Abstract: A print character selection mechanism for use with printers of the type wein print characters are circumferentially disposed about the character ring and are selectively positioned in a print position by deenergizing an electromagnetic coil is provided. Each of the character rings includes a ratchet gear having a plurality of circumferentially disposed teeth, which teeth correspond to print characters circumferentially disposed about the print character ring. The instant invention is particularly characterized by a comb-shaped yoke member having a plurality of selection yokes, associated with each of the character rings, and a common yoke supporting each of the selection yokes. An electromagnetic coil is disposed about each selection yoke and is normally energized to induce a flux field in the selection yoke. A plurality of selection members are normally disposed in a rest position in abutting engagement with a selection yoke when the electromagnetic coil is energized.

Abstract: Apparatus for stamping articles, especially metal sheets. This apparatus includes at least one stamping unit having independent stamping modules. Each module has a character-support. A preselecting device brings a character from each module into the stamping position, while actuating means associated with the modules bring into the working position the preselected characters, which are printed individually.This device is especially suited for stamping by inking and/or by deformation of metal sheets leaving a rolling facility.

Abstract: A large type printer which continuously drives annular printing wheels having circumferentially spaced printing facets on their peripheries. The driving mechanism is a friction drive which may be overriden. Thus, the apparatus includes means for monitoring the rotational positions of each of the printing wheels and for stopping the rotation of the individual printing wheels when the respective facets are in printing position.

Abstract: In a printing device, printing type rings are mounted on a rotatable, grooved shaft. Each ring has associated therewith a pawl and a selecting mechanism for engaging the pawl with a selected groove on the printing type ring whereby a selected character on the ring may be brought to an inking position and then to a printing position. Retraction of the pawl by said printing mechanism disengages the pawl and allows the ring to reach a rest or stand-by position.By the use of the retractable pawl a printing device is provided in which only those rings which are about to be used for printing are rotated, and the load on the inking mechanism is greatly decreased. The printing device may therefore be decreased in size and in energy consumption and the wear on the various members of said device is greatly decreased.

Abstract: Line printer having a plurality of rotatable printing rings coaxially arranged adjacent each other and carrying on the peripheries thereof a plurality of characters for the printing and a movable roller pad adapted to abut against the printing rings at the predetermined printing position so that the selected characters of the printing rings held at the printing position are simultaneously printed on a paper held between the printing rings and the roller pad so as to form simultaneously a line of printing thereon in each printing cycle. The printing rings are rotated in the same direction in each printing cycle in order to eliminate a complicated mechanism for reciprocally driving the printing rings.

Abstract: A Detent device for a key shaft of a printing mechanism, in particular for price marking apparatus, in which the printing types are settable by means of positioning wheels mounted juxtaposed rotatable about an axis, said positioning wheels having internal gearing into which pinion is capable of being engaged which is secured to the axially adjustable key shaft and in which the key shaft cooperates with a detent device which has detent recesses arranged juxtaposed in spacings corresponding to the widths of the wheels parallel to the key shaft according to the number of the positioning wheels as well as a detent resiliently engaging therein and in which on the key shaft a pointer extending over the circumference of the positioning wheels and being arranged with its point in a plane extending at a right angle to the key shaft and passing through the pinion is secured non-shiftable axially and is guided secured against rotation in the housing of the printing mechanism, characterized in that the pointer has a dete

Abstract: Printer having swingable printing rings which are selectively swung against a platen to print a line of selected characters on a paper by selecting a desired character from a plurality of characters provided on the periphery of each printing ring during the rotation thereof about its axis. Each printing ring is rotatably supported on a swingable printing ring supporting lever which is in turn swingably supported on a driving shaft. A plurality of driving gears are secured to the driving shaft and each of the driving gears meshes with a gear integral with the respective printing ring so as to rotate the same about its axis for selection of a desired character during the rotation thereof. Each printing ring supporting lever is urged by a spring so as to move the printing ring thereon apart from the platen. A plurality of driving levers are swingably supported on the driving shaft and each driving lever is engaged with the respective printing ring supporting lever.

