Patent ID: 6254090
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: B41J,B65H,G03G

Abstract:
An apparatus for receiving and holding a flexible material sheet thereon, the apparatus including a means for producing a vacuum, comprising:means for receiving and holding said flexible material on a first surface, said first surface having a plurality of sectors wherein each of said sectors has associated therewith means for triggering ducting of a vacuum force from said means for producing a vacuum to each of the sectors respectively;a plurality of means for containing a vacuum subjacent said surface, one means for containing a vacuum associated with each of said plurality of sectors, respectively, wherein each means for containing a vacuum is fluidically coupled to an individual one of said sectors; andmeans for manifolding the vacuum force from said means for producing a vacuum to said plurality of means for containing a vacuum such that when said means for triggering is open to atmospheric pressure said means for contain a vacuum is in a first state wherein no vacuum force is passed through to the one of said sectors associated with said means for triggering open to atmospheric pressure, and when said means for triggering is covered by said flexible material said means for containing a vacuum is in a second state wherein said vacuum force is passed through to said one of said sectors associated with said means for triggering closed to atmospheric pressure.