Abstract: There is described a numbering device (1) for carrying out numbering in sheet-fed or web-fed numbering presses, the numbering device (1) comprising a numbering unit (6) with rotatable numbering wheels (7) carrying alpha-numerical symbols thereon, which numbering wheels (7) are disposed next to each other and rotate about a common rotation axis (17), the numbering device (1) further comprising electro-mechanical actuation means for setting the position of the numbering wheels (7). The electro-mechanical actuation means are entirely located within the numbering device (1) and are mechanically autonomous, the electro-mechanical actuation means comprising a plurality of independent driving means (15, 18-23; 23*) for actuating a corresponding plurality of the numbering wheels.

Abstract: There is described a method for controlling the position of numbering wheels (7) of a numbering device (1), which numbering device (1) is of the type comprising a plurality of independently-driven numbering wheels (7) disposed adjacent to one another for rotation about a common rotation axis, the method comprising actuating the numbering wheels (7) between successive numbering iterations, whereby each numbering wheel (7) which has to be rotated to a new target position is driven into rotation until it reaches its new target position. The method further comprises, at least during actuation of the numbering wheels (7), compensating for external factors acting on the numbering wheels (7), such as friction induced by adjacent rotating numbering wheels, by electronically regulating the position of each numbering wheel (7) which is not rotated or which has reached its new target position. Also described is a device for carrying out this method.

Abstract: There is described a method for controlling the position of numbering wheels (7) of a numbering device (1), which numbering device (1) is of the type comprising a plurality of independently-driven numbering wheels (7) disposed adjacent to one another for rotation about a common rotation axis, the method comprising actuating the numbering wheels (7) between successive numbering iterations, whereby each numbering wheel (7) which has to be rotated to a new target position is driven into rotation until it reaches its new target position. The method further comprises, at least during actuation of the numbering wheels (7), compensating for external factors acting on the numbering wheels (7), such as friction induced by adjacent rotating numbering wheels, by electronically regulating the position of each numbering wheel (7) which is not rotated or which has reached its new target position. Also described is a device for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A bearing mount of a rotatable printer drum having a rotational axis includes a main drum bearing, rotationally supporting the drum and having an outer bearing race, and at least two secondary roller bearings, angularly spaced from each other. The secondary roller bearings are positioned to rollably support the outer bearing race and allow lateral translation of the main bearing.

Abstract: A select lever and a permanent magnet of a type selection mechanism of a type-printer are arranged with a gap between the magnet and the distal end of the lower part of the lever. The select lever is located untouched in a stable position that is settled by the respective magnetic polarities of the permanent magnet and the distal end of the lower part of the lever imparted by a magnetization coil.

Abstract: In a stamp apparatus, a paper-sheet object is conveyed in the arrow direction between a presser roller and an impress hub having a predetermined character/symbol string. Since a cam is rotated in the arrow direction by a rotary solenoid, it makes the presser roller approach the impress hub via a roller and an arm. A separating lever is rotated in the arrow direction by a rotary solenoid from an initial position (position shown in the drawing) to a siding position. When the paper-sheet object is conveyed to between the presser roller and the impress hub, a stamp bonded on the bottom surface of the paper-sheet object is canceled with a postmark. A presser mechanism suppresses a rebound produced when the presser roller starts to urge the paper-sheet object, and also maintains a predetermined urging pressure of the presser roller relative to the paper-sheet object having a predetermined thickness or less.

