Abstract: A recording apparatus includes memories for storing full-color image information to be recorded, a recording head for recording an image on a recording medium, and a control unit including a CPU, a counter, a delay circuit, and a head driver. The control unit has a normal paper recording mode for driving the recording head so that an erected image is recorded on the normal recording sheet and a B.P.F. (Back-Print Film) recording mode for driving the recording head so that the same erected image is recorded on the B.P.F. sheet when the image is veined from the back side of the sheet.

Abstract: This specification discloses a recording apparatus for recording an image corresponding to image information on a sheet. More particularly, the specification discloses a recording apparatus for recording an image corresponding to image information on a sheet which apparatus has a head for effecting recording in the form of a dot matrix, a support device for movably supporting the head, a conveying device for conveying the sheet, and a drive source for imparting a drive force for causing the head to scan a plurality of times each time one line is recorded and a drive force for driving the conveying device.

Abstract: A transfer ribbon feed arrangement for use in a transfer type recording apparatus which transfers onto a recording sheet by sequentially feeding the transfer ribbon includes a feed roller disposed on the feed side of the transfer ribbon for feeding the transfer ribbon from the feed roller, a take-up roller for winding up the transfer ribbon around it and a tension unit disposed on the feed side of the transfer ribbon for applying a constant load on the transfer ribbon to keep it under a constant tension.

Abstract: An ink jet printer with a continuous supply of sheet material from a spool contained within an imaging drum. The sheet material is withdrawn from the interior of the drum by a pair of rollers carried by the drum and removably connected to an external drive system. The sheet material travels around the drum and is held by the rollers in that position. The external drive system is then disconnected allowing the drum to rotate while a printing head scans the surface of the sheet material to produce the desired image. After the imaging process, the drum is stopped in a predetermined position and the rollers connected to the external drive. The rollers are then driven to eject the imaged sheet material while a fresh supply is withdrawn from the interior of the drum and wrapped around its outer surface.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an advancing circuit, such as a tractor, disposed on a first side of a printing head for feeding recording material. The printing apparatus has an improved tension circuit for providing adequate tension to the recording material in order to eliminate slack in the recording material, particularly during a manual feeding operation. Tension is provided by a motor driven driving roller which is disposed on a second side of the printing head opposite the first side. The driving roller is rotated in a direction in which tension is to be provided to the printing material by a tension motor. A rotary encoder, for example, is fixed to a rotating portion of the motor for driving a tractor which advances the recording material. The rotary encoder outputs position pulse signals indicating the displacement of the advancement elements. The tension motor is driven in response to the position pulse signals by a position feedback control operation performed by a control circuit.

Abstract: Printer apparatus of the kind having: (i) print/cartridges for printing on successive line sectors of print media that are advanced into and out of the print zone; (ii) a platen means including a feed/transport periphery that is movable around an endless path past a sheet ingress zone, the print zone and a sheet egress zone; (iii) a sheet supply station for positioning a stack of sheet print media at a position upstream of the sheet ingress zone; and (iv) structure for effecting periodic feeding engagements between the platen and successive face sheets of a positioned stack, features a pressure roller, located proximate the sheet ingress zone at a position upstream of the print path, for biasing a sheet moving therepast into drive transmission relation with the platen. The printer can also comprise a downstream guide, located proximate the sheet egress zone at a position downstream of the print zone printing means.

Abstract: In a flat table drawing plotter, an image is drawn on the portion of a continuous work piece, e.g., a sheet of paper, located on a drawing table. Upon completion of the drawing of the image, a trace line is drawn at the rear end location of the image. The drawing carriage, having an optical detector means mounted thereon, is moved to the forward end of the table. The work piece is advanced with the optical detector means in continuous contact therewith. The advance of the work piece is stopped when the optical detector means detects the trace line. Then, the drawing carriage is slowly moved until the optical detector means again detects the trace line thereby identifying where the prior drawing of the image was completed. Drawing of the image is then recommenced.

