Abstract: A method of performing error notification and error recovery functions in an image forming apparatus includes detecting by one or more sub-processors an error of a main processor for controlling the sub-processors; controlling an interface function of the image forming apparatus if the error is detected; outputting information about the detected error; and recovering the detected error by controlling an operation of the main processor.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a well-being of a small child or baby utilizes at least one TV camera positioned to observe one or more points on the child or an object associated with the child. Signals from the TV camera are outputted to a computer, which analyzes the output signals to determine a position or movement of the child or child associated object. The determined position or movement is then compared to preprogrammed criteria in the computer to determine a correlation or importance, and thereby to provide data to the child.

Abstract: A terminal unit comprising a base unit, in turn including a main body and a scanning device located in front of the main body, and a printing unit, distinct from the base unit, in which the scanning device has a width greater than that of the main body so that it has a lateral portion protruding from the latter, and also in which the base unit has a seat, defined by one edge of the main body and by the protruding portion of the scanning device, so as to removably accommodate the printing unit beside the base unit and behind the scanning device. The terminal unit, in the configuration with base unit and printer side by side, presents a clearance in the transverse direction that is significantly lower than the sum of the transverse clearances of the scanning device and of the printer, and in particular is within preestablished limits, so that the terminal unit can be used to advantage to replace existing terminals quickly and easily.

Abstract: A print or logo data generating system and method in which a width dimension of a printable medium is identified and original source data obtained. The processing further involves automatically resizing the source data to a predefined maximum width not greater than the width dimension of the printable medium prior to executing any user-requested changes, and displaying a first image representation of the original source data. Upon receipt of a user-requested change in the size of the original source data and a user-requested change in the number of colors of the original source data, the size change request is executed first.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a printing control method and a printing controller which are capable of performing high-quality printing in a short period of time, and which are capable of reducing human error. To achieve this end, the printing control method is used to control a printing system, which is equipped with a server to store printing data which contains platemaking data and related information, a printing machine equipped with a plurality of printing presses, a terminal unit for acquiring the printing image data and outputting command information to the printing machine, detectors for detecting a state of a printed page, and controllers for controlling the printing presses based on the printing data and detection information.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for moving a cover. The apparatus includes a base. The apparatus also includes a cover pivotably coupled to the base. The apparatus also includes a set of flexible bands. A first end of each of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the cover. A second end of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the base. The set of flexible bands are adapted to bias the cover into an open position. When the cover is opened by a user, the set of helical springs are elongated when the cover is forced beyond its open position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer having a print head and a high frequency magnetic coupler to magnetically couple with high frequency RFID transponders in a web at or near the print head. The coupler couples magnetically to only one transponder at a time that is generally aligned with one or more inductors, and magnetic radiation from the inductor(s) may be at least partly shielded from upstream transponders, and a grounded conductor in the upstream side of the coupler diminishes radiation to upstream transponders. One embodiment includes spaced inductors disposed along a generally transverse line across the web, and in another embodiment an elongate inductor extends along a line generally transverse of the web.

Abstract: A computer monitor is provided having a flat panel display for displaying images and a printhead disposed adjacent a lower portion of the computer monitor. The monitor is configured such that print media to be printed is fed manually into a feed path that directs the print media from a region adjacent the upper edge of the flat panel display, past the printhead for printing, then out of the monitor adjacent a lower edge of the flat panel display.

Abstract: A printer including: a frame, a bearing assembly mounted to said frame, a platen rotatably supported in the bearing assembly for advancing a sheet of a recording medium, a guide rail mounted to the frame and extending in parallel with an axial direction (Y) of the platen, a ruler extending in parallel with the guide rail, a carriage driven to reciprocate along the guide rail and carrying a printhead, and a detector arranged to detect the position of the carriage relative to the ruler, wherein, in said axial direction (Y), the ruler is rigidly fixed at a location of the bearing assembly independently of the guide rail.

