Patent ID: 6106095
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B41J,G07B

Abstract:
A mailing machine comprising:transport means for feeding a mailpiece in a path of travel;a printer module including a first array of print elements positioned substantially transverse to the path of travel for printing a first portion of a postal indicia and a second array of print elements substantially parallel to the first array of print elements and located downstream in the path of travel from the first array of print elements for printing a second portion of the postal indicia; andcontrol means in operative communication with the transport means and the printer module for:printing a test pattern on a print medium as the print medium is fed through the mailing machine; andstoring an indicator of a default time delay based upon the test pattern between energizing the first array of print elements and the second array of print elements so that the first and second portions of the postal indicia are in substantial alignment in a direction transverse to the path of travel;and wherein:the test pattern includes a first plurality of lines that are printed by the first array of print elements and are transverse to the direction of travel and a second plurality of lines corresponding to the first plurality of lines that are printed by the second array of print elements, each of the second plurality of lines printed with a respective time delay; andthe control means sets the default time delay equal to the respective time delay associated with a particular one of the second plurality of lines that is closest in alignment in a direction transverse to the path of travel with the corresponding one of the first plurality of lines.