Abstract: An apparatus and system including: a top cap comprising a press button; a pump actuator partially disposed in the top cap, where a depression of the press button actuates the pump actuator; a front plate comprising a nozzle opening disposed proximate a first end of the front plate, where the front plate is attached to the top cap; a front nozzle attached to the pump actuator and disposed through the nozzle opening in the front plate; an indentation on a top surface of the front plate, where the front nozzle is angled to disperse a liquid onto the indentation; and a bottle attached to the pump actuator, wherein the bottle is configured to contain the liquid.

Abstract: A printer includes, a printing portion configured to print on a print medium, a ribbon supply shaft configured to hold an ink ribbon to be supplied to the printing portion, a ribbon roll up shaft configured to roll up the ink ribbon used in the printing portion, a partition member provided swingably, the partition member partitioning the ink ribbon and the print medium; and a ribbon supply shaft lock mechanism configured to regulate rotation of the ribbon supply shaft, wherein the ribbon supply shaft lock mechanism is switched between a lock state where the rotation of the ribbon supply shaft is regulated and a non-lock state where the rotation of the ribbon supply shaft is permitted in conjunction with swing actions of the partition member.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for providing a service station interface. Some embodiments of a system include a service station for receiving a handheld jet dispensing apparatus in a service compartment of the service station and a memory component. The memory component may store logic that, when executed by a processor, causes the system to determine if a maintenance function is to be implemented on the handheld jet dispensing apparatus, in response to determining that the maintenance function is to be implemented, determine if the service station is closed, and if the service station is closed, engage an interface function of the service station during the maintenance function, wherein the interface function is related to accessing the service compartment. In some embodiments, the logic causes the system to determine that the maintenance function has ended and, in response to determining that the maintenance function has ended, disengage the interface function.

Abstract: A printing unit, comprising: a main body frame; a platen roller removably mounted on the main body frame; a lock mechanism supported on the main body frame so as to be pivotable between a locking position where the platen roller is held on the main body frame in a rotatable manner and an unlocking position where the platen roller is detachable from the main body frame; a thermal head held in press contact with an outer peripheral surface of the platen roller; a pivot shaft provided to one of the main body frame and the lock mechanism and inserted through shaft holes formed in another of the main body frame and the lock mechanism, the pivot shaft being configured to pivot the lock mechanism relative to the main body frame about the pivot shaft; and biasing members configured to bias the lock mechanism toward the locking position and bring the pivot shaft and opening edges of the shaft holes into abutment against each other.

Abstract: A heat source opening and closing mechanism, around a rotation shaft of which a plurality of spring members are wound, is opened and closed an outside unit including a first heating member and a second press roller against an inside unit including a second heating member and a first press roller. The heat source opening and closing mechanism is opened and closed among a closed position where the first press roller faces to the first heating member and the second press roller faces to the second heating member, a first open state in which the load by the outside unit is commensurate with a first elastic force of the spring member, and a second open state in which an opening angle is larger than that in the first open state.

Abstract: A label printer comprising a cassette-receiving bay, the cassette-receiving bay having a base, a top opening opposite the base, and a locking mechanism extending from said base, the locking mechanism having a locking part, the locking part being movable in a first direction and biased in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the locking part having one or more projections such that a force thereon directed towards the base causes the locking part to move in the first direction and wherein said locking part is biased to move in the second direction when the force is removed.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

Abstract: A print system includes a paper feed device; a print device which has a platen roller and a print head and inserts the fed paper and an ink ribbon at a head position between the platen roller and the print head to perform printing; a disjunction device which relatively moves the platen roller with respect to the print head between a contact position where the platen roller contacts and a separation position where the platen roller is away therefrom; a non-print section acquiring device which acquires non-print section data of a character image in a feed direction of the paper from print data; and a print control device which controls the devices. The print control device relatively moves the platen roller to the separation position during a non-print section of the fed paper passes through the print head, based on the non-print section data.

