Abstract: A method of controlling parameters of a positioning mechanism of a printer comprises calculating a deceleration profile of decaying velocity versus position function by defining the function to represent a specimen motor velocity decay from a maximum velocity to zero velocity over a period during which zero voltage is applied to the specimen motor; and moving a load using the positioning mechanism and the calculated deceleration profile between positions and determining parameter values based on an iterative process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for carriage positioning.

Abstract: An electromagnetic read/write system includes a contact interface formed by a pole-structure-carrying wear pad and a recording surface. The uppermost portion of the recording surface is characterized by a buffed, generally planarized topography. Lower elevations of the recording surface may be texturized or untexturized. Various methods of producing such an interface are described. The interface of the present invention provides dramatically improved longevity, i.e, wear performance through long term read/write operation.

Abstract: Two motors are used to provide motion control in a transport drive system. A primary motor, or a primary and secondary motor, provides primary power for accelerated motion. PWM signals are used to drive the motors according to predetermined fixed functions related to acceleration, deceleration and hold of a load. Alternatively, during onset of large or high speed moves, the primary and secondary motors are on in tandem. During deceleration of a move, the torque provided by the secondary motor is reversed, providing active braking and ensuring the drive train remains loaded wherein backlash is eliminated. During a driver hold phase, the primary and secondary motor push against each other to actively control positioning.

Abstract: Printing apparatus that employs a media detect switch and a linear optical detector to accurately detect the leading edge or trailing edge of a print medium to modify print data so that printing does not extend off the print medium beyond the leading edge or trailing edge. Also disclosed are techniques for using the media detect switch to control a media advance operation to position the leading edge or trailing edge of the print medium in the field of view of the linear array optical detector.

Abstract: Two motors are used to provide motion control in a transport drive system. A primary motor, or a primary and secondary motor, provides primary power for accelerated motion. PWM signals are used to drive the motors according to predetermined fixed functions related to acceleration, deceleration and hold of a load. Alternatively, during onset of large or high speed moves, the primary and secondary motors are on in tandem. During deceleration of a move, the torque provided by the secondary motor is reversed, providing active braking and ensuring the drive train remains loaded wherein backlash is eliminated. During a driver hold phase, the primary and secondary motor push against each other to actively control positioning.

Abstract: Edge to edge printing techniques for reducing overspray beyond lateral edges of a print medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic alignment of ink-jet printheads includes fitting measuring constructs to actual print data acquired form a print made using a given, predetermined, test pattern data set. Specific test patterns for use in automated alignment of ink-jet printheads are suited to providing a variety of printhead alignment information in a compact format. The test pattern data set location finding algorithm incorporates techniques for avoiding carriage-induced dynamic errors during automated alignment of ink-jet printheads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic alignment of ink-jet printheads includes fitting measuring constructs to actual print data acquired form a print made using a given, predetermined, test pattern data set. Specific test patterns for use in automated alignment of ink-jet printheads are suited to providing a variety of printhead alignment information in a compact format. The test pattern data set incorporates techniques for avoiding carriage-induced dynamic errors during automated alignment of ink-jet printheads.

Abstract: Optical encoder system designs and methods for use thereof in printing devices are disclosed which are directed to solving problems caused by contaminant matter accumulating on optical encoder strips as well as scratching of optical encoder strips. An embodiment includes a dispenser and a take-up mechanism. The dispenser includes an encoder strip having first and second lengths. The second length of encoder strip is substantially free of contaminant matter. The first length of the encoder strip is coupled to the take-up mechanism so that the first length of the encoder strip is positioned between the dispenser and take-up mechanism. The take-up mechanism is configured to advance at least a portion of the second length of the encoder strip from the dispenser to a position between the dispenser and take-up mechanism upon actuation of the take-up mechanism.

Abstract: A method and means for automatic alignment of ink-jet printheads includes fitting measuring constructs to actual print data acquired form a print made using a given, predetermined, test pattern data set. Specific test patterns for use in automated alignment of ink-jet printheads are suited to providing a variety of printhead alignment information in a compact format. The test pattern data set incorporates techniques for avoiding carriage-induced dynamic errors during automated alignment of ink-jet printheads.

Abstract: A method and means for automatic alignment of ink-jet printheads includes fitting measuring constructs to actual print data acquired form a print made using a given, predetermined, test pattern data set. Specific test patterns for use in automated alignment of ink-jet printheads are suited to providing a variety of printhead alignment information in a compact format. The test pattern data set incorporates techniques for avoiding carriage-induced dynamic errors during automated alignment of ink-jet printheads.

Abstract: A print media ejection system actively pushes a media sheet trailing edge into an output tray. The ejection system includes a movable pivot which supports a media sheet within a print zone during printing. Upon completion of printing the pivot moves downward allowing the current media sheet to slide from the pivot into the output tray. After the pivot completes the downward rotational stroke, the pivot rotates back upward to be in position to support the next media sheet. The upward motion of the pivot mechanism actuates a kicker device to rotate toward an output region. The kicker device drives any remaining portion of the media sheet into the output tray.

Abstract: A print media ejection system actively pushes a media sheet trailing edge into an output tray. The ejection system includes a movable pivot which supports a media sheet within a print zone during printing. Upon completion of printing the pivot moves downward allowing the current media sheet to slide from the pivot into the output tray. After the pivot completes the downward rotational stroke, the pivot rotates back upward to be in position to support the next media sheet. The upward motion of the pivot mechanism actuates a kicker device to rotate toward an output region. The kicker device drives any remaining portion of the media sheet into the output tray.

Abstract: There are disclosed a processing solution having bleaching ability for use in light-sensitive silver halide photographic material, which comprises at least one selected from metal complexes of large cyclic polyamine derivatives and a method for processing of light-sensitive silver halide photographic material, which comprises carrying out development processing of an exposed light-sensitive silver halide photographic material and then processing the developed material with the processing solution.The processing solution of the present invention has potent bleaching power, and can afford excellent photographic image characteristics by processing therewith.