Abstract: A method of transferring processing parameters of a print medium includes the steps of reading values of processing parameters from a portable data carrier into a control unit of the processing machine or from a control unit of the processing machine into a portable data carrier and causing the portable data carrier, together with the pile of sheet-shaped copies of the print medium, to interact with the processing machine in such a way that an automated data transfer into the control unit or from the control unit of the processing machine can take place.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an RFID tag issuing apparatus includes a communication instructing unit, a search unit, and a misalignment amount detecting unit. The communication instructing unit instructs a reader-writer unit to communicate with the RFID tag at a reference position that is reached when the label is carried by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction after the specific position on the label is detected by a label position detecting unit. The search unit repeats a carrying of the label and a communication instruction to the reader-writer unit when communication cannot be established with the RFID tag, and thus searches for a communication-available range with the RFID tag. The misalignment amount detecting unit detects an amount of carrying of the label to reach the communication-available range from the reference position, as a misalignment amount of the RFID tag.

Abstract: Media rolls, support structures for the media rolls, and media processing systems are provided. A media roll may include an identification transponder having retrievable information regarding the media units and associated media unit transponders wound around a core of the media roll. A support structure may include a spindle for supporting a media roll and include an identification coupler for communicating with the identification transponder. In addition to the spindle having the identification coupler, the media processing systems may include a second coupler for encoding the media unit transponders and a printhead for printing indicia onto the media units. The information retrieved from the identification transponder may be used to adjust one or more encoding and/or printing settings of the systems.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a casing, a retaining frame, and a keyboard module. The casing is made from a metallic sheet and has upper and lower parts. The lower part is bent from front and rear ends of the upper part so as to define a gap between the upper and lower parts and two opposite side openings. The casing is formed with a central hole extending through the upper part and in spatial communication with the gap and the side openings. The retaining frame is received detachably in the gap of the casing, has a loop-shaped frame body disposed around the central hole of the casing, and is insertable through one of the side openings of the casing into the gap of the casing. The keyboard module is received in the central hole of the casing and engages the frame body of the retaining frame in a tongue-and-groove engaging manner.

Abstract: A bracket for a printer includes a frame with first and second side supports. A print area is defined in part by the side supports. A plurality of web support members laterally extends between the first and second side supports. The plurality of web support members include a top web support member disposed adjacent a top portion of the print area and a bottom web support member disposed adjacent a bottom portion of the print area. A printer support is configured for supporting a printer adjacent the print area. A window assembly is hingedly attached to the frame adjacent the print area. The window assembly includes a platen support member extending laterally between the first and second side supports. The window assembly is movable to provide access to the print area. At least one platen is disposed on the platen support member, the platen adapted for lateral positioning along the platen support member.

Abstract: A printer according to the present invention includes a sheet holder, a feed/print mechanism, an RFID reader/writer, and a flexible member including electrically conductive metal. The sheet holder holds a sheet of label paper wound into a roll. The sheet of label paper includes a mount and RFID labels stuck on the mount. Each of the labels includes an IC chip and an antenna connected to the chip. The feed/print mechanism for unwinds the held sheet of label paper, feeds the unwound sheet along the sheet path, and makes prints on the RFID labels of the sheet being fed. The RFID reader/writer writes information on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the sheet being fed along the sheet path. The flexible member extends over the antennas of the RFID labels of the held sheet of label paper and curves in contact with the outer periphery of the held sheet.

Abstract: The invention provides a connection structure installed in a data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus includes a keyboard and a base. The keyboard includes a bottom. The base includes a top plate. The connection structure connects the bottom and the top plate. The connection structure includes a mounted boss and a mounting hole. The mounted boss is disposed on the bottom of the keyboard. The mounted boss includes a groove. The mounting hole is disposed on the top plate of the base. The mounting hole includes a protrusion. When the bottom of the keyboard is assembled to the top of the base, the mounted boss would fit into the mounting hole, such that the protrusion is locked with the groove.

