Abstract: Through-put of a printer is increased by optimizing the print head's movement between print lines. Optimization is performed on a time basis rather than a distance basis. A determination is made as to whether it is quicker to position the print head at the left or right end position of the next print line. The calculations account for current print head position, the relative end positions of the next print line, the length of the next print line, current print head speed, the various acceleration and deceleration times and the turn-around settling time for the print head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quieting the operation of a dot matrix printer by logically dividing the data to be printed among timed spaced printing passes is disclosed. A matrix of data to be printed is stored in a memory. A slice of data is selected from the stored data and the number of dots to be printed simultaneously is reduced by logically allocating the data in each slice among complementary submatrices. Each submatrix of data is printed substantially aligned with each other submatrix in two passes of the print head across the print medium to represent the entire selected slice of data. Noise reduction is achieved by reducing the number of data dots simultaneously printed at each print location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading a web into a printer is disclosed. The apparatus has a normal mode for moving the web in normal operation and a load assist mode for operating at a slower than normal rate for loading the web into the printer. The printer comprises means for recording information on the web including a platen attached to the printer and a print head for generating characters. The print head is disposed in a predetermined spaced relationship from the platen to define a print station therebetween. A means for engaging and moving the web through the print station and signal means for generating normal and load assist mode signals are provided.