Abstract: A hand-held label marking device prints selected bar code character information on labels by scribing selected code bars upon one area of a moving label juxtaposed with a printing medium and prints corresponding alpha-numeric character information upon another area of the label by impacting the label and printing medium against selected print elements, thereby establishing a standard symbol, such as that currently prescribed in the United States by the Universal Product Code. Further alpha-numeric information is printed upon a further area of the label by a reciprocating printing mechanism in the same device to provide consumer-readable price information. A compact arrangement of component parts enables the printing of a full range of bar code character information in accordance with a compact symbol standard such as the zero-suppression symbol standard of the Universal Product Code, together with the corresponding alpha-numeric character information.

Abstract: A printing device for a portable label printing machine: The printing device is of the type in which the indicating wheels that both choose the types to be printed and that indicate the chosen types are arranged in a row on a common axis and the type wheels that carry the types to be printed and that are connected with the indicating wheels to be moved thereby are also arranged on another common axis and all of the wheels are located between side frames of the printing device; an indexing shaft having a selector knob is slid along the axis of and through the indicating wheels; the indexing shaft carries a pinion which engages the interior of the selected indicating wheel to rotate that wheel; the indicating wheels are supported around their peripheries in a blind hole formed in one of the side frames.

Abstract: A control system for operating a single high-speed print wheel is disclosed. The control system includes a print wheel drive motor having a coded disc with transparent portions forming a four-level Gray code for indicating the position of the print wheel. An optical and electronic system is used for positioning the print wheel and also for the purpose of providing an electronic detent which uses the motive power of the print wheel drive for holding the print wheel in selected printing positions. A similar optical and electronic system is used for controlling a paper advance mechanism. The disclosed system also includes a print hammer with a voice coil type drive to permit positive, bidirectional hammer control.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically actuating manually operable selector elements, such as the type which normally are found on a manually operable postage meter. A carriage is provided and is movable between an initial, start position and an end position. Plural actuator elements are coupled to and movable with the carriage. These actuator elements are positioned in operable relation with the selector elements and are selectively energized while the carriage moves between its start and end positions to correspondingly activate the selector elements. When used in the environment of a postage meter, the selective energization of the actuator elements thereby conditions the postage meter to provide a corresponding indication of postage. Reset apparatus resets the carriage following the selective energization of the actuator elements.

Abstract: A rotary stamp comprises an upper frame including printing members formed on endless belts and a lower frame including another printing member and when the upper frame is pressed down, the printing members of the endless belts are located on a plane common with the other printing member of the lower frame and printing is accomplished simultaneously by these printing members, vertical slots are formed on the side plates of the upper frame and spring means having projections capable of being engaged with these slots and sliding along these vertical slots are disposed in the lower frame.

Abstract: An improved rotary printing head for being mounted on a portable labeling machine or the like comprising a plurality of side-by-side indexing wheels all having polygonal shape; the peripheral sides of the polygonal indexing wheels are either provided with types or they support stamp belts having types thereon; the indexing wheels are supported at their axes by a fixed positioning member which is provided with a respective, elastic engagement piece for each indexing wheel, and the engagement pieces each have index wheel engagement projections; particular desired types on the indexing wheels can be accurately positioned by rotating the indexing wheel and then bringing the engagement projections into engagement with indexing grooves formed on the inside surface of the indexing wheels.

Abstract: An endorser assembly comprising inking, ink transfer and endorser rolls resiliently mounted within a modular type supporting frame to enable removal and replacement of the entire endorser assembly from paper handling apparatus. The endorser and ink rolls are adapted to be easily removed from and replaced in the supporting frame. The endorser roll is adapted to print variable and semi-permanent graphic data on sheets processed by the document count handling device and may be selectively moved between an engaged and disengaged position without being removed from the proper handling apparatus. The data-bearing surfaces are resilient and raised relative to the endorser roll surface. A backing platen cooperative with the endorser roll is provided with grooves aligned with the data-bearing surfaces to prevent "back printing" of the processed sheets being endorsed.

