Abstract: A label sensing mechanism for a printer mechanism is provided. The label sensing mechanism may comprise a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor disposed opposite one another, each of the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor may comprise an emitter and a detector. The first optical sensor and the second optical sensor may be positioned on either side of a paper path along which label liner bearing labels to be printed travels. The first optical sensor and the second optical sensor may be operable together or separately in order to detect label position, preprinted marks on the label liner, and preprinted marks on the labels. A method for sensing labels using such a label sensing mechanism and a printer having such a label sensing mechanism are also provided.

Abstract: A paper bucket for a printer with a self-adjusting spindle mechanism capable of accommodating media rolls of varying width is provided, together with a printer having such a paper bucket and corresponding method. The adjustable paper bucket may have a bucket frame and oppositely disposed wall assemblies pivotally mounted in the bucket frame. The adjustable paper bucket may further include oppositely disposed vertical flanges, each of the vertical flanges being pivotally mounted to a respective one of the wall assemblies. A spindle flange is rotatably mounted to each vertical flange for accepting a media roll therebetween. A motion linkage connects the wall assemblies together such that a movement of one of the wall assemblies results in an equal and opposite movement of the other one of the wall assemblies.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for a printer is provided, the pivot mechanism comprising a pivot base and two oppositely disposed side walls extending perpendicular to the pivot base. An arched slot may be provided in each side wall. Each slot may have at least two notches, each notch defining different positions of the pivot mechanism. Two lever arms may be provided, each of the two lever arms comprising a first end and a second end, with a connecting rod connecting the first ends of the lever arms together. A locking pin may be disposed on the second end of each of the lever arms. Each of the locking pins may extend into a corresponding one of the slots and engage with a corresponding notch. A pivot rod extends through the lever arms and into or through the side walls. The printer housing is adapted to pivot on the pivot rod.

Abstract: A label sensing mechanism for a printer mechanism is provided. The label sensing mechanism may comprise a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor disposed opposite one another, each of the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor may comprise an emitter and a detector. The first optical sensor and the second optical sensor may be positioned on either side of a paper path along which label liner bearing labels to be printed travels. The first optical sensor and the second optical sensor may be operable together or separately in order to detect label position, preprinted marks on the label liner, and preprinted marks on the labels. A method for sensing labels using such a label sensing mechanism and a printer having such a label sensing mechanism are also provided.

Abstract: A paper bucket for a printer with a self-adjusting spindle mechanism capable of accommodating media rolls of varying width is provided, together with a printer having such a paper bucket and corresponding method. The adjustable paper bucket may have a bucket frame and oppositely disposed wall assemblies pivotally mounted in the bucket frame. The adjustable paper bucket may further include oppositely disposed vertical flanges, each of the vertical flanges being pivotally mounted to a respective one of the wall assemblies. A spindle flange is rotatably mounted to each vertical flange for accepting a media roll therebetween. A motion linkage connects the wall assemblies together such that a movement of one of the wall assemblies results in an equal and opposite movement of the other one of the wall assemblies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting a paper roll in a paper bucket of a printer are provided. The paper bucket may comprise a curved base portion for accepting paper rolls of varying widths, two oppositely disposed side walls movably mounted to the curved base portion, and a two-part spring-loaded spindle assembly extending through each of the side walls and adapted to support a paper roll therebetween. Each spindle assembly may comprise a first spring loaded spindle part and a second spring loaded spindle part movably connected to one another.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for a printer is provided, the pivot mechanism comprising a pivot base and two oppositely disposed side walls extending perpendicular to the pivot base. An arched slot may be provided in each side wall. Each slot may have at least two notches, each notch defining different positions of the pivot mechanism. Two lever arms may be provided, each of the two lever arms comprising a first end and a second end, with a connecting rod connecting the first ends of the lever arms together. A locking pin may be disposed on the second end of each of the lever arms. Each of the locking pins may extend into a corresponding one of the slots and engage with a corresponding notch. A pivot rod extends through the lever arms and into or through the side walls. The printer housing is adapted to pivot on the pivot rod.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting a paper roll in a paper bucket of a printer are provided. The paper bucket may comprise a curved base portion for accepting paper rolls of varying widths, two oppositely disposed side walls movably mounted to the curved base portion, and a two-part spring-loaded spindle assembly extending through each of the side walls and adapted to support a paper roll therebetween. Each spindle assembly may comprise a first spring loaded spindle part and a second spring loaded spindle part movably connected to one another.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting discrete rigid member mating components creates different stable, freestanding three-dimensional figures such as robots. The mating components are positioned in tandem employ an elastic element through bores and each mating component has at least one slot that is aligned with a corresponding slot formed on adjacent mating component or body. The arrangement of the slots and elastic element permits each mating components to be maneuvered onto an adjacent mating component and retains its position without the use of hinges or other securing devices. A reconfigurable toy is constructed by interconnecting a plurality of different sized mating components. The mating components can thus be rearranged to form different-shaped figures including a robot that is reversibly transformable between a first configuration, which can comprise a myriad of forms, and a second configuration that is a cube.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting discrete rigid member mating components creates different stable, freestanding three-dimensional figures such as robots. The mating components are positioned in tandem employ an elastic element through bores and each mating component has at least one slot that is aligned with a corresponding slot formed on adjacent mating component or body. The arrangement of the slots and elastic element permits each mating components to be maneuvered onto an adjacent mating component and retains its position without the use of hinges or other securing devices. A reconfigurable toy is constructed by interconnecting a plurality of different sized mating components. The mating components can thus be rearranged to form different-shaped figures including a robot that is reversibly transformable between a first configuration, which can comprise a myriad of forms, and a second configuration that is a cube.

