Abstract: A wet-dye hard copy apparatus is provided with a vacuum transport for moving print media from and input, through a print zone, to an output. In order to reduce paper cockle, the print media is subjected to a post-printing predetermined bending while the print dye thereon is drying. In an alternative embodiment, a post-ejection bending heating step is added prior to ejecting a printed print medium to the apparatus output.

Abstract: A platen surface structure construct, particularly useful in a hard copy apparatus for a vacuum holddown, is configured by dimensioning print media platen surface structure channels and ports in order to ensure print media leading edge and trailing edge holddown. Moreover, the vacuum is distributed across the platen surface in accordance with predetermined dye flow characteristics based upon known dye composition and known print medium composition and such that print artifacts are not created by vacuum pulling wet dye through the capillaries of the medium.

Abstract: Accurate advance of a media sheet is achieved by carrying the media sheet on a belt loop support. An upstream pinch roller holds the media sheet to the belt upstream of the print zone. A downstream pinch roller holds the media sheet to the belt downstream of the print zone. A guide shim extends along the media path from a position upstream of the upstream pinch roller, passed the upstream pinch roller under a printhead adjacent to the print zone. The location of a lead edge of the guide shim relative to the print zone determines the minimum bottom margin for the inkjet printing device. The guide shim presses the media sheet to the belt support and keeps the media sheet flat under the inkjet printhead as the printhead moves over the media sheet.

Abstract: A carriage drive system includes a carriage driven along a carriage path under a force generated by a drive motor. The driving force is coupled to the carriage by a drive belt. High frequency vibrations occurring in the drive belt are isolated from the carriage to improve print quality or scanning accuracy. Vibrations are introduced to the drive belt by the drive motor, the connection between the drive motor and the drive belt or from another source. High frequency decoupling is achieved using a spring connection which serves as a low pass filter of vibration frequencies. In addition, a linear encoder is included on the carriage for detecting carriage position. Such linear encoder samples carriage position at a rate fast enough to enable compensation for low frequency carriage vibrations.

Abstract: A carriage drive system includes a timing belt pivotally anchored to a carriage. A drive motor rotates the timing belt, moving the carriage along a carriage path. The drive belt moves along a pair of pulleys. A first pulley is coupled to the motor's drive shaft. A second pulley is coupled to an idler spring. The idler spring determines the belt tension when the belt is stationary. Acceleration of the carriage alters the belt tension. A pivot connection occurs between the drive belt and the carriage. During acceleration, the pivotal connection rotates shortening the effective length of the belt, which in turn stretches the idler spring, and increases belt tension. While the carriage is at rest or moving at constant velocity, the pivot connection serves to reduce side load impact on the drive motor's shaft and windings. The pivot connection also isolates the carriage from high frequency vibrations.

Abstract: A carriage is driven along a carriage rod. The carriage includes a roller or a sled which runs along a track. As the carriage moves along the rod the roller or sled runs along the track. Defects in the roller or bumps along the track cause the carriage to rotationally vibrate about the carriage rod during movement. A vibration isolator (e.g., tuned spring) is included at the connection between the carriage and the roller or sled. Such isolator absorbs vibrations introduced by the roller, sled or track. The reduced vibrations lead to improved print quality for printers having smaller dot size or increased precision.