Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium by use of a recording mechanism which travels along the recording medium comprises a carrier which enables the recording mechanism to travel along the recording medium, the carrier being capable of holding the recording mechanism detachably, and a carrier driving mechanism which enables the carrier to travel along the recording medium, the carrier driving mechanism prohibiting the movement of the carrier in an arbitrary position in the traveling area of the carrier. In this way, when the recording mechanism is attached to or detached from the carrier, the movement of the carrier is prohibited, thus making it possible to fix the carrier without any particular mechanism to suspend the movement of the carrier for a reliable and sound attachment or detachment of the recording mechanism to or from the carrier, and at the same time, to implement the miniaturization and lower cost of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is for an image processing apparatus (10) for sheet thermal print media. The image processing apparatus (10) comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300) for holding thermal print media (32) and dye donor sheet material (36) in registration on the vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the vacuum imaging drum (300) as the vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates. The printhead (500) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the dye donor sheet material (36) which causes color to transfer from the dye donor sheet material (36) to the thermal print media (32). The vacuum imaging drum (300), having media contours (328) on the outer surface to facilitate holding media onto a vacuum imaging drum (300) revolving at high speeds.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) for sheet thermal print media. The image processing apparatus (10) comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300) for holding thermal print media (32) and dye donor material (36) in registration on the vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vacuum imaging drum (300) as the vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates. The printhead (500) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the dye donor material (36) which causes color to transfer from the dye donor material (36) to the thermal print media (32). The printhead (500) is mounted on a movable translation stage member (220) that moves in its travel path, guided along by translation bearing rods (206, 208) that are magnetically held to a frame (202) for straightening by holding magnets (528).

Abstract: The present invention is for an image processing apparatus (10) for sheet thermal print media. The image processing apparatus (10) comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300) for holding thermal print media (32) and dye donor material (36) in registration on the vacuum imaging drum (300). A print head (500), mounted on a translation stage member (220) that is moved by a lead screw (250) moves along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis (301) of the vacuum imaging drum (300) as the vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates. The print head (500) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the dye donor material (36) which causes color to transfer from the dye donor material (36) to the thermal print media (32).

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a predetermined positional relationship of a screw, the apparatus comprises a ball bearing track having a first and second track member in a spaced apart relationship, and having a ball bearing therein for permitting rotation of the first track member with respect to the second member, and an element in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the ball bearing track for permitting the element to provide magnetic attraction between the first track member and the element.

Abstract: A lathe bed scanner having a lead screw that is substantially prevented from axial movement, the scanner comprises a first magnet integrally attached to the lead screw. A second magnet disposed opposite said first magnet for attracting the first magnet, which attraction permits the first magnet to prevent axial movement of the lead screw. A ball bearing disposed between both the first magnet and the second magnet for permitting the lead screw to rotate while maintaining the prevention of axial movement.

Abstract: An ink-jet printer comprises a printhead including a front face defining an array of nozzle openings for the emission of ink droplets therethrough. A shuttle, including a wiper closely associated therewith, is disposed on a track adapted for the traveling of the shuttle through a fixed path generally parallel to the array. As the shuttle moves along the array, a mechanism including a lead screw causes the motion of the wiper against a portion of the front face of the printhead in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the array.