Abstract: A fastening device has: a mounting member attached to a first component, a screw-threaded assembly rotatable in the mounting member and with a screw-threaded portion for engaging with a screw-threaded portion of a second component to secure the components together; and an actuator member mounted on the screw-threaded assembly. The device has, in itself, locked and unlocked states. A torque-transmitting arrangement is arranged such that: when in the unlocked state, torque can be transmitted from the actuator member to the screw-threaded assembly to tighten the screw-threaded portions until a predetermined torque is reached, whereupon the device changes to its locked state; and when in the locked state, the actuator member is rotationally locked to the screw-threaded assembly. A locking arrangement is arranged such that, when in the unlocked and locked states, the actuator member can be rotated and is rotationally locked, respectively, relative to the mounting member.

Abstract: A system for precisely centering a workpiece within a cylindrical bore such that the center of the workpiece is coaxial with the central axis of the bore. An arbor is used within the cylindrical bore to sense and calculate the location of the central axis. The position of the workpiece is also sensed so that it can be aligned with the central axis. A computer system is used to perform the calculations and provide an indication of alignment of the workpiece and the central axis. The position of the central axis and the workpiece are found via a location determining system that may incorporate electromechanical and optical position sensing systems. For instance, a plurality of light transmitters and light receivers may be used to generate and transmit beams of light used in determining positions. The apparatus has particular application to free piston machines, and particularly free piston coolers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bursting perforated paper stock are provided. A feed mechanism is provided for feeding perforated paper stock in a feed direction along a paper path in a printer. The perforated paper stock has sections separated by perforations. A loop area is provided in the printer for accumulating one of the sections of the perforated paper stock. A burst element is provided for bursting a perforation of the accumulated section. In order to burst the perforation of the accumulated section, the feed direction is reversed to draw the perforation of the accumulated section against the burst element, thereby separating the section from the perforated paper stock. A paper dispensing mechanism is provided for advancing the separated section out of the loop area and dispensing the section from the printer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for driving sheets through a transaction-based printer. A sheet drive forwards a sheet through a printing station to a cutting station where the sheet is severed from a spool by a cutter. Movement of a kicker element is coordinated with that of the cutter so that the severed sheet is kicked into a bin located in the top cover of the printer. The printer can be, for example, an ink-jet, dot matrix, dye sublimation or thermal printer used to print tickets, vouchers, coupons or the like.

Abstract: A method and system for precisely centering a workpiece within a cylindrical bore such that the center of the workpiece is coaxial with the central axis of the bore. An arbor is used within the cylindrical bore to sense and calculate the location of the central axis. The position of the workpiece is also sensed so that it can be aligned with the central axis. A computer system is used to perform the calculations and provide an indication of alignment of the workpiece and the central axis. The position of the central axis and the workpiece are found via a location determining system that may incorporate electromechanical and optical position sensing systems. For instance, a plurality of light transmitters and light receivers may be used to generate and transmit beams of light used in determining positions. The method has particular application to free piston machines, and particularly free piston coolers.