Abstract: A printing unit has a plurality of type wheels with types on its circumference which are rotatable on a common shaft and are driveable on it by means of a slip coupling. Each type wheel has an associated feeler device that ascertains its position and a pawl for engagement with the type wheel, with an actuator that is triggerable as a function of the feeler device via a control unit, and by the actuator the pawl can be controlled between a blocking position and a release position. The drive device serving the purpose of intermittently driving the shaft has per printing unit one drive shaft, operationally coupled to the shaft, with a driving gear wheel and one common stationary disc associated with a plurality of printing units disposed in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A value selection and printing apparatus includes a printing device having a printing wheel which is rotatable into a plurality of positions to present a corresponding plurality of value printing elements into a printing position; a value selecting device including a moveable first rack gear having a driven element thereon, a rigid guide shaft mounted within the printing device, a second rack gear mounted to be slidable on the guide shaft and having a driving element thereon in engagement with the driven element, wherein the second rack gear operatively engages the printing wheel so that rotation of the printing wheel occurs due to transmission of a moment of the first rack gear to the printing wheel via the second rack gear; and a substantially cylindrical security sleeve slidably disposed on the guide shaft and moveable in response to sliding movement of the second rack gear on the guide shaft wherein the guide shaft includes a weakened section such that at times when a force sufficient to disassociate the

Abstract: An apparatus for inking or printing on the surface of an item, such as a badge or emblem, is described. The apparatus incorporates a number of sub-systems including: an apparatus for holding and positioning blank screen material; a laser ablation system for producing the desired hole pattern in the blank screen material to form screens; a print/ink station; a table assembly for supporting a plurality of labels or emblems and moving such labels or emblems sequentially to the print station; and an apparatus for moving the screens to the print/ink station. The apparatus also includes heater for drying the ink after the printing/inking step is completed. The apparatus for producing the patterns includes a laser, mirrors for moving the beam in the x and y directions, and optics for focusing the beam on the blank screen material. The inking station includes an ink tray, a reciprocating squeegee and blades for wiping ink from the leading edges of the squeegee after the squeegee passes over the pattern.

Abstract: A device for setting the position of printwheels (5) included in a removable head (2) of a postage meter. A pivotable control module (17) is provided in the base (1), and is mounted on resilient supports (29). It carries motors (M1, M2, M3, M4) mounted in a circular arc around a cylindrical block (16) of driving gear wheels (R3). When the module (17) is pivoted forwards, it meshes with drive systems (20) having gear wheels (19, 21, 22, 23) that enable the printwheels (5) to be rotated.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter including print apparatus for printing fixed postage data and variable postage data on a mail item advancing along a conveyor path between an inlet of the meter and an outlet thereof, the print apparatus comprising a first rotary drum, rotated by a first motor, for printing main postage data on the item, and a second rotary drum, rotated by a second motor and carrying a plurality of selectable plates, for printing auxiliary postage data on said mail item, and control means for actuating the second motor so as to print the imprint of a selected plate at a chosen position on the mail item.

Abstract: A device for positively locking the printwheels (2) fitted to the print drum (1) of a postage meter. A tilting bail (5) locks the printwheels (2) against the force of a return spring (8). A sliding pull rod (26) provided with a yoke (30) that co-operates with a fixed collar (31) disposed coaxially with the rotary drum (1) ensures that locking is secure by preventing an arm (11) of the bail (5) from moving whenever the drum (1) is rotating.

Abstract: In the type-wheel resetting mechanism for the downsized printer: a resetting cam portion (13) is provided in a drive gear (12) to save the number of components and to eliminate assembly and adjusting operations of the cam portion (13) and the drive gear (12); detected portions (25, 25a) for type selection and motor stop operations are provided separately from the drive gear (12); and, a sensor (26) for detecting the detected portions (25, 25a) is provided in the vicinity of the drive gear (12) to save the number of components, which simplifies the construction of the type-wheel resetting mechanism and improves the type-wheel resetting mechanism in reliability.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a printing head comprising a plurality of coaxial, rotatable printing wheels, disposed substantially side-by-side and employing printing characters, and a control rotor for controlling the printing wheels and having its axis parallel to that of the printing wheels and positioned to be moved bi-directional to come into engagement with any selected printing wheel and then to be rotated about its axis to rotate the selected printing wheel for bringing into printing position a desired character thereon, comprising mounting structure mounting the control rotor toi) move axially parallel to the axis of the printing wheels,ii) move toward and away from the axis of the printing wheels,iii) rotate as aforesaid; and drive structure to effect the i) movement, the ii) movement and the iii) rotation.

