Abstract: A control method for a paper-driven type automatic drafting machine carries out a predetermined drafting operation by use of ink writing instruments. The automatic drafting machine has on its machine frame an ink dry time setter. The machine is made to wait or halt for a set time after an ink drawing completion, during which time a roll paper for the drafting machine is not rolled-up. The remaining portion of the set ink drying time for the drafting machine is displayed, so the operator can use the waiting time effectively.

Abstract: A chart recorder of simple construction is provided for moving a strip of chart paper past a marker, the recorder providing a final marked chart strip which is not tightly rolled so it can be easily handled and viewed, with the recorder constructed so the marked chart strip can be viewed prior to opening a security-sealed housing. The chart strip (26) has a leading portion (30) connected to a first end (44) of a long string (42), with the second end (46) of the string mounted on a windup drum (52) that is driven by an ordinary clock drive (56). Thus, as the string is slowly wound up, the string pulls the chart strip along the string path. The recorder includes a guide (64) with a wide guide surface (100) that includes a narrow groove portion (102), and with the guide surface extending in a loop (62) of at least about 180.degree.. The housing (12) can be largely transparent so the marked chart can be viewed from outside the housing prior to opening the housing.

Abstract: An image-forming device comprising a movable image-recording element including a support with a dielectric surface layer and, beneath which, a set of separately energizable image-forming electrodes insulated from one another is provided, an image-forming zone situated along the trajectory of the image-recording element, in which zone a co-acting electrode is disposed a short distance above the dielectric surface of the image-recording element, and control means in order to apply a voltage between the image-forming electrodes and the co-acting electrode in accordance with an image pattern for recording, by depositing toner powder present in the image-forming zone on the surface of the image-recording element in accordance with the image pattern. The image-forming electrodes have an electrical resistivity of between 0.008 and 0.2 .OMEGA..cm.

Abstract: In a holding construction for holding a recording paper rolled up around a cylindrical base, by inserting a holding member into each end of the base and supporting the holding member with a supporting member, either projections or recesses are formed on the outer circumferential surface of at least one of the holding members at predetermined pitches in the circumferential direction, and either recesses to be engaged with said projections or projections to be engaged with said recesses are formed in the portion of the supporting member which abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the holding member, at pitches determined on the basis of said predetermined pitches.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled thermal printer particularly usable in a hand-held labeler for printing labels on a composite web detects indices on the web and utilizes the detected indices to position the labels relative to the print head. The printer utilizes an improved index detection system that compensates for variations in index size and density and for variations in sensor sensitivity by detecting both the leading and trailing edges of an index and utilizing the distance between the detected leading and trailing edges to determine the length of the index. By dividing the length thus determined by two, and by advancing the web by this amount after the detection of the leading edge of an index, the center of the index can be accurately located, and the web can be accurately registered at any desired position relative to the center of the index.

Abstract: A media position sensing system for a plotter in which a media is driven along at least one edge thereof comprising a plurality of apertures in the media positioned within the width of the edge and an optical detector positioned along the edge for sensing the appearance of the apertures in order to sense a selected position of the media. In a particular embodiment, the width of the apertures are less than one-half the width of the edge and are offset spaced from one another across the width of the edge to present an effective detection capability equivalent to a single aperture having a width equal to the width of the edge. The apertures extend along the length of the media a distance approximately equal to the width of the edge and are located near the end of the length of the media for sensing the end of the media.

Abstract: The axial length of a center roller (subroller) (30) is made shorter than the axial length of a main roller (28), and the center roller (30) is placed so that an axis of the center roller (30) is parallel to an axis of the main roller (28) in a base position and so that a nipping pressure is generated in the center position in the axial direction of the main roller (28). A film (sheet) (20) is thereby subjected to a tension in the center portion thereof due to the pulling force of the center roller (30), and the feeding amounts of the film (20) at the left and right portions therefore vary relative to each other. The film (20) thus displaces in the axial direction of the main roller (28) around the center roller (30).

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus with a recording device for recording an image on a sheet; a first feeding roller disposed at an upstream side of the recording device and adapted to pinch the sheet and to feed the sheet at a first feeding speed; a second feeding roller disposed at a downstream side of the recording device and adapted to pinch the sheet and to feed the sheet at a second feeding speed faster than the frist feeding speed; and a controller for controlling the first and second feeding roller and adapted to perform different controls in accordance with the state that the sheet is fed by both of the first and second feeding roller, or the state that the sheet is fed by either one of first and second feeding roller.

