Abstract: A method and apparatus for advancing a sheet of print media through a printer mechanism having a print zone. The apparatus includes a roller assembly for advancing a sheet of media through the print zone, a printing assembly for recording information on a surface of the sheet of media and an assembly for receiving the sheet of media once information has been recorded on the sheet of media. The apparatus includes a kicker which is movable in the forward direction to engage an edge of the sheet of media to urge the sheet in a forwardly direction from the print zone to the receiving assembly. The method of this invention includes the step of pushing the edge of the sheet of media towards the receiving assembly.

Abstract: A recording medium transport mechanism has first rotary members provided downstream of a recording area in the direction of transport of a recording medium and on the side of a recording surface of the recording medium, and a second rotary member provided downstream of the recording area and on the side opposite from the recording surface side of the recording medium to guide the recording medium in association with the first rotary members to discharge the recording medium out of the recording area, the second rotary member including a liquid absorbing member provided on its circumferential surface portions and capable of contacting the first rotary members. This recording medium transport mechanism is used in an ink jet recording apparatus to prevent a contamination on the surface of a recording medium opposite from the recording surface side.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording head for performing recording on a sheet, a first rotating member, disposed at a side downstream from the recording head so as to contact a non-recorded surface of the sheet on which recording has been performed by the recording head, for supplying the sheet with a conveying force, and a second rotating member, including pointed teeth at its outer circumference, for conveying the sheet in cooperation with the first rotating member while distal ends of the teeth contact a recorded surface of the sheet. The radius of curvature of the tips of the teeth are equal to or less than 0.05 mm.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a feeding mechanism comprises feeding members to contact with a recording medium and exert a feeding force to the recording medium, holding portions for holding the feeding members in predetermined positions, and a shaft rotatively supported axially at both ends thereof. At least one portion of the shaft is in a tapering configuration to make its end side portion thinner, hence facilitating the mounting of the feeding member while maintaining the strength of the shaft member. The present invention is also directed to a recording apparatus including such a feeding mechanism.

Abstract: In an ink jet printer having a sheet conveying mechanism which changes the speed of conveyance of a recording sheet in accordance with the density of characters or a pattern to be printed to intermittently convey the recording sheet in such a manner that all printed portions are properly dried before the sheet is conveyed to a subsequent position. The recording head of the printer performs a printing operation while pushing the front end portion of the recording sheet against the platen with a sheet retaining lever.

Abstract: A remote-driven encoder which includes a feed tray assembly (12) and an autofeed roller assembly (14) which moves checks one at a time into a check guide path. The check is moved along the check guide path by first and second drive assemblies (16, 20). Intermediate of the two drive assemblies (16, 20) is an encoder assembly (18) and a ribbon cartridge (22). The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors which provide information for control of the movement of the check, including a preload sensor (70), a detect sensor (88), and a leading edge sensor (90), among others. The check moves through a substantial angle from the feed tray past the encoder assembly. The encoded check is moved around an eject roller and then into a catch tray at the rear of the apparatus.

Abstract: A picker mechanism for a thermal printer for urging a dye receiver media sheet into a receiver transport path has a picker wheel with first and second portions and defining a mounting axis. The first portion has an outer traction surface parallel to the mounting axis, and the second portion has a tapered surface for generating a force for urging the dye receiver media sheet from the tapered surface toward the parallel outer traction surface. The picker mechanism compensates for the variability in how an operator loads the dye receiver media and corrects skewing of the media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording system including a recording head for performing recording on a sheet, a first rotary member disposed at a downstream side of the recording head and contacting an unrecorded surface of the sheet on which the recording is performed by the recording head and adapted to apply a feeding force to the sheet, and a second rotary member being provided at its peripheral surface with a plurality of teeth and contacting a recorded surface of the sheet with the tips of the teeth thereof, and cooperating with the first rotary member to feed the sheet. The plural teeth of the second rotary member are staggered with other teeth in a direction transverse to a sheet feeding direction.

Abstract: A printing paper discharging apparatus comprises a discharge roller, a take-out roller engaged with and driven by the discharge roller, guide members fixed on the take-out roller and provided with elastic blades for instantly pushing the trailing edge of printing paper into a paper box, thereby obtaining a complete discharging of the printing papers.