Abstract: This is disclosed a portable printer that is easy to load with an ink ribbon cartridge and record members web supplies, that is simple, has relatively few parts, is lightweight and has a small footprint.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a main body, a bottom plate, and a circuit board. The main body includes a top plate, a bottom plate opposite to the top plate, and a plurality of keys secured to the top plate. The bottom cover is secured to the bottom plate and includes a mounting portion. The mounting portion defines an installation opening. The circuit board is secured to the bottom plate and extends out of the installation opening. A gap is defined between each adjacent two keys. The bottom plate defines a plate opening corresponding to each key. The mounting portion abuts the bottom cover. A receiving space is defined between the bottom cover and the bottom plate. The bottom cover defines a cutout communicating with the receiving space. The gap, the plate opening, the receiving space, and the cutout corporately define a water path.

Abstract: A printer includes a rocking member with a rotary shaft and a bearing portion for axially supporting a platen roller, and a latch member having a protrusion. The latch member is rotatably connected to the rotary shaft portion of the rocking member so as to be rotatable about a rotary axis that is non-coaxial with and parallel to a platen axis. The rotary shaft portion of the rocking member projects along the rotary axis from an inner side surface of the rocking member. A stationary frame supports a recording head and includes a first recess into which the bearing portion of the rocking member is disengageably fitted and a second recess into which the protrusion of the latch member is disengageably fitted after the bearing portion is fitted in the first recess.

Abstract: A thermal printer in which an upper lid portion and a printing unit can be opened off a main body of the printer by a single operation and the upper lid portion is not closed even when a closing direction force is exerted on the printing unit during ink ribbon replacement. The upper lid portion has a stopper 34 that supports an upper lid portion 30 in a predetermined rotative position relative to a main body 20 and releases support of the upper lid portion 30 when the upper lid portion 30 is closed. A unit stopper 44 supports a printing unit 40 relative to the main body 20 at a smaller rotation angle than the upper lid portion 30 and releases support of the printing unit 40 when the printing unit 40 is closed. A connecting member 35 connects the upper lid portion 30 and the printing unit 40 in a fitted state where the printing unit 40 is fitted to the upper lid portion 30.

Abstract: A label printer comprising a cassette-receiving bay, said cassette-receiving bay having a base, a top opening opposite the base, and a locking mechanism extending from said base, said locking mechanism having a locking part, said locking part being movable in a first direction and biased in a second direction opposite to said first direction, said locking part having one or more projections such that a force thereon directed towards said base causes the locking part to move in the first direction and wherein said locking part is biased to move in said second direction when the force is removed.

Abstract: A compact printer having improved operational features. The printer includes an articulating print frame assembly coupled to a top cover that is adapted to rotate out of the top cover to an open position and to rotate into the top cover to a closed position. When the print frame is in an open position, the top cover is prevented from rotating toward the bottom housing to a closed position. The print frame includes a media guide bar that facilitates loading of ribbon and media. The disclosed printer also includes a fixed or adjustable media sensor, and is configurable to accommodate an internal supply of web (roll) media or an external supply of fanfold media. a bottom housing having a top cover coupled thereto.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

Abstract: A printer having one roller of a transportation roller pair attached to cover renders the mechanism pressing the transportation roller pair together and the damping mechanism used when opening the cover using few parts, compactly, and at low cost. A damper spring 27 prevents the cover unit 3 of the printer 1 from opening suddenly and forcefully. A roller support lever 38 having the first follower roller 33b disposed to the distal end thereof is attached rotatably and movably to the cover unit 3. The roller support lever 38 is urged by the damper spring 27, and the first follower roller 33b on the distal end thereof is pressed to the first transportation roller 33a on the printer frame 11 side. The damper spring 27 functions as the damping mechanism when the cover unit 3 opens, and as the pressure mechanism of the first transportation roller pair 33 when the cover unit 3 is closed.

Abstract: A printer having an opening/closing cover for providing access to a roll paper compartment, a peeler mechanism for peeling printed labels from a web and for dispensing the peeled printed labels from the printer and an opening and closing mechanism 50 which locks and unlocks the cover and a peeler unit 10 of the peeler mechanism in response to the manual operation of a manual operating member such as a release button 17 with a single easy operation. When the release button 17 is depressed into a first operating position 17B, a lock lever 52 of the opening/closing mechanism 50 slides from a locked position 52A to a released position 52B to disengage the lock lever 52 thus unlocking the opening/closing cover 9. At the same time, the sliding lock lever 52 pushes engaging claws 74a, 73a that lock or unlocks the peeler unit 10.

