Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a head configured to discharge liquid to a printing medium, a carriage configured to move the head back and forth to one side and another side in a scanning direction with respect to the printing medium, and a control unit configured to perform printing of a printing image with the liquid by controlling driving of the head and the carriage. When performing printing of an end portion of the printing image on the one side, the control unit performs the printing by a first scan in which the head is moved from the one side to the other side, and when performing printing of an end portion of the printing image on the other side, the control unit performs the printing by a second scan in which the head is moved from the other side to the one side.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge unit and a contact detection unit. The liquid discharge unit has a liquid discharge port from which a liquid is discharged toward an object. The liquid discharge unit is movable along at least one of a first axis and a second axis intersecting the first axis and movable along a third axis intersecting the first axis and the second axis. The third axis is parallel to a direction in which the liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge port toward the object. The contact detection unit detects contact of the liquid discharge unit with the object. The contact detection unit is detachably attached to the liquid discharge unit.

Abstract: Detection of mechanical coupling slippage in rotary encoder systems is provided where position data samples are obtained from a rotary encoder coupled to rotating element and angular acceleration data is determined based on the position data samples. At least two acceleration peaks are detected in the angular acceleration data, including at least one negative acceleration peak and at least one positive acceleration peak. Slippage occurrence of the mechanical coupling are detected when an interval between a negative acceleration peak and a positive acceleration peak of the at least two acceleration peaks is less than a first time period. If at least a threshold number of slippage occurrences are detected within a second time period, a mechanical coupling error signal is generated.

Abstract: An automated mobile paint robot, according to particular embodiments, comprises: (1) a wheeled base; (2) at least one paint sprayer; (3) at least one pump; (4) a vision system; (5) a GPS navigation system; and (5) a computer controller configured to: (A) generate a room painting plan using one or more inputs from the GPS navigation system, vision system, etc.; (B) control movement of the automated mobile paint robot across a support surface: (C) use the vision system to position the wheeled base in a suitable position from which to paint a desired area using the at least one paint sprayer; and (D) use the at least one pump to activate the at least one paint sprayer to paint a swath (e.g., swatch) of paint from the suitable position.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a conveyor. The conveyor is configured to convey a first medium in a first conveyance direction along a first conveyance path and a second medium in a second conveyance direction along a second conveyance path. The image reading apparatus includes a reader. The reader is configured to read image data from the first medium and the second medium. The image reading apparatus includes a movable guide. The movable guide is disposed on a housing of the image reading apparatus. The movable guide is configured to be moved to regulate a width of the second opening defined in a direction perpendicular to the second conveyance direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly includes: a print bar; first and second guide rods oriented parallel to one another; a first bracket slidable along the first guide rod and connected loosely to one end of the print bar; and a second bracket slidable along the second guide rod and connected loosely to the other end of the print bar. In another embodiment, a method includes: directly constraining a print bar in Z and theta Y at a first connection; indirectly constraining the print bar in theta Y at a second connection; and neutralizing the theta Y constraint at the second connection through a third connection between the first connection and the second connection.

Abstract: A handheld pattern creating device and method of use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotational member is rotatably positioned within a housing under the power of a first drive mechanism to angularly traverse an x-y plane. A rail track is disposed on a surface of the rotational member in order to provide a radial path for a carriage that houses a tool tip. A guide track disposed on the surface of the rotational member includes a curved portion that provides a non-linear path. A second drive mechanism drives the carriage transversely along the radial path of the rail track such that a flexible rack gear travels the non-linear path of the guide track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing by scanning a carriage that has a print head in a main scan direction. The printing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a carriage motor that drives the carriage; a control unit that controls the driving of the carriage motor; a memory unit that stores a plurality of patterns of velocity data regarding at least either one of scanning speeds of the carriage after start of the scanning and driving speeds of the carriage motor corresponding to the scanning speeds of the carriage; and a driving mode switchover unit that switches over the patterns of the velocity data, wherein the control unit controls the driving of the carriage motor in such a manner that the carriage is scanned on the basis of the velocity data selected by the driving mode switchover unit.

