Abstract: A device for producing a slide by a three-color printing process wherein ink is transferred according to the thermal transfer printing method from a ribbon-type ink carrier onto a record carrier in the form of a transparent sheet, the ribbon-type ink carrier carrying successively arranged magenta, yellow and cyan colored ink fields being slidably guided in a slide mount across the record carrier also arranged in the mount. In the initial position of the ink carrier, the first ink field is positioned opposite the record carrier for the first ink transfer. The further ink fields can be successively aligned with the record carrier for each further ink transfer. The slide mount is loaded with the record carrier and the ink carrier is placed in a holding device of the transfer station of a thermal transfer printing apparatus where the ink is transferred by means of an infrared laser focused in the ink plane of the ink carrier. The ink carrier is transported by means of a motor drive.

Abstract: A manual paper-loading device is disclosed. The device has a manual paper feeder for manually delivering the papers therein into an electrostatic printer without delivering the papers piled up in an automatic paper loading tray into the electrostatic printer. The paper-loading device disclosed has a roll having uniform radius in contrast to a conventional pick-up roll having nonuniform radii.

Abstract: A master making device incorporated in a stencil printer. The operation for feeding the leading edge of a web or stencil toward a master clamper provided on a print drum is assigned to a platen roller. When the web is to be wrapped around the print drum, the operation for causing the web to form a slack and the operation for applying a tension to the web are implemented only by a tension member which selectively blocks or unblocks a web passageway.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium includes a first sensor for detecting a supply of the recording medium, a second sensor for detecting the type of the recording medium and a third sensor for detecting the size of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus of the present invention automatically determines threshold values of first, second and third sensors by feeding the recording medium so as to adjust output levels of first, second and third sensors. The image forming apparatus may thereby print the image on the recording medium in accordance with the size and the type of the recording medium detected by the second and third sensors when the first sensor detects the supply of the recording medium.

Abstract: In a paper feed control system for a cut sheet-double side printing laser printer having a paper feed portion for stacking a plurality of paper sheets cut to a predetermined size; a paper feed mechanism for feeding the paper sheets one by one from the paper feed portion; a printing mechanism portion for printing first page data to one surface of the paper sheet, fed from the paper feed mechanism, by an electrophotographic means; and a return feed path which in order to print second page data to the other surface of the paper sheet, inverts the front and reverse surfaces of the paper sheet having the printed surface so as to selectively feed the paper sheet again to the printing mechanism portion. A plurality of feed roller mechanisms are provided which can be driven independently of one another so that the speeds of travel of a plurality of paper sheets in the feed path are changed independently of one another in accordance with the condition of the printer device or a host device.

Abstract: A control system and method of operation for controlling the operation of a finished plot handling and rolling mechanism of a plotter. If the finished plot is not properly gripped for rolling, the rolling process is aborted and the plot ejected unrolled. During rolling, power to the driving mechanism is maintained at a level which will keep the media taut and prevent over powering. At the plot end, the media is made taut over the platen for consistent cutting. The trailing end is then accelerated at a level which will overcome static friction of the previously rolled portion and prevent buckling of the trailing portion.

Abstract: A high speed thermal printer including a maximum data detector for detecting maximum gradation data from the image signal of a line received from a signal input source on a line-by-line basis, a drum motor for transporting printing paper, a reel motor for transporting film containing printing dye, and a servo controller for controlling a printing speed by varying the speed of the drum motor and the reel motor in accordance with the detected maximum data value. The printer has the advantages of the drum motor and reel motor being driven at a constant speed for the duration of the maximum gradation printing, and the dye being expressed uniformly throughout the printing line. Thus, high quality printing can be achieved and the printing time decreased by the motors being driven at a constant speed to the following printing position after the maximum gradation of a line has been printed.

Abstract: An ink jet printer has a sheet conveying and drying device having a plurality of flexible, resilient yet stiff fingers connected in a cantilevered manner to a drive chain which moves the fingers from a printed sheet receiving tray to a sheet stacking tray. After sheets are printed by a conventional ink jet printing head, the sheets are picked off of the printed sheet receiving tray and fed to a sheet stacking tray. The printed sheets are dried while being fed from the printed sheet receiving tray to the sheet stacking tray. After the printed sheets are picked off of the fingers at the sheet stacking tray, the chain drive continues to move the fingers in a counterclockwise direction along the chain path. The resilient, flexible fingers are deformed by upper and lower guide rollers, a stacking tray and a rear separating wall and are flicked back into a sheet receiving position at the printed sheet receiving tray.

