Abstract: A print wheel selection mechanism operates to sequentially enter into a plurality of print wheels digits to be printed by initially entering the highest order digit into the lowest order or right-most print wheel or vice versa. During the next sequence, the highest order digit is shifted to the print wheel next to the right-most wheel, and the next order digit is entered into the right-most wheel. In this manner, the foregoing sequences are repeated until the entire number is entered into the print wheels with the number being sequentially entered and shifted along the several print wheels. The mechanism includes a plurality of intermediate stop wheels interdigitally and rotatably mounted on a common shaft with the print wheels, the print wheels and the intermediate stop wheels being urged to rotate in a predetermined direction. The print wheels and the intermediate stop wheels are each provided with stops for limiting the rotation of the next succeeding wheel in an ascending order.

Abstract: A rolling parallel printer in which a pressure element is driven through a swiveling motion each printing cycle and a pressure segment thereof rolls off a line of type. The pressure element is connected to a mechanical linkage which minimizes the sweep of travel of the pressure element, while maintaining the pressure element sufficiently far from the type in a rest position to facilitate reading of the printed matter.

Abstract: A multiple recorder printing device for recording values of variable amounts on a moving recording tape in the form of consecutive symbols of the same or different colors includes a driven common drive means to both rotate the rotary printing head and move the printing head toward and away from the recording tape. The drive means permits rotation of the rotary printing head to be momentarily arrested during the period that a printing tip on the rotary printing head is in contact with the recording tape to assure clear printing on the recording tape without smudging.

Abstract: The system is used for imprinting indentification code on individuals of articles such as automobiles produced in quantity, particularly on an assembly line, and comprises an instruction unit to provide a data signal representing an identification code to be imprinted, a stamping machine in which setting of imprinting types is performed automatically according to the data signal, a sensor which provides a signal representing an actual state of the type setting, and a comparator which provides an operation signal to the stamping machine only when the signal from the sensor agrees with the data signal and otherwise provides an alarm signal. For further accuracy of imprinting operation, the system may include a sensor to detect the type of the individual article to be imprinted and another comprator to prevent the action of the stamping machine also when the type of the article differs from one implied by the data signal.

Abstract: A small sized printer wherein the duration of the print cycle and the sequence of printing operations, during a print cycle, is controlled. The printer includes a plurality of print characters circumferentially disposed therearound, the print characters being selectively positioned in a print position by rotating the print ring from a rest position to a print position during each print cycle. A motor is adapted to be energized to rotate the print rings from a rest position to a print position during each print cycle. The instant invention is particularly characterized by a detection arrangement for detecting the rotary position of the print rings and generating a character selection timing signal representative of each of the rotational positions of the print ring.

Abstract: The printer has a plurality of printing rings each rotatably supported by a swingable layer pivoted about a pivot axis so as to be swung in an arcuate path around the pivot axis while it is rotated by a driving source about its own axis so that the printing rings are selectively swung toward and against a platen upon receipt of printing character selection command from the control circuit of the printer so as to print onto a paper held therebetween when the selected one of the characters on the respective printing ring is brought to a position for the printing during the rotation thereof.

Abstract: A printer having a print command circuit adapted to provide a print command signal, to thereby begin each print cycle is provided. The printer further includes a character ring having print characters circumferentially positioned therearound, each print character being selectively positioned by rotating the character ring from a rest position to a print position in response to the print command signal. The improvement comprises a single position detection circuit for generating character selection timing pulses representative of each rotational position of the character ring and being further adapted to produce return timing pulses in response to the opposite rotation of the character ring when same is returned to its rest position. Improved circuitry is provided for sensing the last pulse of said return timing pulses, utilizing same to supply a print-off pulse to the print command circuit to indicate the completion of the print cycle.

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.

Abstract: A small-sized printing apparatus which operates at a low noise level and provides good printing quality includes a plurality of printing rings, each having type characters on the peripheral surface thereof. The printing rings are mounted on a shaft which reciprocates for the purpose of bringing a selected character on each of the rings to a printing position. The shaft reciprocates through forward and reverse directions of rotation. An inking roll transfers ink intermittently to the type characters.

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 miniature printer especially suitable for use in a small calculator or the like, utilizes the energy released from a spring storage means to power the printing, paper feeding, and inking operations. The energy is stored by the spring from either manual operation or motor power.

Abstract: A miniature printer especially for use in a small calculator or the like, of the type in which a plurality of character wheels are carried on a rotating drive shaft. The speed of rotation of the drive shaft can be varied so that its speed during character selection is different from that during the resetting of the character wheels.

