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: 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.