Abstract: A high speed sheet feeder for use with utilization devices that process sheets comprises a source of sheets, that can include a web cutter and a transport unit having a surface along which the sheets travel in a downstream direction. The surface can include a pair of conveyors that act as sheet justifiers and have at downstream ends thereof wait stations that can comprise pairs of nip rollers. Sheets are halted at each wait station and simultaneously passed along the surface as a sheet request signal is received from the utilization device. The transport unit can further include a bump/turn module that receives sheets from the conveyors and passes them at a 90.degree. angle to their initial direction of travel into the utilization device via a port in the utilization device adapted to feed sheets upon request.

Abstract: A chart recorder with the facility to automatically review recorded data on chart paper. This review feature is high speed and accurate, and is provided by a series of one way drive mechanisms.These mechanisms comprise of various spools, rollers and gears. The chart paper is transferred from spool to spool.A removable cassette houses these mechanisms. The cassette is juxtapositioned with a floating recording station. The mutual abutment of the cassette with the recording station ensures that the required tolerances between the chart paper and the pen head are achieved.

Abstract: A decurling device wherein paper is transported from a roll while being decurled by a decurling roller. A controller controls the decurling by temporarily stopping rotation of the decurling roller. Particular embodiments include provision of a pressing plate pressing the paper toward the decurling roller and control of the roller in accordance with curl of the paper by detection of diameter of the roll and by detection of path the paper follows during feeding.

Abstract: In a computer driven printer/plotter, a printing media feed and retaining apparatus which has at least three pinch rollers mounted on a pinch roller support member having a print media guide surface and a support and actuation arm extending from a side of the pinch roller support member opposite the guide surface, and wherein an axis of said support and actuation arm intersects a vertical centerline through the middle of a polygon figure defined by intersection of straight lines between pinch rollers and having one pinch roller at each corner thereof. The pinch rollers are supported such that they are self centering and track without skewing or damaging the printing medium without the use of precision parts or mounting techniques.

Abstract: A portable printer is responsive to a terminal which provides to the printer control commands and data representative of information to be printed. The portable printer includes a spindle for receiving and holding a roll of stock and a direct thermal print mechanism which receives and prints information on the stock. The direct thermal print mechanism can receive and print, at various activation temperatures, on stock having a thickness up to about 0.015 inches or more and a width up to about 8.5 inches. The portable printer also includes a removable cutting mechanism for cutting the stock after the direct thermal print mechanism has printed information thereon. A programmable electronic controller included in the portable printer is responsive to the commands and data provided by the terminal for operating the direct thermal print mechanism. The electronic controller includes a microprocessor and memory, and it can detect and convey to the terminal an operating state of the printer.

Abstract: In order to improve a device for clamping and unclamping film material (3) on and from a stationary holder (12) in which the film material is taken by a transport device (4 to 8) through the holder (12) especially from an inlet to an outlet slot, and held in the holder (12) during exposure, in such a way that the film material can be reliably positioned in the holder (12), it is proposed that a positioning unit (19) be fitted which confers upon the film material (3) a tendency to move against the direction of transport when it is clamped.

Abstract: A device for positioning a tip portion of a continuous form provided in a laser printer when the continuous form is set in the laser printer. The device includes a pair of fixing rollers provided at a position separated by a predetermined interval from a photosensitive drum, a tractor unit, a feed sensor, a tip sensor, and a control unit. The tractor unit is provided between the fixing rollers and the photosensitive drum to feed the continuous form toward the fixing rollers, the feed sensor outputs feed pulses in accordance with an amount fed of the continuous form, the tip sensor senses the tip portion of the continuous form. The control unit counts the number of feed pulses sensed by the feed sensor to feed one page of the continuous form so as, to discharge one page from the outlet mouth of the printer when a positioning of the tip portion is needed.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a memory for storing a correction for cancelling variations in a paper feed caused by a previously determined uneven paper feed, a first calculator for calculating an uneven paper feed in each of the lines to be printed, a second calculator for calculating a correction corresponding to the uneven paper feed calculated by the first calculator; and a control for controlling the paper feed in each of the lines according to the correction calculated by the second calculator.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for flattening thermosensitive recording paper which is provided to carry out a flattening operation during reception only, comprising a motor, a lever rotatably connected to a main body, lever rotator for rotating the lever in positive direction during the facsimile machine is in a receiving state and in opposite direction during the facsimile machine is not in operation, and thermosensitive recording paper flattening part, interlocked with the lever, for exerting a flattening force in opposite direction to the direction of initial wound on the thermosensitive recording paper when the lever rotates in positive direction and releasing the flattening force when the lever rotates in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine is provided having an endless photoreceptor belt arranged to move in a predetermined path through a plurality of processing stations. The apparatus is used in conjunction with a method for automatically and repeatedly measuring and updating a steering coefficient used in an automatic steering mode. The method includes centering the belt and finding the average "in" belt walk and "in" belt walk rate and the average "out" belt walk and "out" belt walk rate, in order to determine the steering control coefficient. The method allows for a single machine to have its steering coefficient repeatedly updated.