Abstract: A thermal printer having a main shaft supporting a carriage mounted with printing mechanisms including a printing head and an ink ribbon peeling member for peeling an ink ribbon off the recording sheet as the carriage travels, and fixedly provided with sheet feeding rollers for feeding a recording sheet. The carriage is moved along the main shaft for printing operation to print information on the recording sheet on a line. Before beginning a new line, the carriage is returned to the starting position while the main shaft is rotated to feed the recording sheet. Thus, the main shaft functions as both a guide shaft for guiding the carriage and a sheet feeding shaft for feeding the recording sheet, and thereby the construction of the thermal printer is simplified and the number of the components is reduced.

Abstract: A desk-top and/or hand held thermal printer comprises a main unit having a guide path therein for a moving continuous label strip which includes a backing sheet and discrete labels detachably attached to the backing sheet. The printer has a flat bottom surface for resting on a flat surface; a retaining means for supporting a roll of backing sheet and labels and guiding the labels through a thermal printing device where a bar code or the like is thermally printed on the thermosensitive labels; a label peeling means for peeling the labels from the backing sheet; a label affixing means for affixing the peeled-off labels on objects; a data input means for example a keyboard or a computer input terminal; a data display means; and a controller for controlling the entire printer.

Abstract: A recording medium package for use on a heat transfer printer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ink sheet cassette which can change the path of an ink sheet from one to another depending on the properties of the ink sheet, that is, can vary a timing or angle at which the ink sheet is separated from a recording medium after being recorded such that an image can be recorded depending on the properties of the ink sheet, and an image recording apparatus using such an ink sheet cassette.

Abstract: In a device for recording information on strip chart paper, a paper tray, paper guide and door having a trench area are positioned relative to one another to inhibit lateral movement of the paper during recordal of the information. The trench area which is located between the paper storage tray and paper guide receives and traps the paper between its walls to ensure that the paper travels along a predetermined path. The paper storage tray is slightly tilted to further ensure that the paper follows the desired path of travel.

Abstract: A portable thermal label printer is provided with a data input, data memory for storing label information data, a program memory, and an input/output port for data communication with external devices.

Abstract: The electronic postage meter includes a microcomputer controlled thermal head opposite a scavenging roller and suitable means of cleaning the scavenging roller. A cassette containing a thermal transfer tape coated on one side with a thermal sensitive ink is received within a cartridge slot in the postage meter. The thermal tape is threaded within the cartridge to journal from a feed reel beyond a guide roller, between a thermal head and scavenging roller, to a transfer roller and be received by a take-up reel, the scavenging roller and thermal head being constituent of the postage meter. The mailing machine includes a back-up roller bias peripherally opposite the transfer roller. An image is traced on the thermal tape by the thermal head in response to a microcomputer constituent to the postage meter.

Abstract: A wave isolator (18) is provided for large format drafting plotters (10) for preventing waves in the drafting medium (16) from traveling up the platen (14) and adversely affecting the pen (20) and its operation and reducing acceleration related vertical scalloping of angled lines. Such waves in the medium are generated by the motion of the paper during the plotting operation. The wave isolator comprises at least one strip (22a) of flexible material secured to the platen and of substantially the same length. Preferably, a polyimide film is used, having a coating of a thermoset acrylic resin with additives including conductive carbon black and polyethylene. In operation, when the medium is moving upward, the wave isolator deflects under the increased inertial load, and air trapped between the medium and the platen exits at the sides of the medium, dissipating some of its energy.

Abstract: A thermal printer is provided wherein data inputted from a data reader, such as a pen scanner, is compared with previously stored data. In the event that a match occurs, the printer prints predetermined information such as a sorting code on a thermal print medium. The thermal printer has a data input, data memory, program memory and an I/O port for communication with external devices. A controller controls the various components and directs the printer to print when the match occurs. Should a match not occur, the non-matching data is stored in data memory. The print medium such as a label or the like, may then be affixed to the same article or merchandise from which the data reader initially read the data.

Abstract: A portable label printer comprising a label printer unit and an electrically and mechanically detachable data terminal unit is disclosed. When mated, the data terminal unit and the label printer unit are angularly adjustable with respect to each other. The printer unit has an interface for communication with external devices.

