Abstract: A printer to print images on a continuous web. The printer has a print station at which the images are printed on the web. A web transport transports the web in a lengthwise direction through the print station. The web transport including a slack loop station having a web feeder and a web receiver. These are spaced apart from one another to transport a web in the lengthwise direction while establishing a web slack loop therebetween which extends in a first direction. The web transport also includes a web proximity sensor which is directed along the first direction to measure a distance between the sensor and the slack loop. A method of printing images on a continuous web is also provided.

Abstract: A zoom lens apparatus having a first pair of substantially parallel guide rods. A pair of carriage assemblies are mounted to the first pair of parallel guide rods each having lens element. A pair of lead screws are provided for driving the carriage assemblies. The screws are each mounted to the apparatus by a bearing block assembly such that the longitudinal axis of the lead screw is substantially parallel to the first pair of guide rods. The bearing block constrains the movement of the first lead screw along the longitudinal axis. A zero constraint threaded drive coupling is provided with each lead screw for moving the carriage along the guide rods. A motor is provided for rotating each of the drive screws.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing error correction is disclosed in which an optimum error correction algorithm to be applied to a digital data signal is selected based on a detected characteristic of the digital data signal. The selection of an optimum error correction algorithm based on a characteristic of the digital data signal insures maximum efficiency of the error correction process with a minimum impact on overall system throughput efficiency.