Abstract: A postage meter has a rotatable print drum for franking an article. The print drum includes settable value-denoting elements and is mounted on a drum shaft for rotation therewith. A series of motors are each connected to drive a respective one of the value-denoting elements via an intervening drive train. There is a gearbox housing within which the drive trains are housed. The gearbox housing is split into two portions which are shaped so that they together encircle and are supported by the drum shaft. This provides a compact and easily assembled postage meter.

Abstract: A postage meter comprises a non-volatile memory and a microcomputer in communication with the non-volatile memory and a plurality of stepper motors. Positioning commands from the microcomputer are directed to the plurality of stepper motors and includes a plurality of respective stepper motor drivers. Each of the stepper motors are arranged for positioning at least one printwheel. The non-volatile memory has stored therein data for associating each of the stepper motor drivers with a respective printwheel wherein the positioning of a selected printwheel is commanded in accordance with the data relating printwheel to stepper motor driver stored in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A printing mechanism sub-module for postage meters of the flat-bed type includes a meter housing with a print meter slogan aperture. A first and second print element each includes a plurality of radially locatable print faces around the center of the respective print elements. A first and second brackets is mounted to the internal of the meter housing and a shaft is rotatively mounted between the first and second brackets having a first and second shaft section. The first printing element is mounted radially around the first shaft section such rotation of the shaft causing corresponding rotation of the first printing element. The second printing element is rotatively mounted around the second shaft section such that the second printing element may be rotatively positioned independently of the shaft position. A first gear fixably mounted around the shaft. A second print element has a second gear formed at one end and aligned opposite the first gear.

Abstract: An automatically settable date printing apparatus adapted particularly for use in postage meters which print an indicia on envelopes as they are fed seriatim past a rotary printing drum in the postage meter in which a plurality of print wheels print the day, month and year successively for each day. The apparatus includes a date print wheel assembly having individual print wheels for printing the unit day, the decade day, the month and the year for any given date. A drive wheel assembly includes a plurality of independent drive wheels for driving the date print wheels an appropriate amount, the drive wheel which is connected to the unit day print wheel being the sole source of input drive for the other drive wheels which rotate the other date print wheels by an appropriate amount through transfer components on the drive wheels.

Abstract: A print wheel printer includes a trigger unit casing and a main housing frame, a plurality of print wheels rotatably mounted on a print wheel shaft and having a corresponding ratchet wheel secured to one side of each print wheel. A plurality of rotatably mounted selective pawls are supported on the trigger unit casing for stopping the rotation of the print wheels at selected print wheel engagement positions wherein a corresponding pawl is rotated into position to engage a corresponding print wheel ratchet wheel. A rotatable reset lever is also mounted on the trigger unit casing for the purpose of returning the selective pawls to a print wheel disengagement position. The selective pawls and the reset lever are both supported on the trigger unit casing in a prealigned relationship and support means are provided on the main housing frame for supporting the set of print wheels.

Abstract: A printwheel detent disengaging mechanism enables low-torque high-speed automatic printwheel setting. In the engaged position spring-loaded ball in a rotatable shaft bears on a detent ball disposed in a bore in a sleeve surrounding the shaft to cam the detent ball into detent vees of the printwheel. When the shaft is rotated so that the spring-laded ball no longer bears on the detent ball, the detent force is removed and low torque printwheel setting may be accomplished. When setting is completed, the shaft is rotated back into position where the spring-loaded ball bears on the detent ball.

