Abstract: Virtual Network Functions (VNF) applies automation and virtualization techniques to move current network functions from dedicated hardware to general purpose hardware of an Information Technology (IT) infrastructure. A VNF may include one or more Virtual Machines (VM) and virtual networks which may implement the function of a network. Systems and methods provide a processing unit, a computation module and an allocation module for VNF allocation. The computation module is configured to determine an extinction factor corresponding to a datacenter unit based on a state of the datacenter and a VNF catalogue including a plurality of VNFs. The computation module is also configured to develop an allocation model based on the determined extinction factor. The allocation module is configured to allocate a first VNF from the plurality of VNFs in the datacenter based on the allocation model.

Abstract: An example computing system for allocating Virtual Network Functions (VNF) in a datacenter is disclosed. The example disclosed herein comprises a processing unit, a computation module and an allocation module. The computation module is configured to determine an extinction factor corresponding to a datacenter unit in the datacenter based on a state of the datacenter and a VNF catalogue including a plurality of VNFs; and to develop an allocation model based on the determined extinction factor. The allocation module is configured to allocate a first VNF from the plurality of VNFs in the datacenter based on the allocation model.

Abstract: An example computing system for allocating Virtual Network Functions (VNF) in a datacenter includes a processing unit, a computation module and an allocation module. The computation module is configured to determine an extinction factor corresponding to a datacenter unit in the datacenter based on a state of the datacenter and a VNF catalogue including a plurality of VNFs; and to develop an allocation model based on the determined extinction factor. The allocation module is configured to allocate a first VNF from the plurality of VNFs in the datacenter based on the allocation model.

Abstract: An example computing system for allocating Virtual Network Functions (VNF) in a datacenter is disclosed. The example disclosed herein comprises a processing unit, a computation module and an allocation module. The computation module is configured to determine an extinction factor corresponding to a datacenter unit in the datacenter based on a state of the datacenter and a VNF catalogue including a plurality of VNFs; and to develop an allocation model based on the determined extinction factor. The allocation module is configured to allocate a first VNF from the plurality of VNFs in the datacenter based on the allocation model.

Abstract: A hybrid printer adapted to print onto roll-based print media and rigid print media is presented. The printer comprises a print head that is movable along at least one substantially horizontal scan axis; and drive means adapted to drive lifting means. The lifting means are arranged to cause the scan axis to undergo movement in a substantially vertical direction when driven by the drive means, thereby enabling a distance between the print head and the print media to be adjusted.

Abstract: A hybrid printer adapted to print onto roll-based print media and rigid print media is presented. The printer comprises a print head that is movable along at least one substantially horizontal scan axis; and drive means adapted to drive lifting means. The lifting means are arranged to cause the scan axis to undergo movement in a substantially vertical direction when driven by the drive means, thereby enabling a distance between the print head and the print media to be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for maintaining an edge of a print media against a printing drum, said drum comprising a surface on which a print media is wrapped for printing thereon, wherein said device comprises at least one holder which comprises an abutment portion against which an edge of the media abuts before or during wrapping of the media on the drum surface, the holder being adapted to bring an upstanding portion of the media into contact with the drum surface by performing a movement with respect to the drum surface between a media edge reception position and a media edge clamping position, the movement of the holder from said reception position to said clamping position being performed in such a way that as the holder approaches the clamping position the distance between the edge of the media and the abutment portion of the holder increases, or remains substantially the same, thereby allowing the media in its clamping position to be substantially flat on the drum surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for maintaining an edge of a print media against a printing drum, said drum comprising a surface on which a print media is wrapped for printing thereon, wherein said device comprises at least one holder which comprises an abutment portion against which an edge of the media abuts before or during wrapping of the media on the drum surface, the holder being adapted to bring an upstanding portion of the media into contact with the drum surface by performing a movement with respect to the drum surface between a media edge reception position and a media edge clamping position, the movement of the holder from said reception position to said clamping position being performed in such a way that as the holder approaches the clamping position the distance between the edge of the media and the abutment portion of the holder increases, or remains substantially the same, thereby allowing the media in its clamping position to be substantially flat on the drum surface.

Abstract: An ink drying system for printer includes an IR heating element. A guide is configured to concentrate heat energy from the IR heating element to warm print media. A controller is configured to control operation of the IR heating element.