Abstract: A print head is operable to perform printing with respect to a medium. A motor is operable to move the print head. A guide unit is operable to guide the print head along a predetermined direction. A determination unit is operable to determine whether or not the print head performs a stick-slip operation. A motor control unit is operable to generate a command value for controlling the motor when moving the print head. The motor control unit generates a command value for moving the print head at a predetermined target speed on the basis of determination of the determination unit that the print head does not perform the stick-slip operation and generates a command value for moving the print head at a target speed faster than the predetermined target speed on the basis of determination of the determination unit that the print head performs the stick-slip operation.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a print head, disposed to a horizontally movable carriage, for printing a recording medium, a print cartridge disposed in a detachably attachable manner to said print head, and a member disposed in a range including an operating range for attaching and detaching said print cartridge, wherein said member has at least a portion positioned in said operating range for attaching and detaching said print cartridge, and wherein the portion is escapable from said operating range for attaching and detaching said print cartridge.

Abstract: A method of controlling a drive motor that is provided to a printer to apply a driving force to a predetermined operation section that operates in an image printing operation of printing on a printing sheet. The method includes steps of: measuring, in a no-image-printing operation of not printing on the printing sheet, an initial operation time of the predetermined operation section by driving initially the drive motor to operate the operation section; driving, in the image printing operation of printing on the printing sheet, the drive motor with a first output from an operation start time to a time calculated by multiplying the initial operation time by a coefficient that is larger than 0 but smaller than 1; and driving, until an operation end time after the drive motor is driven with the first output, the drive motor with a second output that is determined based on the initial operation time.

Abstract: A printer including a frame, a feed roller rotatably supported in the frame for advancing a recording medium, a sheet support plate for supporting said recording medium, a guide rail extending in parallel with an axial direction (Y) of the feed roller, and a carriage guided at the guide rail and carrying a printhead facing the recording medium on the sheet support plate, the frame being composed of a support structure and two plate-like function blocks, which are supported on said support structure at both ends of the feed roller so as to extend in respective planes (X-Z) normal to said axial direction (Y), and which support the guide rail and the sheet support plate, wherein the feed roller is rotatably supported in two bearings, each of which has a bearing case, each bearing case being supported on a member of the support structure, each of the function blocks defining a downwardly open V-shaped notch which is supported on the peripheral surface of one of the bearing cases at exactly two points, and the gui

Abstract: A handheld pattern creating device and method of use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotational member is rotatably positioned within a housing under the power of a first drive mechanism to angularly traverse an x-y plane. A rail track is disposed on the surface of the rotational member in order to provide a radial path for a carriage that houses a tool tip. A guide track disposed on a surface of the rotational member includes a curved portion that provides a non-linear path. A second drive mechanism drives the carriage transversely along the radial path of the rail track such that a flexible rack gear travels the non-linear path of the guide track.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a guide frame and a printhead carrier coupled to the guide frame for reciprocating movement along a main scan direction. The printhead carrier includes a cartridge receptacle forming a box-like structure defining an interior space. The receptacle has a carrier floor, a carrier back wall having a bearing member for engaging the guide frame, a carrier side wall, and a carrier side opening located opposite across from the carrier side wall. The printhead cartridge is received through the carrier side opening into the interior space during a cartridge loading operation. A door is coupled to the cartridge receptacle adjacent the carrier side opening. The door has an open position to facilitate insertion of the printhead cartridge through the carrier side opening into the interior space, and a latched position to facilitate containment of the printhead cartridge in the cartridge receptacle.

Abstract: A combined flat bed scanner/printer machine having: a moving body; a scan module connected to the moving body to read a document; and a recording head connected to the moving body adjacent to the scan module, to print on a paper. The moving body is moved by a moving body transfer unit made up of a belt to which the moving body is secured, a guide rod to guide the moving body, and a motor to move the belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a painting holder, a painting holder feeding unit, a printer unit having the holder and feeding unit, and an art painting apparatus with such a printer unit for automatic vending machines. The painting holder consists of a housing connected to a bracket of a feeding unit, a spring-biased finger base movably set within the housing so as to be elastically biased upward in the housing, a locking member hinged to the right-hand sidewall of the housing, and normally biased in a direction by a first torsion coil spring, and a finger cover hinged to the left-hand sidewall of the housing, and biased in a direction by a second torsion coil spring. The finger cover also has a painting opening at a predetermined position thereof, and is locked by the locking member. The art painting apparatus has a high resolution of not less than 1,200 dpi, thus accomplishing a highly active and clear painting effect.

