Abstract: A compact printer that includes a sensor system for monitoring the position and/or status of media is provided. The system includes a photo source extending along a line across all or a portion of the width of a media path. The photo source can comprise a number of sources, such as a number of focused LED sources. A single detector or receiver is disposed on a side of the media path opposite the source. The location of the single receiver with respect to the width of the media path can be adjusted by a user. Information related to the intensity of light received at the receiver is passed to a controller, which can use the information to generate a media out signal or to determine the location of an index mark.

Abstract: A printer having a desktop unit and a portable unit that can be interconnected to the desktop unit is provided. The desktop unit provides a media supply. However, the desktop unit does not provide a print head. The portable unit provides a media supply and a print head. When the portable unit is interconnected to the desktop unit, the print head may be supplied with media from either the media supply of the desktop unit or the media supply of the portable unit.

Abstract: A printer having multiple media supplies and multiple print heads and method for using the same is provided. More particularly, each print head included in the printer may be associated with one of the media supplies. Printer control electronics, a power supply, and interconnections to a computer or other device can be shared by the multiple print heads. Each print head may be associated with a platen, or a platen may be shared among multiple print heads. Where a platen is shared by multiple print heads, the platen may be rotated in a first direction to draw media past a first one of the print heads and in a second direction to draw media past a second one of the print heads. Moreover, a print head that is not in use can be moved so that it is not in contact with a moving platen.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the delivery of an electronic receipt. A delivery address is read from a storage medium carried by a consumer by a complimentary reader. The reader provides the delivery address for association with information related to the terms of a transaction entered into by the consumer. The information related to the terms of the transaction are then sent to the delivery address, thereby providing an electronic receipt. The delivery address in machine readable form is all the information needed to adequately address the electronic receipt for delivery. Accordingly, reference to an external database or other information in order to obtain such address information is not required.

Abstract: A barcode printer is provided constructed out of rectangular, extruded aluminum stock. The mechanical components are mounted directly to the stock frame of a main housing section which eliminates the need for a separate internal mechanism housing and an external cosmetic housing. The motor is mounted approximately in the center of the unit and along with a plastic enclosure assembly, acts as a spindle for a roll of printing media. This orientation of the motor maximizes its utility and contributes to the compactness of the unit. A full roll of printing media is loaded into the unit by removing a cap which covers the side of the roll of paper and provides see-through availability for determining the amount of stock remaining. The printhead is lifted off the platen (drive) roller and the paper will then slide on and off the spindle. The printhead lifting mechanism includes a printhead dial rotatably mounted on the frame and secured with a retaining ring.

Abstract: A thermal printhead fixed to a pivotal supporting frame is held in operative printing contact with a web of printing medium backed by a platen roller under the bias of a spring device engageable with the pivotal supporting frame for the printhead. The spring device is operatively located relative to the platen roller so that the spring bias exerted establishes proper frictional feeding engagement between the web and the roller which is power driven. The spring device, the pivotal supporting frame for the printhead and the platen roller are mounted by a common housing section.