DRIVE BELT SYSTEMS INCLUDING BELT STRETCH MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND METHODS THEREOF

Drive belt systems and methods thereof are disclosed. Drive belt systems and methods thereof include driving a continuous belt around a drive pulley member and an idler pulley member by the drive pulley member and transporting a transport unit and/or reciprocating carriage unit coupled to the continuous belt in a first direction away from the drive pulley member. Drive belt systems and methods thereof also include applying at least a force to the belt in a traverse direction thereto to direct a portion of the belt about the drive pulley member by a belt stretch management apparatus coupled to the transport unit and/or reciprocating carriage unit. 120-. (canceled)21. A method of managing belt stretch in a drive belt system , the method comprising:driving a continuous belt around a drive pulley member and an idler pulley member by the drive pulley member;transporting a transport unit coupled to the belt in a first direction away from the drive pulley member and in a second direction towards the drive pulley member, andapplying at least one force to the belt in a traverse direction thereto to direct a portion of the belt about at least one of the drive pulley member and the idler pulley member, including applying the at least one force by a first arm member extending from the transport unit to the belt at a first angle and a second arm member extending from the transport unit to the belt at a second angle.22. The method according to claim 21 , comprising:a middle member coupled to the transport unit such that the first arm member extends from the middle member in a direction including the first direction and the second arm member extends from the middle member in a direction including the second direction.23. The method according to claim 21 , comprising:the first arm member extending from the transport unit to a drive-side belt portion disposed between the transport unit and the drive pulley member, the first arm member in contact with the drive-side belt portion to ...

BUILD MATERIAL SUPPLY FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

In one example, a build material supply for an additive manufacturing machine includes a container to de-agglomerate a supply of powdered build material. 1. A build material supply for an additive manufacturing machine , comprising a container to de-agglomerate a supply of powdered build material.2. The supply of claim 1 , where the container to de-agglomerate a supply of powdered build material comprises a rotatable container and the supply includes a controller to rotate the container to cause a cataracting flow of powdered build material inside the container.3. The supply of claim 2 , where the container comprises a cylindrical drum having a slot extending lengthwise along the drum through which de-agglomerated powdered build material may be dispensed from the drum and a valve to open and close the slot.4. The supply of claim 3 , comprising a heater inside the drum.5. The supply of claim 4 , comprising powdered build material in the drum.6. A non-transitory processor readable medium including instructions thereon that when executed cause an additive manufacturing machine to de-agglomerate a supply of powdered build material and dispense de-agglomerated powdered build material from the supply to a work area.7. The processor readable medium of claim 6 , including instructions to heat the supply of de-agglomerated powdered build material and dispense heated de-agglomerated powdered build material from the supply to a work area.8. An additive manufacturing machine controller that includes the processor readable medium of .9. An additive manufacturing process claim 6 , comprising:causing a cataracting flow of powdered build material inside a container;heating the cataracting flow of powdered build material;dispensing heated powdered build material from the container to a work area; and then fusing powdered build material in the work area.10. The process of claim 9 , where the container is an elongated container and the dispensing includes dispensing heated powdered ...

Spreader roller for additive manufacturing

In one example, a temperature control system for a spreader roller in an additive manufacturing machine includes: a first duct to carry air to an air passage through the roller; a second duct to carry air away from the air passage through the roller; a fan to move air through the ducts; a temperature sensor to sense a temperature of the roller; and a controller to control a flow of air through the ducts based on a temperature sensed by the sensor.

Printing device

An example printing device include a frame, a printbar, a lift mechanism, and a lock. The lift mechanism is operably coupled to move the printbar from a printing position to a capping position along a printbar path of travel with respect to the frame. The lock is operably coupled to the frame to releasably engage the printbar in the capping position and disengage the printbar and permit movement to the printing position.