Abstract: A print head is operable to perform printing with respect to a medium. A motor is operable to move the print head. A guide unit is operable to guide the print head along a predetermined direction. A determination unit is operable to determine whether or not the print head performs a stick-slip operation. A motor control unit is operable to generate a command value for controlling the motor when moving the print head. The motor control unit generates a command value for moving the print head at a predetermined target speed on the basis of determination of the determination unit that the print head does not perform the stick-slip operation and generates a command value for moving the print head at a target speed faster than the predetermined target speed on the basis of determination of the determination unit that the print head performs the stick-slip operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for applying at least one graphic to at least one surface, comprising a portable scaffolding system that may be telescoped to accommodate a length and a width of the surface; a host device for receiving at least one head attachment; and a computing device for incrementally moving the host device along the width and the length of the surface and for controlling a distance between the host device and the surface.

Abstract: A compliant belt attach assembly for use in a printer includes a belt attach and a drive belt having a drive lug. The belt attach defines a lug chamber for containing the drive lug of the drive belt. First and second drive bars are configured to contact the first and second sides of the drive lug to allow drive lug deformation in response to vibration transmitted by the drive belt.

Abstract: A portable printer includes a top cover, a bottom cover, one or more rail units located on the inside surface of the top cover, and a carriage assembly. Media is positionable on the inside surface of the bottom cover. The carriage assembly is movably connected to the rail units, such that the carriage assembly is able to move at least one of horizontally and vertically over the media, and print on substantially any part of the media, wherein the media is capable of being stationary during printing.

Abstract: Printing apparatus for printing an image on a selected surface, includes a print head for printing the image, respective supports for the print head that allow the print head to translate left and right along an x-axis and to translate up and down along a y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis to move the print head over the selected surface, and respective supports for the print head that allow the print head to translate forward and rearward along a z-axis perpendicular to the x-and y-axes and to swing in a plurality of curves from the z-axis in order to adjust the print head for surface variations on the selected surface.

Abstract: A scanning system for use in inspecting or writing on a substrate minimizes vibrations by applying movement-actuating forces directly between a carriage and a countermass which are both free to move along parallel tracks. Forces for decelerating and accelerating the scanning carriage are preferably applied along a minor part of a length of movement of the carriage. The carriage is then isolated from forces applied parallel to the track while moving along a major part of its length of movement. As a result, the carriage travels smoothly with approximately uniform speed during it's operative pass, without suffering from vibrations introduced by direct closed-loop feedback control.

Abstract: Printing apparatus for printing an image on a selected surface, includes a print head for printing the image, respective supports for the print head that allow the print head to translate left and right along an x-axis and to translate up and down along a y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis to move the print head over the selected surface, and respective supports for the print head that allow the print head to translate forward and rearward along a z-axis perpendicular to the x-and y-axes and to swing in a plurality of curves from the z-axis in order to adjust the print head for surface variations on the selected surface.

Abstract: To provide a recording apparatus for recording on a sheet by a recording head, including: a carriage for carrying the recording head and moving in a direction crossing a sheet transporting direction; a guide shaft for guiding a movement of the carriage; and a guide shaft lifting mechanism for changing a position in height of the guide shaft at three or more stages without changing a position of the guide shaft in the sheet transporting direction.

Abstract: A print head transport mechanism of a postage meter for printing postal indicia which are of greater height than a printing height of a print head comprises a carriage to traverse the print head in a first direction over a band of a print receiving area and a guide to displace the print head from a home position to an index position during a second traverse of the print head in a reverse direction whereby the print head traverses over a second band, adjacent the first band, of the print receiving area during the second traverse.

Abstract: A print carriage assembly for an ink jet printer. The print carriage assembly includes a print carriage slidably supported on a printer slider rod, and a sub-carriage that is separate from the printer carriage and slidably supported on the printer slider rod for pushing the printer carriage.

