Abstract: A system is provided that includes an encoder strip having encoder markings, first and second optical encoders positioned at a fixed distance from one another on a substrate and, responsive to being moved along the encoder strip, configured to generate first and second signals, respectively, that each indicate detection of the encoder markings on the encoder strip and processing circuitry configured to determine a current phase difference between the first and the second signals using a first portion of the first signal that corresponds to a first plurality of encoder markings and a second portion of the second signal that corresponds to a second plurality of encoder markings.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for compensating for the change in length of an encoder strip due to environmental effects such as temperature and humidity. The apparatus and methods utilize two simple optical sensors spaced apart and mounted on a substrate having a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the encoder strip; the substrate is mounted to the movable component which is to be positioned, such as a printer carriage. Embodiments of the methods utilize information from the two sensors, in conjunction with information from the analog encoder used to position movable component, to compensate for environmental effects.

Abstract: Embodiments of uniquely spaced markings are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for carriage positioning.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes an encoder strip having encoder markings, first and second optical encoders positioned at a fixed distance from one another on a substrate and, responsive to being moved along the encoder strip, configured to generate first and second signals, respectively, that each indicate detection of the encoder markings on the encoder strip and processing circuitry configured to determine a current phase difference between the first and the second signals using a first portion of the first signal that corresponds to a first plurality of encoder markings and a second portion of the second signal that corresponds to a second plurality of encoder markings.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes an encoder strip having encoder markings and at least a first index marking along a length of the encoder strip, an encoder configured to generate a first signal that indicates detection of the encoder markings in response to being moved along the length of the encoder strip, an index sensor configured to generate a second signal that indicates detection of the first index marking in response to being moved along the length of the encoder strip in unison with the encoder, and processing circuitry configured to determine a first encoder index value that corresponds to a center of the first index marking using the first and the second signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a printing system including a vacuum duct are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling parameters of a positioning mechanism of a printer comprises calculating a deceleration profile of decaying velocity versus position function by defining the function to represent a specimen motor velocity decay from a maximum velocity to zero velocity over a period during which zero voltage is applied to the specimen motor; and moving a load using the positioning mechanism and the calculated deceleration profile between positions and determining parameter values based on an iterative process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for carriage positioning.

Abstract: Two motors are used to provide motion control in a transport drive system. A primary motor, or a primary and secondary motor, provides primary power for accelerated motion. PWM signals are used to drive the motors according to predetermined fixed functions related to acceleration, deceleration and hold of a load. Alternatively, during onset of large or high speed moves, the primary and secondary motors are on in tandem. During deceleration of a move, the torque provided by the secondary motor is reversed, providing active braking and ensuring the drive train remains loaded wherein backlash is eliminated. During a driver hold phase, the primary and secondary motor push against each other to actively control positioning.

Abstract: Printing apparatus that employs a media detect switch and a linear optical detector to accurately detect the leading edge or trailing edge of a print medium to modify print data so that printing does not extend off the print medium beyond the leading edge or trailing edge. Also disclosed are techniques for using the media detect switch to control a media advance operation to position the leading edge or trailing edge of the print medium in the field of view of the linear array optical detector.

Abstract: Two motors are used to provide motion control in a transport drive system. A primary motor, or a primary and secondary motor, provides primary power for accelerated motion. PWM signals are used to drive the motors according to predetermined fixed functions related to acceleration, deceleration and hold of a load. Alternatively, during onset of large or high speed moves, the primary and secondary motors are on in tandem. During deceleration of a move, the torque provided by the secondary motor is reversed, providing active braking and ensuring the drive train remains loaded wherein backlash is eliminated. During a driver hold phase, the primary and secondary motor push against each other to actively control positioning.

Abstract: Edge to edge printing techniques for reducing overspray beyond lateral edges of a print medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic alignment of ink-jet printheads includes fitting measuring constructs to actual print data acquired form a print made using a given, predetermined, test pattern data set. Specific test patterns for use in automated alignment of ink-jet printheads are suited to providing a variety of printhead alignment information in a compact format. The test pattern data set incorporates techniques for avoiding carriage-induced dynamic errors during automated alignment of ink-jet printheads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic alignment of ink-jet printheads includes fitting measuring constructs to actual print data acquired form a print made using a given, predetermined, test pattern data set. Specific test patterns for use in automated alignment of ink-jet printheads are suited to providing a variety of printhead alignment information in a compact format. The test pattern data set location finding algorithm incorporates techniques for avoiding carriage-induced dynamic errors during automated alignment of ink-jet printheads.

Abstract: Optical encoder system designs and methods for use thereof in printing devices are disclosed which are directed to solving problems caused by contaminant matter accumulating on optical encoder strips as well as scratching of optical encoder strips. An embodiment includes a dispenser and a take-up mechanism. The dispenser includes an encoder strip having first and second lengths. The second length of encoder strip is substantially free of contaminant matter. The first length of the encoder strip is coupled to the take-up mechanism so that the first length of the encoder strip is positioned between the dispenser and take-up mechanism. The take-up mechanism is configured to advance at least a portion of the second length of the encoder strip from the dispenser to a position between the dispenser and take-up mechanism upon actuation of the take-up mechanism.

Abstract: A method and means for automatic alignment of ink-jet printheads includes fitting measuring constructs to actual print data acquired form a print made using a given, predetermined, test pattern data set. Specific test patterns for use in automated alignment of ink-jet printheads are suited to providing a variety of printhead alignment information in a compact format. The test pattern data set incorporates techniques for avoiding carriage-induced dynamic errors during automated alignment of ink-jet printheads.

Abstract: A method and means for automatic alignment of ink-jet printheads includes fitting measuring constructs to actual print data acquired form a print made using a given, predetermined, test pattern data set. Specific test patterns for use in automated alignment of ink-jet printheads are suited to providing a variety of printhead alignment information in a compact format. The test pattern data set incorporates techniques for avoiding carriage-induced dynamic errors during automated alignment of ink-jet printheads.

Abstract: A print media ejection system actively pushes a media sheet trailing edge into an output tray. The ejection system includes a movable pivot which supports a media sheet within a print zone during printing. Upon completion of printing the pivot moves downward allowing the current media sheet to slide from the pivot into the output tray. After the pivot completes the downward rotational stroke, the pivot rotates back upward to be in position to support the next media sheet. The upward motion of the pivot mechanism actuates a kicker device to rotate toward an output region. The kicker device drives any remaining portion of the media sheet into the output tray.

Abstract: A print media ejection system actively pushes a media sheet trailing edge into an output tray. The ejection system includes a movable pivot which supports a media sheet within a print zone during printing. Upon completion of printing the pivot moves downward allowing the current media sheet to slide from the pivot into the output tray. After the pivot completes the downward rotational stroke, the pivot rotates back upward to be in position to support the next media sheet. The upward motion of the pivot mechanism actuates a kicker device to rotate toward an output region. The kicker device drives any remaining portion of the media sheet into the output tray.