Abstract: An apparatus or method to accommodate disability and to improve the efficiency of the movement of the fingers, in order; A) to reduce 1) onset of symptoms of median nerve entrapment or carpal tunnel or repetitive stress syndromes, 2) tactile deficit in fingers, 3) inflammation in the carpal canal, 4) tendon excursion in the carpal canal, 5) finger flexion, 6) loss of nerve sensation, and 7) loss of tactile sensation; and B) to increase 1) therapy of medical and physical recovery and treatment, 2) tactile sensitivity of the fingers, 3) movement of the doral interossei muscles of the hand, 4) movement of the volar interossei palmar muscles of the hand, 5) movement of the lumbrical muscles of fingers, and 6) identification of cancer mass in subcutaneous tissue by palpation by self examination.

Abstract: An article for collecting dust and debris from edges of paper rolls comprising an annular body of material having a plurality of undulations on the surface of the body to provide one plurality of ridges resiliently disposed in one direction and another plurality of ridges resiliently disposed in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A a thermal transfer media printer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the printer selectively programs RFID transponders, and then embeds them into conventional on-demand printed media between the adhesive layer and the release liner. Selective configuration of each printed media sample by addition of value-adding elements may be performed independently for each media sample, under software control during processing of each media sample format print control program. An add-on mechanism is disclosed that can be operatively attached to a conventional media printer. This allows RFID transponder labels to be selectively applied at precise locations on the printed surface of on-demand printed media in connection with existing printers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, apparatus, and method for printing oversized print media which allow for the printing of a preassembled substrate or a single piece substrate without compromising the integrity of the print quality. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a series of stations, wherein a specific task is performed at each station. Prior to printing an image, in preferred embodiments, print substrate segments are preassembled into image size substrates such that upon the completion of printing, the product is complete. A preassembled print substrate is loaded onto the platform at the loading station. Once the print substrate is loaded onto the platform, the platform is linearly translated to the printing station, whereby the platform is incrementally moved under a print head. During printing, the portion of the print substrate being printed is elevated such that the substrate is taut.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the one sided printing and manufacture of a Möbius strip. The invention includes a method comprising providing an image (30); aligning three substantially identical copies of the image (30) such that a first copy is juxtaposed to a second copy, and a third copy is centered beneath and adjacent to the first and second copies; setting a die layout in a desired configuration; die cutting the Möbius strip using a die (29); and assembling the Möbius strip. Using methods of the invention, relatively seamless Möbius strips may be constructed for use in a wide variety of retail items, such as gift and other novelty items and as a marketing tool for organization wishing to promote cyclical concepts.

Abstract: A disk adapter A is equipped with first and second adapter halves 1 and 2 to be detachably disposed in a disk-placing dented portion 54 provided in a disk tray 53 of a label printer 51. One of the adapter halves 1 and 2 is movable relative to the other thereof in accordance with a movement of a disk pushing member 55 provided in the disk tray 53. When the disk tray 53 is inserted into a printer main body 52, the aforementioned one of the adapter halves is moved in a direction that the one of the adapter halves approaches the other thereof by the disk pushing member 55, whereby the optical disk D is held by and between both the adapter halves 1 and 2.

Abstract: A cross type supporter mounting system for a notebook computer keyboard comprises: a first platform for placing a computer keyboard and movable along an approximate horizontal direction; a second platform movable along a vertical direction and being positioned above the first platform; and a press plate installed between the first platform and the second platform. Thereby, by the pressure of the machining table with the operation of a press plate having a special pattern and cylinders, the last two steps in the assembling process is automatized. Therefore, the labor in the assembling process is reduced. Yield ratio is increased and the cost is decreased.

Abstract: An elastomer film laminated cushion includes an elastomer having the physical properties of flexibility and compressibilities in the range of flexibilities and compressibilities of stable elastomer block polymer gels. A film is provided for encapsulating the elastomer with the film having physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure compression of the elastomer by a user. A compatibilizing layer is provided for laminating the film to an exterior of the elastomer. The compatibilizing layer also has physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure and compression of the elastomer by the user.

