Abstract: A printing system for increasing the printing speed of a multi-color printer when utilized in a single color mode by repositioning a recording head cartridge from a first level to a second level so as to enable at least two lines of information to be created upon the surface to be marked during a single scanning pass when it has been determined that the cartridge mounted in the repositionable support is the same color as the single color recording head cartridge.

Abstract: The invention provides a printer apparatus which comprises a pair of doors mounted for opening and closing movement on opposite sides of a body case in the form of a housing, a printer located inside each of the doors for receiving elongated continuous print paper therein in such a manner as to allow the print paper toward the door and for printing on the thus received print paper, and a pair of issuing openings located on opposite side portions of a front wall of the body case for issuing therefrom the print paper after printing by the printers. Thus, two different types of print paper can be set in position in and printed by the two printers, which reduces the necessity of frequent label exchanging operations. Besides, an operation for exchanging print paper for each of the printers can be performed readily by opening the door for the printer.

Abstract: A printer for printing both standard pitch and condensed pitch characters which includes print hammer faces which have a single wide section for standard pitch characters and a double wide section for printing condensed pitch characters. Using this hammer face one obtains the advantage of high speed when printing standard pitch characters and yet one is able to print condensed pitch characters with the same printer.The face of each hammer is divided into two sections. The first section of each hammer face is identical to the hammer face in a conventional single width hammer. The second section of each hammer face spans the width of two condensed pitch characters.The hammers are divided into two groups. The first group of hammers has the single width section on the top of the hammer face and the second group of hammers has the single width section on the bottom of the hammer face.

Abstract: A label printer of the type including two printing devices which can issue a label and record paper at locations near to each other with printed faces thereof directed to the front is realized by a specific arrangement of two printing devices and two supply devices without increasing the overall size of the printer.

Abstract: The present invention is a keyboard device for entering Japanese language text utilizing Romaji character notation and a method for entering the Romaji character notation.

Abstract: A printing apparatus with an image reading device, having a platen extending along a line of printing, a guide rod extending parallel to the platen, a carriage movable on the guide rod, and a printing head which is mounted on the carriage to effect a printing operation a recording medium on the platen. The image reading device comprises: a pair of support portions which slidably engage the guide rod so as to sandwich the carriage in a direction parallel to the line of printing; a bridging portion connecting the support portions such that the support portions are immovable relative to each other; an image-reading portion supported immovably relative to the support portions and the bridging portion, and having an operative position adjacent to the surface of the recording medium, for reading images on the surface; and a control circuit fixed to the bridging portion, for controlling an image-reading operation of the image-reading portion.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a carrier which reciprocates along a print line defined on a platen, comprising a first printing assembly supported on the carrier and having type elements abuttable on the platen for printing characters, and a second printing assembly supported on the carrier for printing characters by a dot matrix. The first and second printing assemblies have a first and second print point, respectively, which are spaced from each other in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the print line. Each print assembly has its own ribbon cassette; one is parallel to the print line and one is perpendicular to the print line.

Abstract: A recording apparatus, such as an ink jet printer, with plural recording heads is described. Each recording head has a mark which is read by a detector to generate a corresponding signal. The signals from plural recording heads are utilized for registering these heads.

Abstract: A facsimile-printer combination of a dot-matrix type, including: a first and a second printing device operable in a fascimile mode and a printer mode according to first and second printing information, respectively, for selectively producing dots on a recording medium, at a first printing pitch in metric and a second printing pitch in inch unit, respectively, in a direction of width of the recording medium; a first and a second feeding device in association with the first and second printing devices, for feeding the recording medium at a first feeding pitch the metric unit and a second feeding pitch in the inch unit, respectively, in a direction of length of the recording medium; an input device for receiving the first and second printing information output devices; and a selector device for rendering the first printing and feeding devices operative when the first printing information is received by the input device, and rendering the second printing and feeding devices operative when the second printing info

Abstract: A recording device comprises a plurality of ink-jet recording units arranged separately from each other and an ink reservoir to supply an ink commonly to the recording units.

