(57) A dual pen carriage system (50) supports a pair of inkjet pens (60, 62) in an inkjet
printing mechanism (20). A carriage body (75) defines a pair of pen chambers (80,
82), separated by a main alignment wall (76), for receiving the pens (60, 62). The
main wall (76) defines at least one first direction alignment datum (180, 180', 182,
184; 180', 184, 186, 188) in each chamber (80, 82). A reference rod (190) extends
through both chambers (80, 82) to define pen alignment datums in two orthogonal directions,
which are orthogonal to the first direction. The body (75) supports an adjustment
member (215) that selectively engages a rotational registration member (214) along
the main wall (76) to simultaneously adjust the angular alignment of each pen chamber
(80, 82). A latch mechanism (70, 72) coupled to the carriage body (75) applies, upon
closing, a controlled force to a latching land (115, 155) on each pen (60, 62) to
push the pens into contact with the datums (180, 180', 182, 184, 190, 196; 180', 184,
186, 188, 190, 198). A method is also provided for aligning a pair of inkjet pens
(60, 62) in an inkjet printing mechanism (20).
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