Abstract: Provided is a printer in which attachment and detachment manipulation of a platen roller can be easily performed, in which the platen roller can be retained with high reliability at a time of attachment, and in which downsizing of the entire printer is achieved due to use of the platen roller smaller in diameter.

Abstract: A printer comprises: a printer body (1), a top cover (2) hinged to the rear portion of the printer body, and a cover-opening member (3). An opening (21) is formed in the middle of the upper wall of the top cover. The lower end of the cover-opening member (3) is passed through the opening (21) and engaged with the printer body (1). The middle of the cover-opening member (3) is hinged to the top cover (2). The lower end of the cover-opening member can be engaged with or disengaged from the printer body (1) as long as a user rotates the cover-opening member upward. The printer has a simple construct, and the user can open the top cover in a single operation.

Abstract: A label printing apparatus, comprising a cassette-receiving bay adapted to receive a cassette, said cassette-receiving bay having a base, an opening opposite the base, and side walls extending between the base and the opening; a cassette locking mechanism comprising at least one locking element having a locking position for engagement with a cassette inserted into said cassette-receiving bay; and cassette detection means operable to determine whether said at least one locking element is engaged with a cassette inserted into the cassette-receiving bay.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

Abstract: A multi-function printer is provided. A trigger piece is fixed to the first module and stretched into a second module. A wedging piece is disposed in the second module and protruded from the second module. An actuating piece and a join piece are disposed in the second module. The actuating piece has a first end connected to the actuating piece and a second end positioned close to the trigger piece. When the three modules are stacked together, the trigger piece goes against the wedging piece and the actuating piece goes against a third module. When the first module is rotated, the trigger piece is separated from the wedging piece such that the wedging piece can be wedge with the third module. When the second module is rotated, the actuating piece drives the joint piece to wedge with the trigger piece.

Abstract: An image forming device includes: a main body; a plurality of image forming units; a holding unit; and an engagement mechanism. Each of the plurality of image forming units has a developing portion. The holding unit holds the plurality of image forming units. The plurality of image forming units are aligned in the holding unit in a predetermined drawing direction. The holding unit is configured so as to be drawn out in the predetermined drawing direction from a storage position where the holding unit is stored in the main body. The holding unit sequentially reaches a plurality of different drawing positions while moving in the predetermined drawing direction. The plurality of image forming units are sequentially exposed to the outside while the holding unit sequentially reaches the plurality of drawing positions. The engagement mechanism is configured to engage the holding unit with the main body when the holding unit reaches each of the plurality of drawing positions.

Abstract: A printer having an opening/closing cover for providing access to a roll paper compartment, a peeler mechanism for peeling printed labels from a web and for dispensing the peeled printed labels from the printer and an opening and closing mechanism 50 which locks and unlocks the cover and a peeler unit 10 of the peeler mechanism in response to the manual operation of a manual operating member such as a release button 17 with a single easy operation. When the release button 17 is depressed into a first operating position 17B, a lock lever 52 of the opening/closing mechanism 50 slides from a locked position 52A to a released position 52B to disengage the lock lever 52 thus unlocking the opening/closing cover 9. At the same time, the sliding lock lever 52 pushes engaging claws 74a, 73a that lock or unlocks the peeler unit 10.

Abstract: In a sheet bundle printing system, a sheet is fed by peeling an uppermost sheet from a sheet bundle. A printing device has a printing head and a platen roller for printing on the sheet. An ink ribbon is fed through space between the printing head and the platen roller in parallel with the sheet at the time of printing thereon. The platen roller is moved back and forth relative to the printing head between a printing position in which the platen roller is urged into contact with the printing head and a contact-free position in which the platen roller is out of contact with the printing head. Ink-ribbon feeding is suspended in a manner interlocked with the relative movement of the printing head and the platen roller between the printing position and the contact-free position.

