초록 ▼

An elongated encoder-strip scale, most typically plastic, is secured to an elongated encoder-strip substrate, most typically metal. The scale has indicia that are at least partially exposed for use in determining the position of a carriage with respect to a chassis in a large-format automatic image-

An elongated encoder-strip scale, most typically plastic, is secured to an elongated encoder-strip substrate, most typically metal. The scale has indicia that are at least partially exposed for use in determining the position of a carriage with respect to a chassis in a large-format automatic image-related device--which may be for example a printer, a plotter, or a scanner. The chassis of the image-related device supports an image-bearing sheet, and the carriage scans across the chassis carrying apparatus for forming or sensing marks on the sheet. Preferably the scale is taller than the substrate and mounted to overlap both edges of the substrate, guarding the edges of the substrate. The scale is preferably substantially transparent and mounted for transmission of an optical beam. The substrate is preferably tensioned across the chassis (preferably at a tension under which the scale alone would fail) and threaded, with the scale, through an aperture in the carriage--even during scanning. The scale is preferably without direct support by the chassis. Preferably the scale or substrate, or both, are used in common--but in different relative positions--in more than one model of image-related device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A position encoding system for use in positioning a carriage of a large-format automatic image-related device; said device having a chassis for supporting an image-bearing sheet and having a carriage which scans across the chassis, carrying apparatus for forming or sensin

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A position encoding system for use in positioning a carriage of a large-format automatic image-related device; said device having a chassis for supporting an image-bearing sheet and having a carriage which scans across the chassis, carrying apparatus for forming or sensing marks on the sheet; said position encoding system comprising:an elongated encoder-strip substrate for tensioning across such chassis; andan elongated polymeric encoder-strip scale secured to the substrate for tensioning therewith across such chassis;said scale having indicia exposed for use in automated reading thereof by such device, for determination of such carriage position with respect to such chassis.