Abstract: To mitigate the effects of ink lot variability in a print system, a controller will identify when an ink container is being replaced, identify a code that is associated with an ink batch from which the ink in the container was sourced, and cause the print engine of the print system to execute a prefire operation using one or more prefire settings that are associated with the ink batch. For example, the prefire operation may include applying electrical pulses to the printhead that perturb the nozzles of the printhead to vibrate ink menisci and/or agitate ink in the printhead. After the prefire operation, the print system will then return to a normal document printing operation.

Abstract: To mitigate the effects of ink lot variability in a print system, a server will monitor and analyze test pattern scan data to print devices that are exhibiting common test pattern quality issues while using a common batch of ink. When the server identifies that a particular batch of ink is causing issues that exceed a threshold deviation from a norm in at least a threshold number of print devices, the server will cause the print devices to take action that avoids use of the particular batch of ink and/or helps reduce print quality issues that the ink may cause.

Abstract: A system for predicting one or more stock-related device settings, includes memory which stores a crowdsourcing component. The crowdsourcing component acquires reports from multiple printers in a fleet of printers. The reports each include performance data and printer attributes used when printing one of a plurality of stocks, the printer attributes including at least one device setting. A learning component learns relationships between printer settings and performance, e.g., in the form of a prediction model, based on the acquired reports. A prediction component uses the learned relationships to predict device settings for the stock for at least one of the printers in the fleet of printers and a processor, in communication with the memory, which implements the components.

Abstract: A system for predicting performance for a stock includes memory which stores a crowdsourcing component, which acquires reports from multiple printers in a fleet of printers. The reports include performance data and printer attributes used when printing one of a plurality of stocks. A learning component learns a prediction model, based on the acquired reports. A prediction component uses the learned prediction model to predict at least one of: whether a selected stock will perform adequately on one of the printers in the fleet of printers, an alternative to the selected stock which is predicted to perform better than the selected stock, on one of the printers in the fleet of printers, and a stock which will perform adequately on one of the printers in the fleet of printers. A processor, in communication with the memory, implements the components. An output device outputs the prediction.

Abstract: A sabot for use with a spin stabilized projectile comprises a closed front end portion having lines or strips of weakness running along sides of the sabot which meet at a front end surface of the sabot, thereby providing a continuously extending line or region of weakness across the front end surface.Preferably, the sabot front end portion has at least three, desirably four or more, lines or strips of weakness running along the length of the front end portion. These lines or strips may meet at an intersection of lines or strips at the front end surface, but they preferably meet at a front end membrane region.Discarding sabots according to the present invention are especially suitable for use with tubular projectiles. These projectiles may for example be used in training ammunition rounds which are suitable for firing from the UK 30 mm RARDEN (UK Registered Trade Mark) Gun.

Abstract: A tubular projectile suitable for use in training ammunition comprises a hollow tube having formed in the rear end of the tubular wall thereof a recess in which is embedded a tracer material.The projectile may be sabot launched.Constructions are described for igniting the tracer material directly or indirectly from the gases produced by burning of the main propellant charge when the projectile is fired from a gun, e.g. the RARDEN Gun of the Applicants.Example of suitable tracter materials and techniques for filling the said recess with them are also described.