Abstract: The method utilizes an encoding switch to derive encoded position signals representing the current position of a member such as the print element of a franking machine. The switch has conductive strips and in order to ensure reliable operation of the switch the strips have substantial length. However for correct printing it is necessary that not only is the selected type character at the printing position but that it is precisely positioned to achieve correct printing of the character. In order to obtain this precise positioning of the print element the encoded position signals are utilized to move the selected type character to the print position and the print element is then moved by a predetermined distance to achieve precise positioning of the type character within the printing position.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is disclosed which compares a preferred position of a type carrier driven by a stepping motor with binary values of signals actuating the stepping motor. If a signal assigned to the preferred position and a signal produced by the binary values of the signals do not coincide, stepping pulse trains are fed to the stepping motor until coincidence is reached. The stepping motor is thereby accelerated in accordance with an acceleration program so that said stepping motor runs with an approximately constant load angle as soon as possible, and that an unequivocal assignment exists between the stepping pulses and the position of the type carrier.

Abstract: A printer system having local control for dynamically positioning a print head relative to a print medium utilizing positioning and print data signal inputs, including a control unit for receiving and storing data inputs, the control unit including circuit means responsive to the positioning data for arranging and outputing the stored print data to a print head, control circuitry connected to said control unit and head positioning apparatus employing a movable print medium connected to the control circuitry for positioning the head in relationship to the web in response to said control circuitry so that the head is thereby dynamically controlled by the respective data signal inputs.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for an electronic calculator or the like comprises a first type wheel formed with mathematical operator symbols which is fixed to a spline shaft and a second type wheel formed with digits which is slidably mounted on the spline shaft for integral rotation. A stepping motor rotates the spline shaft for character selection. A carriage is connected to the second type wheel and is movable by a cable wound around drive and take-up spools to move the second type wheel along the spline shaft for serial feed. A single electrical solenoid actuates a printing hammer for printing and subsequently actuates a ratchet and pawl mechanism to serially feed the second type wheel by one character position in one reciprocation of the solenoid plunger.

Abstract: An arrangement for scanning a disc-shaped type carrier in a code controlled printing device has a stepping motor which is controllable in the forward and backward directions for setting the type carrier. The count of a ring counter contained in the stepping motor control, and which is set in accordance with the setting of the stepping motor, is compared, as a binary combination, in a comparator device with a binary combination assigned to a specific character, and in the event of parity of the two binary combinations, an output pulse is emitted. A scanning sector is arranged on the type carrier and extends over a plurality of characters including the specific character, preferably centrally located along the scanning sector. A scanning device produces a scanning pulse in response to rotation of the sector to or past the scanning device and the scanning pulse is conjunctively linked with the output pulse of the comparator for utilization in system synchronization.