Abstract: Methods for setting the print gap in a printer are disclosed. The printer has an eccentric platen wherein rotation of the platen changes the print gap distance. A driver controls the eccentric platen rotation, and a sensor may be used to determine the position of the motor and platen. The configuration of an eccentric platen and a driver having a position sensor enables measuring the thickness of a form at one or more locations to create a representative thickness profile of the form, which may be saved to the printer's computer memory and repeated when printing similar forms in the future, thus obviating the need to measure the thickness of every individual form.

Abstract: A preloaded stabilizer mechanism in a dot matrix line printer having a reciprocating carriage is provided to: (1) establish a rigid reference point that prevents the print line of the dot matrix line printer from drifting; (2) eliminate backlash; and, (3) create a carriage resonance frequency that is greater than the carriage operating frequency to enhance printer system stability and the reduction of vibration. The stabilizer mechanism is mounted on a support frame of the dot matrix line printer and includes a modified c-shaped bracket member and a spring plate. The spring plate is attached to one end of the bracket member to form a slot. The slot of the stabilizer mechanism receives an offset shaft that is coupled to a shuttle mechanism that provides the carriage with reciprocating motion. The spring plate of the stabilizer mechanism, being slightly deflected, imposes a force against the offset shaft.