Abstract: This is a pair of improvements for a plot rolling mechanism for a pen plotter or the like having a rolling mechanism with an entry opening and a receiving bin for receiving rolled plots. The first improvement comprises a sealing mechanism for sealing the entry opening during plotting, the sealing mechanism being rotatable between a sealing position blocking the entry opening and a retracted position not blocking the entry opening and apparatus for rotating the sealing mechanism between the sealing position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A printer accurately controls the passage of print media therethrough and maintains the print media taut as the print media passes through a printing zone while the media is printed by an ink jet printer. The print media sheet is preferably carried by a rotating drum in a first direction through the printing zone, with the drum being reversed to cause the exiting of the print media sheet from the printer. A pressure fixing or fusing apparatus may be positioned to flatten ink spots on the print media as the print media exits from the printer. The pressure fixing or fusing mechanism is preferably used in the case of a hot-melt or phase-change ink jet printer.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has an apparatus body, a lid member openable and closable relative to the apparatus body, decurling means having a decurling member pivotably provided in the lid member and a guide member provided in the apparatus body, the decurling means guiding a recording sheet being conveyed so as to be bent in the direction opposite to the direction of curl of the recording sheet by the decurling member and the guide member, ink sheet cartridge loading means for loading an ink sheet cartridge containing an ink sheet therein between the decurling member and the lid member, and recording means for recording images on the recording sheet.

Abstract: A continuous-form electrophotographic printer 10 measures velocity information each time a new continuous-form media 12 is loaded into the printer to compensate for differences in media, printer wear, and variations in manufacturing tolerances. The continuous-form electrophotographic printer 10 includes a media motion assembly 53 which moves the continuous-form media 12 at a constant velocity initially past an image transfer station 20 and then past an image fixing station 22. A media motion sensor 49 measures the movement of the media 12 and outputs a signal at equal predetermined segments of the media. An image forming device 60 at the image transfer station 20 places multiple scan lines at a predetermined scan rate on a drum 28. A scan line sensor 78 senses each scan line. A speed control system 52 varies the velocity of the media for sequential segments of media and counts the number of scan lines per media segment.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus for recognizing a paster portion of a web, each pixel data of a printed matter serving as a reference is stored as reference image data. Each pixel data of a printed matter serving as a test target printed on the web is stored as test image data. The reference image data is compared with the test image data in units of pixels to detect defective pixels. The paster portion of the web is recognized on the basis of a generation pattern of the defective pixels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing gaps between labels adhered to a backing material in longitudinally spaced-apart positions as the backing material travels along the print path of a thermal printer. An array of light-emitting diodes oriented transverse to the print path illuminates the backing material. A fiber optic detects the light transmitted through the backing material and passes the light to a photodiode. The photodiode produces an analog electrical signal indicative of the amount of light transmitted, which varies depending on whether the light has passed through only the backing material or through both the backing material and the print media it carries. The analog signal is converted to a digital signal which is processed by a microprocessor to monitor and control the advancement of the print media and backing material through the printer.

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: A record head is energized in accordance with received image data to transfer an ink of an ink sheet to a record medium and perform image recording on the record medium while the ink sheet and the record medium are fed in opposite directions. The rotation period of a roller driven during feeding of the record medium or the feed direction of the record medium is detected to detect adhesion between the ink sheet and the record medium. When adhesion between the ink sheet and the record medium is detected, a recording operation is interrupted to feed the ink sheet and the record medium to release adhesion between the ink sheet and the record medium. When the adhesion is released within a predetermined time period, the recording operation is continued. When the adhesion is not released within the predetermined time period, an alarm sound is issued.