Abstract: A translatable information transfer device, such as ink jet printhead, is stepwise advanced by a mechanism consisting of a lead screw axially spring biased at one end, cam surface provided at the other end of the lead screw, fixed cam follower which engages the cam surface, and a carrier for the information transfer device mounted on the lead screw with cooperating internal threads. Rotation of the lead screw does not advance the carrier having the information transfer device until after one complete revolution of the lead screw, whereupon the cam surface and cam follower permit the information transfer device to axially advance a predetermined distance, such as, for example, one printing swath.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing system is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the first beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus comprises a material feeder to automatically supply donor sheets and receiver sheets independently to a writing platen or drum, and to selectively load and unload the donor sheets from superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet. Also included are components which contribute to the quality of the images generated, such as relatively inexpensive, low jitter transports and drives for the writing head and imaging drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for scanning a receiving medium. The apparatus comprises a motor-driven lead screw which is used to advance a print head relative to a receiving medium supported on a rotatable drum. In order to overcome the problem of banding in an image produced by the apparatus as a result of a sinusoidal pitch error of the lead screw, the pitch error of the lead screw is broken up into a random pitch error. In another embodiment, the pitch error frequency is shifted to a higher frequency which is less sensitive to the human eye.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for providing precise color-to-color registration of color dots in a multicolor proof with a thermal printer comprising a CPU and Printer Controller, a Motion Controller, a writing drum, and a writing head coupled to a translation means. Using the disclosed method, a proof and a dye donor member with a predetermined dye color thereon are mounted on the writing drum. The writing head is then moved to a predetermined start position defined by a sensor at a predetermined position along the translation means which has its optical path blocked by the writing head. The writing head is then moved forward to a predetermined home position which is defined by a next subsequent pulse from a multi-pulse radial position-indicating encoder coupled to the translation means occurring after the writing head leaves the start position.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing system is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the first beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus comprises a material feeder to automatically supply donor sheets and receiver sheets independently to a writing platen or drum, and to selectively load and unload the donor sheets from superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet. Also included are components which contribute to the quality of the images generated, such as relatively inexpensive, low jitter transports and drives for the writing head and imaging drum.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled signmaking machine (1) including a reciprocating plunger (210) that impacts adhesive sheet material (46, 46a-d) to form a sign (48) including one or more characters separable from the sheet material (46, 46a-d) that can be adhered to the surface of an object.

Abstract: A system for precisely positioning a printing element relative to a rotating drum, as in a drum printer, employs two position signals for alignment purposes. A pair of linear grids is disposed along a path of travel of the printing element for generating, with the aid of optical beam and sensor devices, a periodic electric signal which varies in accordance with printing element position. One of the grids is stationary and the second of the grids moves with a carriage supporting the printing element. An encoder positioned alongside the drum is operative with a set of markings having a variation in spatial frequency, or a grid overlay, to produce an alternating electric signal which varies in accordance with rotational position of the drum. Motors which rotate the drum as well as a lead screw which translates the printing element may be constructed as synchronous motors to permit phase locking to each other.

Abstract: An XY table for processing an object (22) such as an iron plate, comprising frame (2) having an opening formed thereby, a moving member (2) moving in an X-direction and in a Y-direction at a right angle to the X-direction, a head (21) for cutting, marking or machining attached to the moving means (20) for processing the object (22) through the opening, and a setting mechanism (23) for detachably setting the frame (2) to the object (22).

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a recording head for effecting recording on recording paper, a unit for generating a rotational force, a feed unit for shifting the relative position of the recording head and the recording paper by the rotational force from the rotational force generating unit so that the recording head can record a series of records on the recording paper, a first holding unit for holding the feed unit for rotation and sliding movement in the direction of the axis thereof, and a second holding unit for holding the rotational force generating unit, the second holding unit being fixed to the first holding unit to control the movement of the feed unit in the axial direction.

Abstract: An emiter marking pattern is provided on a lead screw in parallel with the thread of the lead screw. A carriage driven along by the lead screw contains a transducer for sensing the emitter marking pattern on the lead screw to produce electrical output signal pulses indicative of incremental displacement of the carriage. A printhead can be mounted on the carriage and the electrical output signal pulses from the transducer used to control printing operations. The emitter marking pattern can be designed to provide control signals for other purposes, for example for controlling start-up, running, deceleration and reversal of a motor driving the lead screw.