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: A mechanism for actuating a platen of a printer in which a cooperating pin and lever are provided to permit a plurality of printing rings with the desired characters thereon to be printed to be placed into a printing position, to move a platen into abutting engagement with the printing rings and hold them engaged for printing, all during a first period of time, and to remove the platen from the printing rings during a second period of time, and in which the first time period is about two to three times longer than the second time period so that the speed of the printer for each printing operation is increased.

Abstract: Line printer having a plurality of coaxially arranged rotatable printing rings each bearing a series of characters to selectively effect printing on a paper and a platen movable toward in contact with and away from the printing rings so as to effect printing on the paper interposed between the platen and the printing rings when the platen abuts against the printing rings, each of the printing rings being selectively arrested by a select lever actuated by the printing signal from a control system of the printer thereby positioning desired characters of the respective printing rings in the printing position at which the platen abuts against the printing rings so that a line of printing is produced on the paper simultaneously. The printer comprises a mechanism for additionally printing a mark such as an underline and the like adjacent to particular characters printed on the paper. The mechanism is moved to the printing position by a signal from the control system.

Abstract: A series printer for printing selected indicia or type on a strip of paper wherein the indicia are carried by a rotating drum which rotates in synchronism with a pulse generator identifying specific indicia as they pass through a printing position, a ratchet and pawl operated in synchronism with said drum for intermittantly moving a paper strip through the printing position and in spaced relationship to the drum, pulses produced by an indicia or type signal generator are compared with the identifying pulses and actuates a printing hammer at the printing position when the two sets of pulses are identical to print a specific indicia on the paper, actuation of the printing hammer being prevented during movement of the paper.

Abstract: An automatic date setting apparatus for a postage meter is disclosed which may be attached to the housing of a postage meter. The apparatus includes solenoids that drive linkage segments which are engageable with the gear train of the meter date indicator. Each solenoid is in electrical connection with a timing device to be enabled periodically thereby.

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 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: 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: Printing apparatus particularly suited to a cash register includes a hammer arranged to move printing paper into engagement with type wheels located on the other side of the paper. A cam and linkage move the hammer into and out of contact with the paper. Strong springs are provided to rapidly accelerate the hammer toward the paper through an engaging plate. The engaging plate is stopped before the hammer contacts the paper, and the hammer strikes the paper due to its inertia. The hammer rebounds off the paper and is caught and held by the linkage in the rebound position between the paper and the engaging plate to prevent double printing.

Abstract: A tool for stamping symbols on a piece of jewelry is provided having a pliers-type mechanism with two jaws between which the jewelry is placed. One or more rotatable marking wheels in the shape of a gear is placed on the interior of one of the jaws. Each of the marking wheels has a symbol engraved on at least one of its teeth such that when the handle portion of the pliers is squeezed, a symbol is stamped into the jewelry.

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: An automatic character printer includes a transport for indexing a receipt form by means of flexible belts having extending pins for engaging pin feed holes in the form. The receipt form includes a leading edge indexing mark and a trailing edge indexing mark to interrupt a light beam at an index sensor for establishing form position with respect to a character wheel at the print station. To distinguish between the form leading edge indexing mark and the form trailing edge indexing mark, a light interrupting signal wheel, synchronized with the rotation of the flexible belts, generates indexing signals related to the position of the belt extending pins. A receipt form is in a known location when the signal wheel and a form index sensor both generate a signal pulse. Upon receipt of a form start signal from a control computer, a hammer solenoid actuates a print hammer against a resilient pad to force the receipt form in contact with a character wheel.

Abstract: A line printer for printing successive lines of information on a ticket. As the ticket is guided toward ticket printing and advancing mechanisms, a first ticket sensor energizes a latch circuit and shifts the ticket advancing mechanism from a normally closed condition to an open condition. The ticket then moves freely into the printer to a predetermined position defined by a stop. A second ticket sensor at the stop is then actuated to close the ticket advancing mechanism and enable ticket advancement.

Abstract: A printer for printing characters on a printable medium. The printer contains a plurality of printing actuators which are selectively energized from a power supply to print the characters. Control circuitry in the printer receives character codes and energizes the printing actuators individually in sequence thereby to reduce the loading on the power supply.

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: A parallel printer including an improved reset mechanism for resetting a ratchet and pawl mechanism after printing, is provided. An axially rotatable shaft having notched portions associated with each pawl effects a pivoting of each pawl out of engagement with the corresponding ratchet wheel and returns each pawl to a rest position to complete a printing cycle.

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.