Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply unit for coupling between an adapter with an adapter connector and an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a self-contained housing, a backup power supply, and an output switch system. The self-contained housing has an input port for coupling with the adapter connector from the adapter and an output connector extending from the housing for coupling with the electronic device. The backup power supply is located in the housing and provides the backup power. The output switch system is also located in the housing. The output switch system is coupled between the output connector and the input port and the backup power supply and couples the backup power from the backup power supply to the electronic device when incoming power from the adapter fails.

Abstract: A device for piercing holes in an ink cartridge to enable ink to be inserted therein and an ink cartridge station for securing cartridges of two or more sizes so that the cartridges may be pierced and/or stored therein.

Abstract: A thermal printing device comprises a label tape printer and tape and ink ribbon cartridge for horizontal insertion into the printer. The cartridge housing includes an upper cover and a base which are joined by telescoping hubs and posts. The cartridge contains a supply of tape and ink ribbon wound on supply spools, a ribbon or rewind spool and a roller platen all supported for rotation. The platen and the rewind spool are formed with gears which engage one another. The platen gear is disposed proximate the cartridge tape port and an opening for admitting the printer print head. When the cartridge is horizontally inserted :into a printer openings the print head bears against the tape and ink ribbon which abuts the platen for controlled printing and advancement of the tape and ribbon. The platen gear partially extends from the front of the cartridge for driving engagement with a printer motor drive gear. In an alternate embodiment the rewind spool gear engages the printer motor drive gear.

Abstract: Molded, one-piece articles having selected surfaces suitable for adherent metallization, molded, metallized, one-piece articles and processes for making the articles are disclosed. The molded one-piece articles may be formed by: molding into a first mold cavity a first portion of the article using a first electrically insulating material which is capable of adhesion promotion by an adhesion promotion process and is catalytic for adherent metallization or is capable of being rendered catalytic for adherent metallization by an activating process; inserting the first portion into a second mold cavity; and molding into the second mold cavity a second portion of the article using a second electrically insulating material, leaving selected surfaces of the first portion exposed.

Abstract: A miniature keyboard assembly for generating code signals representative of selected characters and functions. The assembly including at least one but preferably, two glide keys, each coupled to a depressible keybutton for controlling the movement of its respective keybutton. In one embodiment, each keybutton base carries an electrically conductive layer and is slidable on a membrane panel having thereon a plurality of signal code generating switches. The keybutton being movable along orthogonal axes in response to movement of the glide key. Each keybutton extends upwardly through a longitudinal slot opening in a lateral slide support member and then through a fitted opening in an indicator panel. The indicator panel also includes an indicia marker which underlies a transparent keyboard panel and is visible therethrough.

Abstract: A miniature keyboard assembly for generating code signals representative of selected characters and functions. The assembly including at least one but preferably, two glide keys, each coupled to a depressible keybutton for controlling the movement of its respective keybutton. In one embodiment, each keybutton base carries an electrically conductive layer and is slidable on a membrane panel having thereon a plurality of signal code generating switches. The keybutton being movable along orthogonal axes in response to movement of the glide key. Each keybutton extends upwardly through a longitudinal slot opening in a lateral slide support member and then through a fitted opening in an indicator panel. The indicator panel also include an indicia marker which underlies a transparent keyboard panel and is visible therethrough.

Abstract: An arrangement for assuring ink ribbon and correction tape compatibility in a device which utilizes a first cassette having an ink ribbon therein and second cassette having a correction tape therein in the operation thereof, the arrangement including engaging formations located on the first and second cassettes which ensure that the ink ribbon and correction tape are functionally compatible with each other when the respective cassettes are inserted in the device such as, for example, functional compatibility between a single-strike ink ribbon and a lift-off correction tape, or functional compatibility between a multiple-strike ink ribbon and a cover-up correction tape.

Abstract: An improved quiet impact printer mechanism for use with a typewriter or printer which includes a print hammer having a significant mass for impacting a character pad against an ink ribbon, paper and a platen. A first embodiment has a drive means providing insignificant inertia through the use of a cam driven by an inexpensive, low torque reversible motor which is coupled to the hammer through a cam follower. The cam arrangement may also propel the hammer toward the platen under a predetermined series of controlled velocities. A second embodiment of a printer mechanism, similar to that described above, includes a rotary member driven by a motor link, coupled to the print hammer for moving the hammer toward and away from the platen. The motor link includes an acoustic noise reducing means.

Abstract: An improved quiet impact printer mechanism for use with a typewriter or printer which includes a print hammer having a high effective mass at the print point for impacting a character pad against an ink ribbon, paper and a platen at a relatively low velocity. The pinter mechanism drive means includes a cam driven by a low torque reversible motor for moving a cam follower. The cam follower is coupled to the hammer by means of a pin and moves the hammer towards the platen. The cam may also cause movement of the hammer toward the platen under a predetermined series of controlled velocities.

Abstract: A printing device having a detachable printwheel coupling means which includes a motor driven drive plate which is formed with a cantilevered spring finger and an aligning slot disposed on the side opposite the spring finger. The spring finger carries at its free end an alignment pin which automatically engages a radially offset cam surface located in a recess formed in the hub of a printwheel when the drive plate rotates relative to the printwheel. The printwheel hub also includes a drive pin which engages the aligning slot when the printwheel and drive plate abut under the urging of a pressure plate. The device inhibits angular and radial movement between the drive plate and the printwheel.

Abstract: A printing device including a print hammer having a noise dampener for use with an impact printer mechanism. The print hammer has a significant mass for impacting a character pad against an ink ribbon, paper and a platen. In a first embodiment the print hammer includes an acoustic noise dampening layer interposed between a mass weight and the hammer face which carries the anvil that impacts during printing. In other embodiments the print hammer is formed in two parts. One part having a weighted mass and the other part being pivotally coupled to the printer mechanism. The two parts are structurally joined together by a noise dampening member. Transmission of acoustic noise during impact printing through the hammer is reduced.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism is disclosed which is suitable for use on a pivotable character display for an electronic typewriter or portable computer. The hinge mechanism includes braking means for maintaining the character display in a viewing position, wherein friction is generated between disc shaped brake members of the hinge mechanism. Moreover, the addition of a cam in the hinge mechanism provides the selective use of torque to the braking means; the cam is engaged when the display is in a viewing position, preventing the display from slipping out of position, whereas the cam is not engaged when the display is near the horizontal, making it easier to raise and to lower the display. The hinge mechanism disclosed is suitable for use with multi-view position character displays as well as with single view position character displays.

Abstract: An integral locking device for a typewriter is used to safeguard against damages and to prevent a correction ribbon from feeding when the typewriter is transported. The integral locking device locks a carrier in a predetermined channel position, locks the correction bail on the carrier to prevent correction ribbon feed, and jams a correction ribbon feed release device.