Vertical Image Dryer for Longer Coated Media Drying Time

The patent transitions from a horizontal dryer arrangement (adding dryers in series along the media path) to a vertical dryer configuration. The media sheet is fed vertically into the dryer, heated from above by radiant heating elements, and then inverted to exit vertically. This dimensional change allows achieving sufficient drying time (at least 2 seconds) within a compact footprint, avoiding the need for multiple horizontal dryer sections while maintaining effective drying performance.

The patent utilizes vertical space instead of horizontal expansion. By feeding media sheets vertically into the dryer and using a compact heating chamber with radiant heating elements positioned above the media, the system achieves at least 2 seconds of drying time within a small footprint (less than 0.5 square foot). The vertical configuration allows the media to be heated and dried in a compact volume rather than requiring extended horizontal distance.

The patent employs radiant heating elements that emit thermal radiation directly onto the media sheet surface, creating a controlled temperature profile. The heating elements are positioned to provide uniform radiant heat distribution across the media surface, allowing temperatures sufficient for drying aqueous ink on coated media (100°C ±5°C) while minimizing thermal gradients that could cause warping. The brief exposure time (at least 2 seconds) combined with radiant heating achieves effective drying while limiting total thermal stress on the media.