Abstract: A security system for an unattended printing mechanism, such as that found in an automatic teller machine. The security system has a programmable microprocessor which sends data to a journal printer and actuates a journal motor that controls the rotation of the paper take-up drum. A timing disk is rotationally attached to the take-up drum. A sensor mounted adjacent the timing disk senses the rotation of the timing disk and the rotation of the take-up drum. As the timing disk rotates, the sensor generates alternating high and low signals. The sensor signals are fed to the microprocessor, which assesses the number of high/low signals, and the amount of paper being fed to the take-up roll. When it does not see a proper number of high-to-low transitions for a given amount of journal motor rotation, the microprocessor provides a signal that a jam has occurred in the printing system. The microprocessor continually monitors the sensor signals.

Abstract: The aligner mechanism comprises first and second control sleeves keyed to end portions of a shaft. First and second levers are pivotally mounted on the shaft adjacent to the first and second control sleeves for movement between first and second positions. A pinch roller is rotatably mounted on the levers opposite a drive roller. The aligner mechanism also includes an aligner bar having a first leg portion and a second leg portion secured to the first and second control sleeves respectively, and an engaging portion joining the first and second leg portions. The first lever has a projection cooperating with a control member on the first control sleeve and the second lever has a projection cooperating with a control member on the second control sleeve so as to provide lost motion coupling to pivotally move the first and second levers from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A strain relief apparatus for relieving strain on a cable of an electrical device having a housing with a notched-out portion therein. The strain relief apparatus is generally planar and is mounted directly into the notched-out portion. The strain relief apparatus has a U-shaped channel which is dimensioned to provide an interference fit with the cable after the cable is mounted therein. The design of the strain relief apparatus introduces bends in the cable to further facilitate strain relief if, for example, the cable is accidentally jerked or pulled.

Abstract: A piggyback recorder for use in a printer terminal having a first recorder for printing a first set of data on a document, such as a receipt document. The piggyback recorder is detachably mounted piggyback onto the first recorder, thereby providing a second recorder to the terminal for printing a second set of data on the document. The piggyback recorder comprises a piggyback print member which is capable of printing the second set of data, a mounting member for mounting the piggyback print member directly onto a first print member of the first recorder, a piggyback platen, a second mounting member for mounting the piggyback platen directly onto a first platen of the piggyback recorder, and a solenoid for providing relative movement between the piggyback print member and the piggyback platen.

Abstract: A mechanical damper system for use in a multiple wire, dot matrix print head to dampen the motion of each print wire actuator when such actuator returns from the printing position to the non-printing or home position. A single injection-molded plastic piece includes a plurality of plunger backstops arranged in a circle and spring-hinged for impact against a rubber damper by the respective print wire actuators.

Abstract: A dot matrix print head has a unitary member in the manner of a ring with a plurality of integral projections formed to position the armatures of print wire actuators, and ring portions to space the forward and rearward assembly of parts of the print head. An annular resilient member provides means for retaining the print wire actuators in one position.