Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a damaged encoder strip are described. An encoder strip is scanned in two separate operations at two separate times, a first operation and a second operation. The number of markings sensed in each separate operation is counted. A circuit compares the count of markings in each separate operation. If the count differs between the two operations, the circuit determines that the encoder strip is damaged, and the circuit develops a signal indicating this damage. In an embodiment, the first operation is performed during a calibration, and the second operation is performed during a power-on, or upon operator command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a damaged encoder strip are described. An encoder strip is scanned in two separate operations at two separate times, a first operation and a second operation. The number of markings sensed in each separate operation is counted. A circuit compares the count of markings in each separate operation. If the count differs between the two operations, the circuit determines that the encoder strip is damaged, and the circuit develops a signal indicating this damage. In an embodiment, the first operation is performed during a calibration, and the second operation is performed during a power-on, or upon operator command.

Abstract: A battery is inside an enclosure. A shim is inserted between the battery and at least one contact. The shim can be actuated externally without requiring the enclosure to be opened. The shim may be conductive on at least one face to provide a switch function, or may be non-conductive.

Abstract: A battery is inside an enclosure. A shim is inserted between the battery and at least one contact. The shim can be actuated externally without requiring the enclosure to be opened. The shim may be conductive on at least one face to provide a switch function, or may be non-conductive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a damaged encoder strip are described. An encoder strip is scanned in two separate operations at two separate times, a first operation and a second operation. The number of markings sensed in each separate operation is counted. A circuit compares the count of markings in each separate operation. If the count differs between the two operations, the circuit determines that the encoder strip is damaged, and the circuit develops a signal indicating this damage. In an embodiment, the first operation is performed during a calibration, and the second operation is performed during a power-on, or upon operator command.

Abstract: Using an electrostatic mechanism for inkjet printers to improve image quality is disclosed. A carriage assembly for such a printer includes one or more inkjet print heads, and an electrostatic mechanism. Each inkjet print head ejects ink from a corresponding ink supply in droplets as needed and aimed on a media. The droplets each have either an improper drop size or a proper drop size. The proper drop size is greater than a first threshold, whereas the improper drop size is less than a second threshold that is itself less than the first threshold. The electrostatic mechanism prevents droplets of the improper drop size from reaching the media. The mechanism has an electrostatic charge sufficiently great to affect the droplets having the improper drop size, without substantially affecting the droplets having the proper drop size.