Abstract: A document encoder is described, which is conceived as a compact desk set. In order to serve as a multi purpose unit and in spite of that exhibit a compact type of construction, the various printing devices (2, 4, 6, 7, 8) and print backings (41, 42; 47; 55; 64, 71) impacting the document from its front- and back side are arranged stationary in a chassis (1), while the printing process in direction of the lines is accomplished solely through conveying the document by means of a conveyor device. The print devices and the print backings are arranged so that they apply print to the front- and back sides of the document in a partially overlapping way. The document conveyor path (10) is U-shaped, whereby the input station (11) is located at one leg of the conveyor path (10), the printing devices (2, 4, 6, 7, 8) at the other leg (15). The printing mechanisms themselves are either type wheel printing mechanisms (3), stamping print mechanisms (4, 6) or needle print mechanisms (7, 8), according to the desired needs.

Abstract: A composite printing apparatus includes a character-based impact printer, a dot matrix printer, and a memory for storing a plurality of sets of pattern data corresponding to different fonts and other characteristics of print images. The impact printer includes a print element carrier having indicia identifying the font and other characteristics of the print elements on the carrier. A print carrier detector determines from the indicia the type of type elements on the carrier and generates signals for selecting from the memory a set of corresponding pattern data that is used to control the dot matrix printer to produce character images with print quality and characteristics matching those of the character images produced by the impact printer.

Abstract: A composite printing apparatus including a first printing assembly which has character fonts, and a second printing assembly for printing characters with a matrix of dots, wherein a series of input printing data corresponding to a plurality of successive characters are classified into a first group of printing data for a first printing with the character fonts of the first printing assembly, and a second group of printing data for a second printing with the matrix of dots of the second printing assembly. One of the first and second printing assemblies is first activated according to corresponding one of the first and second groups of printing data, and subsequently the other printing assembly is activated according to the other one of the first and second groups of printing data.

Abstract: A postage meter utilizing an offset printing roll. A die plate carried by the roll has a first region for receiving thereon fixed information such as the city and state, and a second region for receiving thereon variable information such as the date and postage amount. At the beginning of a revolution of the printing roll, the second region is depressed and an inking roll applies ink to the first region. Then the second region is moved into the plane of the first region and an ink jet printing device projects ink droplets onto the second region to form the variable information thereon. The quality of the printed form of the variable information is sensed. If acceptable, a document is printed. If unacceptable, the first and second regions are both wiped clean and the entire operation is repeated. The cleaning operation can employ an hydrophilic oil which is applied to the printing roll.

Abstract: A color printer for effecting impression of images on a paper bidirectionally along a print line, using plural bi-color ribbons or a single multi-color ribbon, so as to provide plural color portions of different colors. The printer comprises plural print head units corresponding to the plural color portions of the ribbon or ribbons, and support and feed devices for supporting the paper, ribbon or ribbons and the print head units, such that the color portions of the ribbon or ribbons in opposed relation with the print head units are spaced from each other along the print line and arranged in order of brightness of the colors thereof in selected one of the opposite printing directions along the print line. An assembly of the ribbon or ribbons and the print head units is moved along the print line relative to the paper.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement for reducing stress and tension experienced by a human operator during communication with an information processing machine. The keyboard, which may have the actuators thereon arranged in a conventional keyboard distribution, such as a QWERTY keyboard system, is splitable into first and second sections, each such section containing respective portions of the actuators. When joined, the two keyboard sections form a unitary keyboard which is conventional in appearance and operation. When separated, a display screen may be interposed between the keyboard sections, and the keyboard sections may be arranged in selectable spatial positions and orientations selected for the comfort of the operator. An adjustable mechanical mounting arrangement is provided for ensuring positional stability of the keyboard sections. In a further embodiment, an information processing system is arranged to be portable in a housing which permits the screen to assume a sloped position.

