Howtek, Inc.

John R Larson

Allan G Hock

John G Sousa

An ink curing apparatus for use with an ink jet printer that discharges liquefied ink is disclosed. The apparatus includes a shell assembly disposed around the portion of the printer imaging assembly that includes the ink jets. The imaging assembly and the shell wall are shaped so that a first cavity is formed between the imaging assembly and the paper printed on, and a second cavity is formed between the paper and the shell wall. A pair of fans are arranged to draw air currents over both sides of the portion of the paper that is being printed on. The air currents cool the paper so the ink solidifies upon contact with the paper and does not soak through it. The air currents also insure that the ink solidifies at a uniform rate regardless where it is applied on the paper. This insures the final image on the paper has a uniform appearance. The air currents also urge the portion of the paper being printed on against a frame structure that is an integral part of the shell so as to secure the paper during the printing process.

Growing community of inventors

Hamstead, NH, United States of America

John R Larson