Abstract: A printer for printing character information on an optical disk using an ink cartridge. The printer comprises a printer cover for opening/closing a cartridge receiving section into which the ink cartridge will be loaded. When the ink cartridge is loaded into the cartridge receiving section, the cover is closed and then the optical disk is inserted into the printer. Then, printing is started. The cover is engaged with the printer body in a closed state. The cover is disengaged by operating an operation button. When the optical disk is inserted into the printer body, an inlet cover is pushed by the optical disk so as to be upstanding. This causes a lock member to protrude so as to engage with the operation button, thereby locking the operation button and hence rendering the cover unopenable.

Abstract: A modular printer having a media take-up assembly, a support block assembly, a printhead assembly, a stepper motor assembly and a display assembly is provided. A support housing having a plurality of recesses formed on an internal wall of the modular printer is also provided. Each of the recesses is configured to receive and align one of the modular printer assemblies with the other modular printer assemblies. Each of the assemblies is configured as a module which can be easily accessed and quickly secured to or detached from the support housing. The support housing is adapted to receive assembly modules for both thermal ink printers and ribbon ink printers such that the modular printer can be easily converted from one to the other.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus with a keyboard coupled to a cable, comprises a housing including a wall on which the keyboard is mounted, the wall including an opening, a circuit board which is accommodated inside the housing, and to which the cable is coupled through the opening, a sheet which is arranged between the wall and the keyboard, and which covers the opening, the sheet including a cable insertion portion through which the cable is inserted.

Abstract: A printing device (10) such as a laser printer includes a radio frequency controller (38) which permits the detection and redirection of media having one or more defective radio frequency device tags, such as an RFID tag, to a specific one of two or more output options (50, 52). The radio frequency controller (38) may include radio frequency control logic (500) that communicates with the base printer (10) and the output options (50, 52) over a down port (506) and up port (508) to intercept commands from the printer (10) to the options (50, 52) and to also respond to such commands. A defective tag can be detected by attempting to program a tag using an RF reader/programmer (504).

Abstract: A keyboard is disposed in a base having a first connecting member and includes a first keyboard body, a second keyboard body, a second connecting member and a connecting assembly. The second keyboard body is adjacent to the first keyboard body. The second connecting member disposed on the first keyboard body or the second keyboard body is to be connected to the first connecting member. The connecting assembly connecting the first keyboard body and the second keyboard body can adjust a distance between the first keyboard body and the second keyboard body. When the first keyboard body is distant from the second keyboard body, the second connecting member is connected to the first connecting member. An electronic device with the keyboard is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transfer pressure roll is characterized in that a cylindrical roll body and an elastic layer which coats the surface of the roll body and comes into contact with an image protection film at the pressurizing time are included, and the hardness of an elastic matter forming the elastic layer is HA 40 degrees or more by a measuring method specified by JIS-K6253.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard comprises a connection part, a top cover pivoted to the connection part, a first key assembly connected to the connection part and movable between a first position and a second position, and a second key assembly pivoted to the first key assembly. The first key assembly is located at the first position when the collapsible keyboard is in an operating mode, and the second key assembly is located between the first key assembly and the top cover and the first key assembly is located at the second position when the collapsible keyboard is in a collapsed mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective film for application to a card member and forming identification cards having protective films. The method of applying protection to a card member includes providing a protective film. The protective film includes a protective overlay and an ink-receptive material. The ink-receptive material includes an ink-receptive coating on a backing layer. The ink-receptive coating is bonded to the protective overlay. The method also includes removing the backing layer from the ink-receptive coating and laminating the ink-receptive coating to a surface of a card member.

Abstract: The image processing device (A) comprises an original-document platen roller (P1) that has a first driven gear (G1) and is for transporting an original document (D), a recording-paper platen roller (P2) that has a second driven gear (G2) and is for transporting recording paper (K), and a drive mechanism (2) that has a first movable gear (a1), a second movable gear (a2), and a drive source (M) and is for transmitting a drive force generated by this drive source (M) to the first driven gear (G1) and second driven gear (G2). First movable gear (a1) is provided so as to be capable of engaging directly with first driven gear (G1), and second movable gear (a2) is provided so as to be capable of engaging directly with second driven gear (G2).

