Abstract: A method for effecting synchronous pulse generation for use in variable speed serial communications is provided. The method includes the steps of obtaining a communication link speed; generating a difference signal representing a signal level difference between at least two data stream signals; providing a clock signal; providing a counter; defining a sample count value of the counter using the communication link speed; incrementing the counter in relation to the clock signal; and determining whether a current count value of the counter corresponds to the sample count value. If the current count value corresponds to the sample count value, then the method performs a step of generating a synchronous pulse.

Abstract: Printer (1) is provided with a mode to edit and print forms without reference to or interruption of a host computer and with immediate printing of one or more of the forms. Page data for the forms is preferably stored in flash memory (21) in a high level printer language. Preferably, at initiation of the forms mode at least the first listed document is immediately prepared by the control data processor (17) of the printer in bit mapped form for printing. Documents can be listed on the control panel by name for ready selection for printing.

Abstract: A mechanism (120) which can be used in a printer (110), for example, for selectively moving sheets from first and second sheet stacks, including a rotating shaft (123), a mechanism for causing the rotating shaft (123) to rotate in first and second directions, and first and second media picks (121, 122). Rotation of the rotating shaft (123) in the first direction causes the first media pick (121) to move a sheet from the first sheet stack (51) and rotation of the rotating shaft (123) in the second direction causes the second media pick (122) to move a sheet from the second sheet stack (52).