Abstract: A line printer having a plurality of printing rings having characters on the peripheries thereof and coaxially arranged adjacent to each other on a driving shaft rotated in one and the same direction during each printing cycle with springs connected between the respective printing rings and the driving shaft so that the respective printing rings can be yieldably driven by the driving shaft through the springs and a movable roller pad adapted to abut against the printing rings at the predetermined printing position so that the selected character each of the printing rings temporarily held at the printing position during the rotation of the driving shaft is simultaneously printed on a sheet of paper held between the printing rings and the roller pad.

Abstract: A label printing apparatus includes a main frame, a drum housing privotably mounted in the main frame, and a printing drum, mounted in the drum housing, which comprises a plurality of discs each having a series of die groupings about its periphery as well as a groove associated with each die grouping. An assembly for setting each disc to place a selected die grouping in printing position and for simultaneously shifting all of the discs to shift each set die grouping from a first to a second character printing position comprises a spur gear mounted for reciprocation in the direction of the printing drum axis and for rotation to selectively engage each disc and to disengage from all discs. A locking bar, having a notch, is linked to the spur gear to reciprocate with it and position the notch in alignment with the disc engaged by the spur gear. The remainder of the bar projects into a groove in each of all other discs to hold them against rotation during the setting operation.

Abstract: For sequentially setting independently-rotatable spur gears which are coupled to print wheels in a postage meter, a yoke carrying a selectively-driven master gear is shifted along an axis parallel to the common axis of the adjacent gears. A rack attached to the yoke is driven by a pinion gear on a stepping motor shaft. The yoke is spring-biased to a disabled position in which the spur gears are mechanically locked into position by tooth troughs on the yoke surface. A print interlock mechanism permits printing only when the yoke is held in an enabled position against the force of the biasing spring.

Abstract: A precision hand-held label imprinter and dispenser includes a compact case or frame with a projecting handle and an applicator roller located remote therefrom, together with a dialable imprinter and platen assembly arranged so that a trigger lever associated with the handle may be manually acutated in one direction to imprint label stock (tape) by driving the platen across an imprinter in an engaged condition to force the printing medium and label stock thereagainst and operates in the opposite direction to separate the imprinter and platen and to simultaneously advance the printing medium and to advance the printed label stock to the applicator roller. Through a series of connected drive elements with the trigger lever, the device times the several functions so that accurate reproductions with high resolution of the dialed imprint information on each label is assured.

Abstract: An improved printer comprising a plurality of character rings provided with a plurality of characters on the respective peripheries thereof and corresponding pluralities of ratchet wheels and pawls. Each ratchet wheel is radially mounted on a character ring and a corresponding pawl is oscillatably mounted for engaging its corresponding ratchet at a preselected interval for stopping its associated character ring when a selected character is located at a predetermined position. Guides are provided for determining the constancy of oscillation of the pawls. Each pawl is spring driven into engagement with a corresponding ratchet wheel and a normal bias toward a corresponding ratchet wheel is provided. A releasable restraint acts oppositely to the bias on the pawl for normally preventing the pawl from engaging with its corresponding ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A document imprinter, especially for labels, tickets, tags, and the like, including a rotary printing unit having several banks of printing means and corresponding respective setting mechanisms therefor the latter including viewing windows arranged so that the various windows for the different banks of printing wheels are all readable by the operator in a single angular home position of the rotary printing unit.