Abstract: An ink image producing machine has (a) imaging devices, including at least one ink jet print head and an image receiving station for producing an ink image on a heated substrate; (b) a substrate handling assembly including holding devices for holding supplies of substrates, and transport feeding devices for transporting and feeding substrates in a substrate direction towards the image receiving station; (c) a first substrate heating assembly located upstream of the image receiving station for initially heating each substrate being fed and transported from the holding devices; and (d) a second substrate heating assembly located downstream of the first substrate heating assembly and upstream of said image receiving station, relative to the substrate feeding direction, for controllably re-heating each substrate, initially heated by the first substrate heating assembly, to a desired ink image receiving temperature.

Abstract: A keyboard support platform includes a lower plate and an upper plate connected thereto. A bladder is disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate. The bladder is inflatable and deflatable to pivot the upper plate with respect to the lower plate. The keyboard support platform can be attached to an articulated arm that extends from a desk. A keyboard, a mouse, or both can be placed on the support platform. While using the keyboard or mouse that is placed on the support platform, a user must follow the cyclical motion of the support platform. This slight motion causes the user's hands and wrists to move which reduces the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Abstract: An ink drying apparatus for an ink jet printer includes an internal heating apparatus. The heating apparatus comprises gas flow restrictors for air that enters the heating apparatus. The gas flow restrictors may be formed as dual horizontal slots which are sized to maintain a higher air pressure in the heating apparatus as compared to the air pressure in a region within the ink drying apparatus that is outside of the heating apparatus.

Abstract: An inkjet printer performing printing a print paper (3) by ejecting an UV-curing type ink to the print paper (3) through an inkjet print head (5) includes an ultraviolet irradiation device (A) having an ultraviolet light generation section (10) for generating ultraviolet light and optical fibers (11a, 11b) through which the ultraviolet light generated by the section (10) is guided to a position close to the inkjet print head (5). In the inkjet printer, ink ejection and ink curing are repeated in order to form a thick film, where the inkjet print head (5) performs the ink ejection for ejecting the UV-curing type ink to the print paper (3), and the ultraviolet irradiation device (A) performs the ink curing for curing the ink printed on the print paper (3) immediately following the ink ejection.

Abstract: A modular printer having a media take-up assembly module, a support block assembly module, a printhead assembly module, a stepper motor assembly module and a display assembly module is provided. A support body having a plurality of recesses formed on an internal wall of the modular printer is also provided. Each of the recesses is configured to receive and align one of the modular printer assemblies with the other modular printer assemblies. Each of the assemblies is configured as a module which can be easily accessed and quickly secured to or detached from the support body. The support body is adapted to receive assembly modules for both thermal ink printers and ribbon ink printers such that the modular printer can be easily converted from one to the other.

Abstract: In order to manufacture a discharging roller which discharges a recording medium from a recording apparatus, there are a first die formed with a first recess extending in an axial direction of a shaft portion of the discharging roller, and a second die formed with a second recess extending in the axial direction. The first die and the second die are combined such that the first recess and the second recess face to form a continuous cavity. Synthetic resin is injected into the cavity to mold a bore portion of the shaft portion.

Abstract: In order to manufacture a discharging roller which discharges a recording medium from a recording apparatus, there are a first die formed with a first recess extending in an axial direction of a shaft portion of the discharging roller, and a second die formed with a second recess extending in the axial direction. The first die and the second die are combined such that the first recess and the second recess face to form a continuous cavity. Synthetic resin is injected into the cavity to mold a bore portion of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A printer includes a roller assembly for feeding sheets of print media along a feed path. A print head is positioned downstream of the roller assembly for carrying out a printing operation on the sheets of print media. An adhesive application mechanism is positioned downstream of the print head and includes first and second aligned adhesive applicators that are positioned on opposite sides of the feed path and are configured to apply adhesive simultaneously to the sheets of media as the sheets pass between the applicators along the feed path, such that the sheets each have aligned strips of adhesive on respective sides. A support structure positioned downstream of the adhesive application mechanism defines a floor onto which sheets to be bound are conveyed and a wall that extends from the floor to define a stop for the sheets that are fed onto the floor.

