Abstract: A point of sale (POS) receipt printer that includes a selective release mechanism that converts the printer into a check account verifying machine. The conversion mechanism magnetizes and selectively reads the account and bank information from existing magnetic characters on a check presented face-up to the receipt printer. The mechanism includes a magnet to magnetize the characters and a read head to read and analyze the signal waveform from each character. The check is pressed up against the read head and the magnetic characters are read only after the printing carriage of the receipt printer has moved to a dead zone within the printer housing.

Abstract: A printer for negotiating transactions at the point of sale in retail establishments. The POS printer includes a selective check reading mechanism that converts the receipt printer into a check reader. The mechanism includes a magnet to magnetize magnetic characters on a check and a read head to read and analyze the signal waveform from each character. The check is pressed up against the read head and the magnetic characters are read only after the printing carriage of the receipt printer has moved to a dead zone within the printer housing. In the dead zone, a tab, riding on the printing carriage, releases a spring-biased pivot arm. The pivot arm becomes free to pivot, thus releasing a spring-biased plunger, the face of which, in turn, forces the check and its indicia against the read head.

Abstract: A new paper loading system is featured with a convenient drop-in paper loading and a full slip path in a receipt printer. The paper is dropped into a paper receiving bucket disposed in the central portion of the printer. The paper is fed from the bucket; and thereafter, a receipt is printed. Then, the paper is cut to the appropriate receipt length. A slip path is also provided for insertion of a single or multi-part form used for credit or check validation. The relative position of the slip path would normally interfere with the drop-in loading of the paper supply roll into the bucket. The system allows the fixed blade assembly to support a slip path upon a rear surface thereof. The slip path is substantially parallel or adjacent to the paper receipt path, which passes between assemblies supporting a fixed blade and a movable, rotary blade. The fixed blade unlatches and pivots away from the rotary blade, thus opening the printer and exposing the paper loading bucket for access thereto.

Abstract: The present invention features a cutting mechanism for a receipt-printing machine, which has paper dispensed from a paper-supply roll. The cutting mechanism has a "v"-shaped, guillotine blade that is held in a blade holder. The blade is driven via the blade holder against a stationary blade and into cutting contact with a paper web containing receipt indicia. The paper web is dispensed from a paper-supply roll located within the printer. A displaceable cover is provided to allow for convenient paper loading and, occasionally, paper jam clearing. There is a blade guide which has side mountings for guiding at least one end tab of the guillotine blade into perpendicular contact with the paper web. The guillotine blade is driven through the blade guide into cutting contact with the paper by a drive cam. The drive cam rotatively engages the blade holder, providing the blade with a forward thrust. The cam is driven by a motor-driven gear train that has a timing gear.

Abstract: A printer has a bi-directional stepper motor that drives an endless toothed belt which is secured to a print head carriage for driving the carriage back and forth across the printer along a line of printing. A timing strip is molded integral with the frame of the printer and positioned under the print head carriage. An optical sensor of the light emitting diode and phototransistor type is secured to the underside of the carriage and positioned to straddle the timing strip as the carriage is driven back and forth across the printer. The printer controller uses timing strip/sensor signals to place the print head in a home position when the printer is turned on and also when the print head has been moved from an operating position, e.g. in the case of changing a ribbon. The timing strip/sensor signals are also used to detect a carriage jam condition.

Abstract: A device for connecting a toothed timing belt to a printhead carriage includes an arcuate member and a pair of posts extending downwardly from the carriage. The arcuate member includes a generally concave surface and a generally convex surface which is complementary to the toothed configuration of the timing belt. The posts are provided with angled surfaces located adjacent to the convex surface of the arcuate member to define passageways into which the belt is placed. Ledges at the lower ends of the posts prevent unintended slippage of the belt from the device when the belt is not under tension.

Abstract: A print head is secured to a print head carriage and movable along guide rails in printing operation. The carriage includes bearings engaging the guide rails which are secured to the frame of the printer. The print head carriage is made of conductive material to enable bonding of the print head through the carriage and the bearings and along the guide rails to the ground potential of the printer.

Abstract: A dot matrix print head has a heat sink substantially surrounding the head for dissipating heat therefrom. A print head carriage includes a pivot or bearing assembly on one side of the print head and includes a bail type clamp pivoted on the carriage on the other side of the print head. The arrangement allows the heat sink to swing from a covered print head operating position to an uncovered position for servicing or for removing the print head.

Abstract: A ribbon is driven past the printing station of a printer only when the print head is moved in the right-to-left direction across the printer. An endless timing belt causes rotation of a gear pulley that is in mesh with an idler gear. The idler gear is supported on a pair of projecting fingers of a plate that is swingable on the center of the gear pulley. The idler gear is responsive to the direction of rotation of the gear pulley through a drag effect of the projecting fingers with the bottom surface of the idler gear.

Abstract: A protective member in the form of an opaque brush operates as a non-reflective shield to an optical sensor while protecting such sensor against ambient light. The brush also provides for removal of contamination from the surface of the optical sensor as a slip or like document is inserted along a guide by causing the brush to swing across such surface.

Abstract: A slip/receipt printer is provided with a separator bracket attached at one side thereof to a forms compensating arm in cantilever manner. The separator bracket is biased by magnetic means toward the arm to provide a precise path for receipt paper. A slip or form is inserted into the printer on the top surface of the separator bracket. The separator bracket separates the receipt paper from the slip or form. Openings are provided in the separator bracket and other record medium supports.

Abstract: A mechanism for compensating for different thicknesses of record media at a printing station utilizes a platen supporting or carrying assembly which is pivotable to move the platen toward the print head. Another supporting assembly, also pivotable, is provided to carry a record media drive roller and is interconnected with the platen supporting assembly by means of a pin and slot arrangement to effect a substantially equal gap at the platen-print head and at the pressure roller-drive roller. A first cam member is rotated to engage with and to swing the platen supporting assembly into printing position and a second cam member is connected with the first cam member and rotated thereby to maintain the assembly in printing position.