Abstract: A card printer is disclosed which uses shaped-illumination to illuminate the portion of a card upon which printing will occur. The shaped-illumination is produced by passing light from a light source through a light source shaping assembly. In an embodiment, the light source shaping assembly is composed of a plurality of baffles molded into the portion of the printer which defines the path of motion of the printer's print head. In this way, alignment between the shaped-illumination and the printing process is guaranteed with essentially no increase in the cost of printer and, in many cases, a reduction in cost.

Abstract: Systems for reducing the power consumption of fluorescent lights are provided. The systems can be used in new construction as well as retrofitted into existing buildings employing overdriven fluorescent lights without significantly affecting the operation of utility power lines. In preferred embodiments, the systems provide substantially constant light output during start-up and low voltage conditions.

Abstract: Systems for reducing the power consumption of fluorescent lights are provided. The systems can be used in new construction as well as retrofitted into existing buildings employing overdriven fluorescent lights without significantly affecting the operation of utility power lines. In preferred embodiments, the systems provide substantially constant light output during start-up and low voltage conditions.

Abstract: A unitary guide and shield member (13) for use in guiding time cards (10) to a time and attendance recorder is provided. The guide and shield member serves to (1) guide the time card to feed rolls (16), (2) hold the time card at a substantially constant distance from a light source and a light sensor, and (3) protect the light sensor from ambient light.