Abstract: In a printer in which a plurality of hammers mounted along the length of an elongated hammerbank are selectively fired as the hammerbank is reciprocated relative to an elongated platen to impact a length of ink ribbon against at least one length of print paper supported by the platen to effect printing in dot matrix fashion, the platen being rotatable about an axis of rotation to vary the size of a platen gap between the plurality of hammers and the platen, a mechanism is provided for positively locking the platen in any one of a succession of different rotational positions to provide locking platen gap adjustment. The Positions are identified in order to facilitate resetting of the platen to a desired gap size. The mechanism includes a rotatable knurled thumbknob having mounted thereon a cam having a succession of eccentric or radially varying detents in an outer surface thereof which receives the end of a pivotally mounted, spring-biased lever.

Abstract: Apparatus for making tactile impressions, such as a Braille matrix, on paper. The apparatus includes a paper receiver, pins, a driver, and a rotating print wheel. The receiver accepts paper, and the driver selectively extends pins toward the paper. The print wheel rolls over the pins, pressing the paper and pins in close contact. Consequently, the pins leave a tactile impression on the paper.

Abstract: A paper feeder roller wherein a motor transfers a driving force to a deceleration gear train. The deceleration gear train transfers this force to the shaft of a paper feeder roller which is rotated thereto. A plate connected to the paper feeder roller is rotatable about an axis so that the rotation of the plate rotates the paper feeder roller in and out of engagement with the deceleration gear train. When the paper feeder roller is disengaged with the deceleration gear train, the paper feeder roller can be rotated manually.

Abstract: A tape cassette is disclosed, in the housing of which are provided accommodation sections accommodating an ink ribbon, an image receiving tape and an adhesive tape, respectively. The tape cassette is set in a tape printer, and printing is done in a mirror image transfer mode on the printing surface of the tape from the printing head via the ink ribbon. After the printing, the tape is fed out together with the adhesive tape applied to the printing surface.The cassette housing can be used for a label tape cassette and also for an instant lettering tape cassette, and the image transfer mode of the tape printer is never changed irrespectively of the types of tape cassettes used with the tape printer.

Abstract: An ink dispensing roll comprises a generally cylindrical member having a plurality of holes communicating with an interior annular reservoir and a microporous ink impregnated sleeve mounted about the cylindrical member. The annular reservoir is in liquid communication with a larger reservoir charged with ink that flows by gravity into the annular reservoir and then into the microporous sleeve.

Abstract: An ergometrically improved computer of typewriter keyboard having the keys arranged and designated so that they are operated using finger movements which substantially mimic those currently employed by a typist using a standard "QWERTY" keyboard. The keyboard is divided into two separate sections, one of which is intended to be used by the right hand of the operator and the other of which is intended to be used by the left hand to permit independent positioning of the two sections relative to one another. Each keyboard section includes a housing having a raised central portion designed to ergometrically support and steady the hands of the operator, in a natural relaxed position from which all of the keys may be operated without significant hand movement. The fingers and thumb are positioned in respective cavities each having a plurality of push button key switches arranged therein for engagement by the thumb and fingers, with a minimal and unique finger movement required to actuate any key.

Abstract: A printer comprises a type wheel, a hammer to hit a wheel, an ink ribbon, a carriage, a detector for detecting first and second positions of the hammer, and a controller responsive to the detector for generating the first and the second control signals to independently drive the type wheel, the ink ribbon, and the carriage.

Abstract: The cleaner utilizes a screen cleaning head carriage having a freely rotatable wiper roller, solvent ejector for directing solvent at the web before it passes over the wiper roller during motion of the head carriage in a first direction, and a drying gas ejector for directing drying gas at the screen during motion of the head carriage in a second direction opposite the first direction, together with web feed control means for advancing the web about the wiper roller in advancement increments and retracting the web about the wiper roller in lesser retraction increments interspersed with the advancement increments, to produce a two steps forward and one step back" forward intemittent web motion.

Abstract: Apparatus for counting and endorsing documents in which a motor drives respective pairs of feed rollers to move documents along a feed path from an input location and along the feed path to an output location. Movement of an endorser adjacent to the feed path from an inoperative position to an operative position reduces the motor excitation to cause the rollers to move the documents along the path at a slower rate.

Abstract: The machine is used, for example, in the production of printed circuits.The frame (5) supporting the screen cloth (3) is moved in a plane which always remains approximately parallel to the plane of the circuit (2) to be printed, and the machine is equipped, in each corner of the frame, with a tracer (9) which detects an exact height of the cloth (3) and which commands independently in each corner the stopping of the means (7, 8, 10, 17) for the lowering of the frame, so as to establish a reference height, on the basis of which fine adjustments can subsequently be programmed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a reconfigurable keyboard which is customized by providing a curved baseplate carrying switches which are key actuated whereby all keys have substantially the same curvature and are interchangeable. The keyboard arrangement is substantially that of a standard typewriter with a plurality of spaces on either side of and over the standard typewriter keyboard in an x-y matrix arrangement. Each key position is provided with either a key cover which is utilized when the key position is not to be used or with a standard key cap which operates the switch at the key position associated therewith and which stands up higher than a key cover, the latter sitting at essentially the same level as the keyboard housing. A key can be of an enlarged type to span two or more key positions either on the same row or different rows. Each of the key locations is capable of providing an output signal which is determined by a software operation in a selective manner or by prearranged program.

Abstract: A paper clamping mechanism for clamping a sheet of printing paper on a drum-shaped platen of a printer is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a clamp member radially slidably mounted at its legs to the end surfaces of the platen, and a lever pivotted to the frame of the printer. The clamp member comprises a pressor which opposes an axial recess on the peripheral surface of the platen; the front end portion of a sheet of paper is held between the pressor and the recess during the printing operation, the clamp member being urged toward the axis of the platen by a spring. The clamp member further comprises an axially extending pin formed on a leg thereof. The lever is urged by a spring to a position at which it is stopped by a pin formed on the frame of the printer. An arm of the lever comes into contact with the pin on the leg of the clamp member when the clamp member is rotated with the platen.

Abstract: A platen assembly has a pipe shaft having an elastomeric layer therearound, an end of the pipe shaft having cutouts therein extending parallel to the axis thereof and having locking holes therein between the cutouts, and a power transmission member connected to the end of the pipe shaft, the power transmission member having first convexities removably engaged in the cutouts for holding the member against rotation relative to the pipe shaft, and second convexities resiliently removably engaged in the locking holes for holding the member against disengagement from the pipe shaft.