Abstract: A machine with X-axis double speed mechanism includes two axles along which the work piece carrying assembly and the tool fixing assembly are respectively moved in parallel with each other. The work piece carrying assembly and the tool fixing assembly are moved relatively so as to double the relative speed and to shorten the length of the machine.

Abstract: There is provided a lock system for securing a printer door to prevent theft of an ink cartridge. The lock system comprises a lock housing that is attachable adjacent the printer door and which has a lateral aperture extending generally parallel thereto. The lock system further comprises a locking member disposed within the lateral aperture and which is slidable therealong between unlock and lock positions. Its locking portion becomes substantially retracted within the lateral aperture when in the unlock position. The locking portion becomes extended over the printer door when in the lock position to secure the same and prevent theft of the ink cartridge thereby.

Abstract: A cartridge identification system for identifying a characteristic of a cartridge inserted in a printer. The cartridge identification system comprises an identification circuit which is triggered by an electrical connection between a printed circuit board coupled to the cartridge and a plurality of spring contacts in a cartridge receptacle in the printer. An electrical logic signal is read by an internal processing unit, which determines a characteristic of the cartridge based on the logic signal.

Abstract: A device having a mechanical safety interlock is disclosed. The device has at least one moveable part contained in a housing. The moveable part is accessible through an opening in the housing. The device includes a cover for covering the opening. The mechanical safety interlock includes an actuator attached to the cover and a mechanical driver supported in the housing adjacent the moveable part. The driver is biased away from the moveable part to a disengaged position to interrupt transmission of mechanical movement from the driver to the moveable part. When the cover is brought to cover the opening, the actuator engages the driver to bring the driver to an engaged position to allow the moveable part to tap mechanical movement of the driver to thereby be driven.

Abstract: A charging contact plate is used for preventing a primary charge roller of a cartridge used in a printer from shifting in a longitudinal direction and for charging the primary charge roller. The charging contact plate includes a main plate, a semicircle plate and a contact portion. The main plate has an end fastened on the cartridge and connected with a power supply within the printer. The semicircle plate has an end disposed at another end of the main plate. And, the contact portion has an end disposed at another end of the semicircle plate and has another end contacting with the primary charge roller.

Abstract: A recording medium station 53 includes sheet set portions to which rolls of toner sheets 4′ with cover films 6 stuck thereto and rolls of image receiving sheets 2′ with cover films 6 stuck thereto are set, and cover film winding-up portions located close to the sheet set portions. Those sheet set portions and the cover film winding-up portions are disposed along the circumferential outer surface of the recording medium station 53. An end of the cover film 6 slightly stripped off the recording medium is fixed to the wind-up shafts 12, and the cover film 6 stripped off the recording medium set to the medium setting shafts 10 is wound up with a wind-up shaft 12. The stripped cover film 6 is wound up with the wind-up shafts 12.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus includes an ink jet printing unit for executing ink jet printing on a printing medium by use of an ink jet printing head, a heat application treatment unit arranged below the ink jet printing unit for executing heat treatment to a printing medium after the execution of ink jet printing in the ink jet printing unit, and a heat insulating member arranged between the ink jet printing unit and the heat application treatment unit. Thus, this apparatus is made capable of preventing heat generated by the heat application treatment unit from producing any unfavorable effect that may invite the degradation of printing quality if such heat is transferred to the various members in the apparatus, such as the ink jet printing unit, the printing medium storage unit, or to the bending portion of a printing medium between the ink jet printing unit and printing medium storage unit.

Abstract: A multiple key depressing device for depressing several spaced apart keys on a keyboard of a computer with one hand. The multiple key depressing device includes a support rod with opposite first and second ends, and a pair of spaced apart bends defining first, second, and third elongate portions. A handle designed for grasping by a hand of a user is upwardly extended from the support rod. A plurality of elongate legs downwardly depend from the support rod. Each leg has a lower end adapted for resting on a key of a keyboard of a computer.