Abstract: A plotter having the capability of unattended operation incorporates several innovations. An X-axis dual motor drive mechanism moves the plotting chart through the plotter using two independently controlled motors driving respective individual friction drives at either side of the chart. An automatic chart alignment mechanism aligns the chart with the plotter X-axis using the X-axis dual motor drive for swiveling of the chart as necessary and a sensor to detect and correct the position of the chart. A chart cutting mechanism allows chart stock supplied in roll form to be cut to a desired length for a plot using a knife assembly carried by the pen carriage like a pen. A cut chart handling mechanism enables cut charts to be retrieved and neatly stored.

Abstract: A recording apparatus and, more particularly, a so-called thermal printer employs a thermal head as a recording head. A platen roller is in pressing engagement with the recording head and recording elements pass between the two. Biasing forces exerted on opposite ends of the recording head cause it to deform slightly. To accommodate for this deformation, the diameter of the platen roller is greater in the middle than at its opposite ends. This construction assures that both the recording head and the platen roller are pressed against each other under a uniform force, so that ink density irregularity on the recording paper, creasing of the recording paper and the ink sheet, and recording density irregularity resulting therefrom can be prevented, and thus stable recording performance can be assured.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes recording means for recording information on a continuous recording medium at a recording position; means for supplying the recording medium to the recording position and delivering it from the recording position; first detecting means, arranged at a delivery side of the recording medium with respect to the recording position, for detecting the presence/absence of the recording medium; and second detecting means, arranged at a feed side of the recording medium with respect to the recording position, for detecting the presence/absence of the recording medium. The second detecting means is spaced apart from the recording position by a distance longer than a length of one page of an image to be recorded.

Abstract: A thermal printer having a mechanism for alleviating the pressure between the print head and the resilient roller when the printer is not operational is provided. The printer includes a cam member for camming the print head and resilient roller apart during non-printing in order to prevent a permanent or semi-permanent flat from being formed on the roller because of pressure exerted thereon by the print head.

Abstract: A process for recording an image by depositing droplets of a recording liquid onto a light-transmitting recording material is provided which comprises depositing at least two droplets of a recording liquid of the same color per image element onto the recording material. An apparatus for the process is also provided which comprises an image-forming means or a recording means useful for a reflective recording material and a light transmitting material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a display apparatus in which plural erasable images formed on an image bearing member are transported to display mechanism and displayed simultaneously thereon. The image bearing member moves along a determined path, along which provided are stations for image formation, display and erasure. The plural images on the image bearing member are selectively changeable.

Abstract: A thermal label printer is provided with a label feeding mechanism which is adapted to operate either in a first mode in which the printer supplies peeled labels or in a second mode in which the printed labels are delivered while still adhered to their backing sheet. The labels are delivered out of the printer on a conveyor belt which extends to a label peeling member in the printer. The conveyor belt is tiltable in a manner which is effective to create a larger clearance between the conveyor belt and the peeling member to facilitate loading of the backing sheet prior to beginning printing operations.

Abstract: A thermal printing apparatus is disclosed in which ribbon advancing mechanism including a supply spool and a take-up spool operated by a stepping motor is disclosed. Mechanism is provided for reversing the direction in which the take-up spool is driven by a specified amount during the printing cycle, in order to provide ribbon slack, so as to avoid smudging of the transferred ink on the receiving document and possible ribbon breakage during printing. The circumference of the accumulated ribbon on the take-up spool at any given time is considered in determining the number of steps and the step rate of the stepping motor in the reverse direction which must be taken in order to produce the desired amount of ribbon slack and slack take-up.

