Patent ID: 8162469

Claim:
An imaging device comprising: a source of a substantially continuous web of media; a web transport system configured to transport the continuous web from the source along a web path, the web path including a print zone; at least one printhead positioned in the print zone adjacent the web and configured to deposit ink onto the web to form images thereon; and a preheating system positioned along the web path between the source and the print zone, the preheating system including a first heating stage and a second heating stage, the first heating stage having at least one non-contact radiant heating unit positioned to emit thermal radiation onto the web at a level that enables the web to be heated to an initial preheat temperature prior to reaching the second stage, the second stage including a preheat roller having a heater configured to generate thermal energy to heat the preheat roller to a target temperature, the preheat roller being positioned to be partially wrapped by the continuous web after passing the first heating stage to generate a predetermined dwell time between the continuous web and the preheat roller as the continuous web is being transported, the predetermined dwell time being configured to enable conductive heat transfer to occur between the continuous web and the preheat roller to bring the temperature of the continuous web to the target temperature.