Abstract: A hand-held label marking device prints selected bar code character information on labels by scribing selected code bars upon one area of a moving label juxtaposed with a printing medium and prints corresponding alpha-numeric character information upon another area of the label by impacting the label and printing medium against selected print elements, thereby establishing a standard symbol, such as that currently prescribed in the United States by the Universal Product Code. Further alpha-numeric information is printed upon a further area of the label by a reciprocating printing mechanism in the same device to provide consumer-readable price information. A compact arrangement of component parts enables the printing of a full range of bar code character information in accordance with a compact symbol standard such as the zero-suppression symbol standard of the Universal Product Code, together with the corresponding alpha-numeric character information.

Abstract: A variable amount imprinter and a portable transaction-log recorder usable therewith, the imprinter having a pivotally mounted head assembly, upon which is mounted a roller platen assembly for effecting imprinting. Two interlocks are provided to prevent closing of the head assembly until (a) a tray for a printing plate such as a credit card has been latched in place in the recorder and (b) at least one preselected item of the variable amount data has been set to a non-zero value. Releasable latching means lock the head in its closed position until the imprinting stroke of the roller platen assembly has been completed, at which time the head is automatically returned to its open position.Means responsive to movement of the roller platen assembly during the imprinting stroke reset the variable amount data to zero after it has been imprinted. Means are also provided for centralizing the digit wheels of the variable amount assembly prior to the imprinting thereof.