Abstract: A printer having an opening/closing cover for providing access to a roll paper compartment, a peeler mechanism for peeling printed labels from a web and for dispensing the peeled printed labels from the printer and an opening and closing mechanism 50 which locks and unlocks the cover and a peeler unit 10 of the peeler mechanism in response to the manual operation of a manual operating member such as a release button 17 with a single easy operation. When the release button 17 is depressed into a first operating position 17B, a lock lever 52 of the opening/closing mechanism 50 slides from a locked position 52A to a released position 52B to disengage the lock lever 52 thus unlocking the opening/closing cover 9. At the same time, the sliding lock lever 52 pushes engaging claws 74a, 73a that lock or unlocks the peeler unit 10.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a unit which can be inserted into the apparatus main body, a locking device which locks the unit to the apparatus main body when the unit is in a predetermined inserted state in the apparatus main body, and a protrusion member which protrudes from an outer surface of the unit or from an outer surface of the apparatus main body in a state in which the unit is inserted into the apparatus main body but not locked to the apparatus main body by the locking device.

Abstract: The mechanism for opening and closing an operating cover of a printer having a discharge guide that remains in the same posture while moving in conjunction with opening and closing the operating cover prevents the gap between the discharge guide and the cover case of the operating cover from widening when the operating cover opens and closes. In a roll paper printer 1, the top end part 32a of the cover case 32 of an operating cover 3 is pivotably attached on the side of the discharge guide 5, which remains in the same posture while moving in conjunction with the cover 3 opening and closing. So that the cover case 32 does not separate from the cover frame 31 when the cover 3 opens and closes, a torsion spring 37 constantly urges the cover case 32 to open and close in unison with the cover frame 31 through an intervening connector arm 34.

Abstract: A tape printer capable of separating a print head and a platen when the print head and the platen adhere to each other while the tape printer is stored with a tape cassette uninstalled, keeping a holding member at a pressing position. A cassette cover has a pressing cam part which comes into contact with a roller holder to press the roller holder to a pressing position in a closed state of the cassette cover, and a withdrawing cam part which presses a withdrawing cam receiver to return the roller holder to a withdrawing position in the process of shifting from the closed state to an opened state of the cassette cover. Accordingly, the withdrawing cam part forces the withdrawing cam receiver provided in the roller holder, so that the thermal head and the platen roller which have adhered to each other can be surely separated even after the tape printer is stored for a long period with the tape cassette uninstalled, keeping the roller holder at the pressing position.

Abstract: An adjustable wearable ergonomic split keyboard and mouse data input device is provided that includes two hand modules. Data and command input keys are provided in each module and arranged on fingerlike components which are attached to a palm support structure . Each key mounted on top of a fingerlike component is generally adjustable to the operator's wish and may be locked at a preferred position. A thumb section, located adjacent to the operator forefinger position, comprises a thumb support structure, a pointing device and a relatively flat area which may include the spacebar key or a group of command keys. The palm support is shaped with angles and curves which provide counter pressure points to the palm. Straps and arm support components are optionally attached to the keyboards for wearability.

Abstract: A printing mechanism requires ribbon spools to be locked in place radially, and includes a pivoting ribbon tension arm that must be pivoted out of its normal operating position when ribbon is to be replaced. A ribbon spool lock assembly includes a rotating locking hub on the side of the printing mechanism. The rotating locking hub includes a locking feature that protrudes into the printing mechanism to radially lock the ribbon spool when the locking hub is in a locked position. A pivoting lock arm is provided for pivoting the locking hub into an unlocked position in which the locking feature is disengaged from the ribbon spool.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a chassis; a print head unit pivotably supported by the chassis; a platen roller rotatably supported by the chassis to perform printing with the print head unit; a metal feed roller rotatably supported by the chassis to convey paper; a metal press roller rotatably supported to the chassis so as to be pressed against the feed roller to convey paper; and feed roller bearings mounted to the chassis for rotatably supporting the feed roller. The feed roller bearings have contact parts that project toward the print head unit, such that the contact parts are pressed into contact with the print head unit when the print head unit is pressed against the platen roller during printing. The precision with which paper is fed and printing is performed can be improved.

Abstract: A method of opening a security housing that requires authorization and unlocking moves the printing module transversely by a transverse mover into an additional unlocked position, as a result of which, the security housing or an access thereto is unlocked. The configuration has a mechanical locking or element and a printing module. The printing module is mounted such that it can be moved transversely to the transporting direction, for mechanically releasing the lock of a security-housing part directly or indirectly, by the security-housing part only being released once an additional security-housing part has been unlocked. The latter has a locking element that is disposed in the interior of the security housing and can be actuated by the printing module.