Abstract: A motion detector comprising a rotator member having at least one radially positioned member and being mounted for rotation from at least a first position to at least a second position; a detector member, preferably a Hall Effect sensor; and a magnet producing a magnetic field; wherein, the radially positioned member is characterized by altering the magnetic flux of the magnetic field when it moves into and out of proximity to the magnet; and wherein the detector member detects the alteration of the magnetic flux. The motion detector is preferably used to detect the speed, type, position, presence, and absence of a printer ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: A document protection and mounting assembly includes a document protection envelope of thin flexible transparent plastic for receiving 8½×11-inch paper, A-4 paper, 8½×14-inch paper, or other standard sheets; and the envelope is provided with areas at the top and bottom and near each corner of permanent adhesive bonded to the envelope and repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive overlying the permanent adhesive, and release coated liners overlying the PSA, whereby said liners may be removed and said envelope may be mounted on virtually any available surface to provide protected printing in any desired accessible location.

Abstract: A paper store in a printing machine. Printing material, in particular paper, can become wavy and deform as a result of the action of changing temperatures and, in particular, high atmospheric humidity. This causes paper blockages in the printing machine and impairs the printed result. This problem occurs, in particular in the paper store, since here paper sheets are sometimes stored for a relatively long time outside their packaging. Therefore, a paper store is provided, which always preserves printing material without impairing its condition, being enclosed in a substantially airtight manner.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes ring electrodes for controlling flying of toner from a carrier to a sheet, and a control power source section for applying a potential that is in accordance with an image signal to each ring electrode. The control power source section carries out, in the case where the image signal is applied to each ring electrode so that the potential is applied at the same timing, a control of shifting the timing of applying ON potential so that the sum of transient current flowing through each ring electrode at a predetermined time is smaller than the sum of maximum value of the transient current flowing through each ring electrode. This ensures that the amount of transient current supplied at a predetermined time to each ring electrode by the control power source section is reduced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lightweight portable printer having a frame or housing with a print head and a cooperable platen roll mounted in the housing. The housing pivotally mounts a subassembly. The subassembly mounts an electric motor and gearing driven by the motor for driving the platen roll. The subassembly is resiliently urged to press the print head against the platen roll. The printer has a front door which provides access to the inside of the housing. The front door mounts the platen roll, a label delaminator, a pressure roll, a holder for mounting a supply roll of labels or tags, and a latch for latching the door to the housing and for camming the pressure roll into and out of cooperation with the platen roll.

Abstract: Notebook computers having an integrated wrist support device are disclosed. Also disclosed are wrist supports for use with notebook computer keyboards, a wrist support kit, and notebook computer kits.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the level conversion of binary signals in a control system of a printing-technology machine, includes a component for transmitting a signal and a component for receiving the signal, the signal-transmitting component having an element for generating a binary level value, and a window discriminator provided between the signal-transmitting component and the signal-receiving component, the window discriminator having a lower threshold value and an upper threshold value corresponding to binary level values, the window discriminator further having a signal input and a signal output, the signal input being connected to an output of the signal-transmitting component, the signal output of the window discriminator being connected to an input of the signal-receiving component, the signal input being at a level lying between the lower and the upper threshold values when the element of the signal-transmitting component, for generating a binary level value, is not driven.

Abstract: A wrist rest assembly has a base and a layer of resilient gel supported above the base. The wrist rest assembly is for use adjacent a device operated by a person's hands or fingers, such as a computer keyboard, lap-top or portable computer, computer mouse or other input device. A layer of resilient nonwoven material is disposed between the base and at least a portion of the layer of gel to define, in combination with the layer of gel, a resilient wrist rest support structure supported from the base. A flexible liquid-impervious layer is disposed between the layer of resilient gel and the layer of resilient nonwoven web material.

