Abstract: A method for fabricating an encoder containing a plurality of registration markings per unit distance for use as a registration reference, for instance for a print head of a printer. The registration markings being aligned in a longitudinal direction. In one preferred method of practicing the invention a polymer substrate on which the encoder is to be imprinted is first provided. An optical imagesetter device is utilized which includes a cylindrical drum and a controllable light source for directing light toward the cylindrical drum. The cylindrical drum includes a surface for receiving the polymer substrate and an axis of rotation. After the polymer substrate is retained upon the drum surface, an image of the encoder is projected upon the retained polymer substrate wherein the longitudinal axis of the encoder being angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A photomask and a method of making one for use in the photolithographic production of integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, etched metal parts and the like. The photomask has a film layer that is composed of a transparent polymer film prepared with a photolithographic image. In one embodiment the polymer film is emulsion based and the photolithographic image is photographically fixed to the film. The photomask includes a rigid transparent substrate such as a piece of glass of high optical quality. An adhesive bonds the polymer film to the glass. The photomask has qualities of a more expensive chrome-on-glass photomask.

Abstract: An encoder strip with dimensional stability and ink resistance properties. The encoder strip has a length, width, surface, thickness, and one or more markings per unit of length. A coating having a thickness between about 2 microns and about 4 microns and is distributed substantially uniformly over the surface of the element. The coating is configured on the element as substantially translucent to one or more light wavelengths and is adapted to: (1) form a membrane to substantially prevent ink absorption into the element or adsorption to the surface of the element; and (2) provide dimensional stability to the element resulting from interaction of temperature and humidity.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an encoder containing the intended integer number of registration markings (and spaces) per unit distance, over the correct length of that entire encoder. The method is practiced by producing a template having the desired number of registration indices at reasonably exact tolerances--but at widths and spacing less than or greater than intended for the registration markings, and therefore having an overall length less than or greater than that of the encoder--and using the template to project an image onto a substrate at a suitable scaling factor to form the encoder having the correct widths and spacing of the registration markings on that substrate. The template may be a wholly computer-generated and memory-resident virtual image, or may be imprinted upon a tangible intermediate medium and transferred to the substrate using a projection technique. The scaling process may be accomplished using mechanical, optical, or photochemical techniques, as well as combinations thereof.