Abstract: In a printer assembly including a printhead which moves in a first direction for printing on a sheet of paper, roller means having an outer cylindrical periphery that engages the sheet of paper at successive tangent points on the periphery for moving the paper in a second perpendicular direction, and driving means for rotating the roller means, an apparatus for correcting certain pre-established errors in the positioning of the sheet of paper by the roller means is described. The apparatus comprises means for controlling the driving means such that the driving means rotates the roller means in order to move the sheet of paper in a way which eliminates the pre-established errors. An arrangement for determining certain pre-established errors in the positioning of the sheet of paper by the roller means is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying paper in a printer adapted to convey cut-sheet and fan-fold paper bi-directionally in a paper path. The apparatus includes a pair of paper conveying rollers positioned downstream of a print head and a pair of paper conveying rollers positioned upstream of the print head. At least one roller of one of the paper conveying roller pair has projections circumferentially extending away from the roller. The projections can be pressed against the roller to reduce the diameter and speed of the roller relative to its speed and diameter before compression to convey the paper in a first direction while preventing the formation of slack across the paper. In addition, the projections can be extended away from the roller to increase the diameter and speed of the roller relative to its speed and diameter before extension to convey the paper in a second direction while preventing the formation of slack across the paper.

Abstract: A thermal transfer color printer for recording color images on recording paper by successively transferring inks of different colors from an ink ribbon onto the recording paper at a recording position. The printer includes a transport member adapted to transport the recording paper in forward and reverse directions and disposed downstream from the platen roller with respect to the direction of transport of the recording paper for thermal transfer.

Abstract: A printing mechanism such as a thermal printer includes a rotatable cylindrical platen having a circumference which is smaller than the printing length of a complete image to be reproduced on a print medium, and at least one pinch roller. The platen has a width which is wider than a width of the print medium. The platen includes a rigid central longitudinally-disposed shaft, a cylindrical elastomeric layer formed around a central logitudinal section of the shaft, and first and second opposing cyclindrical registration members. The first and second registration members are fixedly coupled to the shaft and engage a first and a second end of the elastomeric layer, respectively, so that the shaft, layer, and members rotate together. Each pinch roller is formed of a rigid material and is disposed longitudinally to the platen.

Abstract: In a printing-plate preparation apparatus employed in a screen printing machine comprising a thermal printhead provided with a heating-element portion, a rotatably supported platen roller for delivering a stencil paper and urging the same against a surface of the heating-element portion of the thermal printhead, and a manuscript-reading unit movable back and forth between a first position and a second position an improvement resides in that an outer peripheral surface of the platen roller is made of non-adhesive material while urged against a surface of the heating-element portion of the thermal printhead, whereby the stencil paper is clamped between the platen roller and the thermal printhead so as to be delivered while subjected to a perforation operation conducted by the heating-element portion of the thermal printhead.

Abstract: A printer for printing data on an original slip and on a copy slip in which both are dropped into a guide chute. Feed and pinch rollers having a higher degree of friction that the friction between the slips tend to drive both slips along the chute and past an ink jet printer. However, a brake initially prevents rotation of the pinch roller and thus retains one of the slips while the other slip is advanced past the printer, at which time the brake is released to enable the feed roller to advance the remaining slip past the printer.

Abstract: A platen for a printer includes a tubular body section, shaft sections extending from opposite ends of the body section away from each other and coaxially with the body section and an elastic layer provided on an outer periphery of the body section. The shaft sections are smaller in diameter than the body section.

Abstract: The printer paper feed mechanism disclosed herein operates to transfer a sheet of paper being printed from the printing platen to an output tray above the platen by means of a plurality of resiliently surfaced rolls carried on a shaft which is journaled in arcuate slots in end plates at either end of the platen roll. When the rollers are driven in one direction, the shaft walks along the arcuate slots toward a guide which is overlaid by a sheet of paper being fed from the platen. The rollers drive that piece of paper upwardly away from the platen and into the output tray.

Abstract: A paper bail in a printer having a platen includes two bail levers rotatably mounted on the printer and pressed toward the platen by a spring. An elongate bail plate is formed as a flat metal sheet having a L-shaped section, one side of which extends substantially transverse to a line connecting the bail plate with a rotational axis of the bail levers. A bail roller on the bail plate is mounted thereon by an elastic member capable of permitting only axial movement of the bail roller when the bail roller is out of contact with the platen, and permitting only rotational movement of the bail roller when the bail roller is in contact with the platen.