Abstract: A heat transfer recording apparatus which is arranged to transfer ink from a heat transfer printing medium to a recording medium by selective application of heat while transporting the heat transfer printing medium and the recording medium. The apparatus is provided with a winding mechanism for winding the heat transfer printing medium, a rewinding mechanism for rewinding the heat transfer printing medium, a transporting mechanism for transporting the heat transfer printing medium and the recording medium, a discharging mechanism for discharging the recording medium, a cutter for cutting the recording medium after completion of image recording, and a driving-force transmitting mechanism for selectively transmitting the driving force of a common drive source to the winding mechanism, the rewinding mechanism, the discharging mechanism, and the cutter.

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: The invention disclosed herein provides a method and apparatus for counteracting the effects of a localized drag on a sheet medium as it is being moved by a drive system, for example, in a printer or plotter to prevent misregistration of the sheet medium with the X-axis drive system as the sheet medium is moved past the print or plot head which creates a drag thereon. The sheet medium is stiffened in the region thereof which is contacted by the print or plot head by bending the sheet medium in a direction normal to the direction of movement of the sheet medium. The bend may be provided by a curved guide located between the print or plot head and the X-axis drive system. Friction is reduced between the sheet medium and the curved guide by mounting the curved guide, e.g., one or more rollers, to rotate freely under the action of the sheet medium moving thereover, or by pneumatically supporting the sheet medium above the curved guide as the sheet medium is moved thereover.

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: A color thermal printer loads a dye receiver for printing by moving the dye receiver in a first direction through a gap between a print head and a platen. A dye donor, also positioned in the gap, moves in the first direction during receiver loading. The moving dye donor engages the dye receiver, assisting the dye receiver through the gap. When the dye receiver is detected downstream of the gap, the dye receiver is positioned in a beginning receiver print position and the position of the dye donor with respect to the print head is determined. If the print head position is downstream of a beginning donor print position, the dye donor is rewound in a second direction opposite the first direction until the print head is upstream of the beginning donor print position, whereupon the dye donor is moved to the beginning donor print position. If the print head position is upstream of the beginning donor print position when the dye receiver is detected, the dye donor is moved to the beginning donor print position.

Abstract: A mailing machine is disclosed having an elongate feed deck, means for feeding envelopes along the feed deck, and a postage meter mounted in the mailing machine and having a printing mechanism disposed in juxtaposition with the feed deck so as to print postage indicia on successive envelopes as they are fed along the feed deck. The mailing machine includes a tape feeding and cutting apparatus mounted above the feed deck and adjacent to the postage meter on the side thereof opposite to the direction of feed of envelopes along the feed deck for feeding successive finite lengths of tape to the postage meter for printing of postage indicia on a portion thereof and for cutting and ejecting the printed portion of the finite length of tape from the mailing machine. The tape feeding and cutting apparatus is constructed and arranged so that all of the tape storing, feeding, severing and ejecting mechanisms of the apparatus are all positioned entirely one one side of the postage meter.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is a tape feeding, cutting and ejecting apparatus for a mailing machine which has a feed deck for envelopees and a postage meter for printing postage indicia on successive envelopees as they are fed along the feed deck. The tape feeding, cutting and ejecting apparatus is mounted in the mailing machine above the feed deck and adjacent to the postage meter on the side thereof opposite to the direction of the feed of envelopees for feeding successive finite lengths of tape to the postage meter for printing of postage indicia on a portion thereof and for cutting and ejecting the printed portion of the finite lengths of tape from the mailing machine.

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: A printing media feed and retaining apparatus particularly useful in a computer driven thermal ink jet printer/plotter which has a plurality of pinch rollers (20) mounted on a single pinch roller support member (25). One or more support members (25) are positioned adjacent a platen roller (10) in proximity to the print path. The pinch rollers (20) are retracted away from the platen roller for removing the print medium and are supported such that they are self centering and track without skewing or damaging the printing medium without the use of precision parts or mounting techniques.

Abstract: A paper-separating device for prefolded continuous paper (12) which is drawn from a stockpile (11) a paper-transport device (44) and is fed to a printer, in particular a non-mechanical printer or photocopier includes a swivellable first deflecting element (32) is arranged between the paper-transport device (44) and the stockpile (11) and a second deflecting element (34) is arranged in stationary fashion in the swivel area of the first deflecting element (32). In a swivelled position of the first deflecting element (32), the paper web can be inserted into the paper-transport device of the printer. By swivelling the first deflecting element (32) into an operational position, the deflecting element grips the paper web (12) on one side and places it in the area of the second deflecting element (34).