Abstract: A tray for use with printer, copier, facsimile machine or any other device from which sheets of paper are expelled and which is arranged to be located on a support surface, e.g., a table, desk, etc., having an edge. The tray may be formed so that it is collapsible and arranged to be stored in a collapsed state in a flat container. Whether collapsible or not the tray is arranged to be releasably mounted on the support surface adjacent and completely below the device to collect the sheets of paper expelled from the device. The tray has a basket section, an anchor section, and an intermediate support section. The anchor section is arranged to be located on the support surface under the device so that the weight of the device holds it in place. The intermediate support section is hingedly connected to the anchor section and overhangs the edge of the support surface when the tray is in place.

Abstract: A tray for use with printer, copier, facsimile machine or any other device from which sheets of paper are expelled and which is arranged to be located on a support surface, e.g., a table, desk, etc., having an edge. The tray may be formed so that it is collapsible and arranged to be stored in a collapsed state in a flat container. Whether collapsible or not the tray is arranged to be releasably mounted on the support surface adjacent and completely below the device to collect the sheets of paper expelled from the device. The tray has a basket section, an anchor section, and an intermediate support section. The anchor section is arranged to be located on the support surface under the device so that the weight of the device holds it in place. The intermediate support section is hingedly connected to the anchor section and overhangs the edge of the support surface when the tray is in place.

Abstract: Document processing device, especially a document printer (10, 110), has a document issuing section which has a slit-like document issuing aperture (28) and a document support (16, 116) arranged downstream of the latter in the document issuing direction. There is arranged on the document support ( 16, 116), parallel to the document issuing aperture (28), a region (50, 150) which inhibits the sliding of a document and projects beyond at least parts (42, 142) of the document support (16, 116).

Abstract: An apparatus for the automatic adjustment of the inclination angle of a keyboard during use by an operator. The unit operates by a motorized camshaft raising and lowering the back end of a hinged platform that supports a computer keyboard or other input device. The rate of change of the inclination angle and the inclination height are adjustable by the operator. The apparatus is useful in the prevention or alleviation of the effects of repetitive motion disease or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge reloader apparatus which removes spent ribbon from a cartridge and inserts replacement ribbon into the cartridge. The ribbon cartridge reloader includes a discharge motor to pull spent ribbon from a cartridge, at least one infeed motor, interchangeable bits driven by the infeed motor, at least one clamp capable of releasably fastening a ribbon cartridge into the apparatus and urging an external ribbon advance knob of the ribbon cartridge against the interchangeable drive bits, a footage counter, a ribbon tensioner, and a sensor capable of disabling the apparatus when a pre-selected amount of replacement ribbon has been fed into the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing media jams from a printer throat in a printer in its preferred form is a sheet of flexible material having two linear arrays of spaced pin apertures aligned along opposing sides thereof. The pin apertures are sufficiently spaced to align and mate with pins of a pin drive mechanism of a media feed system. The media feed system advances the apparatus through the printer throat to remove any pieces of media or other debris lodged therein. The sheet of flexible material has a thickness which is at least 50% of the thickness of the printer throat and a compressive strength greater than that of the media or debris lodged in the printer throat. The apparatus provides an efficient, inexpensive, and effective way to remove media jams from a printer. A method for removing media jams using this apparatus is also discussed.

Abstract: An automatic switch actuator is disclosed which may be used to test press-to-actuate type switches--for example, the key actuated switches of a computer keyboard. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a system of electrically operated valves are used to apply four different fluid pressures to selected pistons of an array of pneumatic cylinders. Each cylinder is mechanically connected to a plunger which is oriented so as to contact a selected key in an array of keys (i.e., a keyboard).

Abstract: The invention is an accouterment tray which clamps securely to the edge of a keyboard to make a combined rigid and portable unit. The tray has a flat tray-wing portion connected to a support portion which extends under the keyboard. A clamp, connected to the support portion, securely attaches the tray to the keyboard. Optionally, the tray has vertical retaining walls, and two J-shaped clamps which make the clamping system adaptable to most keyboards.