Abstract: An arresting support for type wheels of printing mechanisms in franking and postage machines and in portable postage and numbering devices includes a bearing shaft having pins disposed thereon. The bearing shaft has a blind bore formed therein extended in axial direction of the pins. An elastic insert is disposed in the blind bore. The bearing shaft also has a given number of stepped bores formed therein extending perpendicularly to the axial direction of the bearing shaft. Two resilient arresting spheres of different diameter are disposed in each respective stepped bore. The given number of type wheels are disposed next to each other on the bearing shaft. The spheres rest in cup-shaped indentations formed in the type wheels. The type wheels are retained in a selected position by the resilient arresting spheres and the type wheels are adjusted against pressure provided by the resilient arresting spheres.

Abstract: A character selecting mechanism for a printer having a plurality of type wheel units arranged axially on a shaft. The character selecting mechanism comprises a plurality of electromagnetic clutches each having a solenoid, a sleeve rotatably received in the center hole of the solenoid and rotated continuously during a printing cycle, and a pair of selector plates resiliently pressed against the opposite end surfaces of the sleeve, respectively, so as to be attracted to the sleeve and to be turned by the sleeve when the solenoid is energized, having tongues facing opposite to each other to form part of a magnetic path for the magnetic lines of force of the solenoid with a small gap therebetween an in contact through a small contact area with a driving disk for applying an assistant force to the selector plates in turning the selector plates in a character selecting direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing any line of characters comprises printing wheels on a common shaft, the wheels on the shaft together defining a printing line over a hammer. Each printing wheel is rotated by a respective stepping motor through a respective setting wheel. An aligner bar is inserted into notches in the wheels, prior to printing, to verify the alignment of the characters in printing position. The stepping motors are bi-directional and take the shortest path from a preceding printing position to the next printing position. The pulsing frequency may be ramped to give a higher stepping rate in the intermediate portion of each printing wheel movement.

Abstract: A printing mechanism comprising a rotary shaft, a first type ring mounted on the rotary shaft and provided on the circumference thereof with first typefaces, a first selection ratchet wheeljoined to the first type ring and provided on the circumference thereof with first teeth formed so as to correspond to the first typefaces, respectively, a second type ring mounted on the rotary shaft beside the first type ring and provided on the circumference thereof with second typefaces, a second selection ratchet wheel joined to the second type ring and provided on the circumference thereof with second teeth formed so as to correspond to the second typefaces, respectively, first and second pawls capable of being engaged with and disengaged from the first and second selection ratchet wheels, respectively, by means of an electromagnetic mechanism including a solenoid, a cylindrical yoke, a rotary member fixed to a rotary shaft and the first and second pawls, and clicks capable of transmitting the rotative force of the fo

Abstract: A postage meter has a print drum with print wheels which are shiftable to select the value of the postage. The print wheels are adjusted by displacing respective rack gears through an annular drive member and a pinion, and the print drum is rotated for printing the selected value on a workpiece. A shutter bar locks the print drum against rotation during value selection and locks the annular member against rotation during print drum rotation.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a machine having serial-number printing capability and comprising a first plurality of print wheels which are serially indexed for each of a succession of input actuations. An indexing pawl has a second plurality of spaced wheel-indexing pawl elements, one for each of a corresponding second plurality of adjacent print wheels. The number of print wheels is greater than the number of pawl elements, and the pawl is mounted for selective longitudinal placement so as to coact with a desired particular second plurality of adjacent print wheels. The print wheels incorporate the feature of selective removal from printing exposure, so that printing need only involve digit indicia on print wheels requisite to serial-number printing at the selected longitudinal region of pawl action.

Abstract: The type wheels provided on a postage or franking head of a postage meter or franking machine are adjusted in stepwise manner from outside the franking head by means of adjusting push rods, which in each case engage a pinion associated with a type wheel. The engagement and adjusting movement of the adjusting push rod is performed by electromagnets. The engagement movement takes place by pivoting a guide plate carrying the adjusting push rods, on which the rods are displaceable by means of the electromagnet counter to the tension of a tension spring. The electromagnets can be energized on the basis of an electrical pulse, which is simultaneously used for adjusting an electronic display, provided on the franking machine casing.