Abstract: A type carrier arrangement for producing a roller print, which includes a continuously rotating type drum having arranged thereon a plurality of type carriers respectively carrying one type. Each type carrier has one gear segment arranged thereon for producing a rolling print. This print is brought about by a control member in cooperation with a gear segment associated with the printing area and not rotating with the type drum. The gear segment of the type drum includes a guiding section formed by the omission of a tooth. After the gear segment has meshed with the tooth segment designed as inner tooth segment, the guiding section is held by fixing means in the starting position thereof. The control means is designed as pawl controlled to act upon a ratchet tooth on the type carrier shaft so that the gear segment is turned in the direction toward the inner tooth segment. Each type shaft comprises in one cross-sectional plane at least two types offset relative to each other at an angle.

Abstract: Machine for marking objects, such as steel sheets, comprising a frame, a raisable and lowerable holding cylinder being suspended from the frame, and an embossing head being arranged beneath and connected to the holding cylinder. An embossing wheel shaft being arranged in the embossing head, and a plurality of embossing wheels being arranged on the embossing wheel shaft. The embossing wheel shaft is connected to a driving motor, secured to the embossing head at the bottom, said embossing wheel shaft being formed so as the embossing wheels one by one are pressed down towards the object when the embossing wheel shaft is turned by means of the driving motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying printed matter to the rear sides of webs of photographic paper in a copying machine has an upright frame for a vertically reciprocable housing which is lifted by a first rotary electromagnet and retained in raised position and thereupon released by a second rotary electromagnet. The housing is movable up and down with several modules each of which contains a wheel having at its periphery a set of symbols. Selected symbols can be moved to positions at the lowermost points of the respective wheels by remotely controlled electromagnets so that such selected symbols face a ribbon which is located above the rear side of a web of photographic paper. The modules are movable downwardly in the housing against the opposition of separate springs and the frame carries a projection which intercepts the housing, after the housing is released by the second electromagnet and while the housing descends by gravity, before the selected symbols can press the ribbon against the web of photographic paper.

Abstract: A printing head for precisely printing bar code characters, which printing head is mounted on a portable label printing machine or the like and comprises: a pair of frame plates; a plurality of bar code type rings carrying a series of bar code types therein; carriers for indicia to indicate the type face on a type ring then at the print position; a type ring selector shaft movable to each type ring for selecting a particular type on each bar code type ring; the distance between the frame plates is slightly larger than the total thickness of the type rings; a pressing means to press the type rings together in the axial direction is positioned between one frame plate and the type rings; the pressing means releases the type rings when they are to be rotated in a type selection step; in one embodiment, type face arranging bars are passed through the type rings for attaining uniform flatness of type face; in an embodiment there are separate type rings and indicia carrying rings and there is an interlocking mechani

Abstract: Apparatus for printing characters on a printout surface comprise a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of curved segments mounted side by side on the shaft for individual angular movement about the axis, each of the segments having a series of character types on an outer curved surface and a distinct first surface feature, such as a projection or a recess, behind each of the character types in an inner curved surface. The segments are also movable toward and away from the printout surface perpendicularly to the mentioned axis. The apparatus further includes equipment for selectively positioning the character types adjacent the printout surface, including devices for individually moving the segments angularly relative to the mentioned axis and for selectively resetting the segments to a rest position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a print wheel and method of making same. The print wheel is comprised of an annular base, a flexible printing band molded flat and brought at least partially around the base, and adhered to the base.

Abstract: An endorser drum for printing variable data on paper sheets for use in document handling and counting devices. The drum is provided with a plurality of splined pins positioned at spaced intervals adjacent the periphery of the drum. Each splined pin is provided with a gear-like periphery comprised of a plurality of tapered projections extending radially outward from the periphery of the splined pin. An annular-shaped resilient print wheel, having an interior surface whose configuration is substantially complementary to that of each splined pin, is fitted upon the splined pin. The exterior surface of the print wheel is provided with a plurality of raised characters each aligned with an associated one of the grooves provided along the interior surface of the print wheel. Each splined pin is secured to the print drum so as to experience no rotational movement. Each print wheel may be incrementally indexed, i.e.