Abstract: Roller 1 is heated to a temperature at which correctable thermal printing is caused to be better fixed to the paper and to be darker, while lift-off correction may be subsequently conducted. Roller 1 is spaced from printhead 3 a distance sufficient to permit reading of immediately prior typing. Both roller 1 and printhead 3 are mounted on carrier 5.

Abstract: An improved drive mechanism for an ink ribbon cassette for advancing an ink ribbon particularly well suited for use in a typewriter is provided. The drive mechanism includes a drive roller rotatably supported in the casing with a free floating pressure ring supported by a roller. The pressure ring is supported against the roller and against the drive roller so that there is an increase in pressure with an increase in the tension of the ribbon.

Abstract: A sheet feed device applicable to a recorder such as an ink jet printer or a thermal printer has feed rollers mounted on the same shaft in a spaced relationship and platen blocks mounted in spaces between the feed rollers. A sheet fed along the feed rollers is conveyed to the platen blocks by a feed force of the feed rollers.

Abstract: Paper bail apparatus for a printer comprising a frame mounted on a non-circular paper bail shaft of a printer and rotatably supporting a pair of rollers for contact with the platen of the printer along two separate lines of contact which are circumferentially spaced on the platen and longitudinally offset from one another. The frame is made from plastic material and the rollers are snap-fit in the frame. The frame has a projection at an inlet guide for guidable entry of the paper between the rollers and the platen.

Abstract: A paper transporting mechanism is disclosed in connection with a printer having a printing head mounted on a carriage reciprocatingly moved transversely of a printing paper to be printed by the printing head and a platen arranged opposite to the printing head with a clearance being provided therebetween for passing the printing paper therethrough, wherein a first pair of rollers is frictionally rotated to transport the printing paper in the direction toward the printing head and platen, a second pair of rollers is frictionally rotated to transport the printing paper in the direction away from the printing head and platen, a guide is provided between the first and second pairs of rollers, the guide including a first guide plate for guiding the printing paper in the direction toward the printing head and platen and a second guide plate for guiding the printing paper in the direction away from the printing head and platen, the first and second guide plates being integrated to each other to provide opposite inser

Abstract: A hand-held printing calculator for printing calculating results on elongated paper strips from a bundle of paper strips disposed within the calculator is provided. The calculator includes a microprinter having a paper feeding assembly including feeding elements disposed before and after the print position and in the same plane as the advancing paper for maintaining the paper flat during printing. In another embodiment of the invention, a detection sensor detects the absence of a paper strip at the print position for generating a signal for feeding the next paper strip so that paper is continuously fed to the print position.

Abstract: The printer is constructed for multiple merging feed paths sharing a pivotable brake and by means of adjustably mounted different sets of rolls different combinations in the disposition of the rolls and the brake vis-a-vis the platen drum different modes of transportation are attainable.

Abstract: Elastic bearings supporting bearing bushings for shafts are mounted in recesses in plates of a machine frame. The elastic material is shaped so that, in at least one predetermined direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, its dimension is a multiple of that in other directions. What is achieved thereby is that the shaft is constrained to move in one defined direction only.

Abstract: A structure having a shaft and a paper retaining roller mounted on the shaft for use in a printer. The structure further includes a retaining element mounted on the shaft so as to be opposed to the roller for retaining the roller in a given axial position on the shaft. The roller is rotatable about the shaft and has a flange at its one end. The retaining element has a plurality of resilient retaining arms and its one end to hold the flange rotatably. At the opposite end, the retaining element is also provided with a plurality of resilient arms which are in frictional engagement with the outer periphery of the shaft. The roller can be slid axially along the shaft when a force greater than a given magnitude is applied thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paper transportation device for printers, which use reel paper, having a motor-driven platen and one paper pressure roller which contacts the platen approximately at the center thereof so that it can be swung away in an elastic manner. The paper pressure roller is motor-driven such that the peripheral speed of the paper pressure roller leads the peripheral speed of the platen and by virtue of the arrangement of the paper pressure roller, the maximum possible angle of loop (.beta.) of the paper and the platen is achieved. This angle is delimited by the paper pressure roller and by a paper guidance channel which is aligned to lead tangentially away from the platen. The paper guidance channel is preceded by a device which produces a bias between the paper and the platen.

