Abstract: A typical printing device has a document feeder, a printer, and a document transport mechanism for transporting documents from the document feeder to the printer. In accordance with the invention, there is provided a thickness measurer which measures the thickness of a document prior to the transport of the document to the printer, a controller which receives the thickness information and which provides a gap-adjustment signal, and an adjuster which receives the gap-adjustment signal and adjusts the gap accordingly.

Abstract: A typical printing device has a document feeder, a printer, and a document transport mechanism for transporting documents from the document feeder to the printer. In accordance with the invention, there is provided a thickness measurer which measures the thickness of a document prior to the transport of the document to the printer, a controller which receives the thickness information and which provides a gap-adjustment signal, and an adjuster which receives the gap-adjustment signal and adjusts the gap accordingly.

Abstract: Unprocessed video signals from an optical scanner are processed in accordance with a transfer function which adjusts the gain of the unprocessed video to produce processed video which better represents the form of the object scanned. The transfer function is selected from a memory including a plurality of such functions by a signature signal which characterizes the entire scanner system including the optical system, the illumination system and the sensor system. The signature signal is developed from an initial value of signature which is updated by processing with the unprocessed video.

Abstract: A system is shown for enhancing signals produced by the scanning components of an optical character reader. Analog video signals produced by a scanner are converted to digital video signals representing a plurality of pixels. Digital video signals representing a matrix of pixels where the matrix is smaller than the individual characters are summed together to provide a reference base of brightness. A digital video signal located at the center of the matrix of interest is scaled to a value corresponding to the number of pixels in the matrix times its brightness level. The scaled center signal is then compared with the summed signals. The scaled center signal is made to read "white" if it is brighter than the summed signals and made to read "black" if it is darker than the summed signals.

Abstract: A modular-head endorser includes a plurality of mateable modules which form an ink jet printer. These modules cooperate to expel drops of printing fluid, direct them to a printing surface, and recirculate excess drops to a fluid supply. Some of the modules are joined together without tools so the user of the invention can quickly and easily clean, replace, and assemble certain modules without additional assistance.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing two-way mailers constituted by a single blank imprinted with data on both faces thereof, the blank then being formed into superposed panels that not only define pre-addressed forwarding and return envelopes but also a printed statement of charges and a return stub to accompany payment, thereby making it possible for a company to forward to a customer a statement of charges and for the customer to remit to the company. In the system, the blanks are individually printed on both faces thereof in a printing stage that includes a conveyor loop wherein fresh blanks admitted into the loop are fed under the printing head for imprinting on one face thereof, each blank then being turned over and advanced on the loop toward a two-position output gate. In its first position, the gate passes the blank into a reentry mechanism acting to readmit the turned-over blank into the loop for imprinting on the other face thereof.

Abstract: A two-way mailer assembly making it possible for a company to render a statement of charges to a customer and for the customer to remit. The assembly is created from a single paper blank which is perforated to create four panels, the panels being so folded and adhered to each other as to define forwarding and return envelopes as well as a statement and a return stub to accompany payment thereof.