Abstract: In a compact printer provided with a type wheel having a type belt wound on a cylindrically formed base, a hammer mechanism contained within the type wheel, and a DC motor for operating the type wheel and a paper feed mechanism, the rotational force from the DC motor is transmitted to the type wheel through a spring clutch mechanism and a code plate for generating a timing signal is provided on the side surface of the type wheel so that a solenoid for controlling the spring clutch mechanism is driven by the timing signal.

Abstract: A printer for printing a row of characters on a recording medium. The printer includes at least first and second type rings having types disposed on the periphery thereof which are rotatable from a reset position to a print position. First and second pawls are associated with the first and second type rings, respectively. A control member moves the first pawl into engagement with the first type ring when in its reset position to prevent rotation thereof. The second type ring is rotated into a print position while the first type ring is held in its reset position by the first pawl. A lever associated with the first and second pawls is actuated by an electromagnet to move the second pawl into engagement with the second type ring when in a print position to stop the rotation thereof. The control member releases the first pawl from the first type ring which then rotates to a print position.

Abstract: Improvement in the printing device of a type ring selection system, wherein each independent type ring for each numerical place is rotationally controlled to select a required type on the outer periphery of each type ring at a position opposite to a platen, whereby the types for these numerical places to be printed in one line are aligned and the single line is printed at once with the thus aligned types.

Abstract: A printing mechanism is disclosed which has a cylindrical type wheel rotatably supported on a driving shaft and carrying a plural number of types arranged on it circumferential surface at regular angular intervals and protruding from the surface. For effecting printing, one of the types is selected and the selected type is struck against a recording medium making use of a energy of rotation. The present invention is directed to improvement in such type of printer. The improvement comprises an elastic member through which the type wheel is supported on the driving shaft. The elastic member is fixed to the driving shaft. The type wheel is disposed concentrically with the driving shaft and spaced from a platen by a determined distance. The elastic member is engaged with projections formed on the inner circumferential surface of the type wheel so as to transmit rotation of the driving shaft to the wheel.

Abstract: A printer of small overall size includes a plurality of typing wheels on the periphery of which are provided letters characters or symbols. At a printing position, a selection mechanism selects one of the plurality of letters, characters or symbols on each typing wheel. A printing mechanism prints the letter, character or symbols selected by the selection mechanism by applying a pressure thereto. A mechanism for feeding recording paper is arranged after the printing device in the feeding direction of the recording paper, and the printing mechanism moves in a direction opposite to the feeding direction of the recording paper after which pressure is applied to the printing device to effect printing.

Abstract: A table calculator provided with printer is disclosed. The printer comprises a printing drum having a group of odd digit types and a group of even digit types arranged shifted from each other in the direction of line. A pulse generator generates timing pulses corresponding to the odd digit types on the drum. Another pulse generator generates timing pulses corresponding to the even digit types. When any selected type on the drum comes into the printing position, the drum is stopped to effect printing. Printing is carried out on the basis of the timing pulse corresponding to even digit when odd digit type is to be printed. When even digit type is to be printed, the printing is carried out on the basis of timing pulse corresponding to odd digit.

Abstract: An improved, low cost, high speed, impact printing apparatus usable as a typewriter or as a machine printer is disclosed which includes a carriage translatable along a page through a rack and gear assembly and having an electronically controlled printing unit oriented to reveal the line of write and give constant printing characteristics independent of carriage speed. The printing unit includes a thin, lightweight, circular, bidirectionally shiftable, distensible synthetic resin band having printing characters thereon, along with a single, spring-powered impression hammer for selectively engaging and distending the band toward the page in order to print a selected character. Printing and letter-spacing are concurrently initiated and accomplished using only a single, windable, energy-storing mainspring and a mechanical energy transmission assembly coupling the rack and gear assembly and printer in parallel.

