Abstract: A device for dispensing tickets from a continuous strip of paper, the device comprising a mechanism for pinching the paper, a cutter blade extending substantially across the strip and having a cutting edge against which the strip bears, the cutting edge of the blade intersecting the plane of the strip of paper coming into contact with the blade before cutting starts, and a support element for supporting the strip between the pinch mechanism and the cutter blade. In the device, the support element also comprises a flap hinged about a fixed axis, the surface of the flap being of a shape such that after about half of the cut has been achieved, the zone of contact between the flap and the strip remaining to be cut moves away from the blade as cutting progresses.

Abstract: An opening thermal printer device comprising a stationary frame having a print head provided with a line of heater points and a moving frame that carries a backing roller for paper strip via the ends of an axle, and that moves relative to the stationary frame between a first relative position in which the roller has one of its generator lines in contact with the line of heater points of the head, and a second relative position in which the roller and the head are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A compact drive mechanism for both driving a paper web and severing a printed receipt in a transaction or point-of-sales printer. Both driving the paper web and cutting the printed receipt is accomplished through a bi-directional stepper motor that is operative through a one-way clutch.

Abstract: A method for improving the image quality of a thermal print image uses preprocessed image and color matrices, in which special combinations of black dots and black dot patterns are filtered out. These patterns are then replaced with printer-friendly patterns. This altering technique improves the image quality and reduces halo effects.

Abstract: The present invention features an enclosure for a credit card reader. The enclosure has a top cover for protecting and enclosing the card reader and a base disposed below the card reader, enclosing the bottom surface thereof. The top cover need not be used. The base is configured to allow debris to be conveyed below the card reader. An aperture is formed between the top cover and the base. The aperture is aligned with the card slot opening of the card reader so that a user can insert a credit card into, and withdraw the credit card from, the card reader. The base of the enclosure is disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal for facilitating conveyance of debris to the rear of the enclosure. The base also has an outlet at its rear for allowing debris to fall out of the enclosure, preventing blocking of the card reader by debris. The enclosure can be used with an improved credit card reader for processing bent, bowed, or warped credit or smart cards.

Abstract: A thermal print device comprising a plane support (1) of rectangular shape that is fitted on one of its faces, parallel to one of its longitudinally-extending edges (1a), with a resistive line (17) extending over conductor segments (14, 15) disposed perpendicularly thereto and extending alternately to one side and to the other side of the resistive line (17), one (14) of the series of segments coming from a common conductor which is constituted by a conductive layer covering the support, and in which the resistive line (17) and the conductor segments (14, 15) across which it extends are formed on an insulating layer (7) covering the conductive layer (3).

Abstract: A system for issuing printed documents exchangeable for value having interconnected printer and feeder modules. The printer module includes a printing station having a printhead supported for reciprocal movement in a direction transverse to the path of movement of the print medium. A sensor carried by the printhead is operative to sense and read preprinted indicia on the print medium. The feeder module includes a receptacle for storing the print medium as a continuous form. A slot is provided for enabling the insertion of print media external to the feeder module. A gate mechanism blocks the feed slot under predetermined operating conditions. A first drive mechanism is operative to feed the print medium from the receptacle towards the printing station. A severing mechanism is operative to sever the lead document from the supply. A severing sensor detects failure of the severing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dot history compensation system for varying the drive current to the points of a thermal print head in response to the printing history of the points. One or two previous print lines may be examined. In addition, the history of points adjacent to a selected point may be used to compute a head drive signal. The inventive system is implemented in an auxiliary control device within a thermal printer. In addition, an end point compensation system is provided to ensure that end points of a thermal print head receive equivalent amounts of energy to central points, even when a large number of points may be simultaneously fired. The inventive system is adapted for operation with both single color and multiple color thermal printers. The auxiliary control device also manages paper movement functions, thus freeing the main microprocessor for communications and other duties within the printer.

Abstract: The present invention features a Point of Sale (POS) printer that includes an encoding module that magnetizes and reads the account and bank information from existing magnetic characters on a check. The encoding module prints the characters in the AMOUNT field of the check, according to ANSI1, ISO2, or other standards. The characters are printed with an ink having magnetic particles embedded therein. The POS printer magnetizes and reads these characters after they are printed, in order to verify that the correct amount has been encoded onto the check. The encoding module can include a magnet to magnetize the characters; a read head to read and analyze the signal waveform from each character; and a print mechanism with the capability of using magnetic ink for printing the characters. The method of the invention directs the POS printer to follow a certain sequence of actions in order to accomplish the printing and verification at the point of sale.

