Abstract: A printwheel, for use in a serial printer, in which the spokes pass in contact with a printwheel alignment member, which contact is a noise generation and wear inducing source. The printwheel is designed to include a noise and wear reducing element. The printwheel spokes terminate in character pads bearing type faces on one side thereof and are hammered on their opposite side. A wiping element is secured to the printwheel hub and lies adjacent to the spokes on the hammered side. The wiping element includes a ring of continuous, low mass, flexible material, having a wear resistant surface. The ring is located immediately radially inwardly of the character pads.

Abstract: A constant printing pressure mechanism for a portable label printing and applying machine; the machine has a printing head which is interlocked with a hand lever and it has a platen that carries a label strip disposed opposite to the printing head, the constant pressure mechanism comprises: a constant pressure means to turn the platen up against the type faces of the printing head with a constant pressure in synchronism with the downward movement of the printing head, and a means to release the platen slightly from the printing head immediately after the printing operation.