Abstract: A type setting device for printers, comprising a drive motor, a drive gear mounted on a rotary shaft and rotated by the drive motor, a type wheel having a plurality of type elements and rotatably mounted on the rotary shaft, a first spring clutch interposed between the drive gear and the rotary shaft, a ratchet gear fixedly mounted on the rotary shaft and selectively stopped to control the first spring clutch, and a second spring clutch adapted to prevent the rotary shaft from being rotated reversely with respect to the rotation of the drive gear. The drive gear can thus be kept rotating at all times so that it is unnecessary that the motor be started and stopped every time a character is printed. This allows a high-speed type selection and high-speed printing.

Abstract: Character rings mounted on a common shaft and having a plurality of circumferential character columns thereon, are opposed by a platen including recessed portions. A recessed portion faces non-printing character columns when the platen presses against one character column on each character ring for printing on paper. The platen translates laterally so that each character column on a character ring is printed in sequence. A single character selection and return mechanism serves all columns on a single character ring. A translating mask separates non-printing characters from the paper.

Abstract: A compact print wheel position sensing device for parallel-wheel printers includes pairs of optoelectronic printed circuit emitters 22 and receivers 24 arranged in two lines inside and outside, respectively, a tubular shaft 21 provided with radial holes 23 aligned with each emitter/receiver pair and carrying wheels 19 which mesh with corresponding parallel print wheels 11. Each wheel 19 has a set of angularly spaced transparent regions, alternating with opaque regions, which permit transmission between the corresponding emitter/receiver pair at each printing position of the respective print wheel. A logic device includes a memory arranged for storing printing wheel position orders and having double reading heads for each division.

Abstract: A printing apparatus of the type in which character wheels of respective columns are independently rotatably juxtaposed and the character wheel of each column is individually rotation-controlled to select a desired one of characters on the outer periphery of the character wheel at a print position, characterized in that the apparatus is compact and light in weight.

Abstract: A light-weight micro-printer including a one piece molded plastic main frame is provided. The printer frame includes two substantially parallel side frames spaced apart from each other a distance of the width of a print paper with integrally molded support members between the side frames. The support members function as a paper guide member and isolate an electromagnet disposed within the frame.

Abstract: A digital printer of the print wheel controlling type comprising a timing signal generator for developing type selection controlling signals (.alpha.) for selecting a desired type mounted on the print wheel, and a wheel round detection signal (.beta.) for indicating a complete one round of the print wheel. A print control circuit is provided for detecting whether the wheel round detection signal (.beta.) is developed next after the development of the type selection controlling signals (.alpha.) by a predetermined number. If the wheel round detection signal (.beta.) is not developed at a preselected timing, the print control circuit learns an erroneous printing operation, and functions to conduct a corrected printing operation.

Abstract: In a character-selecting mechanism for a printer, an electromagnet which controls the engagement and disengagement of a pawl with a ratchet and, thereby, the actual printing step, is supplemented with a permanent magnet having spaced-apart poles. A core arm lies within a core passage in the electromagnet and protrudes into the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet. Activation of the electromagnet by a current pulse magnetizes the core arm to a polarity such that it is repelled by a pole next to which the core arm is disposed in a first position so that the core arm moves toward the other pole to take up a second position. During the transit from first to second position the core arm which is connected through a core member to a pawl brings the pawl into engagement with the ratchet.

Abstract: An electric printer which allows sure printing which depends on identity ween the orders given on the keyboard and the movement of the printing wheel. It includes means for uncoupling the drive shaft from the wheel and two sensors one of which indicates the position of the drive shaft and the other of which indicates the number of positions passed by the wheel before it stops. Application to a printer used for counting.

Abstract: This invention relates to a driving and braking system for an electronically controlled embossing machine of the type having a rotatable drum that carries embossing dies. A drive motor is provided for rotating the drum and a brake is included for stopping the drum in selected embossing positions. The brake includes a disk and a brake lining which are in slight engagement with one another during rotation of the drum so that when the brake is actuated the parts thereof have a small distance to travel.

