SEGMENTED COMPLIANT PLATEN FOR FILM SEALING ON INK JET CARTRIDGES

摘要

A segmented platen (10) for heat-sealing a film material to a non-planar surface of an ink jet printer cartridge includes a heat-transferring housing (12) having sidewalls defining an internal cavity and a first aperture. The heat-transferring segments (14) partially protrude through the first aperture and is operable to independently move relative to the housing (12) and each other parallel to the housing sidewalls. Biasing devices (16) for segments independently urge the segments (14) through the first aperture and urge the segments (14) to follow any curvature of the non-planar surface of the inkjet printer cartridge. A heating element (20) which transfer heat to the housing (12) is provided. The segments (14) receive heat from the housing (12) and transfer this heat to the film.