Abstract: An aerodynamically released safety shipping latch for a rotating disk data storage device is disclosed. A moveable airvane means adjacent a rotating disk is deflected by airflow generated by disk rotation from an at-rest biased first position to a second position. A safety latch communicating with the airvane means releases the data transducer carriage from a landing zone position when the airvane means moves to the second position in response to airflow from disk rotation.

Abstract: An ink supply connection to both an interchangeable print head and the ink supply container of an ink jet printer system of the asynchronous, volume displacement droplet ejection type, the ink supply including means for automatically closing off the ink supply line to prevent either the loss of ink or the introduction of air into the container, supply and print head when either the print head or the container is removed from the system. The print head includes an ink supply pressure sensor for sensing the changes in pressure in the system and a valve operated by the sensor to supply ink to the system upon reduction of the pressure below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A sheet sorting apparatus for use in combination with an electrophotographic copying machine includes introducing rollers, discharge rollers, and a pair of transporting belts disposed in superposed relation in a tensioned state for feeding copy sheets in sandwiched relation therebetween from the introducing to the discharge rollers. The discharge rollers are carried on a vertically movable platform so that the transported sheets are dischargeable to a selected one of a plurality of receiving trays, movement of the platform effecting variation in the distance between the introducing and discharge rollers. Structure is provided for maintaining the tensioned state of the belts as said distance varies.

Abstract: An ink supply connection to both an interchangeable print head and the ink supply container of an ink jet printer system of the asynchronous, volume displacement droplet ejection type, the ink supply including means for automatically closing off the ink supply line to prevent either the loss of ink or the introduction of air into the container, supply and print head when either the print head or the container is removed from the system. The print head includes an ink supply pressure sensor for sensing the changes in pressure in the system and a valve operated by the sensor to supply ink to the system upon reduction of the pressure below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A carriage and raceway mechanism for an ink jet printer upon which carriage is mounted an ink jet print head for driving the ink jet print head back and forth along the raceway to allow the ink jet print head to eject droplets on a recording medium. The raceway and various other functions are designed and combined into the main frame of the mechanism for simplified construction of the mechanism and lower manufacturing costs. Means for locking the carriage against movement and means for capping and purging the ink jet print head are also provided.

Abstract: An advancing mechanism for a recording web, such as paper, for an ink jet printer. The apparatus, including a platen having coaxially mounted discs on a shaft with the center disc of much higher coefficient of friction than the remaining discs, a tensioning roller, a pinch roller, and a recording web holding means, is self-aligning and self-threading, having low power requirements. Means for indicating the exhaustion of the recording web is also provided.

Abstract: An ink supply system for an ink printer having a pressurizable, interchangeable ink cartridge, means for pressuring the ink cartridge upon insertion into the ink cartridge receptacle, and means for establishing fluid communication between the interior of the ink cartridge and the ink supply line to the ink jet printer before pressurization of the ink cartridge occurs. The present ink supply system also includes an improved septum and needle method of establishing fluid communication.

Abstract: An optical encoder of the type having a fixed and rotating disc adjacent each other with superimposed varying light transmission patterns, such as slits, wherein one or more light beams are passed therethrough and the light pattern detected is an indication of the relative rotation between the fixed and rotary disc. A special optical element is located on one side of the fixed and rotary discs while the light source, detectors and electronics are located on another side of said discs. The optical element is a single solid optically clear piece of material with certain outside surface areas selectively positioned with respect to the light beams at angles for either total reflection or total transmission in a manner to provide a desired optical path.

Abstract: An interchangeable head system for an ink jet printer of the asynchronous, volume displacement droplet ejection type in which the print head is mounted on the print head carriage in a manner such that it may be readily detached and replaced with another head; the print head mounting allowing for adjustment of the distance from the print head nozzle to the print receiving medium. The ink supply connection to both the print head and the ink supply container includes means for automatically closing off the ink supply line to prevent either the loss of ink or the introduction of air into the container, supply and print head when either the print head or the container is removed from the system. The print head includes an ink supply pressure sensor for sensing the changes in pressure in the system and a valve operated by the sensor to supply ink to the system upon reduction of the pressure below a predetermined level.