Abstract: A duplexing image forming device which selectively directs printed pages back onto the original paper supply, flipped over with respect to the page's original position and swapping the leading edge for the trailing edge, for printing on a second side. The formatter in the image forming device then instructs the printer engine to print the second side of the page and reverses the order of data supplied to the print engine. A paper diverter is installed at the output of the fuser mechanism in the print engine. The diverter selectively diverts paper from the standard output path into a vertical gravity reversing slot through three reversing rollers. The paper is fed from the diverter up through the nip between the single driven reversing roller and an idler reversing roller. The driven reversing roller pushes the paper up into the vertical gravity reversing slot.

Abstract: A recording device wherein ink is deposited on recording materials to effect recording including first and second feeders for feeding the recording materials to a recorder, and a discharger for discharging the recording materials from the recorder such that the recording device can be placed horizontally and vertically in use. When the device is placed horizontally the recording materials are conveyed in a generally U-shaped path, and when the device is placed vertically the recording materials are conveyed in a generally rectilinear path.

Abstract: An imaging system having a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing device is provided for focusing a light source which generates a beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus includes a vacuum imaging drum for holding donor sheets and receiver sheets independently for exposure by the light beam. The drum has an axial planar area which facilitates loading and unloading the donor sheets in superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printing apparatus for printing an elongate continuous web of items. The apparatus comprises a frame structure having an imprinter mounted thereon. A plurality of idlers supports the web of items and defines a path of travel for the web. A segment of the path of travel is adjacent the imprinter and its print head. A rockable arm is connected to the frame structure and contacts the web along a top surface of the web at two locations. A first of the locations is upstream of the print head and a second of the locations is downstream of the print head. The arm is connected to the frame structure about a pivot point and rocks about this pivot point during operation of the apparatus in a manner similar to a "teeter-totter." A stepper motor drives two drive rollers thereby advancing the web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically clamping film material onto the recording drum of a reproduction device and for releasing the film material exposed by a recording element from the recording drum. The apparatus has a roll film cassette introducible into a light tight portion of the reproduction device. Conveyor and guide surfaces are provided between the roll film cassette and the recording drum. Film conveying means is provided for conveying the film web situated in the roll film cassette to the recording drum. A film cutting means is provided for the separation of film sheets. A film length measuring means, a pressure means having a lowerable pressure roller for the film sheets, a positioning drive for turning the recording drum into a start of clamping, start of exposure and start of release position, and a lift-off means having a lowerable lift-off finger for peeling the exposed film sheets from the recording drum are all provided. The film sheets are fixed on the recording drum by vacuum.

Abstract: Conveying devices, operation of which is stopped during printing, are provided upstream and downstream, as seen in a direction of conveying of a paper, of a platen arranged to face a printing head. The platen is provided with an electrostatic attraction member electrostatically the paper by the application of a voltage. A first control applies the voltage to the member during printing until a leading end of the paper arrives at the downstream conveying device. A second control applied the voltage to the member during printing after conveyance of a trailing end of the paper by the upstream conveying device is completed. Thereby, lifting of the end portions of the paper away from the platen is prevented, thus avoiding unprintable margins at such end portions of the paper.

Abstract: The positioning assembly is used in a thermal printing postage meter having a base supporting a registration wall and a deck, and a thermal print head fixably mounted to the registration wall above a portion of the deck to define a print station for printing a postage indicia on an envelope having a leading edge positioned on the deck in the print station. The positioning assembly includes a stop lever and a position support arrangement. The position support arrangement provides support for the stop lever such that in a first or home position, the stop lever obstructs the longitudinal positioning on the deck beyond the proper print station location. The obstruction is caused by encounter of the stop lever with the leading edge of the envelope. During initiation of the print cycle, the stop lever is repositioned to a second position removing the stop lever from obstructing the leading edge of the envelope.

Abstract: Carriage and paper motion overlap method and apparatus are described. The preferred method utilizes carriage ramp-down and unidirectional, constant-speed periods of time to advance paper via the printer's paper advancement mechanism while avoiding current-intensive ramp-up periods of time during which demands on the printer's power supply are high. The printer's controller is programmed to implement preferably concurrently operable processes one of which controls paper movement and the other of which controls carriage movement. The processes signal one another based upon their monitoring of defined conditions of the printer and the print buffer, and by setting and clearing a flag.

