Abstract: A printing device includes a portable body having support means within which is defined a print face. The support means is capable of abutment against a surface on which an image is to be printed so that the print face is exposed to the surface and defines a region over which print is to be distributable without relative movement of the print face and said surface. The support means is arranged to support spaced from the surface to be printed an ink jet print head for distributing said print, and the ink jet print head is selectively operable at a plurality of locations within the print face to print an image onto the surface to be printed. The device has an electronic control device including a buffer for holding data defining at least part of the image and print actuating means controlled by the control device for operating the ink jet print head to print an image.

Abstract: A thermal printing device is capable of printing labels in a plurality of colours. When printing in a particular colour has been completed, further movement of image receiving tape is prevented so that an image transfer ribbon of a different colour can be exchanged for the first image transfer ribbon. In this way, multiple colour labels can be printed in a simple and efficient manner.

Abstract: An automatic tape detecting and tape width identifying printing apparatus or tape holder wherein the printing apparatus and tape holder include an optical sensing arrangement having at least first and second optical sensing assemblies. The first and second optical sensing assemblies each, preferably, include a photo transistor and a light emitting diode. The photo transistor is located to receive and detect light from the light emitting diode. The first and second optical sensing assemblies are located to automatically detect the presence or absence of tape within the tape holder. In a preferred embodiment, the first optical sensing assembly is located to automatically discriminate the presence of a particular width, w2, of tape within the tape holder. In addition, the second optical sensing assembly is located to automatically discriminate the presence of a different width, w1, of tape within the tape holder.

Abstract: A printing device has a simple mechanism for ensuring that a cassette having tape of a proper width is inserted into it for printing and for advising a microprocessor of the width of the tape. This is achieved by providing a switch with an actuating part which can be accommodated by a cassette of one type but not by a cassette of a different type.

Abstract: A tape printing device is described which has cutting means capable of providing a tab cut and a multiple strip of labels. The printing device also enables label lengths to be controlled and to control the cutting process in response to these label lengths.

Abstract: A printing device comprises a zone for receiving tape for printing so that said tape passes along a predetermined path in the printing device; and an optical sensing arrangement comprising first and second optical sensing assemblies which enable an end of tape state to be detected and also allow discrimination between tapes of different widths.

Abstract: There is described a printing apparatus, particularly a label printer, which includes a switching mechanism operable in response to movement of the lid to permit operation of the printing apparatus only when the lid is closed. This can be combined with detection of the presence or absence of a cassette in a cassette receiving bay of the apparatus so that operation of the printing apparatus is permitted only in the presence of a cassette and with the lid in the closed position.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is described which enables a cassette to be removed more easily. This is done by tightening the tape within the cassette automatically in response to movement of a printing mechanism from its operative to its inoperative position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a piezoelectric valve for controlling fluid flow and, more particularly to such a valve which is neither solenoid or servo assisted. In this specification and claims, reference to fluid(s) includes both liquid(s) and gas(es). One particular form of piezoelectric valve for controlling fluid flow comprises a housing, a cavity within the housing, piezoelectric valve disc element and a valve seat, inlet and outlet ducts for leading fluid into and out from the cavity and disposed on opposite sides of the valve disc element and means for supporting the valve disc element at a central region of the element with the peripheral region of the disc disposed for cooperation with the valve seat so that upon actuation of the element by a voltage applied thereto, the periphery of the disc is displaceable and at least a portion of a peripheral region of the disc serves to control fluid flow between the inlet and outlet ducts.