Abstract: A thermal printer of the type printing an image on a printing paper wound in the form of a roll. Curling of the printing paper wound in the roll form occurs when the thermal printer is placed in its standby mode over more than a predetermined period of time while the printing paper is held between a platen roller and a thermal head. In order to prevent curling of the printing paper, the printing paper is rewound when the standby mode lasts over more than the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A photosensitive medium, normally a diazo printing plate or photopolymer-based proof, is exposed in a series of exposures each of a small rectangular area. Typically several linearly-arrayed Deformable Mirror Devices (DMD's) each spatially encode a light beam in order to expose corresponding pixels within corresponding regions of the medium. Between successive exposures, the several DMD's are moved to a new position relative to the medium along a first, x, axis so that new exposures of new regions can be made. Normally the arrayed DMD's are moved relative to the imager's frame by a screw drive. There is an additional, separate relative movement between the DMD's and the medium along another, perpendicular, y, axis. Normally the medium is moved relative to the imager's frame by nip rollers. In order to provide a required precision in registering successively imaged regions of the medium along either or both axis, reference marks are exposed directly on the medium.

Abstract: An improved platen roller is particularly suited for a thermal printing postage meter. The postage meter includes a registration wall, a print deck, a thermal print head mounted to the registration wall and extending over the deck to define a print station, a platen roller support assembly for supporting the platen roller parallel to the thermal print head and causing the platen roller to bias an envelope against the thermal print head and causing the envelope to traverse the thermal print head during a print cycle of the thermal postage meter. The platen roller is unitary in material construction of cellular urethane. The platen roller has a first and second end section, each section having a conical configuration a surface taper angle of between -2.0.degree. degrees and -3.0.degree. degrees.

Abstract: A chart recorder is described, of the type which includes a strip of pressure-markable chart paper (12, FIG. 1) that is slowly moved downpath past a marking station (30) where at least one stylus (32) presses against the chart strip to mark it, which is compact, reliable, and accurate. The marking station includes a first wide but thin belt (52) extending in a loop between a pair of rollers, with the stylus coupled to the belt so as the output of a temperature sensor turns the belt, the stylus moves across the width of the chart strip. A slider (82, FIG. 3 ) coupled to the stylus and belt, can slide along a lateral guide (90) that resists tilting of the slider, to thereby enable it to keep the stylus pressed against the chart strip. Where two styluses are used, a second independently driven belt is coupled to a second stylus with the second belt lying below the first one. A supply roll (20, FIG.

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 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 comprises 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. The material supply includes a carousel assembly with a plurality of roll supplies of the donors and the receivers. A single drive is provided for feeding material from whichever roll supply on the carousel is at the feed station.

Abstract: A control method which is applied to a recording apparatus for recording picture information on a recording paper with use of a thermal recording head. The control method comprises a first step of feeding the recording paper upstream of a wait position and a second step of, following the first step, feeding the recording paper downstream to move the thermal and recording head to a downstream limit position, thereby preventing any movement of the thermal recording head during recording operation.

Abstract: A web feeding and handling system for feeding a two-ply web to a printer and winding one of the webs about a take-up spool and directing the remaining web into a cutter. The printer and web feed system are arranged in a housing having an access opening sealed by a door. The printer and a feed roller holder assembly are mounted upon a plate movable between a position enhancing access to the printer and supply roll holder to facilitate supply roll replacement and feeding the web into the printer, and a position placing the printer web output end closer boa cutter and a take-up assembly mounted upon the door and including a rotatable drive disk and a spindle support which support a removable spindle to wind up one web. A motor drive mounted within the housing engages the drive disk when the door is closed and is disengaged from the disk when the door is open. The supply roll holder receives and automatically aligns the web to prevent skewing.

Abstract: A nip-roller pair for transporting a sheet or web of material has one regular roller and a special roller to prevent scarring of the transported material. The special roller has one or more hubs of soft, compressible material that engage the material and hold the material away from the harder, rougher surface of the roller.

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: 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: 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 facsimile apparatus which includes a control part, first and second rolls of first and second recording sheets of different sizes, a platen roller being driven to transport a recording sheet selectively being fed from either the first roll or the second roll, a thermal recording head being provided in contact with the platen roller for carrying out thermal recording, a first feed roller being driven to transport the first recording sheet from the first roll to the platen roller, and a second feed roller being driven to transport the second recording sheet from the second roll to the platen roller.