Abstract: A variable field imprinter is provided including a platen carriage adapted to be reciprocated over an imprinting surface and then locked in a position to one side of the imprinting surface by a releasable blocking system. The blocking system consists of (i) a platen carriage blocking mechanism and (ii) a digit wheel sensing mechanism these two mechanisms must be interconnected by a credit card. Resetting of at least one of the digit wheels provides a force from the digit wheel sensing mechanism which is transmitted by the credit card to the platen carriage blocking mechanism to disarm the blocking system so that the platen carriage can be moved for imprinting.

Abstract: A motor operated imprinter is disclosed. The imprinter is easy to use as a consequence of the print bearing elements and formset being retained on a generally horizontal disposed surface. A head bearing a rolling platen is pivoted from an open position which exposes the surface for retaining the print bearing element and the formset to a closed position to activate the motor and the imprinting cycle. A brake mechanism including a head anester is provided to slow the opening movement of the head after the imprinting cycle.

Abstract: A motor operated imprinter is disclosed. The imprinter is easy to use as a consequence of the print bearing elements and formset being retained on a generally horizontally disposed surface. A head bearing a carriage with a rolling platen is pivoted from an open position which exposes the surface for retaining the print bearing element and the formset to a closed position to activate the imprinting cycle. An uncomplicated mechanism is used for transmitting power from a motor located in the base to the carriage in the head. The motor is actuated when the head is closed.