Abstract: There is described a tray-like cartridge for supplying thin delicate sheets of dye done film in a thermal printer. The cartridge has a slidable lid which normally covers a portion of the cartridge containing a factory-supplied package of film. The lid has a specially shaped window through which sheets of film may be drawn one-by-one from the cartridge for use in the printer. When the cartridge is not in the printer, the lid window is closed. This keeps the film free of dust and protects it from damage. The shape of the lid and its window act in conjunction with a film feeding mechanism of the printer to insure absolute reliability in the separating and feeding of individual sheets of film. Another portion of the cartridge serves as a waste bin for used sheets of the film.

Abstract: An imaging system having a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing device is provided for focusing a light source which generates a beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus includes a multi-chamber vacuum imaging drum for holding donor sheets and receiver sheets independently for exposure by the light beam. The drum has a plurality of chambers which are individually controllable to selectively load and unload the donor sheets from superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet.

Abstract: The platen roller assembly is particularly suited for a thermal printing postage meter having a base supporting a registration wall and a deck, and a thermal print head fixably mounted to said registration wall above a portion of said deck to define a print station. A linking assembly is mounted in the base for rotatively supporting a platen roller in a home position below said deck when an envelope is to be received at said print station and biasing said platen in a second position above said deck in the direction of said thermal print head through an aperture in said deck during a print cycle. An ejection plate fixably mounted to said registration wall above said deck longitudinally in line with said thermal print head.

Abstract: The position sensing assembly is employed in combination with a thermal printing postage meter having a base supporting a registration wall and a deck, and a thermal print head fixably mounted to the registration wall above a portion of the deck to define a print station for printing a postage indicia on an envelope. A position sensing-lever is mounted to a positioning support arrangement for providing supporting the position sensing lever support in a first position such that the position sensing lever has a home position where in a portion extending generally perpendicular to the deck to encounter the leading edge of the envelope positioned on the deck. The position lever encounters the envelope leading edge such that the leading edge deflects the position sensing lever when positioned in the print station and for repositioning the position sensing lever in a second position which removes the position sensing lever from encountering the leading edge of the envelope.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for clamping sheet-shaped film material onto the recording drum of a reproduction device and is directed to the operation of this device. The recording drum comprises axially proceeding suction-hole rows for the vacuum-fixing of the recording material. Suction channels, each of which connects the suction holes of a suction hole row to one another, proceed in the wall of the recording drum. A vacuum distributor controllable by the rotational movement of the recording drum is arranged in the recording drum, this controllable vacuum distributor selectively bringing the individual suction channels, the corresponding suction hole rows into communication with a stationary vacuum pump. The vacuum distributor is controllable such that that suction hole row on which the starting region of the recording material lies is first charged with vacuum during the clamping event.

Abstract: In a paper sheet conveying operation for a plotter, a roller paper sheet 29 supported on a feeding roller 35 is slackened by way of rotation of the feeding roller. The suspended portion of the paper sheet is pulled up onto the platen 34 due to rotation of the drive roller 10. Then, the suspended portion of the paper sheet 29 passes through a pair of tension rollers 27 and 28 and receives weak tension from the tension rollers 27 and 28, thus preventing the paper sheet from snaking. When the tension rollers are not placed correctly in parallel to the Y-rail of the plotter, the distances of the left and right edges of the paper sheet from the tension rollers to the drive roller become unequal. Consequently, unequal tensions are generated in the opposing edges of the paper sheet when it passes between the tension rollers 27 and 28, thereby causing a discrepancy in the conveyance of the paper sheet 29.

Abstract: An imaging system having a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing device is provided for focusing a light source which generates a beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus includes an imaging drum for holding donor sheets and receiver sheets in registration on the drum. A registration device including a non-reflective indicia on the surface of the drum facilitates the proper registration of the donor and receiver sheets.

