Abstract: An electrical output signal from an electro-optical code reader is amplified (U1) to develop a first signal which is applied to a positive peak detector (U2D1, C2) and a negative peak detector (U3, D2, C3). The positive peak detector provides a second signal whose voltage level follows that of the first signal as the first signal increases, from the time that the voltage level of the second signal is brought substantially equal to that of the first signal to the time that the first signal begins to decrease, with the voltage level of the second signal thereafter being maintained substantially constant. The negative peak detector provides a third signal whose voltage level follows that of the first signal as the first signal decreases from the time that the voltage level of the third signal is brought substantially equal to that of the first signal to the time that the first signal begins to increase, with the third signal thereafter being maintained substantially constant.

Abstract: A guide which maintains an edge surface of a tape, such as an elongated strip of print stock, in contact with a reference surface formed on a base of the guide as the tape is moved in a predetermined direction and along a predetermined path. Preferably, the guide includes a first roller which is mounted on the base in proximity to the reference surface and which has an axis of rotation which is inclined, in an imaginary plane parallel to the predetermined direction of tape movement, from a normal drawn to the reference surface. A second roller is also mounted on the base in proximity to the reference surface and has its axis of rotation substantially parallel to that of the first roller, with corresponding portions of the peripheral surfaces of the first and second rollers being in proximity to each other to define a nip therebetween for compressing the tape.

Abstract: A tape tensioning apparatus particularly useful in regulating the tension in a tape such as an elongated strip of printer ribbon stock used in printing apparatus such as mechanical impact printers. A stock guide is supported for rotation on a base, the stock guide having an arm from which extends a roller. An inclined surface on the stock guide rests on a complementary inclined surface on the base so that the stock guide moves toward the base as the stock guide is rotated in a predetermined direction from a predetermined angular position, with a spring yieldably biasing the stock guide to its predetermined angular position. A spool of print or ribbon stock is mounted on a reel, itself supported for rotation with respect to the base, with the stock passing around the roller on the stock guide after exiting from the spool thereof and with the reel resting on and rotatable with a reel support disc which is constrained from moving more than a predetermined distance above the base.

Abstract: An improved hammer bank assembly includes a plurality of spaced-apart hammers, each of the hammers including a substantially planar hammer body containing an electrical coil, with each hammer body being supported for movement in a predetermined plane. A hammer head is attached to and coplanar with each hammer body. Also included are a plurality of flat permanent magnets interleaved with the plurality of hammers so that adjacent ones of the permanent magnets oppose but are separated from each hammer body. A plurality of hammer guide members are provided, one for each hammer, with each hammer guide member defining therein an elongated groove in which is received at least a portion of each hammer head.

Abstract: An automated label applicator includes an elongated arm which is rotatable between a first position, in which the label applicator receives an adhesive-backed label as it is being separated from an elongated strip of label stock backing, and a second position, in which the label is removed from the label applicator by progressive engagement of the adhesive backing with a moving surface. In the label-receiving position, the label is directed between a first pin upstanding from the elongated arm, and a second pin supported for rotation about the first pin, by a spring arm which extends transversly from the first pin. The spring arm is normally biased against the second pin, but is deflected therefrom only when the elongated arm is in the label-receiving position. Upon initial rotation of the elongated arm toward the label-applying position, the spring arm is released to press the label against the second pin.

Abstract: A label printer is disclosed for imprinting characters in succession on label stock comprising an elongated strip of label stock backing having a front surface and a back surface and further comprising a plurality of labels removably adhering to and spaced along the front surface of the elongated strip. The label printer takes the label stock from a supply position, passes it in a first direction by a print station, then passes the label stock with the imprinted labels through a label stripping apparatus which includes a first pin mounted so as to extend transversely to the first direction of label stock travel and bearing against the back surface of the label stock backing. The label printer draws the label stock from the label stripping apparatus in a second direction which is substantially at right angles to the first direction so as to result in separation of individual imprinted labels as the label stock passes around the first pin.

Abstract: An impact printer is disclosed for imprinting characters in succession on print stock such as that comprising an elongated strip of label stock backing having a lower edge surface, an upper edge surface, a front surface and a back surface and further comprising a plurality of labels removably adhering to and spaced along a front surface of the elongated strip. The impact printer moves the print stock under tension along a predetermined path past a print station including a hammer capable of controllable, reciprocative movement in a predetermined plane to contact the back surface of the print stock. In order to maintain the print stock properly aligned in a vertical direction with respect to the hammer as it moves in its predetermined plane, a first guide includes a planar reference surface normal to the predetermined plane and is located in proximity to the print station and to the predetermined path of print stock movement.

Abstract: An improved hammer assembly is disclosed for use in impact printers having a print station comprising a continuously rotating print wheel and an adjacent hammer mechanism for selectively impacting print stock and an interposed ink ribbon against a raised element on the print wheel to thereby imprint a character on the print stock. The hammer assembly includes an elongated hammer having a hammer surface at one end and an actuating surface at the other end which is engaged by a hammer actuating device in the hammer mechanism having a controllable, substantially reciprocative movement. The elongated hammer is supported for substantially reciprocative, planar movement with respect to a similarly elongated first support member by a pair of linear leaf springs which extend between the elongated hammer and the first support member in a spaced-apart, parallel manner.