Abstract: An automatic tape loader system for a media storage drive, such as a digital linear tape drive, comprises a robotics portion adapted interact with an interface drive, such as a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) drive. An integrated controller is provided to integrate the mechanical operations of various components of the media storage device and the drive operations of the media storage device. A robotics module of the integrated controller is adapted to communicate with various mechanisms of the media storage device and various sensors associated with these mechanisms to control various mechanical operations of the media storage device. External devices such as an operator control panel (OCP) and a bar code reader may also be connected to the integrated controller to exchange information or commands between various components of the media storage device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the movement of paper sheets from a paper tray or the like is disclosed, and includes using a moveable sheet feeding device for removing the topmost single sheet from a stack of paper sheets seriatim to feed them along a path of travel to a paper printing station. A retractable guide device is used for helping to guide the sheets and to help retain them in the desired path of travel, and thus prevents the paper sheets from curling or other moving away from the path of travel. An end portion of the guide device is connected to and moves with a paper feeding mechanism as it continues to move downwardly into engagement with the current topmost sheet of the stack as it diminishes during a paper feeding operation.

Abstract: The sheet presenter includes a housing having a feed path therethrough from a feed end to a presenting end, and which defines an escrow area between the feed end and the presenting end. Presenting rollers at the presenting end initially restrain forward movement of a continuous sheet along the feed path, and cooperate with a gate to divert the sheet from the feed path into the escrow area to enable the sheet to be accumulated in the escrow area as the sheet is being imprinted. Subsequently, the presenting rollers urge the imprinted portion of the sheet out of the escrow area to present the imprinted portion. The presenting rollers are de-clutched to allow the recipient to grab the imprinted portion and pull it out without damaging the mechanism or the remaining sheet.

Abstract: A thermal print module and method includes a two-part snap-together housing and encloses a heated print element. An insulated spring finger is integrally formed on one housing part to move the heated print element for receiving a thermal-sensitive ink carrier for loading it into its printing position within the unit, wherein the spring finger protects the user from inadvertently touching the heated element. A two-position lever is used alternatively to move the heated print element for carrier loading purposes. A sensor is activated by the lever to de-activate electrically the print module during carrier loading operations.

Abstract: The sheet presenter includes an elongated platform adapted to engage a printer. A pair of spaced apart walls extend upwardly from the platform to support pivotably an arm at one and thereof. A motor disposed at another end of the arm is operatively connected to a drive roller wherein the mass of the motor urges the corresponding end of the arm downwardly to engage a sheet received on the platform.

Abstract: An output document finishing module and a method of using it, relate to a document finishing module which is removably mounted to a paper sheet receiver for a non-impact printer. The module receives the printed sheets from the non-impact printer and finishes them by stapling or hole punching. The module can be removed from the receiver and replaced with conventional document receiving bins.