PRINTING SUBASSEMBLY

A printing subassembly is disclosed. The printing subassembly includes a printbar. A frame is coupled to the printbar such that the printbar dos not move with respect to the frame. A fluid supply system is coupled to the printbar. 1. A printing subassembly , comprisinga printbar;a frame coupled to the printbar such that the printbar does not move with respect to the frame; anda fluid supply system coupled to the printbar.2. The printing subassembly of wherein the printbar includes a print head in fluid communication with the fluid supply system.3. The printing subassembly of wherein the printbar includes a printbar element coupled to a plurality of print heads.4. The printing subassembly of wherein the ink delivery system does not include a pump.5. The printing subassembly of including circuitry to connect power and data to the printbar.6. A printing device claim 1 , comprising:a chassis;a media support mechanism; and a printbar,', 'a fluid delivery system coupled to the printbar, and', 'a frame removably coupled to the chassis in which the printbar is fixed with respect to the frame., 'a replaceable printing subassembly including,'}7. The printing device of including an inkjet printer.8. The printing device of wherein the inkjet printer is sheet fed.9. The printing device of wherein the chassis includes a housing having an opening and wherein subassembly is accessible from the opening.10. The printing device of wherein the drive mechanism moves the media support mechanism with respect to the frame.11. The printing device of comprising a controller having detachable signal pathways operably coupled to the subassembly to connect power and data to the printing subassembly.12. The printing device of wherein the detachable signal pathways include flat flexible circuits.13. The printing device of wherein the subassembly includes a fluid supply in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system.14. A replaceable printing subassembly claim 6 , comprisinga printbar;an ...

REPLACEABLE PRINTING SUBASSEMBLY

A replaceable printing subassembly is disclosed. The replaceable printing subassembly includes a printbar. A fluid delivery system including a pump is fluidically coupled to the printbar. A frame is coupled to the fluid delivery system. The replaceable printing subassembly also includes a lift mechanism having an actuator to selectively move the printbar with respect to the frame. 1. A printing device , comprising:a chassis;a media support mechanism; and a printbar,', 'a fluid delivery system including a pump coupled to the printbar, and', 'a drive mechanism to position the printbar with respect to the media support mechanism., 'a replaceable printing subassembly removably coupled to the chassis, the replaceable printing subassembly including,'}2. The printing device of including an inkjet printer.3. The printing device of wherein the inkjet printer is sheet fed.4. The printing device of wherein the chassis includes a housing having an opening and wherein subassembly is accessible from the opening.5. The printing device of wherein the drive mechanism moves the printbar from a print position proximate the media support when printing to a remote position distal from the media support when not printing.6. The printing device of comprising a controller having detachable signal pathways operably coupled to the subassembly to supply power and data to the printing subassembly.7. The printing device of wherein the detachable signal pathways include flat flexible circuits.8. The printing device of wherein the subassembly includes a fluid supply in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system.9. A replaceable printing subassembly claim 1 , comprisinga printbar;a fluid delivery system including a pump fluidically coupled to the printbar;a frame coupled to the fluid delivery system; anda lift mechanism including an actuator to selectively move the printbar with respect to the frame.10. The printing subassembly of wherein the printbar includes a print head in fluid ...

SENSOR POSITIONING SYSTEM

A sensor positioning system including a moveable sensor holder having a following surface, the sensor holder configured to hold an optical sensor at a selected distance from the following surface, a biasing system configured to bias the following surface against a surface of a sheet of print medium, and a drive system configured to move the sensor holder across the sheet of print medium with the following surface biased against and sliding on the surface of the sheet of print medium to maintain the optical sensor at substantially the selected distance from the surface of the sheet of print medium. 1. A sensor positioning system comprising:a moveable sensor holder having a following surface, the sensor holder configured to hold an optical sensor at a selected distance from the following surface;a biasing system configured to bias the following surface against a surface of a sheet of print medium; anda drive system configured to move the sensor holder across the sheet of print medium with the following surface biased against and sliding on the surface of the sheet of print medium to maintain the optical sensor at substantially the selected distance from the surface of the sheet of print medium.2. The sensor positioning system of claim 1 , wherein the biasing system includes:a pivot about which the sensor holder is configured to rotate, anda spring which provides a rotational force to the sensor holder about the pivot and biases the following surface against the surface of the print medium.3. The sensor positioning system of claim 1 , wherein the biasing system includes:a four-bar linkage coupled to the sensor holder, the four-bar linkage enabling movement of the sensor holder only in directions substantially perpendicular to the surface of the sheet of print medium; anda biasing mechanism that biases the four-bar linkage toward the surface of the print medium such that the following surface of the sensor holder is biased against the surface of the print medium.4. The ...

