Abstract: A vacuum holddown has a holddown member with an outer surface for temporarily capturing a flexible sheet material via a vacuum force distributed across the outer surface through discrete vacuum channels. A vacuum force valving mechanism abuts an inner surface of the holddown member in a selectable sliding engagement. The valving mechanism has a pattern of apertures therethrough in predetermined pattern such that discrete valve mechanism positions produce discrete vacuum force patterns at the outer surface of the holddown member.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of paper cockle by stretching the paper as it progresses along the paper path through the wet colorant printing station of a hard copy apparatus. The hard copy apparatus uses a paper feed belt system as a paper platen in which the belt or set of belts is splayed along the paper path. Firmly adhering a sheet of print media to the belt, or belts, system, such as by use of a vacuum force, as it travels through the apparatus printing zone, stretches the media orthogonally and particularly in an orientation perpendicular to the paper path.

Abstract: A vacuum holddown has a holddown member with an outer surface for temporarily capturing a flexible sheet material via a vacuum force distributed across the outer surface through discrete vacuum channels. A vacuum force valve mechanism abuts an inner surface of the holddown member in a selectable sliding engagement. The valve mechanism has a pattern of apertures therethrough in predetermined pattern such that discrete valve mechanism positions produce discrete vacuum force patterns at the outer surface of the holddown member.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a media advance mechanism in a printer utilizes an optical sensor of the printer to detect printed marks on a calibration sheet. The marks on the calibration sheet are spaced at actual longitudinal intervals. The calibration sheet is advanced longitudinally past the printhead carriage, and the calibration marks are detected with the optical sensor. The printer determines the apparent or measured longitudinal intervals and compares them to the actual intervals to determine errors in positioning the calibration sheet.

Abstract: A media advance system is driven using a fixed-differential, planetary belt drive system. Planetary pulleys, mounted to a mounting structure, orbit a motor shaft as the mounting rotates about the motor shaft. A first planetary pulley is coupled by a drive belt to a fixed pulley. The fixed pulley does not rotate and is aligned to the motor shaft, so the planetary pulley is forced to rotate while orbiting. A second planetary pulley rotates and orbits with the first. An output pulley is coupled to the second planetary pulley by another drive belt. An output shaft is coupled to the output pulley. Drive ratio of the output shaft to the motor shaft is based upon the diameters of the fixed pulley, first planetary pulley, second planetary pulley, and output pulley. Noise is low by using belts rather than meshing gears. Variable differentiation is achieved in another embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of paper cockle by stretching the paper as it progresses along the paper path through the wet colorant printing station of a hard copy apparatus. The hard copy apparatus uses a paper feed belt system as a paper platen in which the belt or set of belts is splayed along the paper path. Firmly adhering a sheet of print media to the belt, or belts, system, such as by use of a vacuum force, as it travels through the apparatus printing zone, stretches the media orthogonally and particularly in an orientation perpendicular to the paper path.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming leads having the capability to automatically measure the lead thickness and the lead exit height, and the ability to automatically adjust the lead geometry and the forces exerted on the leads to account for changes in these variables. The apparatus includes a processor which controls the clamping, forming, and shearing structures in response to input data provided by the operator and by sensors measuring variables between consecutive parts.

Abstract: The invention comprises an automated system 10 for the accurate positioning of movable parts bins 16 in relation to a preferred fixed location 26. The automated system consists of a number of movable parts bins 16 arranged on a conveyor 14 which is driven by a drive mechanism 18. The drive mechanism 18 controllably moves the conveyor 14 and therefore the bins 16 to desired locations in association with a coarse position sensor 24 and a final approach sensor 26. Both the sensors and the conveyor drive mechanism are interconnected with an electronic controller 28. This electronic controller monitors the position sensors in order to control the drive mechanism in a manner which positions the preselected parts bin at the desired location.