Kenneth B Petersen

US Patent:

7297219, Nov 20, 2007

Filed:

Apr 18, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/844267

Inventors:

Alan W. Menard - Bolton CT, US
Kenneth R. Petersen - West Hartford CT, US

Assignee:

Gerber Systems Corporation - South Windsor CT

International Classification:

B29C 53/58

US Classification:

156173

Abstract:

A method for manufacturing a drum assembly for an internal drum-type imaging apparatus, and a drum assembly produced using the method. The drum assembly defines an imaging surface which is at least semi-cylindrical. A drum skin defines an imaging surface, and is releasably wrapped around a cylindrical mandrel, which has an axis. The mandrel and wrapped drum skin have a first radius. A drum includes more than one drum portion, and is attached to the drum skin over an at least semi-cylindrical interface. The drum has a radius slightly greater than the first radius, and the drum and attached drum skin cooperate to define a vacuum chamber. A fluid bearing is generated between the drum skin and the mandrel, preferably by pressurizing the vacuum chamber, in order to separate the drum skin from the mandrel. The drum and attached drum skin are then moved relative to the mandrel and in a direction parallel to the axis to remove the drum assembly from the mandrel. The drum and drum skin provide an imaging surface that is greater than semi-cylindrical.

US Patent:

52764656, Jan 4, 1994

Filed:

Feb 20, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/839398

Inventors:

Alan W. Menard - Bolton CT
Dana W. Seniff - South Glastonbury CT
Kenneth R. Petersen - West Hartford CT

Assignee:

Gerber Systems Corporation - South Windsor CT

International Classification:

B41J 1310

US Classification:

346134

Abstract:

A drum for a photoplotter has a base having a partially cylindrical recess formed therein which recess being defined by in part by a plurality of elevated surfaces providing a support bed on which is mounted a sheet of material providing an exposed surface for supporting a substrate thereon. The drum is formed by a method whereby a tool is provided about which the sheet material is drawn and is moved into engagement with the bed and is caused to maintain this shape by an adhesive interposed therebetween. A method for mechanically compensating for surface irregularities by fixing the scanner relative to the support surface after displacements have been made is also provided.

US Patent:

63009714, Oct 9, 2001

Filed:

Nov 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/187336

Inventors:

John R. Masotta - Bethany CT
Kenneth R. Petersen - West Hartford CT
Alan W. Menard - Bolton CT
Gene D. Welti - Ellington CT

Assignee:

Gerber Systems Corporation - South Windsor CT

International Classification:

B41J 2435

US Classification:

347264

Abstract:

An apparatus for handling media sheets in a photo-plotter includes a plurality of aligning mechanisms for precisely positioning the media sheet relative to a drum of the photo-plotter. Each aligning mechanism has engaged and disengaged positions and include a registration pin having corresponding extended and retracted positions. In the engaged position, the extended registration pins of the aligning mechanisms pass through mounting features formed within the media sheet and are engagable with a plurality of drum openings formed within the drum of the photo-plotter. The present invention ensures that the media sheet is properly placed on the drum and also precisely positions the generated image relative to the mounting features.