VARIABLE SHUTTERS ON AN ENERGY SOURCE

In example implementations, an apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes a movable carriage, an energy source coupled to the movable carriage and a plurality of shutters coupled to the movable carriage. In one example, the plurality of shutters is coupled to the movable carriage along a length of the energy source. Each one of the plurality of shutters may be coupled to the movable carriage via respective coupling mechanism that provides a continuously variable movement of each one of the plurality of shutters. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a movable carriage;an energy source coupled to the movable carriage; anda plurality of shutters coupled to the movable carriage along a length of the energy source, wherein each one of the plurality of shutters is coupled to the movable carriage via a respective coupling mechanism that provides a continuously variable movement of each one of the plurality of shutters.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the movable carriage moves the energy source in a scan direction.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of each one of the plurality of shutters comprises a reflective material.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the each one of the plurality of shutters comprises a pair of opposing shutter members.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the each one of the plurality of shutters comprises a single shutter having a conic cross-section.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the respective coupling mechanism for the each one of plurality of shutters comprises a servo motor coupled to at least one of: an elliptical cam or a circular cam.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein two or more of the plurality of shutters has a different opening width for an open position.8. A method claim 1 , comprising:receiving, by a processor, a thermal analysis of a powder bed;determining, by the processor, an amount of heat to be applied to each two dimensional coordinate of the powder bed; andcontrolling, by the processor ...

Printing system guide rail cleaning assembly

According to examples, a printing system may include a guide rail and a carriage. The carriage may include a rotatable member supported on the guide rail. The printing system may also include a cleaning assembly mounted to the carriage and the cleaning assembly may have a scraper to scrape debris off at least a portion of the guide rail.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

According to one example, there is provided a method of distributing build material in a 3D printing system. The method comprises moving a build material support positioned below a hopper, the movement to cause build material stored in the hopper to be deposited on the build material support, and moving a recoater to spread build material from the build material support over a build platform to form a layer of build material thereon, and to return any excess build material back to the build material support. 1. A three-dimensional printer , comprising:a hopper positioned above a movable build material support to deposit build material thereon, the moveable build material support positioned adjacent to a build platform and being moveable in a first axis;a recoater to form a layer of powder on the build platform using build material deposited on the powder support; and control the build material support to move in a first direction in the first axis to cause a band of build material to be distributed thereon; and', 'control the recoater to move over the build platform to form a layer of build material thereon and to return any excess powder to the build material support., 'a controller to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further to control the build material support to move in a direction opposite the first direction such that any excess build material on the build material support is returned to the hopper.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the base of the hopper forms a substantial seal with the build material support and defines a port through which build material may exit the hopper when the build material support is moved away from the hopper claim 1 , and through which build material may enter the hopper when the build material support is moved towards the hopper.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hopper is a choked-flow hopper for use with a powdered build material.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the build material support is a ...

TWO-PART PLATFORM SEAL

An example two-part seal for a powder-based 3-D printer includes a flexible film wiper attached to a rectangular platform and disposed on linear segments of a perimeter of the platform. The flexible film wiper extends beyond the perimeter of the platform to provide a sliding seal against corresponding walls of a rectangular enclosure of the platform. The two-part seal also includes a deformable member disposed upon the flexible film wiper that extends beyond the perimeter of the platform to apply sealing pressure to the flexible film wiper. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a flexible film wiper attached to a platform and disposed on segments of a perimeter of the platform, the flexible film wiper extending beyond the perimeter to provide a sliding seal against corresponding walls of an enclosure of the platform;a deformable member disposed upon the flexible film wiper and extending beyond the perimeter of the platform, the deformable member to apply sealing pressure to the flexible film wiper to increase a pressure of the sliding seal against the corresponding walls of the enclosure; andclamping members disposed upon the deformable member, to apply a compressive force to the deformable member and the flexible film wiper, wherein the flexible film wiper and the deformable member provide a two-part seal between the platform and the enclosure.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the deformable member comprises corner elements to be in direct contact with corresponding corners of the enclosure claim 1 , the corner elements being to provide sliding corner seals between corners of the platform and the corresponding corners of the enclosure.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the corner elements include strain relief notches to mechanically isolate the corner elements from linear segments of the deformable member.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flexible film wiper comprises a low-friction claim 1 , non-compressible material.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein ...