Abstract: A transaction printer includes the MICR encoding of indicia at a precise location called the amount field. In order to accomplish this, an optical sensor is provided in a transaction printer at a point-of-sale, to detect the edge of the check and stage it at a known location from the thermal, MICR print head. A clutch mechanism is used to engage the print head with a platen, and to engage two MICR read heads with the check, so that indicia can be sequentially imprinted and read within the transaction printer in a single, sequential operation.

Abstract: A credit or smart card reader for processing bent, bowed, or warped credit or smart cards. A standard reader has an insertion slot for inserting a card to be read and processed. A normal, undamaged card is inserted into a slot provided in the insertion slot. The normal card travels along a processing path contacting a supporting card ramp. A bent, bowed, or warped credit or smart card, however, misses the supporting card ramp and is confiscated. A deflection guide in accordance with this invention is provided for redirecting the deformed card into the processing path.

Abstract: A modular printer that can be configured to provide different printing sizes, models, and features. The modular printer has a base module that includes base printing electronics, and a drive and print mechanism. Coupled to the base module are different communication modules that provide an interface for the operator of the printer. Different battery modules are designed to interface with the other modular sections.

Abstract: A credit or smart card reader for processing bent, bowed, extremely warped, or cut credit, or smart cards. A standard reader has an insertion deck for inserting a card to be read and processed. The card to be read is inserted into a slot provided in the insertion deck. The card will travel along a processing path contacting an extended supporting card ramp. The bent, bowed, extremely warped, or cut credit or smart card will contact the extended supporting card ramp, allowing for its processing.

Abstract: A transaction printer includes the MICR encoding of indicia at a precise location called the amount field. In order to accomplish this, an optical sensor is provided in a transaction printer at a point-of-sale to detect the edge of the check and stage it at a known location from the thermal, MICR print head. A clutch mechanism is used to engage the print head with a platen, and to engage a read head with the check, so that indicia can be sequentially imprinted and read within the check processing machine in a single, sequential operation. During the MICR encoding operation, the main paper feed rolls are disengaged and moved away from the paper path to help provide a clear paper path.

Abstract: A universal index sensing apparatus. The index sensing apparatus can mount within the media cavities of different printers and can easily adjust for different brands and sizes of media moving therethrough.

Abstract: A mechanism for a label printer that automatically locks two, spaced-apart, paper supporting guides. A supply roll of paper is disposed between the guides, and the guides are adjusted to a proper paper width position. The guides are each mounted on a rack that engages a centralized pinion gear disposed in the cover plate that is closed over the printer housing. The guides are locked in an adjusted position when the cover is latched to the housing of the label printer.

Abstract: A printer in which loading of print media is greatly facilitated and in which modular construction is used in order to substantially reduce the number of parts normally needed for this type of printer. The printer includes a base and an associated cover that encloses an interior region of the printer. The cover is movable between opened and closed positions and mounts a spring biased platen roller which is engageable with a printhead fixed in the base, when the cover is closed. A cutter mechanism, including a fixed blade mounted to the cover and a reciprocating blade mounted in the base also separates whenever the cover is opened in order to further facilitate print media loading. The printhead is secured to a printhead mounting and control module which also includes componentry and circuitry needed to drive the printhead.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) receipt printer that includes a selective release mechanism that converts the printer into a check account verifying machine. The conversion mechanism magnetizes and selectively reads the account and bank information from existing magnetic characters on a check presented face-up to the receipt printer. The mechanism includes a magnet to magnetize the characters and a read head to read and analyze the signal waveform from each character. The check is pressed up against the read head and the magnetic characters are read only after the printing carriage of the receipt printer has moved to a dead zone within the printer housing.

Abstract: A compact ribbon cassette for dispensing and storing a ribbon or tape. The supply and take-up rolls of ribbon or tape are disposed upon a common rotatable shaft mounted for rotation within the housing. A unique chevron disposed adjacent the take-up roll and on the post-printing portion of the cassette causes the dispensed ribbon to reverse direction and change level and to be presented for storage upon the take-up roll. The ribbon cassette also includes a partition disposed between the supply and take-up rolls for preventing ink particles in the take-up portion of the housing from migrating and thereby contaminating the printing ribbon.

Abstract: A receipt or media storage and presenting device is described that allows for the storage of various media, such as receipts, slips, forms, labels, tickets, tags, etc. The receipts are introduced into the device by an adjacent printer. The web of the receipt enters the storage and presenting device through an entrance guide, and thereafter is stored within a rib-cage storage bin. The device can store various lengths of the media up to about twenty feet. The device is then caused to rotate through an angle transverse of the printer discharge direction, which angle is preferably 90 degrees. Thereafter, the web of material is discharged through the guide mechanism that has pivoted 180 degrees from an initial entrance position to a discharge position.