Abstract: A printing apparatus used in a computer system selects either one of a plurality of paper feed cassettes and prints image data onto a cut sheet supplied from the selected cassette. Paper sensors are individually attached at predetermined positions which are located just after a plurality of paper feed cassettes at the same distance. The paper conveying times from the attaching positions of the paper sensors to a print start request position have been preset. When the cassette is switched during the printing operation, the predetermined paper feed timing time is changed. When switching from the cassette at a near position to the cassette at a remote position, the paper feed timing time is set to a short time and the paper feeding operation from the cassette on the switching side is instructed.

Abstract: A printer enables discrimination of the kind of a printing medium and automatically controls whether the medium is to be thermally processed or not by the result of the discrimination, while enabling reversal of the execution or inexecution of the heating process if necessary. A control portion is able to discriminate the kind of a printing paper based on a signal output from a detector and changeover automatically, whether the printing paper is to be thermally processed or not, in moving a diverter from a first position to a second position by controlling a solenoid. A user can reverse the execution or inexecution of a heating process of a printed paper in operating the diverter by the operation of a reverse key provided in a control panel.

Abstract: A thermal printing postage meter comprising a base supporting a registration wall, a print deck. The registration wall supports a detachable mounted thermal ribbon cassette and a thermal print head. The thermal print head is mounted to the registration wall to extend over the deck to define a print station. A platen drive assembly is mounted to the base for biasing an envelope against the thermal print head and causing the envelope to traverse the thermal print head during a print cycle of the thermal meter under the influence of a drive motor responsive to a micro controller. The micro controller has a plurality of switches mounted to the registration wall of the postage meter. The cassette is comprised of a housing formed by a front and rear wall maintained in spaced apart relationship by a plurality of side walls. The rear wall of the housing includes a slot having an outwardly extending pin slidably mounted in the slot.

Abstract: A printer having a plurality of data input ports for printing out information input through each data input port on paper fed by a paper feeding device. The printer includes a main body; paper cassettes for storing the paper therein, each paper cassette made detachable from the main body; a plurality of setting portions to be set so as to direct whether or not each paper cassette is to be used for printing out information input through a predetermined data input port, the plurality of setting portions being provided for each paper cassette; a plurality of sensors for detecting the content of the setting portions when each paper cassette is installed in the main body; and a control section for, when printing out information input through each of the plurality of data input ports, controlling the paper feeding device to feed the paper within each paper cassette which is assigned for each data input port, based on results of the detection by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A passive wet paper handling system for use, preferably, with an ink jet printer. The wet paper handling system includes an edge separator extending generally upward from an output platform of the printer and inclined away from a printer paper exit slot for deflecting the leading edge of a wet media generally upward as the media exits the printer. A pair of deflector wings are also mounted on the output platform extending generally upward from the output platform and inclined away from the paper exit slot. The deflector wings are spaced apart from the paper exit slot so that the leading edge of the media first contacts the edge separator and then contacts the deflector wings.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording onto a recording medium comprises a U-turn passage having a passage for guiding the recording medium from an upper to an under side, a straight-like passage for guiding the recording medium almost horizontally, a common passage connecting the U-turn passage and the straight-like passage, and a recording head for recording onto the recording medium provided along the common passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording system including a recording head for performing recording on a sheet, a first rotary member disposed at a downstream side of the recording head and contacting an unrecorded surface of the sheet on which the recording is performed by the recording head and adapted to apply a feeding force to the sheet, and a second rotary member being provided at its peripheral surface with a plurality of teeth and contacting a recorded surface of the sheet with the tips of the teeth thereof, and cooperating with the first rotary member to feed the sheet. The plural teeth of the second rotary member are staggered with other teeth in a direction transverse to a sheet feeding direction.

Abstract: A paper size determination device comprises a paper sensor for detecting paper passing a preset position on a feeding path and generating a detection signal, and a processing circuit for measuring the generation period of the detection signal supplied from the paper sensor and determining the paper size according to the generation period measured. The processing circuit of the determination device includes a step counter for measuring and holding time data on the generation period of the detection signal, in response to the detection signal generated from the paper sensor, a mode counter circuit for detecting that the step counter has completed the measurement and generating a measurement completed mode, and a data processor for detecting that the measurement completed mode has been set and determining the paper size according to the time data held by said step counter.