Abstract: A printing or stamping device for marking checks and similar documents comprises a rotatable type ring having a plurality of types around its periphery and a keyboard having a plurality of manual key-switches each corresponding to one type on the type ring. An angular position detector detects the angular position of the type ring and includes a coded disc which rotates in synchronism with the type ring and develops successive position signals indicative of the successive angular positions of the type ring. Control circuitry including a memory stores data typed-in on the keyboard and transmits successive typed-in signals to a coincidence detector which detects the coincidence of a typed-in signal and the corresponding position signal and provides a coincident signal. The coincident signal activates a stopper mechanism to stop the rotation of the type ring at a position where the typed-in type faces the check.

Abstract: Integral with a high speed, computer control banking machine is a depository system to provide a fully automatic teller station. At the customer interface there is an entry gate controlled to an open position by a solenoid actuated in accordance with computer generated signals. A deposit envelope inserted through the entry gate is detected by a light sensor as it moves along a belt transport extending to a printing station. Positioned along the belt transport is a second sensor, which in combination with the first sensor, determines the length of an inserted envelope to insure acceptance by the depository stacker pockets. After an envelope has been transported to the printing station, a numeric print machine is actuated to imprint on the envelope identifying data. A sensor responsive to the completion of the printing cycle actuates a transverse transport for delivering the envelope into one of two stacker pockets.

Abstract: An electromechanical setting mechanism is disclosed, which uses a plurality of solenoid banks to set each print wheel of a postage printing drum. Each bank features two pairs of solenoids which are mounted upon a movable frame. One pair of the two pairs of solenoids cause the frame to move with respect to the meter housing. The moving frame in turn, positions a setting linkage which sets a postage value for a print wheel. The other pair of solenoids acts directly upon this setting linkage so as to also set a postage value for the print wheel. Each solenoid is actuated by coded electrical signals, and is offset from the center of a setting link a differing amount, to provide differing resultant settings. The actuation of any or some of the solenoids, will provide any given print wheel position from zero through nine.

Abstract: A printing unit particularly intended for price labelling machines, comprising annular printing wheels supporting matrices at their outer periphery and equidistantly spaced notches at their inner periphery into which notches engages a rod to advance the wheels to forward the desired matrix to printing position. The printing pressure is obtained by an impact rod striking a shoulder formed on a pressure arm, the movement of which is transferred to the associated printing wheel forcing the intended matrix thereon against the place of printing. As the printing wheel is stationary during the printing operation the resulting print is sharp and clear.

Abstract: An adjustable facet print mechanism includes a plurality of print wheels in one embodiment each meshing constantly on an internal periphery with a pinion. Annular members are also provided and each meshes with a corresponding pinion of one of the print wheels and each carries read-out indicia corresponding to the print-facets of the print wheels. Drive to the print wheels to adjust their operative facets is effected through a splined shaft which engages a selected annular member when a notch in a cam engages the periphery of the annular member. A read-out arrangement includes an arm of transparent material with a prismatic face lying opposite the indicia selected.Other embodiments make use of slightly flexible print wheels to effect engagement with a splined shaft and one embodiment uses print bands in place of wheels. In the latter embodiment selection of a print band for adjustment is effected by an interrupted pinion carried on fingers integral with an adjusting knob.

Abstract: A squeeze type printer for papers or stacks of papers having varying thicknesses wherein a printing platen is advanced to impress the paper against type bearing members by a yieldably driven cam element connected in series with a positively driven cam element. The yieldably driven cam element is self-locking and acts to advance the paper or paper stack against the type bearing member. Concurrently, the positively driven cam element acts to further advance the paper to cause the printing impression.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for sequentially setting the print wheels in a postage printing device. The setting mechanism is electrically controlled so as to interface the postage printing device with a computerized or electronic postage system. The setting mechanism comprises a main rotatable driving gear which is slidable upon a splined shaft so as to individually, operatively engage a plurality of print wheel driving racks in a sequential fashion. A setting linkage connected to the main driving gear positions the gear into individually engaging with a plurality of rotatable shafts individually driving each of the print wheel driving racks. A stepper motor is connected to the splined shaft which turns the splined shaft, and which in turn rotatably drives the main drive gear. The setting linkage is actuated by means of a pair of solenoids.

