Abstract: A method of setting the operating parameters in a microprocessor controlled typewriter or like office machine having a microprocessor, a set-up initiating actuator, a data input keyboard which includes (i) a printer-advance actuator, (ii) a first command actuator, and (iii) a second command actuator, a memory, a record carrier, and a printing apparatus including the steps of:(a) actuating the set-up initiating actuator disposed on the keyboard to enter a set-up mode and to recall a set-up plane which lists a plurality of sub-planes;(b) displaying the set-up plane on the record carrier;(c) selecting one of the plurality of sub-planes by using the printer-advance actuator;(d) actuating the first command actuator to recall from memory the selected sub-plane and to print the parameters of the selected sub-plane upon the record carrier;(e) selecting one of the values of the selected sub-plane by using the printer-advance actuator;(f) storing the selected value in the memory;(g) actuating the second command actuato

Abstract: A method for making an etched base plate for an ink printer head includes the steps of disposing on each face of a base plate a mask having a pattern, exposing the base plate simultaneously through the masks to light of a wavelength to which the base plate is photosenstive, heating the base plate to a temperature at which the amorphous glass structure in the exposed regions is converted to a ceramic crystalline structure and dipping the base plate into an etching agent solution to remove the crystalline structure from the base plate to thus provide in each plate face ink printing chambers, ink channels and at least one row of nozzle discharge openings in the shape of the exposed regions. The patterns formed on the masks are mirror images of each other.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge for use in an office machine includes a housing; a ribbon; a supply reel for storing unused ribbon wound thereon and a take-up reel for storing used ribbon wound thereon, a drive roller rotatably supported in the housing; and an arrangement for resiliently urging the drive roller and the ribbon wound on the take-up reel into a peripheral, torque-transmitting contact with one another. The drive roller is arranged for being drivingly engaged by an advancing mechanism of the office machine when the cartridge is in place, whereby the drive roller imparts a rotation to the take-up reel in a winding direction for pulling the ribbon off the supply reel, for moving the ribbon through a printing station of the office machine and for winding the ribbon on the take-reel. There is further provided a reverse winding arrangement for pulling ribbon off the take-up reel and for winding the ribbon on the supply reel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the input and processing of characters and/or graphic patterns for use with electronic data processing systems includes an input unit and a control unit which transmits the input characters and/or graphic patterns to an output unit, a graphics tablet having an input layer, a plurality of sensor elements disposed on the input layer for converting pressure signals into electrical signals which are adapted for transmission to the control unit, a keyboard which is movable relative to the input layer from a keyboard operating position adjacent to the input layer to expose the input layer to enable direct entry thereto, and an operating mode detector for detecting whether the keyboard is in the operating position.

Abstract: A reloadable ribbon cassette system for typewriters or office machines of similar construction employs a bottom housing in which an exchangeable supply spool core for the ribbon and an exchangeable take-up spool core can be rotatably mounted. To facilitate the reloading process a cover plate is placed onto the top face of the ribbon coiled on the supply spool core, the cover plate inserted into the bottom housing member along with the supply spool core and ribbon when they are loaded. The cover plate has a contact surface for helping to steady a fastening element disposed at the free end of the ribbon during reloading. The cover plate projects beyond the ribbon coil at least in the region of the contact shelf to prevent accidental removal of the first few turns of the coiled ribbon in axial direction.

Abstract: A reloadable ribbon cassette system for typewriters or office machines of similar construction employs a housing which receives an exchangeable supply spool for the ribbon and an exchangeable take-up spool core. To facilitate the reloading process, the take-up spool core is mounted in the housing on a bearing pin which extends upward from a contact surface. The take-up spool core has a bearing bore into which the bearing pin extends and a bearing surface which rests on the contact surface. The contact surface is disposed closely below a receiving bore in the take-up spool core which accommodates a fastening element attached to the end of the ribbon.

Abstract: A plotting device for typewriters or office machines of similar construction which comprises a motor driven carriage; a record carrier; a print head; a ribbon in a cassette; a reversible, controllable drive motor for moving the record carrier up and down; the motor driven carriage being movable along the record carrier; the ribbon being housed within the carriage with a portion of the ribbon extending outside of the carriage for being contacted by the print head; the print head being operatively connected to the carriage so that the print head can strike the ribbon and produce a full set of alpha-numeric characters on the record carrier; an X-Y plotting mechanism equpped with styli and being disposed on the cassette; and a control system for moving the styli from a detent position into an operating position with respect to the record carrier.

Abstract: Several line drawing devices to permit drawing horizontal and vertical lines on typewriters are known. The fact that they are rarely encountered in practice, should be sufficient proof that they were not found to be satisfactory and greatly impede the typing process. These drawbacks are overcome by the invention in that the ribbon cassette is provided with a receptacle for a colored writing implement which, in one end position, resiliently rests on the record carrier so as to produce drawn lines and is arranged to be movable and arrestable in another end position to put it out of operation. A significant advantage resides in the fact that the colored writing implement can here be attached to the cassette at a location where the typing process is not interfered with. The colored writing implement can easily be exchanged by removing the ribbon cassette. The ribbon cassette together with the colored writing implement permits easy production of drawn lines in the horizontal, vertical or any other direction.