Abstract: A novel method and system for calibration of paper feed in an ink jet printing system is used to remove overfeed bands and underfeed bands from an image. The method begins by feeding print media into the ink jet printing system. A color density test target is formed by simultaneously applying an on/off pattern print mask to print numerous print swaths while incrementing paper feed values. Each paper feed value corresponds respectively to each print swath. The color density test target reveals shifts from light to dark to light in order to identify a maximum optical density region. The paper feed value from the color density test target corresponding to a maximum optical density region on the color density test target is selected and entered into the printing system. The entered value calibrates printing system in order to minimize the presence of overfeed bands and underfeed bands while printing.

Abstract: A multi swath printing method for printing an image on an ink jet printing system is used to reduce image banding. The ink jet printing system includes a printhead with one or more ink ejection nozzles. The method entails forming a set of individual print masks. Each individual print mask has one or more groupings of two dimensional patterns of different frequencies and is assigned to a color of the ink jet printing system. The method ends by inputting the set of individual print masks formed into the ink jet printing system to form an input mask set and printing images using the input mask set to create an out-of-phase composite of the image printed. Banding is substantially reduced in the printed image and the printed image comprises a resolution between 300 dpi and 4800 dpi.

Abstract: A media drying system and method are provided. The drying system includes a media support having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines a media travel path. A heater is positioned spaced apart from the second surface of the media support with the second surface of the media support being located between the heater and the first surface of the media support.

Abstract: A drying system and method are provided. The drying system includes a plenum and a gas source in fluid communication with the plenum. A gas flow guide is attached to the plenum and is operable to direct gas flow provided by the gas source. A support includes a surface, at least a portion of which is heated. The gas flow guide is positioned to direct gas flow at least partially toward the heated surface of the support.

Abstract: An ink supply apparatus includes a carriage on which a printer head arrangement including a printer head is mounted to an alignment plate and an ink reservoir arrangement including an ink reservoir is mounted to a frame pivotably connected to the alignment plate to permit access to the printer head arrangement. A conduit connects an inlet of the printer head to an outlet of the ink reservoir. The outlet of the ink reservoir is located directly behind the inlet of the printer head when the frame is pivoted to a normal operating position to minimize surges in the conduit and thereby prevent leakage out of or air ingestion into the nozzles of the printer head. The ink supply apparatus is particularly well suited for use in ink jet printers where multiple printer heads are used and printing occurs in two directions of travel of the carriage.