Abstract: Various embodiments of a perforator are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a creaser are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method include a printer input, a feedhead assembly, first and second sensors and a controller. The printer input is configured to hold a stack of media. The first sensor is coupled to the feedhead assembly and configured to measure at a first location of the stack of media. The second sensor is coupled to the feedhead assembly and is configured to measure at a second location of the stack of media. The controller communicates with the feedhead assembly and the first and second sensors to calculate a curvature of the stack of media in the input feeder.

Abstract: A system and method includes a printing system assembly and controller. The printing system assembly is configured to separate media from a printer input during a separation time and then deliver it to a printer marking engine. The controller is configured to measure the separation time. The controller is further configured to adjust a plurality of parameter settings according to the measured separation time and according to the influence each of the parameter settings has on the separation time.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printhead, a movable transport surface opposite the printhead and configured to transport a print medium relative to the printhead, and a cleaning medium in contact with the transport surface while at least one of the cleaning medium and the transport surface are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: In a print system including a host communicating with an inkjet print apparatus, a processor executes an inkjet print driver. The driver manages print job communication to the inkjet print apparatus. The print job includes print data and at least one print control parameter. The inkjet print apparatus includes a controller, an inkjet print source which records the print data onto a media, and a mechanism which adjusts source-to-media spacing. The controller responds to a first parameter of the at least one print control parameter to control setting of the source-to-media spacing by the adjusting mechanism for the print job.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting printhead-to-media spacing in a printer having a frame and a shiftable printhead-carrying carriage mounted on the frame for lateral movement relative to the frame, the apparatus comprising a first immovable mechanical contact actuator anchored to the frame and disposed beyond one end of a print-job range, and a first movable mechanical contact actuator movable with the carriage, positioned toward that side of the carriage which generally faces the first fixed actuator, and engageable with the first fixed actuator during movement of the carriage beyond the one end of the print-job range to cause a positional adjustment of the carriage which effects a change in printhead-to-media spacing.

Abstract: A steering device and method for a steering roller guiding a flexible band. The device includes a worm and worm wheel transmission mounted to the roller at one axial end thereof. Coupled to the transmission, a motor is provided for receiving signals for bidirectionally steering the band on the roller via the transmission.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printhead, a movable transport surface opposite the printhead and configured to transport a print medium relative to the printhead, and a cleaning medium in contact with the transport surface while at least one of the cleaning medium and the transport surface are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting printhead-to-media spacing in a printer having a frame and a shiftable printhead-carrying carriage mounted on the frame for lateral movement relative to the frame, the apparatus comprising a first immovable mechanical contact actuator anchored to the frame and disposed beyond one end of a print-job range, and a first movable mechanical contact actuator movable with the carriage, positioned toward that side of the carriage which generally faces the first fixed actuator, and engageable with the first fixed actuator during movement of the carriage beyond the one end of the print-job range to cause a positional adjustment of the carriage which effects a change in printhead-to-media spacing.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for cleaning a paper transport belt of undesirable ink deposits caused by ink-jet aerosol and printing overshoot operations uses a special cleaning medium. An absorbent material is positioned in the print zone of a hard copy apparatus to scrub the belt. An ink solvent is used to rehydrate dried ink. The scrubber can be in the form of consumable sheets or a continuous roll form.

Abstract: In a print system including a host communicating with an inkjet print apparatus, a processor executes an inkjet print driver. The driver manages print job communication to the inkjet print apparatus. The print job includes print data and at least one print control parameter. The inkjet print apparatus includes a controller, an inkjet print source which records the print data onto a media, and a mechanism which adjusts source-to-media spacing. The controller responds to a first parameter of the at least one print control parameter to control setting of the source-to-media spacing by the adjusting mechanism for the print job.

Abstract: In a print system including a host communicating with an inkjet print apparatus, a processor executes an inkjet print driver. The driver manages print job communication to the ink jet print apparatus. The print job includes print data and at least one print control parameter. The inkjet print apparatus includes a controller, an inkjet print source which records the print data onto a media, and a mechanism which adjusts source-to-media spacing. The controller responds to a first parameter of the at least one print control parameter to control setting of the source-to-media spacing by the adjusting mechanism for the print job.

Abstract: In a print system including a host communicating with an inkjet print apparatus, a processor executes an inkjet print driver. The driver manages print job communication to the inkjet print apparatus. The print job includes print data and at least one print control parameter. The inkjet print apparatus includes a controller, an inkjet print source which records the print data onto a media, and a mechanism which adjusts source-to-media spacing. The controller responds to a first parameter of the at least one print control parameter to control setting of the source-to-media spacing by the adjusting mechanism for the print job.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting to different selectable values the printhead-to-media spacing in a printer having a frame and a reversibly, laterally-shiftable printhead-carrying carriage. The carriage is mounted on the frame both for adjusting by rocking to establish different such spacing values, and is also mounted for the usual lateral movement during a printing operation. One or more mechanical actuators that move with the carriage engage one or more associated stationary actuators effectively anchored to the frame in the printer under certain circumstances with movement of the carriage laterally beyond one or both of the opposite ends of its usual print-job range. Movable and stationary actuator interengagements create rotation of a rotatable structure that is carried on the carriage.

Abstract: A belt tracking system for an endless belt having left and right opposed edges, the belt driven in a first direction by a belt drive system. The tracking system includes a set of periodic belt indicia formed on the belt along one or more axes aligned with the first direction. A sensor system tracks movement of the belt in a lateral direction transverse to the first direction and senses the set of belt indicia to provide sensor system signals. An actuator system effects movement of the belt in the lateral direction, the actuator system responsive to the sensor system signals for nominally maintaining a position of the belt relative to the transverse direction. A controller is responsive to the sensor system signals for detecting that the belt has tracked outside an allowable belt movement range and taking protective actions to prevent the belt from damage due to undesired lateral tracking movement. A belt indicia sensor can optionally be employed to calibrate a belt drive system.

Abstract: A steering device and method for a steering roller guiding a flexible band. The device includes a worm and worm wheel transmission mounted to the roller at one axial end thereof. Coupled to the transmission, a motor is provided for receiving signals for bidirectionally steering the band on the roller via the transmission.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for adjusting and fixing default printhead-to-media spacing in a printer having a frame and a printhead-carrying carriage, the apparatus including an elongate, laterally extending carriage rod along which the carriage moves during printing, and selectively adjustable and fixable compliant structure mounting the rod on the frame, and operable to effect positional and fixable adjustment of the rod relative to the frame to establish a desired default printhead-to-media spacing.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting to different selectable values the printhead-to-media spacing in a printer having a frame and a reversibly, laterally-shiftable printhead-carrying carriage. The carriage is mounted on the frame both for adjusting by rocking to establish different such spacing values, and is also mounted for the usual lateral movement during a printing operation. One or more mechanical actuators that move with the carriage engage one or more associated stationary actuators effectively anchored to the frame in the printer under certain circumstances with movement of the carriage laterally beyond one or both of the opposite ends of its usual print-job range. Movable and stationary actuator interengagements create rotation of a rotatable structure that is carried on the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for adjusting and fixing default printhead-to-media spacing in a printer having a frame and a printhead-carrying carriage, the apparatus including an elongate, laterally extending carriage rod along which the carriage moves during printing, and selectively adjustable and fixable compliant structure mounting the rod on the frame, and operable to effect positional and fixable adjustment of the rod relative to the frame to establish a desired default printhead-to-media spacing.