The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 29, 1998
Filed:
Jan. 11, 1996
Joseph Michielsen, Edegem, BE;
David Tilemans, Lier, BE;
Leo Oelbrandt, Kruibeke, BE;
Robert Overmeer, Mortsel, BE;
Marc De Clerck, Borsbeek, BE;
Agfa-Gevaert, Mortsel, BE;
Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for operating a direct electrostatic printer whereby no printer adjustments are required by the operator. The direct thermal printer includes a print head and a variable speed motor for reproducing images on an imaging element. The method for operating the direct electrostatic printer includes the steps of: receiving medical image data representing the medical images; processing one or more printing prerequisites provided with the medical image data for controlling heating energy applied to the print head and for controlling the speed of the variable speed drive motor; generating a control signal from the printing prerequisites for controlling the speed of the variable speed drive motor; automatically configuring the printer in a plurality of operating modes using the control signal; passing the imaging element adjacent the print head by means of the variable speed drive motor; and heating the print head in accordance with the medical image data and the printing prerequisites to form the medical images on the imaging element. In addition, the printer is capable of operating in at least two modes, including a standard quality operating mode in which the variable speed drive motor is operated at a first speed, and at least one premium quality operating mode in which the variable speed drive motor is operated at a second speed slower than the first speed.