Abstract: A portable printer includes a top cover, a bottom cover, one or more rail units located on the inside surface of the top cover, and a carriage assembly. Media is positionable on the inside surface of the bottom cover. The carriage assembly is movably connected to the rail units, such that the carriage assembly is able to move at least one of horizontally and vertically over the media, and print on substantially any part of the media, wherein the media is capable of being stationary during printing.

Abstract: A multifunctional machine prevents contamination caused by the contact of a document and a printhead by placing the printhead to face a base frame supporting a printable mediumu, and by placing a scanner to face the base frame supporting the document. The multifunctional machine is also capable of simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing costs by sharing the base frame for supporting the printable medium and the document, and by moving the printhead and the scanner using one driving motor.

Abstract: A printer assembly includes an idler pulley, a printhead carrier belt, an idler-pulley spring, and a ratchet stop. The printhead carrier belt is operatively connected to the idler pulley and extends in an inboard direction from the idler pulley. The idler-pulley spring biases the idler pulley in an outboard direction to maintain belt tension as the belt lengthens during wear. The ratchet stop is located inboard of the idler pulley and operatively engages the idler pulley against movement of the idler pulley in the inboard direction, wherein such inboard movement would cause printing errors.

Abstract: A print carriage assembly for an ink jet printer. The print carriage assembly includes a print carriage slidably supported on a printer slider rod, and a sub-carriage that is separate from the printer carriage and slidably supported on the printer slider rod for pushing the printer carriage.

Abstract: A print head transport mechanism of a postage meter for printing postal indicia which are of greater height than a printing height of a print head comprises a carriage to traverse the print head in a first direction over a band of a print receiving area and a guide to displace the print head from a home position to an index position during a second traverse of the print head in a reverse direction whereby the print head traverses over a second band, adjacent the first band, of the print receiving area during the second traverse.

Abstract: In an apparatus for printing on a continuously moving sheet of work material, a frame is provided and defines a work supporting surface over which a sheet of work material is advanced in a first coordinate direction longitudinally of itself. An elongated support is mounted to the frame and extends transversely across the work supporting surface. A print head is mounted to the elongated support and is movable across the support, as well as between a forward and rearward position. During operation, as the work material is continuously advanced through the apparatus, the print head traverses the support and simultaneously moves between the forward and rearward positions, such that the print head has a component of speed in the first coordinate direction approximately equal to the rate at which the work material is advanced.

Abstract: An automatic alignment system is used to correct the offset error of a bidirectional printing device. The positional offset between the forward printing and the backward printing is compensated by adjusting the position of the printing cartridge. The actual position of the cartridge is sensed by a light detector, which is shuttered when the moving cartridge, driven by a microstepping motor, passes through the sensor. Based on the difference between the actual position and the correct theoretical position, the cartridge position is automatically adjusted to correct the offset error. For fine adjustment, time delay can be used in addition to the positional adjustment of the cartridge.

Abstract: A serial printer includes a carriage reciprocating in a main scanning direction, a reading sensor mounted in carriage, a timing fence arranged in the main scanning direction, a mechanism preventing movement of carriage in the main scanning direction, and a controlling portion detecting a set condition for image formation in accordance with read data of timing fence from reading sensor for controlling image formation. Controlling portion detects the set condition for image formation only in accordance with the read data of timing fence, so that detection of the set condition for image formation is enabled without increasing the size of an apparatus and cost, or without decreasing a processing efficiency in image formation.

Abstract: A printing device for printing text, indicia, and images on a medium includes a housing that abuts a surface of the medium during a printing sequence and includes a print head which is moved from a starting position to an ending position during a printing sequence by a bidirectional first movement drive in cooperation with a second bidirectional movement drive. Control means disposed in the housing include motion control means for controlling said movement drives and reset means to prepare the printer for a subsequent print sequence.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for forming a color image by applying different color inks to a printing material while bi-directionally moving the recording head to scan the recording material, the apparatus includes changing means for changing an order of applications of the inks of different colors to be applied at least at one amount for printing a secondary color to a secondary color pixel area; and forming means for forming the secondary color while making the order of applications of the inks to at least one of a plurality of the secondary color pixel areas arranged along a predetermined direction different from the order of another, by the changing means.

