Abstract: The invention refers to a tape printing apparatus (2) used with tape cassettes (20, 220, 243, 260, 443). In order to make insertion and removal easier, the tape cassette is provided with a surface controlling the position of a printhead (22, 222, 322, 422) and/or a platen. When the cassette is inserted, printhead and platen are automatically separated such that the tape (24) can be introduced between them, and afterwards moved in the operative position. Further, an over center mechanism is proposed for moving printhead and platen. The tape cassette (443) can provide a 90.degree. bend in the tape (24) upstream the printing position, and the motor (42) can be located besides the zone for accommodating the image receiving tape (24). The cassette can be made attachable to other cassettes, and the means for attaching can guide and hold the cassette in the tape printer.

Abstract: A method of automatically configuring a computer peripheral device as a primary device or as a secondary device. There are four possible cases: (1) no other device present, (2) legacy primary device present, (3) legacy secondary device present and (4) second unconfigured device present. Each unconfigured device determines whether there are any legacy devices already installed and whether there is another unconfigured device installed without requiring any changes to the host operating system software. Unconfigured devices assert a signal after reset with a first timing that is dependent on an electronically readable identification on the device. For case (4), the first device to detect the signal becomes the secondary device. In case of a tie, unconfigured devices continue to assert the signal with a second timing that is dependent on the electronically readable identification on the device. A device that detects the signal being present at the end of the second timing configures itself as a secondary device.

Abstract: A method of formatting rewritable compact optical disks. In some example embodiments, a disk is initially partially formatted for immediate useability, and then additional incremental formatting is provided until the disk is completely formatted. The additional formatting may take place while a drive is off-line. In one embodiment, data is written to an unformatted disk with data writing and formatting taking place simultaneously. In various example embodiments, lead-in and lead-out areas may be written first with nothing in between or lead-in and lead-out areas may optionally written only if needed.

Abstract: A method of formatting rewritable compact optical disks. In some example embodiments, a disk is initially partially formatted for immediate useability, and then additional incremental formatting is provided until the disk is completely formatted. The additional formatting may take place while a drive is off-line. In one embodiment, data is written to an unformatted disk with data writing and formatting taking place simultaneously. In various example embodiments, lead-in and lead-out areas may be written first with nothing in between or lead-in and lead-out areas may optionally written only if needed.

Abstract: A method of formatting rewritable compact optical disks. In some example embodiments, a disk is initially partially formatted for immediate useability, and then additional incremental formatting is provided until the disk is completely formatted. The additional formatting may take place while a drive is off-line. In one embodiment, data is written to an unformatted disk with data writing and formatting taking place simultaneously. In various example embodiments, lead-in and lead-out areas may be written first with nothing in between or lead-in and lead-out areas may optionally written only if needed.

Abstract: A tape printing apparatus arranged to be used with a tape holding case. The case holds a first supply of image receiving tape and a second supply of laminating tape. An opening is provided between the first and second tape supplies. A printing mechanism is arranged to print an image onto the image receiving tape as it traverses the opening. A cutting location is provided where the image receiving tape is cut after an image has been printed thereon. The cutting location and printing mechanism lie on opposite sides of the first and second tape supplies.

Abstract: There is described a blade assembly particularly for performing a tab cut in a label. The blade assembly comprises a blade received in an injection moulded plastics holder. The holder has shoulders on either side of the blade to assist in locating it and spacing it from a label to be cut. During manufacture, the blade is located within the mould for accurate injection moulding.

Abstract: A cutting system for a printing device comprises a cutting blade (58) which has a cutting surface wherein there is defined a notch (58a). The cutting system also has an anvil (60) on which a printing medium such as heat shrink material is supported during cutting. The cutting surface of the blade (58) cuts through the printing medium leaving an uncut area at the notch (58a).

Abstract: An improvement in a reciprocating engine used in an energy recovery system wherein the inlet valves to the cylinders of the engine are operated by independently time adjustable actuating means.The system for recovering energy from a pressured reactor comprising a reactor, a reciprocating engine connected to the reactor to receive reaction effluent from said reactor thereby driving the pistons of the reciprocating engine by expansion of the effluent and recovery apparatus downstream of the engine for recovering products from the effluent.The expanding reactor effluent is used to drive the pistons which are especially valved in conjunction with the effluent inlet port in the cylinder to facilitate handling the effluents to adjust the flow into an expansion chamber to obtain maximum recovery, the pistons in turn operate a crankshaft through a crosshead which may power compressors or operate a generator to produce electricity.

Abstract: A system for recovering energy from a pressured reactor comprising a reactor, a reciprocating engine connected to the reactor to receive reaction effluent from said reactor thereby driving the pistons of the reciprocating engine by expansion of the effluent and recovery apparatus downstream of the engine for recovering products from the effluent.The expanding reactor effluent is used to drive the pistons which are especially valved in conjunction with the effluent inlet port in the cylinder to facilitate handling the effluents, the pistons in turn operate a crankshaft through a crosshead which may power compressors or operate a generator to produce electricity. It is reasonable to expect recovery in a directly usable form, such as electricity, of over 25% of the energy theoretically available in the pressured reactor effluent in some cases.

Abstract: Substantial and commercially important increases in polypropylene film production rates without adversely affecting film quality are obtained in a tubular water film process. The improvements comprise modifications in the die lip, in the mandrel air (fluid) slot affecting the cooling gas velocity, and in the upper bubble pressure control. The improvements are especially useful to obtain mill rolls 60 to 80 inches wide.