Controlling recharging to restore electrostatic holding force

摘要

A method is described for controlling a printer including a transport belt having an electrically non-conducting surface adapted to provide an electrostatic holding force for transporting a receiver medium along a transport path from an upstream position to a downstream position. A charging subsystem is controlled to add charge to the transport belt or the receiver medium, thereby providing an initial electrostatic holding force. An inking subsystem positioned downstream of the charging subsystem is controlled to deposit a pattern of ink on the receiver medium. A level of charge on the receiver medium is sensed using a charge sensing device positioned downstream of the inking subsystem. A recharging subsystem is controlled responsive to the sensed level of charge on the receiver medium to restore at least some charge dissipated while the receiver medium is transported between the charging subsystem and the recharging subsystem.

主权项

1. A method for controlling a printer including a transport belt having an electrically non-conducting surface adapted to provide an electrostatic holding force for transporting a receiver medium along a transport path from an upstream position to a downstream position, comprising:
controlling a charging subsystem to add charge to the transport belt or the receiver medium, thereby providing an initial electrostatic holding force between the transport belt and the receiver medium; controlling an inking subsystem positioned downstream of the charging subsystem to deposit a pattern of ink on the receiver medium; sensing a level of charge on the receiver medium using a charge sensing device positioned downstream of the inking subsystem; and controlling a recharging subsystem responsive to the sensed level of charge on the receiver medium, wherein the recharging subsystem is positioned downstream of the inking subsystem and is adapted to restore at least some charge dissipated while the receiver medium is transported between the charging subsystem and the recharging subsystem.