Printing subassembly

An example printing subassembly includes a frame having first and second members spaced extending in a first direction. The frame can be removably coupled to a printing device. The first and second members are spaced from each other in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction. The first and second directions are also orthogonal to a third direction. A printbar is coupled to the frame. An alignment system is coupled to the frame and includes at least four alignment features cooperating to constrain translation of the printing subassembly in the third direction and rotation about axes in the first and second directions with respect to the printing device.

LINEAR GUIDES WITH THERMAL COMPENSATION

Linear guides for shafts are disclosed The linear guides comprise housings having a main opening to receive the shaft and multiple contact guiding elements, such m bearings or sliders, arranged on the housing and around the opening, each contact guiding element to contact the shaft at a different point The linear guides further comprise thermal compensation blocks affixed to the housing and in contact with a portion of a contact guiding element of the multiple contact guiding elements. 1. A linear guide for a shaft , comprising:a housing having a main opening to receive the shaft,multiple contact guiding elements arranged on the housing and around the opening, each contact guiding element to contact the shaft at a different point, anda thermal compensation block, affixed to the housing and in contact with a portion of a contact guiding element of the multiple contact guiding elements.2. The linear guide according to claim 1 , wherein the thermal compensation block comprises a proximal part claim 1 , in contact with the portion of the contact guiding element made of a first material and a distal part made of a second material.3. The linear guide according to claim 2 , wherein the second material has a thermal coefficient different than the thermal coefficient of the first material.4. The linear guide according to claim 1 , wherein the multiple contact guiding elements comprise sliders claim 1 , wherein a proximal side of the slider is in contact with the shaft and wherein the thermal compensation block is in contact with a distal side of the slider.5. The linear guide according to claim 1 , wherein the multiple contact guiding elements comprise multiple pairs of pins and bearings claim 1 , respectively claim 1 , wherein the portion of a contact guiding element in contact with the thermal compensation block is a pin of a pair of the multiple pairs.6. The linear guide according to claim 5 , comprising three bearings rotatably coupled to three pins claim 5 , ...

Encoder strip mounting system

In one example, an encoder strip mounting system includes an encoder strip having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an intermediate part between the first end and the second end, and a retainer to prevent the intermediate part of the encoder strip from shifting lengthwise with respect to an anchor point for the retainer located within a span of the intermediate part of the encoder strip.

Build material supply for additive manufacturing

CIRCUIT OF INTERLIGATION

Support infeed tray for holding a reel-form supply of identification tags for feeding to an inkjet printer

Identification tag media 116 originates in reel-form and feeds through an inkjet printer 20. A media infeed tray 100 holds a reel of the identification tag media positioned for collection by the printer media transport roller mechanism 23, 24. The identification tag media passes by an inkjet print head 21 to receive print imaging thereon in the form of identification indicia (152,Fig.5). Thus, length segments (140, 180,Figs.5 and 9) of identification tag media may be severed into identification tag bracelets (140, 180) and coupled to users by encircling limbs and joining as by use of clasps (156, 182). The tags may be used to identify a patient in a hospital, or by people permitted access to restricted areas in a concert or entertainment, or by personnel working in highly restricted office or laboratory buildings.

Dynamically adjustable inkjet printer carriage

The spacing between the printhead of an inkjet printer cartridge and the print medium is dynamically controlled by an apparatus that slightly rotates the carriage that holds the cartridge. In one embodiment, the rotation is effected by actuation of a cam that resides between the rotatable carriage and a fixed part of the printer. The printhead-to-paper spacing is thus optimized for highest print quality.