Abstract: A print job allocation system interlinks customers of a plurality of printing plants located throughout the world and a plurality of printing plants located throughout the world. The system includes a network for connecting the printing plant customers and a plurality of printing machine control devices controlling a plurality of printing machines in the plurality of printing plants. The system also includes a print job processor which receives print job data from the printing customers and printing machine data from the printing machine control devices. The print job processor processes the data received and allocates print jobs by matching desired print job requirements to available printing machine capacity and capabilities. Using various print job criteria, the print job processor selects one or more printing machines from one or more printing plants which provide for optimum use of the world-wide printing machines and optimum performance of the printing and distribution of the printed products.

Abstract: A system which comprises a self-service newspaper vending machine (2) includes an electronic control means (34) with an on-line connection (36) to a news providing organization (38) from which a newspaper containing up to the minute news can be purchased. A customer is attracted by news stories shown on a display (6). The customer is then given the opportunity of purchasing a newspaper or part of a newspaper. Communication between the customer and the vending machine (2) is by the display (6) and a keyboard (8). The newspaper can be purchased by either inserting a banking or credit card in a card reader (52) or inserting coins into a coin slot (50). The vending machine (2) would then print out the up to the minute news requested.

Abstract: A dispensing machine for publications such as newspapers. Signals transmitted from remote sources are received by the machine, processed and then printed on the publication at the dispenser's site prior to being dispensed. Currency, subscription or debit credit cards, or all of them, may be used to permit the dispensing of the publication from the machine one-at-a-time. There is a visual display on the dispenser which shows the most recent information to be printed on the publication. Provision is made to encode specific areas of interest on inserted subscription cards such that the same will be displayed and printed on any dispensed publications. For newspapers, the most up to date headlines or information selected on from a subject menu (e.g., sports, business, national or local news, etc.) can be printed on a blank section of the newspaper to be dispensed, thus giving the readers the most recent news available.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus with a main control unit and a printer, a transfer unit transfers commands and data between the main control unit and the printer, a memory temporarily stores the data transferred to the printer, and a detector detects the remaining capacity of the memory. The information on remaining capacity of the memory is supplied to the main control unit to improve the execution efficiency of the main control unit.

Abstract: A wrist rest for incorporation with a computer keyboard enables a user's wrist to have adequate support when typing and is able to be adapted to be incorporated with a different keyboard by adjusting knobs rotatably provided on two opposed sides of the wrist rest.

Abstract: A print job allocation system interlinks customers of a plurality of printing plants located throughout the world and a plurality of printing plants located throughout the world. The system includes a network for connecting the printing plant customers and a plurality of printing machine control devices controlling a plurality of printing machines in the plurality of printing plants. The system also includes a print job processor which receives print job data from the printing customers and printing machine data from the printing machine control devices. The print job processor processes the data received and allocates print jobs by matching desired print job requirements to available printing machine capacity and capabilities. Using various print job criteria, the print job processor selects one or more printing machines from one or more printing plants which provide for optimum use of the world-wide printing machines and optimum performance of the printing and distribution of the printed products.

Abstract: "Smart" enclosure units which not only isolate electronic printers from the surrounding atmosphere but prevent explosion hazardous conditions from arising when retrieving output from the printers are described. The units comprise a first pressurizable chamber for housing an electronic printer which transforms received input electronic signals into printout copy which emerges from the printer; and a second pressurizable chamber contiguous with the first chamber for receiving, through a portal located between the chambers, printout copy from the printer as the printout copy emerges from the printer. The second chamber has a door enabling an operator to periodically remove printout copy from the second chamber. A closure for the portal when open permits printout copy to pass from the printer into the second chamber. When closed, this closure seals off the first chamber from the second chamber.

Abstract: A mouse paid (10) is disclosed which can be attached conveniently to a portable computer (12). The pad has a lip (30) which fits over the border (18) of the keyboard on a personal computer and a spring loaded clamp slide (42) which engages the outer surface (24) of the keyboard to secure the pad on the portable computer. A pad (72) can be provided with keys (74).

