Patent ID: 6257781
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
Apparatus for moving a carriage along a first predetermined path in a first direction and opposite to said first direction, comprising:a belt driving pulley;a motor rotating said belt driving pulley;an idler pulley;a drive belt, attached to said carriage, extending partially around said belt driving pulley and said idler pulley;a pulley mounting bracket;a first tab extending toward said pulley mounting bracket from said carriage, anda spring applying a force acting in said first direction to said pulley mounting bracket, whereinsaid idler pulley is rotatably mounted on said pulley mounting bracket,said pulley mounting bracket is mounted to move along a second predetermined path in said first direction and opposite to said first direction,said pulley mounting bracket includes a second tab extending toward said carriage to contact said first tab as said carriage approaches said first end of said predetermined path moving in said first direction, andsaid carriage, when approaching a first end of said first predetermined path moving in said first direction, contacts said pulley mounting bracket, causing said pulley mounting bracket to move along said second predetermined path in said first direction while applying additional tension to said drive belt.