Abstract: An ink jet printer with a roll of paper stored within an imaging drum. The paper through a longitudinal opening in the drum to the outside, passes around the drum, where it is held in place during the imaging process, and then ejected from the drum to the desired length and cut off by a cutter that extends the full width of the paper. While the imaged sheet is being ejected from the drum, the next length of paper is drawn from the interior of the drum and around the outside of the drum in position for the next imaging operation. The length of paper that remains projecting from the drum after the imaged paper has been cut off is then withdrawn into the interior of the drum through the longitudinal opening in the drum surface until only a short stub, which will not interfere with the subsequent imaging operation, remains protruding from the drum. Precise movement of the paper is under the control of a counter that is responsive to the paper movement.

Abstract: An ink jet printer in which a roll of paper is stored within an imaging drum and feeds through a longitudinal opening in the drum to the outside, passes around the drum, where it is held in place during the imaging process, and then ejected from the drum and cut off. While the imaged sheet is being ejected from the drum, the next length of paper is drawn from the interior of the drum and around the outside of the drum in position for the next imaging operation. The paper is withdrawn from the drum by a traction roller that engages only the center portion of the paper to prevent the paper from skewing because of unequal forces applied to the edge portions of the paper. The same traction roller is also used in a reverse mode to tension the paper around the drum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unit type thermal label printer capable of receiving and transmitting data. The unit type thermal label printer is comprised of detachable components consisting of a label printer unit, a data terminal unit, an applicator unit, and a handle unit. These units can be partially or completely connected and disconnected as desired thereby enabling the device to be configured according to the particular needs of the user and the situation.

Abstract: A portable thermal label printer employing an optical reader such as a pen or touch scanner for data input is disclosed. The operator needs only to hold the scanner, while the remaining components are held around the operator's waist or the like. The operator can therefore use both hands to handle articles of freight, and enables freight to be handled and labels to be printed easily and efficiently. Further, the arrangement of the thermal label roll with respect to the thermal print head enables the overall unit to be made light and compact.

Abstract: An ink jet printer having an imaging drum with a supply of paper within the drum. The paper is transported by rollers mounted on the imaging drum that are controlled by the transverse position of a cutter mechanism that cuts off the imaged paper. The paper passes from the supply spool in the imaging drum through a longitudinal slot in the drum to the outside, around the exterior of the drum, where it is held in place during the imaging process, and then ejected from the drum to the desired length and cut off. While the imaged sheet is being ejected from the drum, the next length of paper is drawn from the drum and around the outside of the drum in position for the next imaging operation. The length of paper that remains projecting from the drum after the imaged paper has been cut off is then withdrawn into the interior of the drum through the longitudinal opening in the drum surface until only a short stub, which will not interfere with the subsequent imaging operation, remains protruding from the drum.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic scale printer, and more particularly an electronic scale printer in which a printer is connected electrically to the electronic scale used in a department store or supermarket etc., and required data are printed on a printing sheet under an instruction from the electronic scale and issued from the printer. The invention provides a printer capable of issuing both a label and a receipt through one printing means and more particularly an electronic scale printer in which either a label or a receipt corresponding to the kind of printing sheet stored in a cassette is printed and issued under proper replacement of the cassette having printing sheet for label stored therein with a cassette having a printing sheet for receipt stored therein.

Abstract: A compact plotter is disclosed, having a small area in which a plurality of print heads (10) are laterally scanned to print impressions on the paper (14), and the paper (14) is incrementally advanced by an indexer (42) past the print heads (10). A paper travel encoder (36) measures the paper advancement. A computer 22 and a processor 26 are provided to coordinate the printing of pattern data stored in a data base (24) both with the movement of the print heads (10) and the advancement of the paper (14). The computer (22) allocates data from the data base (24) to be printed according to the amount of paper advancement. If the paper (14) is advanced more than a predefined amount, more data is allocated for printing than is actually printed. If the paper (14) is advanced less than the predefined amount, less data is allocated to be printed than is actually printed.

Abstract: An X-Y plotter disclosed is of the type which moves a recording paper with no perforation by drive rollers and pinch rollers. A plurality of sharp projections are arranged on the outer surface of each of the drive rollers such as to enable an exact feeding of the paper without any slippage. These projections are formed by cutting in the outer surface of each drive roller with V-grooves parallel and orthogonal to the shaft of the drive rollers.