Abstract: A locking/unlocking mechanism for an operable cover of a body such as a printer to lock and unlock the body with a single operation and to a printer having an operable cover and a locking/unlocking mechanism for the operable cover. The operable cover is locked when a cover side engaging part in the cover engages a body-side engaging part in the body. The printer has a cover opening button 10 which is depressed to a first operating position 10B, causing a locking lever 14 in the locking/unlocking mechanism 11 to slide from a locked position 14A to an unlocked position 14B. The locking lever has an engaging channel 15 which releases the cover-side engaging part 12 of the operable cover 4, thereby disengaging the operable cover 4 but not opening it.

Abstract: When a cover body at a closing position is pulled up with respect to a main body, then a lock lever attached to the cover body abuts against a hook body of the main body, regulating a rattle of the cover body with respect to the main body. When a user lifts up a multi-function peripheral device by grabbing the lock lever, the lock lever comes into engagement with the hook body, thereby preventing the lock lever from opening.

Abstract: A method of opening a security housing that requires authorization and unlocking moves the printing module transversely by a transverse mover into an additional unlocked position, as a result of which, the security housing or an access thereto is unlocked. The configuration has a mechanical locking or element and a printing module. The printing module is mounted such that it can be moved transversely to the transporting direction, for mechanically releasing the lock of a security-housing part directly or indirectly, by the security-housing part only being released once an additional security-housing part has been unlocked. The latter has a locking element that is disposed in the interior of the security housing and can be actuated by the printing module.

Abstract: A printer with a cutter device is provided with a lid which is open when a paper-feeding magazine is taken out. A receiver for receiving paper dust is disposed next to the lid. The lid and the receiver respectively have an engaging plate and an engaged plate for engaging with each other. If the lid is open when exchanging a recording paper, the engaging plate pushes the engaged plate in association with the operation to open of the lid. Thereby, the receiver is pulled out in a removing direction where the paper-feeding magazine is removed, and then a part of a containing chamber for accumulating the paper dust is exposed. If the containing chamber is full of the paper dust, the paper dust is discarded after the receiver has been completely removed.

Abstract: An identification card printer or laminator system includes a card transport mechanism configured to transport a card along a path, a printer or lamination mechanism configured to print or laminate the card, a print or lamination consumable supply, and a controller. The printer or lamination consumable supply includes a tag circuit that contains supply data including a tag security code. The controller is configured for communication with the tag circuit and is further configured to allow operation of the printer or laminator system with the consumable supply when the tag security code is valid, and to prevent operation of the printer or laminator system with the consumable supply when the tag security code is invalid.

Abstract: An ink jet printer including a print carriage and a latching assembly for latching print cartridges in the print carriage. The print cartridge includes a latch feature on a top wall of the cartridge body, and the latching assembly includes a latch arm hingeably attached to a cartridge receiving chute of the print carriage, a clamp structure supported by the latch arm for applying a first clamp force and a second clamp force to the cartridge latch feature generally along respective orthogonal axes and independently of each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine (1) for printing a substrate (5) taken from a supply (50), including a frame (2), a cover (3) movable relative to the frame, said frame (2) receiving the supply, and means (4) for printing the substrate (5) including in particular a print roller (6) and a print head, a machine, characterized in that it also includes a latch (9) articulated relative to the frame (2) allowing the cover to be unlocked relative to the frame.

Abstract: A printer mechanism having a receptacle for receiving a printer cartridge therein. A print head is disposed in the receptacle, and a platen roller is rotatable about a roller axis. The platen roller is movable between a printing position in close proximity to the print head for urging labeling media and ink ribbon toward the print head and a nonprinting position in which the roller platen is spaced a distance from said print head to allow the labeling media and ink ribbon to be slipped therebetween. A platen roller gear is coaxial with said platen roller, and is engaged with a drive gear when the platen roller is in the printing position and disengaged from the platen roller gear when the platen roller is in the nonprinting position. A lever is linked to the platen roller, and is movable between a lock position and an unlock position.

Abstract: The present invention automatically returns a movable cutter to its home position if the recording paper jams during cutting to cut and remove the jammed part of the recording paper. The shifting of a movable cutter away from its home position by the revolution of a drive motor causes the movable cutter to cut recording paper and, after cutting the recording paper, the return of the movable cutter to its home position causes a swinging board to be released from restraint by a locking member to enable the swinging board to swing again and the rotation of a drive gear previously transmitted to a spiral shaft to be transmitted to a recording paper feed roller.

