Abstract: The invention provides an alternative applications programming interface (API) for a software application to interface with and to control and coordinate the operation of a variety of specialty devices, including a barcode scanning device and a label printing device. In some embodiments, this alternative API is provided via a software application interface module (SAIM) that is remotely accessible to a software application module (SAM) via a computer network. The SAIM provides for interface and control of specialty devices that would otherwise be un-accessible to a software application module (SAM), via employment of a device specific interface module (DSIM), which functions like a device driver to specialty devices that can be geographically distributed away from the software application module (SAM) and sway from the software application interface module (SAIM), and also function in circumstances where the software application module (SAM) is mobile.

Abstract: The invention provides an alternative applications programming interface (API) for a software application to interface with and to control and coordinate the operation of a variety of specialty devices, including a barcode scanning device and a label printing device. In some embodiments, this alternative API is provided via a software application interface module (SAIM) that is remotely accessible to a software application module (SAM) via a computer network. The SAIM provides for interface and control of specialty devices that would otherwise be un-accessible to a software application module (SAM), via employment of a device specific interface module (DSIM), which functions like a device driver to specialty devices that can be geographically distributed away from the software application module (SAM) and sway from the software application interface module (SAIM), and also function in circumstances where the software application module (SAM) is mobile.

Abstract: The invention provides an alternative applications programming interface (API) for a software application to interface with and to control the operation of a variety of one or more specialty devices, including specialty printing and specialty non-printing devices. The alternative API provides a superset of control functionality relative to an API that would typically be provided by a specialty device driver. In some embodiments, this alternative API is provided via a specialty device module (SDM) or a specialty printing module (SPM) that is remotely accessible to a software application via a computer network. The SDM or SPM can provide for interface and control of specialty devices that would otherwise be un-accessible to a software application via a specialty device driver, and can provide such locally or remotely accessible functionality to the software application, without necessarily requiring employment of a specialty device driver.

Abstract: The invention provides an alternative applications programming interface (API) for a software application to interface with and to control the operation of a variety of one or more specialty devices, including specialty printing and specialty non-printing devices. The alternative API provides a superset of control functionality relative to an API that would typically be provided by a specialty device driver. In some embodiments, this alternative API is provided via a specialty device module (SDM) or a specialty printing module (SPM) that is remotely accessible to a software application via a computer network. The SDM or SPM can provide for interface and control of specialty devices that would otherwise be un-accessible to a software application via a specialty device driver, and can provide such locally or remotely accessible functionality to the software application, without necessarily requiring employment of a specialty device driver.

Abstract: The invention provides an alternative applications programming interface (API) for a software application to interface with and to control the operation of a variety of one or more specialty devices, including specialty printing and specialty non-printing devices. The alternative API provides a superset of control functionality relative to an API that would typically be provided by a specialty device driver. In some embodiments, this alternative API is provided via a specialty device module (SDM) or a specialty printing module (SPM) that is remotely accessible to a software application via a computer network. The SDM or SPM can provide for interface and control of specialty devices that would otherwise be un-accessible to a software application via a specialty device driver, and can provide such locally or remotely accessible functionality to the software application, without necessarily requiring employment of a specialty device driver.

Abstract: The invention provides an alternative applications programming interface (API) for a software application to interface with and to control the operation of a variety of one or more specialty devices, including specialty printing devices. The alternative API provides a superset of control functionality relative to an API that would typically be provided by a specialty device driver. In some embodiments, this alternative API is provided via a specialty device module (SDM) or a specialty printing module (SPM) that is remotely accessible to a software application via a computer network. The SDM or SPM can provide for interface and control of specialty devices that would otherwise be un-accessible to a software application via a specialty device driver, and can provide such locally or remotely accessible functionality to the software application, without necessarily requiring employment of a specialty device driver.