Abstract: A ribbon feed system of a combined printer equipped with a first printing section and a second printing section selectively rendered operative depending on the type of printing to be performed. The ribbon feed system includes a ribbon drive capable of driving a print ribbon in a manner to suit the condition of printing by one of the two printing sections, a first control unit for controlling the ribbon drive when the first printing section is selected, a second control unit for controlling the ribbon drive when the second printing section is selected, and a control means for switching the printer between the first printing section and second printing section.

Abstract: There is provided electronic equipment with a printer unit capable of printing on a self-contained first print medium and printing on a second print medium disposed on a desk or the like and means for facilitating the use of the equipment.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a first and a second printing assembly supported on a carrier which reciprocates along a line of printing defined on a platen. The first printing assembly has type elements adapted to be abuttable on the platen for printing characters on a sheet of paper supported on the platen, along the line of printing. The second printing assembly is adapted to print the characters with a matrix of dots. The first and second printing assemblies are so disposed that their print points are spaced from each other along the surface of the platen. The apparatus comprises first and second control units for controlling the operations of the first and second printing assemblies, respectively, according to input printing data.

Abstract: In a small-sized printer having hammers provided within a type ring according to the invention, a direction in which the hammer is moved is changeable over selectively so that printing may be carried out in different positions. Also, electronic apparatus is provided which has a hammer mechanism as well as a battery or motor mounted in the type ring so as to miniaturize the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multihead serial printer comprising a plurality of printing heads mounted on different carriages and having a high-speed printing mode in which a plurality of printing heads print different letters and a high-density printing mode in which a plurality of printing heads print different parts of one letter. These two printing modes can be changed over between each other. A plurality of carriages are independently supported by a common guide and the carriages are respectively movable in the line direction by different driving sources. At least one carriage comprises a shift mechanism for moving the printing head in the row direction along the surface of a platen.

Abstract: A printing apparatus of modular construction includes a printing mechanism with a pivotally mounted printing head, a continuous form feed part and an individual form feed part. To provide a compact construction in which the printing operation can be viewed by the operator, the individual form feed part is constructed as a base unit so that the individual form is fed into the apparatus and transported horizontally. The printing mechanism and continuous form feed part are positioned above the base unit. As a result, with the apparatus mounted on a table, printing on the printing base of the continuous form feed part takes place below the eye level of the operator. To insert the continuous form, the continuous form feed part can be pivoted away from the printing mechanism. In addition, the printing mechanism and the continuous form feed part can be pivoted relative to the base unit to gain access to the path of the individual forms on the base unit.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a first printing unit provided with a plurality of type elements and adapted to print characters and symbols and a second printing unit capable of plotting optionally, graphs and figures, and capable of attaining both high quality printing of characters and symbols and high-quality plotting of graphs and figures, and with good speed.

Abstract: An adjustable alphanumeric keyboard based on ISO standard format and consisting of two flat key contact mounting boards, one left and one right, corresponding respectively to the section of the alphanumeric keyboard actuated by the left hand and right hand in touch typing, joined by a hinge at a point corresponding to the keyboard C row, between columns 05 and 06, the outermost end of one mounting board connected by a hinge to the keyboard case or chassis, the outermost end of the other mounting board free to move laterally and pivot in the same plane, with means available to position said movable end, in order to give the mounting boards an adjustable angle, peaking the rows of key contacts between columns 05 and 06.

Abstract: A color printer includes a print head assembly including a plurality of independently actuable print heads serially arranged along a printing direction. Each print head includes a plurality of impact pins and an associated different color printing ribbon having a portion disposed between the associated print head and a media to be printed upon. The serial alignment of the print heads enables four color images to be produced by a single pass of the print head assembly along the media in a printing direction. Control apparatus includes pulse modulation circuitry for controlling the impact force of each impact pin to cause intensity modulation of printed colored marks. In addition, a feedback system enables the control apparatus to vary the impact force of each impact pin to maintain good color fidelity.