Abstract: In a printing device including rotatable character wheels having type characters on the surface thereof and a selection mechanism for selectively bringing a character to a printing position, a drive means is provided for moving the selection mechanism. Coupling between the drive means and the selection mechanism is effected by an electro-magnet, size and power requirements for the electro-magnet being reduced by the fact that the electro-magnet functions only as a coupling means and not as the drive means itself.

Abstract: A printing apparatus especially for a cash register has printing wheels mounted on a shaft with a spring pressed friction detent means between the shaft and each wheel so that the wheels are positively driven but can overrun the detent means when they are stopped in their printing positions while having residual frictional engagement; the shaft rotating through only a part revolution then remaining stationary during printing and finally driving in rotating through only a part revolution then remaining stationary during printing and reverse to return the wheels to their starting positions.

Abstract: A small-sized printer having print characters circumferentially disposed around a plurality of print rings rotating by a motor on a common shaft, includes a detector comprised of an integrated circuit board rotating on the same shaft. The rotating circuit board incorporates conductive foil contacts which are sensed during rotation by fixed brushes, thereby providing a series of pulses indicative of the rotational position of the shaft and of the print characters which are in position for printing. An auxiliary signal, generated by additional contacts on the rotating circuit board, indicate positions between the print characters on the print rings. Logic circuitry combines the actual position pulses with the auxiliary signals to output converted position pulses which are free of noise and irregularities in waveform normally associated with brush contact switches. These converted pulses provide accurate timing as is required for the print cycle. A motor stop signal is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ascertaining movement of a device from a first position to a second position couple a ratchet member and pawl combination to that movable device. Clicks indicative of the movement of the device are generated by effecting relative motion between the ratchet member and pawl in accordance with the movement of the device from the first to the second position. An ascertainment is then made from the generated clicks whether the movement of the device has in fact resulted in the desired movement from the first to the second position. The invention is of particular utility in the monitoring of character segments in printing devices, but is not limited to such an application.

Abstract: A miniature printer includes character rings, each having a series of characters on the outer periphery thereof and teeth on a side surface thereof for selection of a character to be printed. The shaft carrying the character rings also has mounted thereon a radially-slotted disc through the slots of which a light beam is passed for signalling the angular position of said shaft, the light beam being directed at light-detection means. Electronic circuitry controls pawls for selectively stopping the character rings so that a selected character on each ring is brought to rest at a printing position for printing. The electronic circuitry also controls the intermittent feed of printing paper and printing ribbon. A gear-selection mechanism provides for a plurality of printing-paper feed rates as well as for holding the paper stationary when required.A number of the components are of unitary contruction to increase the ease of assembly and decrease the costs as well as the number of parts.

Abstract: A serial printer includes two character rings having raised characters disposed therearound. Both rings rotate on a common axis for selection of characters for printing. One character ring is laterally fixed relative to the common axis; the other character ring translates laterally along the common axis in a carriage driven by a pulley and wire, and biased for quick return. A solenoid actuated claw selects characters for printing as the character rings rotate. A single motor operating in a forward direction causes the character rings to rotate while character selections are made, sequentially causes a single hammer to strike both character rings simultaneously for printing on paper, and translates the carriage one position for serially printing the next digit in a number. Reversal of the motor, after a line of characters is printed, causes release and return of the carriage and advancement of the paper.

Abstract: A miniaturized printer wherein the duration of each print cycle, the sequence of printing operations performed in each print cycle and the time between each print cycle is controlled by a detecting arrangement. The detecting arrangement is adapted to detect the rotary position of a plurality of print rings having print characters circumferentially disposed therearound and for generating a character selection timing pulse for each of the available rotational positions of each print ring during a print cycle. The rotational position of each print ring corresponds to a print character circumferentially disposed about the print ring and, to this end, a print selection mechanism associated with each of the print rings selectively positions each of the print rings at respective predetermined print positions during each print cycle in response to the character selection timing pulses produced by the detection arrangement so that printing can be performed thereby.