CONNECTION CIRCUIT

Connection Circuit.

Printing subassembly

An example printing subassembly includes a frame having first and second members spaced extending in a first direction. The frame can be removably coupled to a printing device. The first and second members are spaced from each other in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction. The first and second directions are also orthogonal to a third direction. A printbar is coupled to the frame. An alignment system is coupled to the frame and includes at least four alignment features cooperating to constrain translation of the printing subassembly in the third direction and rotation about axes in the first and second directions with respect to the printing device.

Fluid drop cartridge

A fluid drop ejecting cartridge (11) having a compact electrical interconnec t structure (33, 70) that includes a plurality of pairs (75a, 75b, 75c) of columnar arrays (73, 73') of electrical contact areas (71, 71') disposed on a rear wall (24) of the cartridge and electrically connected to drop generator s (40) arranged in primitive groups.

Arrangements of interconnect circuit and fluid drop generators

An ink jet print cartridge having a compact electrical interconnect structure that includes a plurality of pairs of columnar arrays of electrical contact areas disposed on a rear wall of the print cartridge and electrically connected to ink drop generators arranged in primitive groups.

Interconnect circuit

A fluid drop ejecting cartbridge (11) having a compact electrical interconnect structure (33, 70) that includes a plurality of pairs (75a, 75b, 75c) of columnar arrays (73, 73') of electrical contact areas (71, 71') disposed on a rear wall (24) of the cartbridge. The columnar arrays of each pair of contact areas diverge from each other in a direction toward the nozzles.

Interconnect circuit

A fluid drop ejecting cartbridge (11) having a compact electrical interconnect structure (33, 70) that includes a plurality of pairs (75a, 75b, 75c) of columnar arrays (73, 73') of electrical contact areas (71, 71') disposed on a rear wall (24) of the cartbridge. The columnar arrays of each pair of contact areas diverge from each other in a direction toward the nozzles.

Interconnect circuit

An ink jet print cartridge having a compact electrical interconnect structure that includes a plurality of pairs of columnar arrays of electrical contact areas disposed on a front wall of the print cartridge.

Replaceable printing subassembly

A replaceable printing subassembly is disclosed. The replaceable printing subassembly includes a printbar. A fluid delivery system including a pump is fluidically coupled to the printbar. A frame is coupled to the fluid delivery system. The replaceable printing subassembly also includes a lift mechanism having an actuator to selectively move the printbar with respect to the frame.

Fluid drop cartridge

A fluid drop ejecting cartridge (11) having a compact electrical interconnect structure (33, 70) that includes a plurality of pairs (75a, 75b, 75c) of columnar arrays (73, 73') of electrical contact areas (71, 71') disposed on a rear wall (24) of the cartridge and electrically connected to drop generators (40) arranged in primitive groups.

Linear guides with thermal compensation

Linear guides for shafts are disclosed The linear guides comprise housings having a main opening to receive the shaft and multiple contact guiding elements, such m bearings or sliders, arranged on the housing and around the opening, each contact guiding element to contact the shaft at a different point The linear guides further comprise thermal compensation blocks affixed to the housing and in contact with a portion of a contact guiding element of the multiple contact guiding elements.

Replaceable printing subassembly

Fluid drop cartridge

A fluid drop ejecting cartridge 11 having a compact electrical interconnect structure 33, 70 that includes a plurality of pairs 75a, 75b, 75c of columnar arrays 73, 73' of electrical contact areas 71, 71' disposed on a rear wall 24 of the cartridge and electrically connected to drop generators 40 arranged in primitive groups.

Build material supply for additive manufacturing

Fluid separation system

A system for separating a mixture of two fluids of different specific gravities comprising: a first chamber having an inlet for receiving said mixture; a second chamber having a connection for receiving the fluid with the higher specific gravity of said mixture from said first chamber, said connection being situated between a portion of the two chambers below the inlet; and a waste outlet in said first chamber to drain residue situated at an interface between the two fluids.