Abstract: A printer including two adjacent printing stations has a print head attached to a carriage moved through both printing stations, with a home position for the carriage being established between the printing stations. Data describing the position of the carriage, generated with the movement of the carriage, is reset as the carriage is moved past the home position, as indicated by a position detector. If this data is corrupted or lost, the carriage is driven in a first direction until the home position is reached or until a first end of travel position is reached, whichever occurs first. At this end of travel position, a tab extending downward from the carriage comes into contact with a tab extending upward from a sliding bracket on which an idler pulley within a belt drive system, causing movement of the carriage, is mounted.

Abstract: It is intended to expand the recording width of the serial printer by executing the one-directional recording, instead of the two-directional recording, according to the required recording width. For this purpose there is provided a serial recording apparatus comprising a carrier for mounting a recording head for executing recording on a recording medium, a scanning section for causing the carrier to execute a reciprocating scanning motion along the recording medium and a recording section for executing the recording in the scanning motions in two directions of the carrier in case the recording width required for the recording along the scanning direction of the carrier does not exceed a predetermined reference recordable width, and executing the recording in the scanning motion of the carrier in one direction only in case the required recording width is larger than the predetermined reference recordable width.

Abstract: A color printing apparatus is provided for realizing highly attractive print images and high speed color printing with a relatively simple position control. The color printing apparatus comprises a printer unit for printing a color print image composed of a dot matrix on a printing medium, a feeder unit for feeding the printing medium, a reciprocal moving mechanism for reciprocally moving the printer unit in directions orthogonal to a direction in which the printing medium is fed, and a controller for instructing the printer unit to perform printing in a plurality of colors to each dot of the color print image so as to selectively conduct uni-directional printing and/or bi-directional printing in the reciprocal movements of the printer unit. The controller instructs the printer unit to conduct the uni-directional printing for a high contrast color with respect to a background color of the printing medium within the plurality of colors, and to conduct the bi-directional printing for the remaining colors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunctional machine which prevents the contamination caused by the contact of a document and a printhead, by placing the printhead to face a base frame supporting a printable medium and placing a scanner to face the base frame supporting the document. Also, disclosed is a multifunctional machine capable of simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing costs, by sharing the base frame for supporting the printable medium and the document and by moving the printhead and the scanner using one driving motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for bi-directionally rendering an image includes a bi-directional printer (10) having an input (12) which receives data corresponding to the input image. A printhead (14), in accordance with the data, renders the image on a medium (M) in swaths as it passes horizontally over the medium (M) in opposing first and second directions. A medium advance device (16) advances the medium (M) vertically past the printhead (14) between horizontal passes of the printhead (14) in the first direction and horizontal passes of the printhead (14) in the second direction. Horizontal swaths of the image are segmented into a line of columns (20) such that the columns (20) are made up of vertical arrays of pixels. A detector circuit (18) detects for breaks (22) in each of the columns (20) of each swath. Transition regions are defined for columns (20) having no vertical breaks (22) therein.

Abstract: A printer includes a full-line type printhead which can correct variations in the ink discharge amounts from the respective nozzles, and density unevenness of a printed image due to variations in the operations of many driving circuits in the printhead and changes in the internal temperature or a temperature gradient of the printhead, and can obtain a high-quality printed image without density unevenness in consideration of the print conditions and changes in operation environmental temperature. A pre-heating operation is performed by selecting an optimal pre-pulse signal for each nozzle of the printhead on the basis of information stored in an EEPROM of the printhead and pre-pulse selection data associated with each nozzle of the printhead. A heat signal is also generated to obtain a main pulse suitable for each IC of a printhead corresponding to an ink of each color. In addition, the internal temperature of the printhead or printing density information from the printhead is monitored.

