Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.

Abstract: There is described a roller assembly which may be utilized in a linear or serial printer. The roller assembly includes a platen roller including a central axle being exposed at opposing ends of the roller and a frame for mounting the platen at both exposed axle ends.

Abstract: Printer defining a reduced exterior envelope and method of providing same. The printer comprises a housing having a top wall. The printer also has a front side wall with an aperture for receiving a dye-carrying cartridge therethrough. A printhead is disposed in the housing. A movable platen is disposed in the housing in a first position spaced-apart from the printhead and a movable arm attached to the platen and engageable with the cartridge as the cartridge is received through the aperture. The arm moves from a first location to a second location thereof as the arm engages the cartridge and the platen moves from the first position to a second position thereof adjacent the printhead as the arm moves from the first location to the second location. In this manner, the printer defines a reduced exterior envelope because the cartridge is loaded through the aperture in the front sidewall rather through the top wall of the printer.

Abstract: A lightweight collapsible printer case for use with portable computers having two telescoping case sections, the case containing a series of telescoping roller shafts, a metal tape platen and carriage tracks which are housed within a tape reel, and a reel mechanism for coiling a carriage positioning cable. The collapsible printer case can be expanded from a collapsed travel/storage mode to an operational mode. In the operational mode the printer can print characters or graphics onto a standard 8.5" width sheet of paper or other media.