Abstract: An XY plotter includes a pair of grip and pinch rollers for feeding recording paper in one direction while gripping the recording paper therebetween, a pen carriage arranged to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the one direction, a pen supported by the pen carriage for performing recording on the recording paper, a grip roller shaft provided parallel to the traveling direction of the pen carriage, the grip roller shaft having a non-circular section, a movable stand arranged so that the position thereof is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the grip roller shaft, and the grip and pinch roller including a movable partial grip roller and a pinch roller, the movable partial grip roller being mounted on the movable stand so that the movable partial grip roller is not rotatable relative to the grip roller shaft but is movable on the grip roller shaft in the longitudinal direction thereof, the pinch roller being supported on the movable stand so that the pinch roller is made to come into contact

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing system is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the first beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus includes a supply of donor sheets and receiver sheets which are independently fed to a writing drum. The sheets are selectively wound in supply rolls so that the "active" surfaces are oriented properly at the imaging station and have a "set" which matches the curve of the drum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sheet feeding device having an endless belt for feeding a sheet; multiple rotation members bodies supporting the endless belt and including at least one crown roller, a cylindrical rotational member located between the crown roller and a first body member among the multiple rotation members from the crown roller in the endless belt moving direction.

Abstract: A drum for a photoplotter has a base having a partially cylindrical recess formed therein which recess being defined by in part by a plurality of elevated surfaces providing a support bed on which is mounted a sheet of material providing an exposed surface for supporting a substrate thereon. The drum is formed by a method whereby a tool is provided about which the sheet material is drawn and is moved into engagement with the bed and is caused to maintain this shape by an adhesive interposed therebetween. A method for mechanically compensating for surface irregularities by fixing the scanner relative to the support surface after displacements have been made is also provided.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has a main body case housing a printing head. A recording-paper insertion slot is formed in the upper surface of the case and a recording paper discharge slot is formed in the side surface of the case. A pair of stop levers are mounted on the upper surface so as to be pivotable between standing and horizontal positions. A part of the upper surface is used as a continuous-recording-paper receiving portion on which the recording paper is placed and is led to the insertion slot. The standing stop levers contact the insertion-slot-side end of the recording paper to hold it in its predetermined posture or position and restricts the movement of the recording paper toward the insertion opening.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing system is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the first beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The system includes apparatus to automatically supply donor sheets and receiver sheets independently to a writing platen or drum, and to selectively load and unload the donor sheets from superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recording apparatus that includes a conveying device for conveying a recording sheet in a conveying direction, a recording device confronting the conveying device for recording an image on the sheet being conveyed and a supporting device for shiftably supporting at least one of the conveying device and the recording device for movement between a recording position where the conveying device and the recording device are in parallel contact with the recording sheet therebetween and a non-recording or separated position where the conveying device is separated from the recording device. In one embodiment, the recording device and the conveying device are separated in parallel in the non-recording position and the supporting device causes the at least one of the conveying device and the recording device to be non-parallel during movement from the non-recording position to the recording position.

Abstract: A thermal printer is disclosed in which a receiver is driven back and forth relative to a printing head by a driving roller. The receiver is driven at a nip formed between the driving roller and a pinch roller. The pinch roller is adapted to contact only the receiver during the movement of the receiver. The receiver is thereby permitted to move at the surface speed of the driving roller with reduced shear forces being introduced by the pinch roller. Consequently, a pinch roller with a high length to diameter ratio is usable and images can be produced on wide receivers with narrow image-free borders. The images are produced with precise registration and image artifacts are reduced.

Abstract: A recording head of an image printing device is disposed opposite to a pressure roller in a casing. The casing upper side includes a sheet feed aperture for a feed of individual sheets to be printed and a sheet ejection aperture for ejection of the printed individual sheets. The casing upper side exhibits a flap-open cover (29). The flap-open cover can be fixed in an inclined position in the flapped-open state and under formation of a sheet storage cassette (30) for a stack (31) of individual sheets to be printed in order to allow a selective manual or automatic feed of individual sheets while maintaining a compact construction of the known image printing device. A drivable sheet draw-in roller (18) is supported in a casing (1) and is pivotally mounted between two positions at a lever portion (16). In these positions, the drivable sheet draw-in roller (18) is either disposed in the casing interior or rests on the individual sheets, disposed in the sheet storage cassette (30).

Abstract: An imaging system having a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image. A focusing system is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the first beam of light is absorbed by the writing element, The apparatus includes a material supply to automatically supply donor sheets and receiver sheets independently to a writing platen or drum, and to selectively load and unload the donor sheets from superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet.