Abstract: In an engraving machine a scanning head on the carriage is positioned adjacent a reader drum, and an opposite cutter head is positioned adjacent an engraving drum. The scanning head is movable sideways so that test runs may be conducted along the side of a plate mounted on the engraving drum. The engraving drum and the scanning drum have clamps to hold a photograph and the engraving plate. As the scanning head senses a particular shade of the photograph or article being copied, the cutting head is moved toward the engraving drum to engrave the plate on the drum to a particular degree. Both drums rotate together, and the carriage is intermittently stepped along the drums by the lead screw. Two ground parallel bars support a carriage on three Nylatron sliders, each of which has three Nylatron shoes. A lead screw operated by a DC motor is connected to the carriage by centrally mounted split half nuts.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating pulses for both character and individual "dot" strobing, as for example, in matrix printers. The apparatus includes a first stationary synchronization track and a cooperating first movable synchronization track (to move with the matrix printer) for generating the start of character pulses and a second stationary synchronization track and a second cooperating second movable synchronization track (to move with the matrix printer) for generating individual "dot" pulses of a character to produce vertically aligned characters in a bi-directional printer. The first synchronization tracks are designed to produce pulses having narrow rise and fall slopes for accurate character location and the second synchronization tracks are designed to produce pulses having gradual rise and fall slopes to provide for adjustment of the individual "dot" pulses for bi-directional printing.

Abstract: A carriage guide mechanism for use in a scanning device wherein in order to facilitate the maintenance and repair of an image reading or recording head such as an ink jet head, carriage guide means are so arranged as to permit the head to move away from a drum. In one embodiment, a first guide means is extended through a carrier in such a manner that the latter may be rotated about the first guide means in either direction. Normally the carriage is biased so as to make direct or indirect contact with a second guide means, but it may be manually or automatically swung away so that the head may be moved away from the drum. In another embodiment, the first and second guide means are supported at their ends by supporting frame one end of which is pivoted with a vertical pivot pin to a drum supporting frame so that the carriage may be moved away from the drum.

Abstract: A water level recorder for use with pressure-sensitive chart paper and having a framework with a lead screw rotatably mounted in the framework. A pulley is secured to the lead screw. The pulley is driven by a tape which is positioned by a float that is adapted to rest upon the surface of the water. A lead screw nut is mounted on the lead screw for movement longitudinally of the lead screw as the lead screw is rotated. A marking member for marking the chart paper is carried by the lead screw nut. A drum is secured to the lead screw for rotation with the lead screw. A helix for marking the chart paper is formed on the drum. Chart paper drive means is provided for advancing the chart paper over the helix and the marking member.

Abstract: A stylus carriage drive comprising a lead screw having a stylus carriage mounted thereon which moves linearly in one direction or the other depending on the sense of rotation of the lead screw. The stylus carriage includes means which cause a print head mounted on the stylus to engage the print medium when the stylus carriage moves in the print direction and to disengage the print medium during carriage return.

Abstract: An apparatus for plotting information, e.g., seismic data, onto a continuous sheet of a recording medium, e.g., photographic film. The film travels from a supply reel, over an advance roller, across a flat exposure surface, and onto a takeup roller. Torque motors apply equal but opposite torques to the supply reel and the takeup reel to maintain the film in tension to insure that the film will lie flat on the exposure surface during the plotting operation. A stepping motor rotates advance roller to move the film a precise amount across the exposure surface at desired times during the plotting operation. A camera, e.g., cathode ray tube, which receives data and projects it onto the film on the exposure surface, is mounted on a carriage which is swept back and forth across the exposure surface by means of a lead screw driven by a precision stepping motor.

Abstract: In a laser scanning apparatus, in which a laser and a focusing lens are moved in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis during rotation of the cylinder so that the focused laser beam traces out a helical path on the cylindrical surface, the laser and focusing lens are mounted to permit relative movement in the said direction parallel to the cylinder axis and are separately driven, the driving means for the focusing lens being such as to permit a rate of movement of the focusing lens in the said direction more uniform than can be achieved with the laser driving means, the size of the lens aperture and the extent of the said relative movement during operation of the driving means being such that the laser beam always passes through the lens aperture; the uniformity of the movement of the focused laser beam along the cylindrical surface is then governed by the uniformity of the movement of the focusing lens, the lens head being lighter in weight than the laser head.