Abstract: A control signal is outputted from a CPU in a predetermined period to a one-shot circuit. An output signal of the one-shot circuit is maintained at a predetermined level, as far as the control signal is supplied to the one-shot circuit in the predetermined period. The output signal of the one-shot circuit is applied to a charging circuit for a battery. The charging circuit performs a charge operation for the battery while a predetermined level of the output signal of the one-shot circuit being kept on.

Abstract: A temperature control device comprises a first heat exchange unit, for exchanging heat, which is thermally joined with a recording head for recording onto a recording medium by the use of heat energy, a second heat exchange unit for exchanging heat with the atmosphere, which is connected to the first heat exchange unit, working fluid contained within the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit, and a partition plate for almost separating the interior of the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit into a working fluid existing region and a vapor existing region where the working fluid and its vapor component exist together.

Abstract: A thermal printer is disclosed in which an image is generated on a line-by-line basis with a printhead that is comprised of a plurality of individually activated resistor elements along its length. Uniformity of image intensity is achieved by carefully controlling an ambient temperature of the printing head. This control of ambient temperature is achieved with a cooling fin that is thermally coupled to the printhead. A duct surrounds the cooling fin and air is blown through the duct to transfer heat from the cooling fin. The shapes of the cooling fin and the duct are such that the printhead is maintained at a substantially uniform temperature along its length. A unit cross-sectional area of the duct and a unit surface area of the cooling fin vary along the length of the printhead in a accordance with the expression: Q=unit surface area of cooling fin/unit cross-sectional area of duct=k/L.sup.n, where k is a constant, L is a distance along the length of the printhead an n is a positive exponential power.

Abstract: A wrist and arm pad for use with keyboards is disclosed. The pad has a support means which is adjustable perpendicularly with respect to the keyboard for accommodating varying anatomies and preferences. The pad is also movable horizontally with respect to the keyboard, allowing the user to access all of the keyboard without removing wrists from the support. A preferred pad has a base with rollers and anti-skid pads, a movable support means lying on the base, and a flexible overlay peripherally attached to the base and enveloping the support means. Handles attached to the support means extend out of apertures in the envelope for adjustment. A frame is provided for holding the overlay to the base, and massage dots can be provided on the upper surface of the overlay. A platform plate and clamp are provided for extension of the work surface for attaching or placing of the wrist pad assembly.

Abstract: A recording medium in the sheet form is supplied into a designated direction guided by a sheet supply roller. An ink jet recording head in which a plurality of ink jet discharging orifices are arranged is placed in parallel with a surface of the recording sheet and in the direction perpendicular to the designated direction of supplying the recorded sheet. An adjustment screw is placed for correcting a warped shape of the ink jet recording head by means of displacing a neighbor of a central portion of a longer side of the ink jet recording head in the designated direction of supplying the recording sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat blowing equipment for a thermal print head of a color video printer, in which a radiating plate is mounted on the upper surface of the thermal print head and a ventilation fan is directly connected to the upper portion of the radiating plate, thereby being moved together with the head during the up and down operation of the head. Accordingly, a proper temperature is continuously maintained regardless of any position change of the head. The ventilation fan is mounted on a fan guide, which is coupled to the radiating plate by a plurality of levers, so that the structure always effectively cools the thermal print head regardless of any position change of the head.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet print device having a phase change material, a solid or fluid, disposed in heat exchange proximity to the thermal ink jet printhead to absorb printhead heat energy by changing physical state at a printhead temperature below that at which unacceptable printing takes place and at a rate commensurate with the rate of heat energy input.

