Abstract: An appartus detects inoperative inkjets during printing of three-dimensional objects. The apparatus includes an optical sensor that generates measurements of a height, a diameter, and a position for test dots formed on a substrate with material ejected from a printhead. These measurements are analyzed to detect inoperative inkjets to enable printhead maintenance at appropriate times to maintain the operational status of the inkjets in the printhead.

Abstract: An apparatus detects inoperative inkjets during printing of three-dimensional objects. The apparatus includes an optical sensor with a predetermined focal plane. The optical sensor is moved to a position that enables the sensor to generate image data of material drops ejected by a group of inkjets in a single row of a printhead. These image data are analyzed to detect inoperative inkjets to enable printhead maintenance at appropriate times to maintain the operational status of the inkjets in the printhead. The optical sensor is moved along a length and width of the printhead to enable the sensor to generate image data of all the inkjets that eject material from the printhead.

Abstract: Devices and methods for a setscrew device. An elongated cylindrical rod has a first threaded portion with a first diameter and a continuous spiraling thread, an unthreaded shank portion with a second diameter, and a second threaded portion having the second diameter and a continuous spiraling thread. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The unthreaded shank portion is located between the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion forming a step. A bias element is disposed on the step and surrounds the second threaded portion. A compression element is threaded onto the second threaded portion and operatively connected to the bias element.

Abstract: A printhead cleaning device is configured to use a cleaning web to absorb the residual ink left on the faceplate of the printhead. The cleaning web is supplied from a feed cartridge and taken up by a take-up cartridge. The cartridges include indexing mechanisms that are configured to dispense and pull-in, respectively, a predetermined length of the cleaning web during each maintenance cycle of the printhead.

Abstract: A printhead cleaning device is configured to use a cleaning web to absorb the residual ink left on the faceplate of the printhead. The cleaning web is supplied from a feed cartridge and taken up by a take-up cartridge. The cartridges include indexing mechanisms that are configured to dispense and pull-in, respectively, a predetermined length of the cleaning web during each maintenance cycle of the printhead.

Abstract: An apparatus enables alignment of the position of a printhead independent of other printheads in a printhead assembly. The apparatus includes a printhead configured to eject ink onto an image receiving member, a plate to which the printhead can be rigidly mounted and selectively removed, and a translation carriage to which the plate is rigidly mounted. The apparatus also includes a track ball operatively coupled to two actuators for movement of the plate in an X and a roll direction relative to the translation carriage.

Abstract: An apparatus enables alignment of the position of a printhead independent of other printheads in a printhead assembly. The apparatus includes a printhead configured to eject ink onto an image receiving member, a plate to which the printhead can be rigidly mounted and selectively removed, and a translation carriage to which the plate is rigidly mounted. The apparatus also includes a track ball operatively coupled to two actuators for movement of the plate in an X and a roll direction relative to the translation carriage.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a printhead module having a plurality of printheads which eject ink for printing images on the surface of a recording media supported by a backing member. A gap distance between the printheads and the surface of the recording media is adjusted by a positioner coupled to the printhead module where a sensor determines the gap distance between the printhead module and the backing member.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a printhead module having a plurality of printheads which eject ink for printing images on the surface of a recording media supported by a backing member. A gap distance between the printheads and the surface of the recording media is adjusted by a positioner coupled to the printhead module where a sensor determines the gap distance between the printhead module and the backing member.

Abstract: A latching assembly for mounting a printhead to a plate assembly of a printing machine includes a first elongated actuator and a second elongated actuator defining a bore to slidably receive the first actuator. A first spring is disposed between the heads of the first and second actuators, while a second spring is disposed between the second actuator and the printhead to exert a clamping force. A cam mechanism is defined between the plate assembly and the ends of the actuators that is configured to draw the head of the first actuator toward the plate assembly upon rotation of the first actuator and to independently draw the head of the second actuator toward the plate assembly upon rotation of said second actuator. Movement of said first actuator exerts an initial clamping force while movement of the second actuator produces a final clamping force on the printhead.

Abstract: A latching assembly for mounting a printhead to a plate assembly of a printing machine includes a first elongated actuator and a second elongated actuator defining a bore to slidably receive the first actuator. A first spring is disposed between the heads of the first and second actuators, while a second spring is disposed between the second actuator and the printhead to exert a clamping force. A cam mechanism is defined between the plate assembly and the ends of the actuators that is configured to draw the head of the first actuator toward the plate assembly upon rotation of the first actuator and to independently draw the head of the second actuator toward the plate assembly upon rotation of said second actuator. Movement of said first actuator exerts an initial clamping force while movement of the second actuator produces a final clamping force on the printhead.