Abstract: A hard copy recorder is provided in which paper or film is moved along a paper path by a motor-driven roller. A tension-measuring dancer measures paper or film tension. The position of the dancer is sensed by an optical sensor, which produces a signal representative of paper or film tension. The paper or film tension signal is used to selectively couple one signal from a number of sources of predetermined different frequencies to the motor to control its speed in accordance with the sensed paper tension.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises recording means for effecting recording on one surface of a recording medium, means for feeding the recording medium, a housing for containing the recording means and the feeding means therein, and means provided at a position whereat it is discharged outwardly from the housing when the recording medium is fed by the feeding means, the means being for guiding the recording medium in a predetermined direction and guiding the recording medium so that on one surface of the recording medium, the means can contact only the widthwise end portions of the recording medium.

Abstract: In a control system for a thermal transfer color printer capable of color print, first and second sensors for detecting a printing paper are disposed before and after a platen roller for carrying the printing paper, so that when the printing paper is carried and detected by the first sensor, the printing paper is changed to a low speed and at the same time a thermal head is pressed against the printing paper through an ink film and when the printing paper is detected by the second sensor, the thermal head is supplied with a print signal for color printing.

Abstract: A recording apparatus of the type using a roll of recording paper in which cutting is effected for recording paper unrolled from the roll after completion of each recording operation and thereby a part of the recording paper on which recording has been effected is cut off therefrom. The apparatus frame is constituted by a combination of casing frame and cover frame and the latter is turnably supported in the former. A recording paper holder, a cutter and one of a combination of recording head and platen roller are accommodated in the cover frame, whereas the other one of a combination of recording head and platen roller is accommodated in the cover frame. Further, the apparatus is provided with a guide plate which is located above the passage of transportation of the recording paper. The guide frame extends between the recording head or the platen roller and the cutter and it is fixedly secured to the casing frame.

Abstract: A recorder for recording on a continuous form, perforated, recording sheet includes a first roller disposed upstream of the recording position for feeding the continuous form to the recording position, press roller means for pressing the continuous form against said first roller, a second roller disposed downstream of the recording position for maintaining the continuous form in tension across the recording position, and apparatus for decrumpling, disposed between the recording position and the first feed roller.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording graphs or other graphical representations, with relative movements between a writing instrument on a carriage which is moved by a carriage drive unit, and a sheet of paper which is fed by a paper feed unit in opposite directions perpendicular to the line of movements of the carriage. The writing instrument is moved between a recording position, and a non-recording position in which the writing instrument is spaced away from the paper. The apparatus comprises a controller for activating the paper feed unit and carriage drive unit to effect relative non-recording movements of the writing instrument and the paper with the writing instrument held in the non-recording position.

Abstract: A printer including a casing having a front face, a printing unit, and a control circuit. The printing unit includes a printing medium attaching portion and a printing head portion pivotably attached to the printing medium attaching portion. The printing unit is supported in the casing by a moving mechanism so that the printing unit can be freely drawn out forward from the front face of the casing. The moving mechanism also automatically positions the printing head in an open position with respect to the printing medium attaching portion when the printing unit is drawn out from the casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image display apparatus including an image bearing web in the form of an endless belt on which an erasable image is formed, the image being carried into an image display section for observation. If the image bearing web is photosensitive, it is affected by the light, resulting in the deterioration of the image formed. To avoid this, the length of the image bearing web which is used to form one complete image is made equal to the full length thereof divided by an integer. Therefore, that position on the image bearing web which is used to form an image to be displayed is not changed for each display to limit the portions of the photosensitive web exposed to light to predetermined areas, thereby avoiding the occurrence of the difference in image quality within each of the predetermined areas.

Abstract: A recorder having a tray for receiving a stack of folded fanfold recording paper that has been recorded, wherein the tray includes an assisting member disposed substantially centrally on a paper supporting surface of the tray in a transverse direction of the recording paper. The assisting member assists the recording paper in being folded by raising a transverse central portion of the stack of the folded fanfold recording paper to a prescribed height. Guides are provided on the paper supporting surface of the tray and spaced at an interval substantially equal to the width of the recording paper for initially positioning the recording paper on the paper supporting surface. At least one of the assisting member and the paper supporting surface is inclined for increasing the height of the stacked recording paper at the front side thereof in a direction normal to the width of the recording paper.