Abstract: The invention provides an alternative applications programming interface (API) for a software application to interface with and to control the operation of a variety of one or more specialty printing devices. The alternative API provides a superset of control functionality relative to an API that would typically be provided by a specialty printing device driver. In some embodiments, this alternative API is provided via a specialty printing module (SPM) that is remotely accessible to a software application via a computer network. The SPM can provide for interface and control of specialty printing devices that would otherwise be un-accessible to a software application via a specialty printing device driver, and can provide such locally or remotely accessible functionality to the software application, without necessarily requiring employment of a specialty printing device driver.

Abstract: A device is provided that is capable of simultaneous communication over multiple wired and wireless networks. The device is capable of processing data received simultaneously over multiple networks by storing the data in data buffers and using a polling routine to retrieve the data from the data buffers. The device is capable of preventing interference when communicating over multiple wireless networks in the same frequency band by monitoring the frequency channel used by one of the wireless networks and controlling the frequency channels used by the other wireless networks.

Abstract: A tablet assembly that can support various electronic devices in different orientations. Generally, the tablet assembly includes a tablet frame for supporting one or more repositionable, modular electronic device housings. Repositioning allows the housings to be arranged in different configurations to suit the handedness or desires of an operator of the electronic devices. The electronic device housings define receptacles that are configured to receive the electronic devices but still allow their operation. In addition, the housings may include communications connections that interconnect the housings, and the electronic devices to allow them to communicate with each other. Further, the table frame may be configured to extend outwards from the electronic device housings so as to provide gripping surfaces and impact resistance to protect the electronic devices contained therein.

Abstract: A portable printer for printing on a roll of paper or label stock is provided having automatic print alignment with the width of the roll. The portable printer has a housing having a compartment for receiving the roll, a cover to access the roll, and a centering mechanism for the roll. The centering mechanism has two rotatable spindle members in the compartment engageable with the opposing ends of the roll's tubular core, and a pair of racks each coupled to one of the spindle members, and to each other by a gear, to enable each of the spindle members to move in opposite directions with respect to a center between the spindle members. The position of centering mechanism is optically, magnetically, or electro-mechanically encoded and a sensor reads the encoded position of the centering mechanism. A controller automatically aligns printing with respect to the roll's width in accordance with the encoded position read by the sensor, thereby preventing printing outside the width of the paper from the roll.

Abstract: A device is provided that is capable of simultaneous communication over multiple wired and wireless networks. The device is capable of processing data received simultaneously over multiple networks by storing the data in data buffers and using a polling routine to retrieve the data from the data buffers. The device is capable of preventing interference when communicating over multiple wireless networks in the same frequency band by monitoring the frequency channel used by one of the wireless networks and controlling the frequency channels used by the other wireless networks.

Abstract: A portable label printer is provided having a central control section, and first and second printing sections coupled to the central section. Each of the first and second printing sections has a printing mechanism with a thermal printhead and motor driven platen roller, a compartment for receiving a roll of paper, and a cover enabling loading of a roll in the compartment. The central control section has a printer control circuitry which independently controls the printing mechanism of each of the first and second printing sections interactive with signals from a host computer or terminal. Each of the first and second printing sections represents a module detachable from the central control section and can be replaced with another module providing a printing section capable of accommodating printing on different type of paper. One type of terminal is provided which is attachable to the central control section of the printer and can communicate with the printer control circuitry of the printer.

Abstract: A portable printer for printing on a roll of paper or label stock is provided having automatic print alignment with the width of the roll. The portable printer has a housing having a compartment for receiving the roll, a cover to access the roll, and a centering mechanism for the roll. The centering mechanism has two rotatable spindle members in the compartment engageable with the opposing ends of the roll's tubular core, and a pair of racks each coupled to one of the spindle members, and to each other by a gear, to enable each of the spindle members to move in opposite directions with respect to a center between the spindle members. The position of centering mechanism is optically, magnetically, or electro-mechanically encoded and a sensor reads the encoded position of the centering mechanism. A controller automatically aligns printing with respect to the roll's width in accordance with the encoded position read by the sensor, thereby preventing printing outside the width of the paper from the roll.