Abstract: A serial printer includes a print head movable along a print line of a recording sheet. A flexible carrier cable is attached to the print head for supplying a drive signal thereto. One end of the carrier cable is fixed to the movable print head, but its longitudinally intermediate portion is free, and bent to form a C-shape which follows the movement of the print head. The carrier cable includes a magnetic material, and a magnetic plate is provided at a position opposing the lower part of the C-shaped carrier cable to attract and hold the lower part of the carrier cable, whereby the vibration caused in the carrier cable by the movement of the print head is reduced.

Abstract: Non-adhesive label dispensing carton for providing a roll of perforated first-label-useful typewriter spaced labels from a rolled-up form from around a core in the carton, and wherein said carton is removably anchorable to the typewriter casing top.

Abstract: A cooling fan control device for regulating the speed of a fan cooling a printing device. The control includes apparatus for determining whether a printing head and a paper feeder are to be driven, and when at least one of the printing head or paper feeder is to be driven, the cooling fan is driven at a high speed, while when neither the printing head nor the paper feeder is to be driven, the cooling fan is driven at a low speed. In a further aspect, the printing device sequentially adds the number of dots printed to a value previously stored in a memory and a subtracting device subtracts a predetermined value from the dot number newly stored in the memory every predetermined time.

Abstract: A conical vent (14) for a cartridge (10) is located on an inner surface (20) of the cartridge. The conical vent includes a conical-shaped member (26) having a base (28) and an apex (30). An opening (32) extends through the center of the conical-shaped member (26) to provide an air passage for a cartridge (10). The opening (32) is adapted to create a capillary force on a small amount of liquid (59) that might enter the opening to prevent any remaining liquid from leaking through the opening. The vent also includes a groove or capillary trap (34) that encircles the base of the conical-shaped member. Also, a pair of upright walls (36) and (38) surround the conical-shaped member and cooperate with the capillary trap to divert liquid to the base of the conical-shaped member and away from its apex.

Abstract: A keybaord which is capable of varying the pressure required for the keystroke is provided and comprises an inflatable arrangement being a variable pressure bladder which fits over the keyboard between the base plate and the keys. The operator may vary the pressure delivered to the system as desired and may also preset a cycle of time intervals with pressure "on" and pressure "off". Alternatively, the pressure supply may be linked to a number of keyboards and a programmed variable pressure cycle will be delivered to all the keyboards.

Abstract: A control processing method and apparatus for dot matrix printers which are ubjected to relatively high levels of vibration and shock. Vibration and shock are detected and, in the event that a known safe vibration or shock level is exceeded, print line data being fed alternately to the print head from a pair of data print buffers coupled to the output of a logic data input buffer are inhibited while the input buffer temporarily stores the incoming data. Drive pulses applied to the stepper motor used to move the print head carriage are simultaneously stopped. When the detected level falls below a set threshold indicative of a safe operating level, normal operation is resumed with the print data again being fed from the input buffer to the print line buffers which are reactivated along with the carriage stepper motor.

Abstract: Described is a controlled device such as a printer device, comprising an electrically operated mechanism such as a moveable print head, a scanner for sensing indicia of alignment of the electrically operated mechanism, and an electrical conductor to carry signals by which the mechanism is operated. The electrical conductor is employed to provide the indicia of alignment to be read by the scanner. Included is a description of an electrical conductor which comprises parallel conductive runs made of copper which are spaced apart and supported by a transparent electrically insulative plastic material, thus forming a timing strip on which positional indicia are defined by optical contrast between the runs and the insulative plastic material.

Abstract: For use in a printing machine, such as an office typewriter, employing a replaceable printing head to be mounted on a carriage, there is provided a printing head fastening arrangement for releasably clamping the printing head to the carriage and permitting adjustable spacing of the printing head relative to the cooperating print support for containing the recording medium. The inventive arrangement enables the fastening and adjustment function to be integrated such that both functions can be carried out in one step. To this end, a rotatable pin is disposed upstanding from the carriage and provided with an operating element, which is resiliently seated relative to the printing head, for selectively engaging against a support surface formed on the printing head to clamp the printing head against the carriage.

Abstract: A line printer is provided with at least one cross flow fan positioned above the hammer actuators for directing an air flow across the actuators for cooling the same. The exiting heated air is ventilated to the outside and may pass through sound absorbers or mufflers in order to achieve quiet operation.