Abstract: A high-speed printer with two or more individually driven, coordinately controlled, co-printing wheels carrying type elements supported by radial spokes or petals. One or more circumferential gaps (spoke-free positions) in each wheel permit read-through and hammer action or ribbon-impacting printing spoke deflection through print cycle instantaneously inactive wheel(s). The redistribution of symbols among a plurality of wheels, major reduction in size and moment of inertia of each wheel and drive motor, redundant wheel openings and redundant symbols distributed among the wheels greatly increase operating speed, materially assisted by microprocessor optimal lookahead wheel, opening and symbol preselection.

Abstract: A typewriter for Braille and printed characters including Braille character typing symbols, printed character typing symbols and a transferring member used to move both of the Braille character typing symbols and the printed character typing symbols horizontally along a recording medium. The Braille character typing symbols are actuated by solenoids whereas the printed character typing symbols are formed by a dot printer both of which are simultaneously transferred by a stepping motor. The Braille character typing symbols are disposed at opposite sides of the printed character typing symbols beneath a casing for positioning a recording medium, i.e., typing paper. Therefore, printed character symbols will appear on one side of the recording medium whereas Braille character will be embossed on the other side of the same recording medium. Thus, both a blind individual and an individual with normal vision may obtain the same recorded information which appears on the same recording medium.

Abstract: A matrix printing apparatus of the type having a path for sequentially transporting a series of documents to be printed between a plurality of dot matrix ballistic print heads and back-up platen rollers opposite each print head, the dot matrix ballistic print heads adapted, when actuated, to simultaneously impact an ink source and one side of each document as each document passes the print heads to apply printed material to each document in a pre-programmed array. The improvement of the present invention comprises moving the back-up platen rollers from a first position adjacent the print head when the print head is actuated, to a second position at a distance from the print head when the print head is not actuated.

Abstract: A control system for a dot matrix line printer/plotter apparatus for producing hard copy printout of digitally represented data. The apparatus utilizes one or more hammer banks, each mounted for reciprocal linear movement across a paper web moving therepast. Each hammer bank carries N hammer assemblies, each of which can be selectively actuated to print a dot in any of D columns in any of C characters as the bank sweeps across the paper web. The control system includes an input/output (I/O) microprocessor and a print control microprocessor, each connected so as to have access to a common random access memory (RAM). A portion of the RAM is used as multiple line buffers. Each line buffer is used to store all the character bytes which define a character line to be printed. The I/O processor accepts externally supplied data and loads character bytes for each sequential character line into a different line buffer.

Abstract: A keyboard input device for printers, composing apparatus, or clear text display devices which employ type fonts that can be changed at will, has a group of multiple indicia bearing keys which can be positioned to bring a different set of indicia to a readable position to indicate to the operator the character make-up of the type font being used. Both manual and electrical mechanisms are provided to effect indicia positioning. Mechanism is also provided to interconnect indicia selection with either manual or automatic type font selection and changing. Each key operates an electrical switch which is connected to a diode matrix to provide coded output to the device under control.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic equipment comprising character input means capable of inputting a plurality of characters; a first read-only memory for storing information of the characters of said character input means; first print means capable of printing a first set of characters on a print paper in response to an output signal from said first read-only memory; a second read-only memory for storing information of a second set of characters not included in said first set of characters; and selection means for selecting said second read-only memory when second print means capable of printing at least said second set of characters is used in place of said first print means.

Abstract: A printing device of serial type capable of printing characters and symbols in a plurality of different colors on a recording sheet, which is provided with a plurality of character wheels for different colors supported on one and same rotational shaft, each wheel having its own stand-by position different from the other, and a mechanism for selectively shifting either of the character wheels.

Abstract: A multiple position recorder having mechanisms for rocking a check lever for preventing a dot print wheel or dot and figure print wheels from lowering which is mechanically constructed while the recorders other mechanisms, such as mechanisms for setting the gap of dot printing and figure printing, mechanisms for synchronization with a driving shaft and the like are constructed by electric circuits.