Abstract: An easily transportable ink jet printer apparatus provides a chassis that includes an ink jet print head having nozzles for dispensing ink, the print head being movably mounted to the chassis along the travel path. The chassis also includes a paper output tray movably mounted to the chassis between printing and carrying positions. The print head has a parked position at a selected position along the travel path when not printing in which the nozzles are capped to prevent clogging of the nozzles by dried ink. A locking member is movably mounted to the chassis between carrying and printing positions. The locking member holds the print head in the parked position when moved into the carrying position. The locking member can also be used to lock other components such as paper storage tray, paper exit tray, and cover. The locking member can be a handle with a gripping surface thereon, enabling a user to grasp and lift the handle to a transport position that secures a component or components of the printer (e.g.

Abstract: A ribbon mechanism mounted in the lid of a printer includes a ribbon carriage pivotally coupled to the lid for folding out of the lid by virtue of its mass when the lid is open and for folding in the lid as the lid is closed. A gear train is mounted on the ribbon carriage for driving the ribbon take up core. A thermal printhead is resiliently mounted in the ribbon carriage and automatically aligned against the platen with alignment tabs. The ribbon carriage is movably linked to a printer hinge by way of a linkage having an elongated slot at one end for slidably engaging an integral ribbon carriage post and with an aperture at the other end for pivotally mating with a lever arm provided on the printer hinge. The ribbon carriage post slides linearly inside the linkage slot between maximum “down”/maximum “up” positions at each end of the linkage slot, respectively.

Abstract: A clamshell device for printers is disclosed. This clamshell device has a main body including a paper roll seat opening used for installing a paper roll therein, with an inclined guide surface formed at the upper edge of each sideall defining the paper roll seat opening. A roller frame is hinged to the main body, and is used for selectively closing the paper roll seat opening. This roller frame has a rubber roller coming into compression contact with a holding roller of the main body so as to compress paper passing through the nip of the two rollers. A locking post is movably set within two longitudinal slits of the roller frame at opposite ends thereof, and is movable along the guide surfaces of the main body while being changed in its position within the longitudinal slits during a rotation of the roller frame relative to the main body.

Abstract: A recording apparatus provided with a covering member which can be attached to or removed from a main assembly of the apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying recording material; a recording device for carrying out a recording operation while moving along a surface of the recording material; and a movement prevention device for regulating movement of the recording device, depending on an open or closed state of the covering member; wherein the movement prevention device confines the movement of the recording device when the covering member is open, and releases the recording device from the confining action of the movement prevention device when the covering member is closed. Further, a preventing mechanism prevents opening of an opening mechanism which opens a nip in the conveying mechanism when the recording device is out of a recording region.

Abstract: On printer (20), tape cartridge (4) is detachable relative to mounting unit (5). Mounting unit (5) is covered by cover (22). When cover (22) is closed, its protrusion (51) rotates rotary component (54), and its operating edge (54b) moves moving component (55). When operating edge (54b) moves over the top edge of surface A of guiding surface (55a) of the moving component, the cover is completely closed. Subsequently, rotary component (54) is guided to surface B, where it is held in a coupled state. In conjunction with moving component (55), head carrier component (59) rotates, and head (6) located at the tip of the head carrier component becomes fixed at the print position. In the condition in which a print position is formed, rotary component (54) is off from protrusion (51) of the cover. Therefore, no load acts from the side of head (6) onto the side of cover (22).

Abstract: A portable printer comprising a door pivotally coupled to a main body of the portable printer at a back end, a printing medium roller support rotatably mounted on the door of the portable printer, a platen rotatably positioned at a front end of the door, a door locking mechanism having a pair of door locking latches respectively positioned at opposite ends of the platen, a roller movably and rotatably coupled to the door locking mechanism and positioned parallel to the platen, a pair of levers movably coupled to the door locking mechanism for pressing the roller against the platen when the door is closed to the main body, a support frame positioned within the main body, a print head pivotally coupled to the support frame, a pair of coil springs coupled between the print head and the support frame such that the print head is essentially floating against the support frame, a body locking mechanism having a pair of body locking latches for latching with respective door locking latches, a gear system coupled to t