Patent ID: 6168269
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An inkjet printing mechanism for printing an image on media, comprising:a chassis; an inkjet printhead mounted to the chassis to selectively eject ink on the media when in a printzone to form the image; a media support system including: (a) an endless belt including plural electrical conductors each forming a current path; (b) a transport system that engages and drives the belt through the printzone; and (c) a first support roller; and (d) a second support roller which is parallel to and spaced apart from the first support roller to suspend the belt therebetween to define a belt support zone upon which the media is supported in the printzone to receive ink ejected from the printhead; and a heating element located adjacent the belt to transfer heat to the belt support zone and therefrom to the media to dry the ejected ink, wherein the heating element comprises a magnetic member located adjacent the belt support zone to generate a magnetic field through which the belt travels carrying the plural electrical conductors, with travel of the plural electrical conductors through the magnetic field generating an electrical current in each of the plural electrical conductors, with each of said electrical currents generating heat for transfer from the plural electrical conductors to the media at the belt support zone.