Abstract: A form overlay type document printing apparatus includes a format memory for storing form data, a repetition data memory for storing common data to be printed on successive documents, and a variable data buffer for storing data which is unique to such document. A printing pattern generator converts the repetition data and unique data to corresponding printing signals and a form pattern generator generates printing signals for reproducing a selected form. The printing signals corresponding to the form data and the repetition data are combined and repetitively supplied to an output buffer as long as there is no change in the form or the repetition data. The printing signals corresponding to the unique data are also supplied to the output buffer. The contents of the output buffer are supplied to a head driver which controls a printing head to generate the desired printed output.

Abstract: A form overlay type document printing apparatus includes a format memory for storing form data, a repetition data memory for storing common data to be printed on successive documents, and a variable data buffer for storing data which is unique to such document. A printing pattern generator converts the repetition data and unique data to corresponding printing signals and a form pattern generator generates printing signals for reproducing a selected form. The printing signals corresponding to the form data and the repetition data are combined and repetitively supplied to an output buffer as long as there is no change in the form or the repetition data. The printing signals corresponding to the unique data are also supplied to the output buffer. The contents of the output buffer are supplied to a head driver which controls a printing head to generate the desired printed output.

Abstract: A fixed head thermal printer with a plurality of printing elements defining a line of print. Power is supplied to blocks of elements sequentially with a number of blocks receiving power simultaneously, that number being determined in accordance with the number of dots to be printed. The width of the paper is detected and elements not adjacent the paper are prevented from operating. In one embodiment, slack in a loop of paper from a roll is detected to control the driving speed of the roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming labels from paper that has a label forming layer and a transfer carbon layer. The label layer has marks thereon having a known relationship to the intended edges of the label. A photoelectric detector activates a label cutting mechanism in response to the marks. The apparatus further includes a winding means for collecting the transfer carbon paper as well as paper trimming subsystems for facilitating the separation of the label layer from the transfer carbon layer.