Abstract: An apparatus (100) for a large format printer (400) to support a spindle (102) of a roll of media comprises at least one supporting member (104, 104a, 104b, 104c) to support the weight of the spindle (102) when the spindle is loaded into the apparatus (100). The apparatus also comprises a cradle (108) to support the spindle (102) as it is loaded onto or unloaded from the at least one supporting member (104). The cradle (108) is moveable between a first position to receive the spindle (102) and a second position when the spindle is supported by the at least one supporting member (104). The apparatus also comprises a shock absorbing member (110) in contact with the cradle (108). The cradle moves between the first and second positions as the spindle (102) is loaded into the apparatus (100) and the shock absorbing member (110) absorbs kinetic energy of the cradle (108) as it moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A printer having improved operational features. The printer includes an articulating print frame assembly coupled to a top cover that is adapted to rotate out of the top cover to an open position and to rotate into the top cover to a closed position. When the print frame is in an open position, the top cover is prevented from rotating toward the bottom housing to a closed position. The printer may include at least one media support member with a media adjustment channel disposed therein, a media adjustment member slidingly disposed through each of the media adjustment channels, and a resilient member configured to apply friction between each of the media adjustment members and the corresponding media support member.

Abstract: A medium loading device includes: a support unit having a shaft member that is attached to each of both end sections of roll paper and a flange member; a loading portion in which the roll paper with the support units attached thereto is loaded; a temporary placement portion on which the roll paper with the support units attached thereto is placed temporarily before being loaded into the loading portion; and a transfer path for transferring the roll paper with the support units attached thereto from the temporary placement portion to the loading portion. The flange member has in a region facing the transfer path a flat surface that is in contact with the transfer path.

Abstract: Web medium supplies for a printer that uses a web medium on a core and printers are provided. In one aspect, the web medium supply has a frame with a first mounting support and second mounting support that are positioned along an axis of rotation. A first core mounting supports the core for rotation around the axis of rotation and a second core mounting supports the core for rotation around the axis of rotation. Rotation of the core is controlled by a first force applied to the first core mounting and a second force applied to the second core mounting that are both less than a third force that is sufficient to drive an alternative core against an inertial load of the core and web from one driven end.

Abstract: A medium loading device includes: a support unit having a shaft member that is attached to each of both end sections of roll paper and a flange member; a loading portion in which the roll paper with the support units attached thereto is loaded; a temporary placement portion on which the roll paper with the support units attached thereto is placed temporarily before being loaded into the loading portion; and a transfer path for transferring the roll paper with the support units attached thereto from the temporary placement portion to the loading portion. The flange member has in a region facing the transfer path a flat surface that is in contact with the transfer path.

Abstract: Web supply systems and printers are provided. In one aspect a web supply system has frame with a first mounting support and second mounting support that are positioned along an axis of rotation and separated by a separation distance during the supply of web, a first core mounting having a first surface that is rotatably supportable by the first mounting support for rotation about the axis of rotation and a first engagement end to provide support for a first end of a core, and; a second core mounting having a second surface that is rotatably supportable by the second mounting for rotation about the axis of rotation and a second engagement end to provide support for a second end of the core. The mountings support a core that has one or more surface at an angle that corresponds to one or more angle of a surface on the mountings.

Abstract: A paperboard handling machine includes an alignment mechanism for aligning rolls of paperboard supported by the machine whereby the rolls are aligned with one another.

Abstract: The portable Drop & Roll Dispenser or The General Dispensor, through its mobility and ease of use, is a tool to simplify convenience as to unroll a ball, a free spindle or any roll of material. Position the General Dispensor anywhere, drop your roll of material and use.

Abstract: A paper roll fixing device of a printer includes a first supporting base, a second supporting base, a first fixing member and a second fixing member. The first fixing member comprises a rotatable first fixing slab. The second fixing member comprises a rotatable second fixing slab. When the first fixing slab and the first fixing slab are pushed by a paper roll, the first fixing slab and the first fixing slab are rotated to the position without stopping the paper roll from entering or leaving the space between the first supporting base and the second supporting base. As a consequently, the paper roll can be smoothly introduced into or removed from the paper roll fixing device. By the paper roll fixing device, the paper roll can be introduced into or removed from the paper roll fixing device with a single hand or in a single step.

Abstract: A printer includes a first case and a second case, a paper containing portion is formed in the first case and contains a paper roll, a paper holder is provided in the paper containing portion and hold the paper roll, a pair of supporting members are provided in the paper holder and hold both ends of the paper roll, with each of the supporting members holding one of the ends, a contacting portion is provided in the paper holder and is thicker than are the supporting members, and a first projection projects in the paper containing portion from the first case toward the paper holder and is positioned, in the axial direction of the paper roll, between the contacting portion and a wall surface of the first case located on the side of the contact portion and is able to come into contact with the contacting portion.