Abstract: A precision tape feed and guide mechanism is disclosed. The guide includes a base plate (308) and a hold-down plate (314) with fingers (316, 318). A spring (345) biases the fingers against the tape (301) during printing. Actuation lever (330) which is pivoted on point (332) causes plate (314) to lift out of contact with the tape and permit its easy removal. Feeding or incrementation of the tape is accomplished by an incompressible roller (350) removably biased against roller (352) which includes a recessed portion (356) having an incompressible O-ring (354) residing therein and biased against roller (350) with a tape (301) therebetween.

Abstract: A device for adjusting printing paper tension in a printer comprising a switching member connected to a plurality of pinch rollers by a connecting structure whereby the pinch rollers are caused to separate from, or contact lightly or strongly with a feed roller of a printing paper feed device when the switching member is rotated, resulting in the required paper tension.

Abstract: A paper feeding and guiding system for a printer with a flat platen has twin mating feed rollers fitted with "O" ring type friction elements cooperating with specially curved entrance and exit paper directing and guiding members which keep the paper or other record material flat against the platen face without the use of a bail or vacuum system. The axis of one feed roller is adjustable to alter the rolling radius of the "O" rings from one end of the feed rollers to the other to provide correction for skew feeding of the record material. The exit paper guide is vibration isolated from the platen bar and fitted with a noise control flap to close off the paper entrance cavity. The mechanism for disengaging the feed rollers for paper insertion is combined with a paper alignment guide which is projected into the path of the inserted paper to align the top edge for correct feeding and coincidence with the steps of a stepping motor drive which incrementally drives the feed rollers.

Abstract: A paper guiding device and operating method for use in an office writing machine, the device including a platen carried by a shaft and constituting a paper support, the platen shaft and platen being rotatable in a first direction for insertion of a paper sheet in the machine and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a paper holding rail disposed adjacent the platen and carrying a plurality of pressure rollers which are pressed toward the platen, a rocker member supporting the rail and mounted to undergo pivotal movement about the axis of rotation of the platen shaft between a paper insertion position and a normal printing position; and a coupling member coupling the rocker member and platen such that rotation of the platen in the second direction effects pivotal movement of the rocker member into the paper insertion position for insertion of the leading edge of a paper sheet between the rollers and the platen and rotation of the platen in the first direction effects pivotal movement of the ro

Abstract: A cartridge which contains two spools. The supply spool has wound about it a printing ribbon and the take-up spool being used for wrapping the used ribbon. The cartridge has a ribbon exit at one location and a ribbon entry at a remote location to define a path for the ribbon to pass therealong. Two drive gears are engaged with each other and a pressure roller. The drive gears are located and their lower portions are configured to engage the respective drive shafts of various printers. When the first drive gear is driven by a printer, the second gear, which includes the drive wheel, rotates in the opposite direction of the drive shaft of the printer. When the second gear is driven, the integral drive wheel rotates in the same direction as the drive shaft of the printer. The pressure roller is provided with internal flexible spokes, or springs, and provides a self-adjusting bias against the drive wheel to drive the ribbon and provides an extremely efficient pinching action.

Abstract: A printing machine capable of printing characters on two kinds of paper sheets, long paper sheets and short paper sheets, comprises two paper holder members movably provided relative to a paper feed roller to cause the long paper sheet to be clamped between the paper holder members and the paper feed roller, and a drive mechanism for moving the paper holder members to clamp a long paper sheet between the paper holder members and the paper feed roller when a pinch roller is pivoted away from the paper feed roller by another drive mechanism in order to set a short paper sheet into a space between a platen and a printing head.

Abstract: A thermal printer paper feeding mechanism having a reciprocable print head carrier. A paper feeding roller has a ratchet cross section with the ratchet teeth twisted along the length of the paper feed roller. The paper feed roller rotates for advancing paper to be printed on while the print head carrier returns to a start position after having printed a line.

Abstract: A paper feed system for a typewriter has its rear feed rollers formed to have minimum shingling and prevent treeing when a plurality of sheets of paper is fed between the platen and the rear feed rollers by rotation of the platen. Each of the rear feed rollers includes an annular outer portion, which is formed of an elastomeric material having a hardness of 30 to 35 Shore A durometer, supported on a hub, which is non-flexible so as to be relatively rigid, having a pair of flanges on opposite sides of the annular outer portion. Each of the annular outer portions has its thickness equal to or less than its width with the spacing between adjacent annular outer portions being greater than the width of each of the annular outer portions.