Abstract: In a serial recording mode where a carriage CA mounting a recording head HD is moved reciprocatingly in a main scanning direction of a second recording medium D2, the control apparatus drives the carriage CA to move while the recording head HD is separated from a platen P2 and the sensor SY to detect the carriage CA in order to initialize the recording apparatus. In a line recording mode where recording is performed with the recording head being in contact under pressure against a first recording medium D1, the control apparatus drives the carriage CA to move while the recording head HD is separated from a platen P1 and the sensor SY to detect the carriage CA in order to initialize the recording apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for printing bi-directionally with a thermal print head movable back and forth along a print path adjacent a ribbon to transfer ink therefrom onto a substrate. The ribbon being drawn from an unwind reel and adjacent the print path, and the ribbon being clamped to maintain tension on the ribbon at least when the print head moves in the same direction as ribbon is drawn along the print path. A rotary drive member is rotatable in a first direction to actuate a brake member that clamps the ribbon against a fixed ribbon guide, and the rotary drive member is rotatable in a second opposing direction to rotate the rewind reel to draw ribbon from the unwind reel.

Abstract: A wheel for maintaining a constant distance between an ink discharge plane of a recording head and a recording sheet is provided on a carriage such that it is upstream of the recording head as viewed in the direction of movement of the recording head in a unidirectional print mode. A sensor monitors whether the recording sheet is moved off a contact of a feed roller which feeds the recording sheet to a record position and a pinch roller. Before a trailing edge of the recording sheet is moved off the contact of the feed roller and the pinch roller, bilateral recording is conducted to print in each of forward movement and backward movement of the carriage. When the sensor detects that the trailing edge of the recording sheet has been moved off the contact of the feed roller and the pinch roller, the recording is switched to unilateral printing. The print range at the trailing edge of the recording medium is thus extended.

Abstract: A dot matrix printer having a plurality of hammers forming in part a hammerbank, with a motor for driving the hammerbank, and a controller for releasing the hammers for printing on a print media. A counterbalance is mechanically linked to the hammerbank for balancing it during movement. Lands and grooves are connected for rotation with the motor. A sensor sends pulses corresponding to the lands and grooves for controlling the hammerbank movement. The hammerbank is linked to the position of the lands and grooves as mechanically connected to the motor.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording data on a recording medium comprises: a recording device capable of moving along a passage through which a recording medium passes and recording data on the recording medium; a conveyance device for conveying the recording medium; a moving device for moving the recording device along the conveyance passage; a driving source; a first transmission device for transmitting the power from the driving source to the conveyance device; a second transmission device for transmitting the power from the driving source to the moving device; and a switch for selectively connecting the first transmission device and the drive source while maintaining the connection between the driving source and the second transmission device.

Abstract: A printer with a reciprocally moving hammerbank with a plurality of hammers thereon is disclosed including a magnet for retaining hammers on the hammerbank of the printer from a firing position. A coil overcomes the magnetism of the magnet by a circuit for reversing the magnetic field. At least a portion of the circuit comprises transistor drivers located directly on the hammerbank of the printer.

Abstract: A dot matrix printer having a plurality of hammers on a hammerbank with a counterbalance for the hammerbank in adjacent parallel relationship to the hammerbank. The hammerbank and counterbalance are driven by a first crank arm connected to the hammerbank and a second crank arm connected to the counterbalance with looped circular portions having bearing surfaces for moving the crank arms in opposite relationship to each other. A single shaft with two eccentrics, each respectively in the bearing surfaces turns the two crank arms. The crank arms are in close parallel relationship to each other and close proximity to the hammerbank and counterbalance. The single shaft is connected to a motor for driving the hammerbank and counterbalance, and is formed with a stator having coils with a magnetic ring formed as a rotor portion surrounding the stator, and a flywheel surrounding and connected to the magnetic rotor ring.

Abstract: To prevent undue elevation of temperature in a hammer assembly but to maintain the maximum printing speed, when a scheduled number of drivings at which print hammers are to be driven during one scan of a manner bank which follows the currently performing scan, exceeds a first reference number, one dot line printing is completed with a plurality of scans of the hammer bank so that dot line print density in each scan of the hammer bank does not exceed, for example, 35%. If, however, high density printing exceeding 25% continues for an extended period of time more than one scan time, the printing operation is temporarily halted.