Abstract: A portable label printer is provided having a central control section, and first and second printing sections coupled to the central section. Each of the first and second printing sections has a printing mechanism with a thermal printhead and motor driven platen roller, a compartment for receiving a roll of paper, and a cover enabling loading of a roll in the compartment. The central control section has a printer control circuitry which independently controls the printing mechanism of each of the first and second printing sections interactive with signals from a host computer or terminal. Each of the first and second printing sections represents a module detachable from the central control section and can be replaced with another module providing a printing section capable of accommodating printing on different type of paper. One type of terminal is provided which is attachable to the central control section of the printer and can communicate with the printer control circuitry of the printer.

Abstract: A portable printer for printing on a roll of paper or label stock is provided having automatic print alignment with the width of the roll. The portable printer has a housing having a compartment for receiving the roll, a cover to access the roll, and a centering mechanism for the roll. The centering mechanism has two rotatable spindle members in the compartment engageable with the opposing ends of the roll's tubular core, and a pair of racks each coupled to one of the spindle members, and to each other by a gear, to enable each of the spindle members to move in opposite directions with respect to a center between the spindle members. The position of centering mechanism is optically, magnetically, or electro-mechanically encoded and a sensor reads the encoded position of the centering mechanism.

Abstract: A portable label printer is provided having a central control section, and first and second printing sections coupled to the central section. Each of the first and second printing sections has a printing mechanism with a thermal printhead and motor driven platen roller, a compartment for receiving a roll of paper, and a cover enabling loading of a roll in the compartment. The central control section has a printer control circuitry which independently controls the printing mechanism of each of the first and second printing sections interactive with signals from a host computer or terminal. Each of the first and second printing sections represents a module detachable from the central control section and can be replaced with another module providing a printing section capable of accommodating printing on different type of paper. One type of terminal is provided which is attachable to the central control section of the printer and can communicate with the printer control circuitry of the printer.

Abstract: A thermal label printer includes an actuation mechanism and follower for facilitating loading of stock (e.g., label stock). A pivotable printer head pressure plate includes the actuation mechanism which cooperates with the follower coupled to a peeler roller. As the pressure plate is moved from a closed position proximate a platen to an open position for loading of stock or for cleaning the printer head, the peeler roller is automatically translated from the platen. The resulting roller gap and displaced printer head provide unrestricted access for threading of the printer. The printer also includes a programmable device in the printer electronics for reconfiguring the printer to accommodate a variety of thermal print mechanisms.

Abstract: A printer has a computer system which stores and uses multiple application programs. The printer may be a label printer which includes a printing mechanism, and a computer for controlling the printer mechanism and the advancement of label stock for the printer mechanism to print labels on the label stock. Coupled to the printer may be a barcode scanner controllable by the computer. The system includes a memory accessible by the computer which stores a plurality of application programs. Each of the application programs contains instructions which are executable by the computer to operate the printer. An application program can be selected by a user, or a host computer interfaced to the printer, or automatically by the printer, for execution by the computer. Utility files are also stored in the memory separate from the application programs which may include data and programs utilized by the selected application program.

Abstract: A portable printer is provided having a printer mechanism capable of printing on media and an RFID encoder for encoding information onto RFID circuits coupled to the media. The printer mechanism and RFID encoder are contained in the housing of the printer with a programmed controller for controlling the printer mechanism and RFID encoder. The printer mechanism includes a print head and motor for driving a platen roller to advance the media across the print head and passed the antenna of the RFID encoder. The media may be stored in a compartment in the housing on a roll or fan-fold in which multiple RFID circuits are provided along the length of the media. The programmed controller in the housing operates, responsive to communication received from a host terminal or computer, to send information to the print head to print information on the media and/or information to the encoder to encode the RFID circuit.