Abstract: A label machine for forming individual labels from an endless tape strip. The machine includes a novel label removal device which uses compressed air to insure removal of each label to a collection station after it is cut from the endless strip, thereby preventing hang-up of labels at the machine's cutter assembly. The machine also includes a novel tape feed mechanism that provides accurate label length control, thereby preventing waste of tape. These mechanisms are preferably used in combination with a printer head, the novel tape feed and label removal mechanisms cooperating to prevent printing errors between leading and trailing labels cut from the endless tape strip.

Abstract: A printer ribbon cartridge device includes structure for maintaining tension of a printer ribbon which is supplied and contained on a supply spool having an automatic brake for preventing unwinding thereof whenever the cartridge is not installed on a printer. Ribbon guide structure is provided so that the printer ribbon will be confined to a desired path, positive capstan feed rollers are provided of intermeshing gear type for positive feed of the printer ribbon and further gearing is provided to positively drive a slipping clutch element for a take-up spool. A one-way locking pawl also engages with the gearing to prevent rewinding of the printer ribbon after use and thereby prevent the reuse of same. The slip clutch for the take-up spool employs a gear driven input hub member provided with a central recess thereacross for supporting a deformed ring in an oval shape for driving contact by portions of the other circumference thereof against the inner surface of an outer take-up spool hub member.

Abstract: A printer includes a paper transport cylinder which is intermittently driven by a motor to automatically advance the paper by one line each time a line has been printed. In order to advance the paper before printing begins a manually actuable key is provided which, when depressed, couples the transport cylinder to the motor and actuates the motor. The transport cylinder is rotated while the key is depressed to rapidly advance the paper.

Abstract: A pressure roller bar for ink recording devices is disclosed wherein the rollers are formed with ink absorbing surface portions. The roller may have a synthetic body with a circumferential recess receiving a replaceable felt ring which projects radially outwardly of remaining portions of the roller.

Abstract: An inking ribbon cartridge for printers having two rollers between which a flexible film ribbon is drivingly engaged. The rollers are provided on their outer faces with a friction material, with the hardness of the friction material on the roller in contact with the inked face of the ribbon being higher than that of the friction material in contact with the other face of the ribbon. The friction material may be formed by a synthetic material such that the ratio between the hardnesses of the friction materials on the two rollers is between a half and two-thirds. The friction material on each of the two rollers may be formed by a polychloroprene such that the Shore hardness of the friction material on the roller in contact with the inked face of the ribbon is between 60 and 110.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping the acoustical impact noise traveling along a length of paper as it passes through a printer including resilient urethane foam rollers in engagement with a large proportion of the width of the paper with a pressure damping roller depressing portions of the paper deeply into engagement with the resilient roller to enable the resilient roller to damp acoustical energy traveling along the length of the paper.

Abstract: This invention provides improved means for automatically retracting the styli away from the paper when the rotational speed of the rotor drops below a predetermined minimum level. Improved means also are provided for stably holding and accurately positioning the styli during printing. In addition, simple means are provided for adjusting the axial position of the styli to ensure proper character spacing. A snap-on housing protects the rotor and the retracted styli and allows the rotor and styli to be removed easily from the rotary printer as a single enclosed unit. An improved latch is provided for locking the rotor in one place on the drive shaft, but allowing the rotor to be removed relatively easily. The platen has a slight inclined area or ramp at the leading edge of the recording paper. The ramp smooths the travel of the styli on to the paper and increases the area of the paper which can be used for printing.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a mosaic printer, for example, of the needle print head type which comprises a stationary print head and means for feeding an article, for example a web of paper to be printed, in a direction orthogonal to a row of print devices of the head and in synchronism with operation of the print devices so that, by selective operation of the print devices, the article is provided by the print devices with a pattern which constitutes visual data.

Abstract: A transparent typewriter bail is described having a transparent bar and end support elements which seat on a typewriter platen and preserve the integrity of the shape of the transparent bar when it is installed in a typewriter. The end support elements may be in the form of rollers or adjustable elements with which one may vary the spacing between the platen and the transparent bar for optimum performance. Bowing and permanent set distortions of plastic transparent bars are effectively prevented to provide a transparent typewriter bail through which typed text can be read.