Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a printing apparatus capable of mitigating/preventing instances of turbulent deviation of ink jetted from print heads when printing onto a substrate, a severe form of which looks like woodgrain. The printing apparatus can include a jet plate that has a first width and that is disposed between the substrate and a series of print heads. The jet plate can also include a series of apertures formed in the jet plate that each correspond to one or more of the print heads, as well as a cutout portion at a first end of the jet plate that has a second width less than the first width.

Abstract: A linear rotary encoder includes a pair of rotational surfaces. A contact belt has a first end coupled to a first rotational surface in the pair and a second end coupled to a second rotational surface in the pair. The contact belt is driven to rotate around the pair of rotational surfaces by a driving force applied to media to move the media from the first end toward the second end. An encoding scale is coupled to an inner surface of the contact belt. A reader is positioned to read the encoding scale as the contact belt rotates around the pair of rotational surfaces. The reader generates an output signal indicating a position of the media based on reading of the encoding scale.

Abstract: A linear rotary encoder includes a pair of rotational surfaces. A contact belt has a first end coupled to a first rotational surface in the pair and a second end coupled to a second rotational surface in the pair. The contact belt is driven to rotate around the pair of rotational surfaces by a driving force applied to media to move the media from the first end toward the second end. An encoding scale is coupled to an inner surface of the contact belt. A reader is positioned to read the encoding scale as the contact belt rotates around the pair of rotational surfaces. The reader generates an output signal indicating a position of the media based on reading of the encoding scale.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a printing apparatus capable of mitigating/preventing instances of turbulent deviation of ink jetted from print heads when printing onto a substrate, a severe form of which looks like woodgrain. The printing apparatus can include a jet plate that has a first width and that is disposed between the substrate and a series of print heads. The jet plate can also include a series of apertures formed in the jet plate that each correspond to one or more of the print heads, as well as a cutout portion at a first end of the jet plate that has a second width less than the first width.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a printing apparatus capable of mitigating/preventing instances of turbulent deviation of ink jetted from print heads when printing onto a substrate, a severe form of which looks like woodgrain. The printing apparatus can include a jet plate disposed on a subjacent surface of the printing apparatus that can include a series of apertures formed in the jet plate that are configured to receive corresponding print heads of the printing apparatus. The jet plate can also include a set of wings extending from a first end of a central portion of the jet plate. The set of wings can form a cutout portion of the jet plate that can modify a direction and/or velocity of a flow of air from the cutout portion along the printing area to mitigate/prevent a woodgrain defect occurring when distributing a material onto the substrate.

Abstract: A linear rotary encoder includes a pair of rotational surfaces. A contact belt has a first end coupled to a first rotational surface in the pair and a second end coupled to a second rotational surface in the pair. The contact belt is driven to rotate around the pair of rotational surfaces by a driving force applied to media to move the media from the first end toward the second end. An encoding scale is coupled to an inner surface of the contact belt. A reader is positioned to read the encoding scale as the contact belt rotates around the pair of rotational surfaces. The reader generates an output signal indicating a position of the media based on reading of the encoding scale.

Abstract: Enhanced printing systems, structures, and processes provide enhanced pinning of light sensitive inks before curing, such as to avoid artifacts, e.g. between colors, and/or between regions of different color densities. One or more pinning lamps are controlled or otherwise configured to deliver pinning energy over an interval, e.g. over a period of time or over a percentage of completion, to a pinning threshold level, which may be stored and/or determined. In some exemplary embodiments, the pinning energy is increased linearly over an interval. Other exemplary embodiments provide a stepped or staggered increase in applied pinning energy. An additional level of pinning may preferably be provided after pinning and before curing, at an energy level over the first pinning threshold, and below the curing threshold. The enhanced printing systems, structures, and processes reduce and/or eliminate moderate or large transitions of UV light energy, which may otherwise cause image artifacts.

Abstract: Enhanced printing systems, structures, and processes provide enhanced pinning of light sensitive inks before curing, such as to avoid artifacts, e.g. between colors, and/or between regions of different color densities. One or more pinning lamps are controlled or otherwise configured to deliver pinning energy over an interval, e.g. over a period of time or over a percentage of completion, to a pinning threshold level, which may be stored and/or determined. In some exemplary embodiments, the pinning energy is increased linearly over an interval. Other exemplary embodiments provide a stepped or staggered increase in applied pinning energy. An additional level of pinning may preferably be provided after pinning and before curing, at an energy level over the first pinning threshold, and below the curing threshold. The enhanced printing systems, structures, and processes reduce and/or eliminate moderate or large transitions of UV light energy, which may otherwise cause image artifacts.