Abstract: A surface covering installation tool and method of use to provide improved safety and efficiency for surface covering installation. The surface covering installation tool is a tool that includes a handle, a mandrel, and a support member. A user inserts the mandrel into rolled surface covering and then pulls the rolled surfaced covering using the handle causing the surface covering to unroll.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing medical tape are disclosed, particularly devices that may be reversibly attached to a medical stethoscope. The devices generally include (a) an element that is configured to receive and be disposed through a center hole of a roll of tape and (b) a means for attaching the device to a stethoscope.

Abstract: Methods are provided for operating a web medium supply for a printer and or operating a printer having a web medium supply to which any of a plurality of different cores can be mounted, each core having a web. In one aspect, a core data condition is detected indicating that an automatic core data acquisition process is to be executed and conditions are sensed from which a difference in the rotational positions of a first engaged surface at a first end of the core and a second engaged surface at a second end of the core can be determined. Data regarding the web on the core is determined based upon the sensed conditions.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a roll paper holder including a shaft portion which holds a roll paper such that the roll paper is capable of being fed, a temporal placement portion on which the roll paper is temporarily placed, and a roll paper lifting device which includes a placement portion on which the roll paper is placed, and lifts the roll paper to a height position of the shaft portion of the roll paper holder while an end of the roll paper in the temporarily placed state is placed on the placement portion so as to position a core port of a roll core of the roll paper and the shaft portion.

Abstract: A protective hand cover dispenser is placed and secured on the inside of a fuel tank cap door and provides disposable protective hand covers worn while refueling an automobile. The use of the protective hand covers prevents gasoline from adhering to an operator's hands and can also prevent the spread of germs. The protective hand cover dispenser holds a roll of protective hand covers that are easily accessible by a person refueling an automobile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for dispensing a telecommunication cable (12) from a reel (14), wherein the device (10) comprises the following: a first and a second end element that are separated by one or more transverse elements (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d); and an axis (22) that extends at least partially between the end elements (16, 18) so as to rotatably connect the reel (14) to the device, wherein the cable can be pulled from the reel over one of the one or more transverse elements.

Abstract: A wind-off assistance device for coreless film rolls comprises two receiving element being insertable into a coreless film roll. The receiving element are connected to each other via a cylindrical connection element. The two receiving element are surrounded by a ring-shaped bearing so that the film roll is rotatably connected to the receiving element. A second bearing ring is located between the cylindrical connection element and the receiving element so that the connection element can be rotated on the receiving element.

Abstract: A tape printer includes a roll sheet holder storage part of which a bottom is formed with a positioning recess which is rectangular in plan view and long sideways and has a predetermined depth. A discrimination recess rectangular in plan view is provided between the positioning recess and an inner base end of a holder support member). The discrimination recess fittingly receives a sheet discrimination part extending in a predetermined length from a lower end of the positioning holding member inward at substantially right angle thereto. The sheet discrimination part is formed with sensor holes arranged in an L-shaped pattern. In the discrimination recess, there are provided sheet discrimination sensors arranged in an L-shaped pattern.

Abstract: A carrying device includes: a supply portion (16) for supplying a recording sheet (3) from a supply roll (11) wound with the recording sheet (3); a platen (18), which is opposed to a recording head (7) for performing recording on the recording sheet (3) supplied from the supply portion (16), for supporting the recording sheet (3); a take-up portion (20) in which the recording sheet (3) on which recording has been performed by the recording head (7) is taken up by a take-up roll (12); and a suction fan (52) for sucking the recording sheet (3) supported on the platen (18). The platen (18) is provided with, in a position corresponding to an area in which recording is performed by the recording head (7), a plurality of recessed portions (48), which are formed from an upstream side to a downstream side of the platen (18) in a carrying direction of the recording sheet (3) and are surrounded by projected walls (49), aligned in a width direction of the recording sheet (3).

Abstract: In a holder for holding a rolled recording medium, each of a pair of side wall members is opposed to a side end face of the rolled recording medium to regulate a position of the rolled recording medium in a widthwise direction thereof. At least one of the side wall members includes a first section adapted to be brought into contact with the side end face, and a second section adapted to avoid contact with the side end face. A position of the second section is determined such that an upper part of the side end face is free from contact with the at least one of the side wall members, and a position of the first section is determined such that a lower part of the side end face is brought into contact with the first section.

Abstract: Chalk line devices are commonly used in the building and/or construction arts. The motorized chalk line apparatus is particularly useful for automatically reeling in a chalk line wound about a spool that is journaled by a pair of stub axles. A battery powered drive automatically winds the chalk line about the spool. In use, the chalk line is manually pulled away from the apparatus to create the marking, but when the user actuates the switch, the spool automatically rewinds the chalk line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for winding a web about a central axis and a rotating mandrel to form a roll. A rolled web product with an alternating winding pattern may be manufactured. A feeding mechanism provides a running web to be wound into a roll. A retainer assembly may be configured for holding the web as it is wound upon the rotating mandrel. The retainer assembly may be configured to accommodate oscillating movement of the rotating mandrel between a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. The web may be placed upon a roll by winding in one direction and then back again in a second direction repeatedly to form a roll. Retaining means, such as paddles, may be actuated from an active position in contact with the web to a resting position removed from the roll. Paddles may serve to hold the web upon the outer surface of the roll at the time in which the rotating mandrel is changing rotational direction.