Abstract: Enhancements to computer keyboards and calculator devices are provided that permit a user to select the function and labelling of said device's numeric keypad to conform to either the 123 layout or the 789 layout. The enhancements comprising labelling means for selectively labelling the numeric keypad keys as either a 123 layout or as a 789 layout; switching means for changing the signal associated with each key independent of the application; and circuit board means for transmitting the signals associated with either layout.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a thermal print head that has a thermal dye transfer portion and a rear surface. The cooling system includes a bracket defining an open reservoir, and is attached to the print head so that the rear surface of the print head closes the reservoir. Cooling fluid is pumped into the reservoir and brought into contact with the rear surface to effect cooling of the print head. The bracket is removably attached using bolts with o-rings and a sealing gasket interposed between the bracket and print head.

Abstract: A matrix printer includes a plurality of components, an outer casing and a frame. A flexible ribbon is provided which connects a component with either the frame or casing in order to conduct heat awau from the component; the ribbon is compressed at its point of connection to establish a good heat conductive connection.

Abstract: A recording apparatus including an apparatus body having a front section on the operator's side and a rear section remote from the operator's side, a medium feeding device supported by the apparatus body, for feeding a substantially transparent recording medium along a predetermined feed path defining a boundary between the front and rear sections, such that one of opposite surfaces of the medium faces the operator's side, a recording device disposed in the rear section of the apparatus body, for recording an image on the other surface of the medium, and a control device for controlling the recording device such that the image is laterally reversed as viewed in a first direction from the recording device toward the above-indicated other surface of the medium, with respect to a nominal desired image as viewed in a second direction from the front section toward the one surface of the medium, whereby the laterally reversed image is seen as the nominal desired image when viewed in the second direction.

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 temperature of LED print bars utilized in a printing system are maintained within a specified differential range, with respect to each other. Each print bar has an associated heating and cooling element. The temperature of each print bar is monitored and compared during operation. When a temperature differential greater than a preset tolerance range is detected, either the hotter operating print bar is cooled or the lower operating print bar is heated, or a combination of cooling and heating is applied to the out-of-tolerance print bars. The cooling and/or heating of the print bars is continued until the temperature differential is reduced so as to be within the preselected or predefined range.

Abstract: A keyboard housing includes a key plate with a plurality of actuator keys mounted on an upper face and a waterproof chamber mounted on a lower face thereof and a device to retain the actuator keys in a normally unpressed position. A circuit board is disposed in the waterproof chamber. A switch contact assembly mounted on the lower face of the key plate which includes a first membrane having a first conductive pattern, a second membrane having a second conductive pattern and a partition membrane disposed between the first and second membranes to separate the first conductive pattern from the second conductive pattern in a normal open switch. The partition membrane includes a hole device which permits a portion of the first conductive pattern to engage with a portion of the second conductive pattern when the first membrane is pressed by one of the actuator keys, thereby generating a signal corresponding to the pressing key.

Abstract: A printing head drive circuit of a printer is mounted on the side of a carriage having a printing head attached thereto for a allowing said carriage to act as a heat sink. Hereby, no particular cooling means (heat sink, cooling fan and the like) is required for printing head drive elements. In addition, a controller and heat generating parts can be completely separated. Thus, it can be anticipated to reduce the number of parts and the cost required for assembling the whole structure as well as to improve reliability of the printing head drive circuit.

Abstract: A selection of signals, each to one of a limted number of contacts, achieves both parallel and serial interfaces using a single connector. The connector has individual contacts for the following signals for parallel communications: strobe, data signals, acknowledge, busy, printer out of paper, printer selected, paper feed one line after printing, logic ground, chassis ground, initialize the printer controller, and printer error; and has individual contacts for the following signals for serial communications: transmit data, request to send, logic ground, receive data, data terminal ready, data set ready, and clear to send.

Abstract: There is disclosed a video color printer having a thermal print head, a hue gradation controller, a moisture detector disposed between the thermal print head and the hue gradation controller for detecting the moisture existing inside the printer, and a fan motor, so that when the amount of the moisture detected exceeds a predetermined value, all of the heat radiation bodies of the thermal print head are heated, and the fan motor is driven so as to blow heated air thus to eliminate the moisture.