Abstract: In a thermal transfer color printer, three principal portions composed of a sheet feed portion for sending out printing sheets one by one, a printing portion for printing the sheet with thermal transfer color inks, and a sheet discharge portion having a sheet discharge tray for receiving the printed sheet are arranged in a Y-shape around a branch portion. Thus, the passage for feeding the printing sheet and the overall size of the printer are reduced, whereby multicolored prints of good quality can be obtained without misregistration of coloring.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing system is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the first beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus includes an automatic supply for donor sheets and receiver sheets which are supported independently to a writing platen or drum. Apparatus is provided which selectively loads and unloads the donor sheets from superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet.

Abstract: A continuous tone thermal printing apparatus of the type having a printing station and a receiver drive station. The drive station repeatedly advances receiver back and forth through the printing station in conjunction with the advance of successive thermal transfer donor dye colors on a carrier web through the printing station to successively print the overlying different color image separations. The drive station preferably comprises a motor driven capstan roller mounted to bear against one surface of the receiver and a pinch roller mounted to bear and exert pressure against the other surface of the receiver and to press the receiver against the capstan roller and define a nip therebetween.

Abstract: A chart recorder (10) is disclosed having an automatic paper loading system, an automatic tensioning system and an "odometer" system for determining the amount of paper moved through the chart recorder. The chart recorder (10) includes a print roller (34) and a feed roller (22), both in frictional contact with the paper in the recorder and both connected to and rotated by a motor. The feed roller (22) is connected to the motor through a one way clutch that allows the feed roller (22) to "free wheel" when the feed roller (22) is rotated at a faster rate, due to frictional contact with the paper, than the roller would be rotated by the motor (56). Dissipative forces in the one way clutch (68) and bearings (24) of the feed roller (22) cause it to resist being rotated which imparts tension to the paper and draws it into contact with a paper guide (14).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which has an image signal generator for generating an image signal, an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium based on the generated image signal, a feeding unit for feeding the medium to the image forming unit, and a controller for outputting different commands to the image forming unit to control the image forming unit. The feeding unit performs spare paper feeding of the medium to a predetermined position before the generator is set in an image signal output enable state and feeds the medium from the predetermined position to the image forming unit after the generator is set in the image signal output enable state. The image forming unit validates a specific command of the different commands when the specific command is received during at least a spare paper feed period from start of spare paper feeding of the recording medium to start of paper feeding from the predetermined position, thereby maximizing the function of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An envelope printing systems including a laser printer or similar printer operating under control of a micro-computer to print pairs of envelopes. The envelopes are printed with a FIM mark in a manner consistent with the requirements of the U.S.P.S. The envelopes are fed, two at a time, from a cassette which includes an identification mark. The envelopes are positioned in the cassette offset to one side and the printer is responsive to the identification mark to shift the image field to the opposite side so that the FIM mark is positioned on the upper edges of the envelopes, as required by regulation.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer comprises a flat tray supported to reciprocate between an advancing limit position and a retreating limit position with a sheet placed thereon, a ribbon supply device arranged above the tray for supplying a transfer ink ribbon, a heating print head, and a moving device for supporting the print head above the tray. The moving device causes the print head to move toward the tray for pressing the ink ribbon against the sheet when the tray moves toward the advancing limit position. Further, the moving device further causes the print head to move away from the tray when the tray moves toward the retreating limit position.

Abstract: A tape printer unit comprises a housing, a printer unit provided in the housing, a keyboard on the housing, and a cassette accommodating an adhesive tape and ink ribbon the cassette being removablely attached in the printer unit. The tape printer unit prints data input from the keyboard on the adhesive tape, and feeds the printed adhesive tape to the outside of the housing. The tape printer unit is capable of being used with several different cassettes respectively accommodating adhesive tapes which are of different width from each other, and can automatically print the data according to the width of the adhesive tape accommodated in the cassette which has been attached in the printer unit.

Abstract: A video color printer and a control method therefor. If an operating switch is turned on after loading recording paper in a tray of the video color printer, operations such as feeding, printing, discharging of recording papers and ejecting the tray can be carried out automatically. If the recording paper in the tray is exhausted, or if a printing is completed, the tray is automatically ejected so that the printed recording paper can be taken out and new recording paper can be supplied to the tray. Subsequently, the tray is automatically inserted into the main body of the printer.