Abstract: A price marker for simultaneously price stamping all containers in a case or carton of containers is provided. The marker includes a frame having four sets of price stamp assemblies supported therefrom and each set of assemblies includes at least three assemblies spaced apart in a row. The sets of assemblies are supported from the frame with the rows thereof disposed in generally parallel side-by-side relation and each price stamp assembly includes a plurality of price stamp wheels supported for independent angular adjustment to bring selected portions of the wheels into price stamping position. At least one set of the price stamp assemblies is stationarily supported from the frame and at least two sets of the price stamping assemblies are supported from the frame for adjustable shifting relative to the latter for varying the spacing between at least two pairs of adjacent sets of assemblies.

Abstract: A squeeze printer for papers or stacks of papers of varying thicknesses wherein a plurality of printing platens are provided comprising individual flexible wall sections of a paper supporting chute which will accommodate different thicknesses of paper or stacks of paper. An actuator is effective through selectively disabled yieldable interposers to transfer a printing force through the platens to the paper.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for properly aligning a rotatable indicia carrying member and for locking said rotatable indicia carrying member in place. Both the aligning and locking mechanisms are formed as integral parts of a single frame unit and are operative to perform their respective aligning and locking functions during movement of the frame unit into engagement with the rotatable member.

Abstract: A printing apparatus in which a comma printing mechanism prints commas at any desired location within a printed number. Comma printing is accomplished by comma hammers, with one hammer provided between each two numerical places of the printing apparatus. All the comma hammers are initially maintained in a nonprinting position, and all are moved to an intermediate position prior to the printing of a number. Selected comma hammers, corresponding to the locations within a number at which comma printing is desired, are then advanced to a printing position, and the number is printed. After the number and selected commas are printed, the comma hammers are returned to the initial nonprinting position.

Abstract: A printing device for imprinting selected characters from a plurality of type wheels on a record medium is described. Control means are provided for selectively adjusting each of the type wheels to bring selected characters of each of said type wheels into registry with printing positions on the record medium. The control means includes adjusting means for each of said type wheels which are conjointly driven by a common drive means. Means are provided for inhibiting the operation of selected adjusting means when the associated type wheels have reached the selected printing position. Elastic coupling means are provided between the drive means and each adjusting means to permit the continued movement of said drive means independently of an inhibited condition of one or more of said adjusting means. Means are further provided for storing information to program the operation of the control means.

Abstract: A label applying turret having label support pads, a label marker and a pressing platen for pressing the label against the marker. The marker is mounted on the turret to rotate therewith and faces outwardly against the inwardly facing side of the label. In one embodiment a label gripping platen is aligned with the marker so that its action in gripping the label to the turret concurrently imposes die marking pressure on the label. In another embodiment a roller platen is mounted externally of the turret and presses the labels against the die marker.This application is a division of copending application Ser. No. 381,184 filed July 20, 1973, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,388, which was a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 223,204 filed Feb. 3, 1972, now abandoned.

Abstract: A printing device for imprinting selected characters from a plurality of type wheels on a record medium is described. Control means are provided for selectively adjusting each of the type wheels to bring selected characters of each of said type wheels into registry with printing positions on the record medium. The control means includes adjusting or typesetting means for each of said type wheels which are conjointly driven by a common drive means. Means are provided for selectively disengaging the drive means and the adjusting means of any type wheels which have selected characters in registry with the printing position on said record medium. The drive means continues to drive other adjusting means notwithstanding the prior disengagement of other adjusting means from the drive means.