Abstract: In the embodiment of the hot melt ink supply unit described in the specification, a block of solid hot melt ink has a peripheral surface formed with a key configuration and a handle is removably connected to the block by a threaded projection. After insertion of the block into a correspondingly keyed opening in a heated reservoir, the handle is turned to separate the handle portion from the block of solid ink. A container provided with a removable seal encloses the block of solid ink and handle to protect the ink from contamination.

Abstract: In the embodiment of the hot melt ink supply unit described in the specification, a block of solid hot melt ink has a peripheral surface formed with a key configuration and a handle is removably connected to the block by a threaded projection. After insertion of the block into a correspondingly keyed opening in a heated reservoir, the handle is turned to separate the handle portion from the block of solid ink. A container provided with a removable seal encloses the block of solid ink and handle to protect the ink from contamination.

Abstract: In the embodiment of the hot melt ink supply unit described in the specification, a block of solid hot melt ink has a peripheral surface formed with a key configuration and a handle is removably connected to the block by a threaded projection. After insertion of the block into a correspondingly keyed opening in a heated reservoir, the handle is turned to separate the handle portion from the block of solid ink. A container provided with a removable seal encloses the block of solid ink and handle to protect the ink from contamination.

Abstract: The invention provides a scanner system which in one embodiment includes only a single moving part in the document path, namley a drive roll, which serves not only to move the document through the system, but also to provide a backing against which the document is pushed while a proximate region thereof is being scanned. The invention in an embodiment also provides an opto-mechanical assembly that is shock-mounted to the frame of the system at only three-spaced apart locations, so that the assembly tends to be isolated from vibration and torsional forces.

Abstract: A printer apparatus including a printhead (14) for printing on a data carrier (20), a printhead carrier (15) for moving the printhead along a path, a cutter mechanism (30) for cutting the data carrier upon command, a bi-directional drive means (34) having an output shaft (36) operable to be driven in first and second directions and a one-way clutch means (46) operatively associated with the output shaft for actuating the cutter mechanism (30) and driving the printhead carrier (14). The drive means when effecting rotation of the output shaft (36) in the first direction effecting movement of the printhead carrier and printhead along the path and when effecting rotation of the output shaft in the second direction effecting actuation of the cutter mechanism (30) to cut the data carrier.

Abstract: A printer having a movable print head for printing on a first record medium fed by one feed mechanism also contains a second feed mechanism capable of performing line-by-line feeding of a separate record medium across the print head independently of the main drive and is capable of performing single line or multi-line printing on the separate record medium.

Abstract: .[.The invention provides a.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.scanner system .[.which.]. in one embodiment includes only a single moving part in the document path, namley a drive roll, which serves not only to move the document through the system, but also to provide a backing against which the document is pushed while a proximate region thereof is being scanned. .[.The invention in an.]. .Iadd.An .Iaddend.embodiment also provides an opto-mechanical assembly that is shock-mounted to the frame of the system at only three-spaced apart locations, so that the assembly tends to be isolated from vibration and torsional forces.