Abstract: Imaging by providing a plurality of webs, receiving a print job having one or more print images to be printed on the plurality of webs, and printing the one or more print images substantially simultaneously on one or more of the plurality of webs.

Abstract: A scan axis assembly for a printer comprises first and second tracks, the tracks being rigidly located relative to one another by one or more track support members, and each track being arranged to support a print carriage such that the print carriage may move along the track to traverse a print zone.

Abstract: A belt-tracking apparatus for a printing device has a steering roller, a guiding roller and a continous belt encompassing them. A belt-steering mechanism is arranged to counteract a lateral belt movement by adjusting the distance between one end of the steering roller and. the corresponding end of the guiding roller by means of an actuator. The actuator is movably mounted on a base structure and arranged to rotate a threaded control rod having two differentially pitched threaded sections. The first and second sections cooperate with corresponding threads of a base structure and of said end of the steering roller, respectively, so that a rotation of the control rod shifts said end of the steering roller relative to the corresponding end of the guiding roller, and the actuator relative to the base structure.

Abstract: An ink drying system for printer includes an IR heating element. A guide is configured to concentrate heat energy from the IR heating element to warm print media. A controller is configured to control operation of the IR heating element.

Abstract: Imaging by providing a plurality of webs, receiving a print job having one or more print images to be printed on the plurality of webs, and printing the one or more print images substantially simultaneously on one or more of the plurality of webs.

Abstract: A scan axis assembly for a printer comprises first and second tracks, the tracks being rigidly located relative to one another by one or more track support members, and each track being arranged to support a print carriage such that the print carriage may move along the track to traverse a print zone.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining a position relative to a codestrip comprising a plurality of graduations spaced apart in a first direction, said system comprising first and second sensors arranged to move substantially in said first direction relative to said graduations and to output signals corresponding to the detection of said graduations, said system further comprising a differential screw adapted to adjust the spacing between said first and second sensors substantially in said first direction such that the outputs of said first and second sensors may be brought into a selected phase relationship.

Abstract: A printer and components of the printer are described, along with methods of adjusting and using the printer. The printer includes a carriage that supports at least one printhead. The at least one printhead ejects ink onto a print media that is fed though a space between the printhead and a platen as the carriage moves laterally along slider rods supported by a beam. The space between the at least one printhead and platen is adjusted along the length of the printing path by applying a bending force to the underside of the beam that raises or lowers the beam relative to the platen at selected points. The adjustment is effected by one or more adjustment assemblies that abut the lower surface of the beam. In one embodiment, the first adjustment is an acorn nut and the second adjustment a differential screw that is engaged with the acorn nut.

Abstract: A hardcopy apparatus includes a media holddown unit, having a platen, and a vacuum source for generating negative pressure on a medium positioned on said platen to keep it flat on said platen. The unit includes at least two vacuum chambers, both in air communication with the vacuum source. Each of the vacuum chambers can apply a negative pressure to a different portion of the medium positioned on a corresponding different region of the platen. A method for holding down a medium when placed on said platen. First the vacuum source is placed into independent air communication with a number of distinct regions of the platen, then the medium is positioned to cover one or more regions of the platen, and finally a negative pressure is applied to the back of the medium via the independent air communication.

Abstract: A storage container for storing inkjet cartridges, when removed from the carriage of a printer, having a capping housing for holding one or more caps, associated with each cartridge, for capping the printhead of the cartridge, wherein the caps are easily removable from the storage container by a user. The provision of manually removable cap allows the cap of a storage container to be matched to a particular cartridge having a specific printhead, ink formulation and lifetime. This ensures the efficacy of the cartridge is maintained during storage and prevents contamination of one cartridge by ink residue that may be left on a cap by another cartridge, which can damage the printhead due to chemical interaction between the different ink formulations.

Abstract: A storage container for storing inkjet cartridges when removed from the carriage of a printer having caps for capping each cartridge, cleaning member for cleaning the electrically conductive interconnect pads of a cartridge as it is positioned within the storage container. The cleaning member may comprise abrasive cleaner for mechanically scraping or wiping the electrically conductive interconnect pads of the inkjet cartridge as it is inserted into and/or removed from the container and preferable comprises a flex circuit. The provision of cleaning member within a storage container reduces the chances of poor or defective electrical contact being made to a cartridge when it is returned to the printer.