Abstract: An XY recorder in which a recording paper is moved on a platen along the X axis in accordance with one variable and a stylus is moved along the Y axis in accordance with another variable, employs a controller to control the paper movement in several different modes. In a paper draw out mode, the paper is drawn out from a paper-feed roll pinched on the platen between pinch rollers and drive rollers, and during a time interval when the paper-feed roll exerts a backward tension to the paper, the paper is intermittently allowed to slip on the platen by disengaging the pinch rollers from the drive rollers. The tension to the paper backward from the paper-feed roll automatically aligns the paper.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a thermal transfer type line recording apparatus is implemented with only two drive motors in driving three essential members of the recorder i.e., platen, ink sheet, and thermal head. While a first drive motor is exclusively assigned to the platen, a second drive motor is shared by the ink sheet, which is fed in one direction only, and the thermal head, which is released from the platen without any intermediary actions concerning the sequence. The second drive motor feeds the ink sheet while in rotation in one direction and drives the thermal head while in rotation in the other direction, each through a one-way clutch.

Abstract: An improve image building apparatus is disclosed which makes it possible to carry out image transferrence to both the surfaces of material by bringing back material while its rear end moves ahead and displacing it to an image transferring section from first guiding means after it is displaced from first guiding means to second guiding means via the image transferring section after image transferrence is completed on the one surface of material. The first and second guiding means are extended in parallel with a discharging tray by way of which image transferred material is displaced away from the apparatus and they serve to guide reciprocable movement of the material through the image transferring section when superimposing image transferrence should be carried out.

Abstract: An ink-jet printer has an ink-jet printing unit for recording an image by attaching ink onto a recording medium in accordance with data, photo-sensors for determining whether the recording medium is an overhead projector film or a normal paper sheet by utilizing the difference in light-transmitting properties therebetween, and a central processing unit for controlling the density of the image recorded by the ink-jet printing unit in accordance with the determination result of the photo-sensors.

Abstract: A recording system uses a laser beam for imaging the surface of a photographic film which is held in a curved arrangement to allow light to be focused in precise position in a circular light path on the film. The film is maintained in the curved arrangement by resilient means associated with a film holding curved platen.

Abstract: A recorder which records analog input waveforms and converts analog input data into digital data at regular intervals and at selected times records the digital data in the form of a list of data along side of the analog input waveforms together with the time and other information. When analog waveforms and characters are recorded in side-by-side relation, the speed at which the paper is fed is changed from that employed when only analog waveforms are recorded, whereby the list of data can be quickly recorded.

Abstract: A convertible platen for use in a graphics plotter to allow its selective use as either as either a cut paper plotter or a roll paper plotter. The platen is formed from a specially designed aluminum extrusion and a pair is mounted with one on either side of the drum of a drum plotter between the drum and the supply/takeup rollers. The platens can be raised and held adjacent the drum and spanning the vacuum columns in the plotter to create a table having curved outer edges to support cut paper. They can be released and dropped into the vacuum columns whereby they lie against the outer surfaces and form the upper inner wall with curved upper edges over which paper smoothly is guided between the vacuum column and the supply/takeup rollers.

Abstract: An easily adjustable and automatically aligning pinch roller assembly for use in a graphics plotter. A movable carriage hangs from a supplemental inverted T-shaped track below the main carriage track of the plotter. The pinch roller is pivotally attached to an arm from the carriage. A leaf spring on the carriage pulls the carriage loosely into positional alignment with the pinch roller aligned with the drum while allowing translational movement easily. A second bias spring urges the pinch roller down and the carriage into gripping engagement with the supplemental track with sufficient force to prevent translational movement thereof. A release bar holds the pinch roller off the drum and releases the gripping force to allow the carriage to be slid for adjustment.