to heat the airflow; a duct coupled to the blower and configured to conduct the heated airflow by the print medium to help dry the printing composition on the print medium; a vacuum box coupled to the heated airflow and configured to provide a hold-down force on the print medium adjacent the vacuum box, wherein the vacuum box includes: a grill coupled to the airflow and positioned to conduct the heated airflow under the print media; and a restrictor configured to impede the airflow prior to conduction under the print medium so that a pressure under the print medium is less than an ambient pressure above the print medium, thereby providing a vacuum hold-down force on the print medium adjacent the grill.