Abstract: A spool for carrying continuous pipe or coiled tubing for a coiled tubing injector is dropped into a stand at a site and coupled to a rotary power source. The stand includes two axles, on either side of the spool, and a drive plate. The spool includes on each side a supporting hub with slot that allows the axle to slide into the hub and the slot to be closed. At the same time, a coupling member on the drive plate slides into a mating contact with a complementary coupling member on the spool. Thus, the spool is mounted and coupled to a rotary power source with comparative ease and quickness, facilitating use of multiple spools for both transportation and operation at the well site.

Abstract: There is provided a mounting system for an apparatus for dispensing wet wipes. The system may include a dispenser and a mounting bracket. The dispenser has the ability to be mounted to a conventional toilet tissue holder. The mounting bracket may securely yet removably hold the dispensing apparatus to the holder.

Abstract: A spool for carrying continuous pipe or coiled tubing for a coiled tubing injector is dropped into a stand at a site and coupled to a rotary power source. The stand includes two axles, on either side of the spool, and a drive plate. The spool includes on each side a supporting hub with slot that allows the axle to slide into the hub and the slot to be closed. At the same time, a coupling member on the drive plate slides into a mating contact with a complementary coupling member on the spool. Thus, the spool is mounted and coupled to a rotary power source with comparative ease and quickness, facilitating use of multiple spools for both transportation and operation at the well site.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer including a chassis having opposing side frame members. A pair of cones are each rotatably mounted to one of the opposing side frame members. At least one of the cones has a convex surface with one or more teeth formed thereon. A spool is supported between the pair of cones, wherein the cone teeth engage an end of the spool for rotatably driving the spool. The spool has an elongated body with outwardly extending crush ribs which hold labeling media or ink ribbon thereon.

Abstract: A web-up system is provided for a web-fed printing press, the web fed printing press having a plurality of components including a slitter mechanism. The web-up system includes either or both a web-up device and a ribbon winder. The web-up device is located adjacent to an output of a first component of the web-fed printing press, the first component located upstream from the slitter mechanism. The web-up device includes a splicing mechanism and a secondary web roll rotatably mounted on a shaft. The splicing mechanism receives a first web of material from the first component, receives a second web of material from the secondary web roll, splices the first web of material to the second web of material, and outputs a spliced web of material to the next downstream component of the press, e.g., the slitter mechanism. The ribbon winder is coupled to an output of the slitter mechanism. The slitter mechanism slits the web of material into at least a first and second ribbon.

Abstract: A transportable carrier for removably retaining coils of filamentary material wound in a Figure-8 pattern and having a radial payout hole extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the wound coil, wherein a pair of carriage assemblies each including a bottom frame member and an upper frame member interconnected by a pair of spaced apart vertically movable carriage assemblies, the pair of carriage assemblies being separated by a pair of spaced support members attached to a respective one of the bottom frame members and a handle extending between the respective upper frame members of the respective carriage assembly; each of the upper frame members including a retaining member for engaging the upper surface of a wound coil lying between the bottom frame members; and the handle enabling vertical upward and downward movement of the carriage assemblies to accommodate different sized wound coils; and vertical downward movement of the handle enabling each retaining member to engage an upper surface of

Abstract: A security device which includes a locking member, a ratchet member, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a book or box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base and secured therein by a pair of metal tines. The ratchet member includes a housing containing a gear and bearing member which are latched together in a spaced relationship to form a reel and a pawl. A bottom plate encloses the contents of the housing. The gear includes a multi-sided key hole, a plurality of openings to secure enlarged ends of the cables therein, and a plurality of teeth. The gear and bearing member each include an annular nub which sits in and rotates around a corresponding bearing surface of the bottom plate and housing, respectively. The pawl has a catch and a resilient spring and communicates with the gear to allow the ratchet member to be turned only in one direction.

Abstract: A security device which includes a locking member, a ratchet member, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a book or box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base and secured therein by a pair of metal tines. The ratchet member includes a housing containing a gear and bearing member which are latched together in a spaced relationship to form a reel and a pawl. A bottom plate encloses the contents of the housing. The gear includes a multi-sided key hole, a plurality of openings to secure enlarged ends of the cables therein, and a plurality of teeth. The gear and bearing member each include an annular nub which sits in and rotates around a corresponding bearing surface of the bottom plate and housing, respectively. The pawl has a catch and a resilient spring and communicates with the gear to allow the ratchet member to be turned only in one direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a width changeable paper towel holder designed for presently available paper towels of different specifications. The towel holder has a fixed plate, a pair of pull-out plates and a pair of arm plates wherein the fixed plate is secured to a wall surface or any other fixed object, the pair of the pull-out plates, each on either side, being slidably received between an upper and a lower grooved rails provided on the fixed plate. An arm plate pivoted to the end of each of the pull-out plates can be resiliently retained in a locating hole on one or the other end of an elongate slot by means of a locating button such that the pull-out plates can be positioned when being pulled out or pushed in, thereby to provide two different widths between the arm plates for loading paper towels of different specifications.