Dynamically adjustable inkjet printer carriage

The spacing between the printhead of an inkjet printer cartridge and the print medium is dynamically controlled by an apparatus that slightly rotates the carriage that holds the cartridge. In one embodiment, the rotation is effected by actuation of a cam that resides between the rotatable carriage and a fixed part of the printer. The printhead-to-paper spacing is thus optimized for highest print quality.

Printing system guide rail cleaning assembly

According to examples, a printing system may include a guide rail and a carriage. The carriage may include a rotatable member supported on the guide rail. The printing system may also include a cleaning assembly mounted to the carriage and the cleaning assembly may have a scraper to scrape debris off at least a portion of the guide rail.

Printing system guide rail cleaning assembly

According to examples, a printing system may include a guide rail and a carriage. The carriage may include a rotatable member supported on the guide rail. The printing system may also include a cleaning assembly mounted to the carriage and the cleaning assembly may have a scraper to scrape debris off at least a portion of the guide rail.

Verbindungsschaltkreis

Fluid separation system

A system for separating a mixture of two fluids of different specific gravities comprising: a first chamber having an inlet for receiving said mixture; a second chamber having a connection for receiving the fluid with the higher specific gravity of said mixture from said first chamber, said connection being situated between a portion of the two chambers below the inlet; and a waste outlet in said first chamber to drain residue situated at an interface between the two fluids.

Printing device

An example printing device include a frame, a printbar, a lift mechanism, and a lock. The lift mechanism is operably coupled to move the printbar from a printing position to a capping position along a printbar path of travel with respect to the frame. The lock is operably coupled to the frame to releasably engage the printbar in the capping position and disengage the printbar and permit movement to the printing position.

Medienvorderkantensensor

Printing subassembly

Media leading edge sensor

The leading edge (74) of a sheet of print media (22) is detected as the media is advanced through the printer. In response to the detection of the media, a reference signal is generated with the encoder strip (28) that is used to control the position of the carriage assembly (20). When no media (22) is present in the printer the leading edge detector (50) physically interrupts the drive path that the media follows through the printer. When media (22) is advanced into the detector (50), the detector is deflected by the advancing media and strikes the encoder strip (28) to generate a reference signal. The printer controller correlates the reference signal with the presence of the media leading edge to begin a counting sequence that correlates to the location on the media where printing begins.

媒体の折り畳み方法および装置

(57)【要約】 【課題】安価で小型の折り畳み装置を提供する。 【解決手段】媒体折り畳み方法において、媒体（１６） を第１経路（２０）に沿って前進させるステップと、前 記媒体の先端縁部（４０）を第２経路（２２）に沿って 進路変更させるステップと、前記第２経路に沿った前記 先端縁部の前進を妨害するステップと、前記媒体を前記 媒体の中間部分で座屈させるステップと、前記中間部分 に係合して前記媒体を折り畳むステップと、を備える。

Two-part platform seal

Two-part platform seal

Two-part platform seal

An example two-part seal for a powder-based 3-D printer includes a flexible film wiper attached to a rectangular platform and disposed on linear segments of a perimeter of the platform. The flexible film wiper extends beyond the perimeter of the platform to provide a sliding seal against corresponding walls of a rectangular enclosure of the platform. The two-part seal also includes a deformable member disposed upon the flexible film wiper that extends beyond the perimeter of the platform to apply sealing pressure to the flexible film wiper.

Drive belt systems including belt stretch management apparatus and methods thereof

Drive belt systems and methods thereof are disclosed. Drive belt systems and methods thereof include driving a continuous belt around a drive pulley member and an idler pulley member by the drive pulley member and transporting a transport unit and/or reciprocating carriage unit coupled to the continuous belt in a first direction away from the drive pulley member. Drive belt systems and methods thereof also include applying at least a force to the belt in a traverse direction thereto to direct a portion of the belt about the drive pulley member by a belt stretch management apparatus coupled to the transport unit and/or reciprocating carriage unit.