Abstract: A printer capable of operation as a dot matrix printer, and, alternatively, as a daisy wheel printer, the printer including the carriage providing for the mounting of a daisy wheel and associated hammer solenoid or a dot matrix printhead, the carriage including a diasy wheel drive mechanism and means for automatically selecting a mode of operation consistent with the mode of printing desired.

Abstract: A color printer includes a print head assembly including a plurality of independently actuable print heads serially arranged along a printing direction. Each print head includes a plurality of impact pins and an associated different color printing ribbon having a portion disposed between the associated print head and a media to be printed upon. The serial alignment of the print heads enables four color images to be produced by a single pass of the print head assembly along the media in a printing direction. Control apparatus includes pulse modulation circuitry for controlling the impact force of each impact pin to cause intensity modulation of printed colored marks. In addition, a feedback system enables the control apparatus to vary the impact force of each impact pin to maintain good color fidelity.

Abstract: A serial impact printer has two printing modes, one being a formed-character mode and the other a dot matrix mode. A plurality of dot matrix wires are disposed behind a character carrying member having characters on fingers. One of the wires impacts a selected finger in the formed-character mode. In the dot matrix mode, however, printing is performed by directly contacting a paper with selected ones of said dot matrix wires.

Abstract: An electromechanical interactive terminal system is disclosed, utilizing a split keyboard to accommodate convenient use, even by disabled or infirm persons. The elements of a conventional typewriter (or console) keyboard are provided in two separate and distinct keyboard units, one of which includes the keys normally activated by the right hand while the other has the keys conventionally assigned for use by the left hand. Control and coding keys are similarly assigned. The two separate keyboard units can be used in various positions as by being affixed to a support member so as to be held in spaced-apart relationship, contiguous to the hands of an operator with his arms apart and supported at rest. The keyboard units each incorporate electrical apparatus for providing electrical signals representative of data symbols associated with the keys. Additionally, certain keys are coded to provide control signals used in association with display means, a data processor, and a printer.

Abstract: The present invention is a rotatable print head in combination with a multiple print station printing apparatus which includes a movable carrier to which the rotatable carrier is pivotally coupled by an axial rod so that the rotatable print head may rotate substantially an angle of 90.degree., a frame and a driving mechanism which is mechanically coupled to the frame and which drives the movable carrier laterally across the frame in a direction, which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable print head.

Abstract: An ink ribbon unit for printers in which the inking roller is selectively brought into engagement with the ribbon thereby to avoid over-inking.

Abstract: A cassette-type ink ribbon device for a printer wherein the inked ribbon is carried in a throw-away magazine operatively disposed within and wholly independent of the cassette body. The cassette body carries all of the drive components and, hence, replacement of the magazine revitalizes the cassette at minimum expense.

Abstract: An impact printer of the daisywheel type mechanically links together two daisywheel printer carriages so that the total number of different characters that can be printed is doubled. Suitable coordination logic provides for operation in a first concurrent (or parallel) mode where the user's software looks ahead to provide for continuous printing along a single line. The other mode of operation is sequential where the twin print heads are substantially transparent to the user's system and thus the appropriate print head automatically positions itself to a printing position.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing characters on at least one data carrier comprising a printing head movable along the data carrier, a line advance device for feeding the data carrier substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the printing head, an ink ribbon feed mechanism for feeding an ink ribbon in relation to the data carrier, a cut-off mechanism for cutting off the data carrier, and a shaft rotatable less than 360.degree. in one direction by a reversible motor from a home position to an end position determined by the selected operation cycle and thereafter back to the home position by reversing the direction of rotation of the shaft. The reversal of the shaft is performed at different times during subsequent operation cycles to permit gears and cams on the shaft to move the printing head to positions determined by the number of characters to be printed on the data carrier, actuation of the line advance device, and actuation of the ink ribbon feed mechanism or cut-off mechanism.