Abstract: A rising rate integral spring drive belt system for driving a carriage carrying an inkjet printhead is quieter and more economical than earlier systems. An integral spring drive belt of a resilient material is secured to the carriage and driven by a motor to selectively move the carriage across the printzone. The belt is of a resilient elastomeric material. The belt has an integral spring portion with two segmented members defining a void therebetween and a web member coupling together the two segmented members. The remainder of the belt has a constant spring constant, while the spring portion has a higher spring constant which varies with the degree of tension experienced by the belt. The variable spring constant allows the spring portion to more readily respond to and damp periodic belt tension vibrations to provide a quieter, more economical printing mechanism. A method is provided driving an inkjet printhead carriage.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus is equipped with a conveying belt member for carrying a sheet member, a recording head holding member for holding a head for recording on the sheet member, and guide members for supporting and guiding the conveying belt member. The first guide member is provided upstream of the recording head holding member, the second guide is provided downstream of the first guide, and the third guide is provided between the first and second guides. The third guide member displaces the conveying belt member toward the recording head holding member.

Abstract: An ink-jet printing apparatus, having a first printing head at an upper position with respect to a cloth-conveying direction and a second printing head at a lower position with respect to the cloth-conveying direction, scans the printing heads in a direction orthogonal to the cloth-conveying direction. An image printed by the first printing head is complemented by the second printing head. If a stop of printing is instructed during the printing by the first printing head, the printing by the first printing head is stopped, and printing by the second printing head is continued until the position of the image printed by the first printing head is printed by the second printing head. In this manner, a printed image completed to the end of the image can be obtained.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording medium includes a feed roller for feeding a recording medium, a recording head reciprocally movable along a feed path of the recording medium conveyed by the feed roller, the recording head being arranged to perform recording on the recording medium, a motor rotatable in a forward and a reverse direction, a first driving force transmitting unit for driving the feed roller upon rotation of the motor, and a second driving force transmitting unit capable of not receiving the driving force when the driving force is transmitted from the motor to the first driving force transmitting unit. The second driving force transmitting unit is arranged to reciprocate the recording head upon reversible rotation of the motor. A particularly configured drive belt with toothed and non-toothed portions accomplishes this operation.

Abstract: In a rewritable recording apparatus using a recording medium 1 having a recording layer which exhibits a color developing property when a first kind of heat energy is applied thereto and a tone reducing property when a second kind of heat energy is applied thereto, a recording-energisation control section 34 supplies an image recording signal corresponding to a desired display image to a heating device 3 to cause it to generate heat with the first kind of heat energy. This heating device 3 imparts the first kind of heat energy to the recording medium 1, whereby a desired display image is recorded on the recording medium 1. An erasure control section 35 supplies an image erasing signal corresponding to a desired erasing range to the heating device 3 so as to cause it to generate heat with the second kind of heat energy. This heating device 3 imparts the second kind of heat energy to the recording medium 1, whereby the image recorded on the recording medium 1 is erased.

Abstract: A rewritable recording/display apparatus using a rewritable recording medium in which color development reaction occurs by thermal energy at a predetermined temperature, and in which a color extinguishing reaction occurs by thermal energy at a temperature lower than the color development temperature, and which is capable of repeatingly performing recording and erasing of images. The apparatus also has a color developing heating device for recording an image on the rewritable recording medium by heating the rewritable recording medium, and an erasing heating device for erasing the image after the image has been recorded. Thus, the apparatus is designed so as to have a recording section simplified and reduced in size, and to reduce the maintenance and running cost. A method of erasing a rewritable record enables images to be erased completely or suitably in terms of practice and enables formation of high-quality image after erasing of the previous image.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording on a recording medium includes a recording head, a reversible motor, a force transmitting pulley for transmitting the drive force of the motor, a timing belt having a toothed portion engageable with teeth of the force transmitting pulley to receive the transmission of the force in order to move the recording head and an untoothed portion for idly rotating the pulley, and a controller for controlling the motor. The toothed portion of the belt includes two teeth at opposite ends of the untoothed portion, one of which is formed into such a shape that it is difficult for a tooth of the pulley to run thereon.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording medium includes a feed roller for feeding a recording medium, a recording head reciprocally movable along a feed path of the recording medium conveyed by the feed roller, the recording head being arranged to perform recording on the recording medium, a motor rotatable in a forward and a reverse direction, a first driving force transmitting unit for driving the feed roller upon rotation of the motor, and a second driving force transmitting unit capable of not receiving the driving force when the driving force is transmitted from the motor to the first driving force transmitting unit. The second driving force transmitting unit is arranged to reciprocate the recording head upon reversible rotation of the motor. A particularly configured drive belt with toothed and non-toothed portions accomplishes this operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a handy sketching apparatus which has an image information reading function and a sketching function to draw an image on the basis of the image information read by the image information reading function, and which is easy to operate and easy to be miniaturized for smaller size.The handy sketching apparatus comprises a base block containing a progressive scanning image information reading mechanism through the bottom face, a sheet carrying path provided on the top side of the base block so as to carry a sheet in a specified direction substantially parallel to the bottom face of the base block, and an upper block integrally formed on the top side of the base block, straddling the sheet carrying path. The image information reading mechanism reads image information placed under the base block sequentially as the apparatus is moved in a sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a sheet in a predetermined path of travel. The apparatus comprises a plate having a lower surface extending parallel to and defining the path of travel, and having an aperture formed therein. In addition, the apparatus comprises sheet feeding structure, including a first pair of rollers spaced apart from one another and an endless belt looped about the first rollers, wherein the belt has a lower belt run extending between the first rollers and beneath the plate. Further, the feeding structure includes instrumentalities for driving one of the first rollers for moving the lower belt run at a constant velocity in the direction of the path of travel. Moreover, the feeding structure includes a second pair of rollers which are disposed beneath the plate and are made of a compliant material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a display apparatus in which plural erasable images formed on an image bearing member are transported to display mechanism and displayed simultaneously thereon. The image bearing member moves along a determined path, along which provided are stations for image formation, display and erasure. The plural images on the image bearing member are selectively changeable.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus comprises a recording material supporting member for supporting a recording material in a straightly moveable manner, and an endlessly moveable member positioned close to the recording material supported on the supporting member for movement along straight lines parallel to the recording material at an angle with respect to the movement direction of the recording material. The recording material supporting member is moved at a velocity approximately equal to the velocity component of the endlessly moveable member in the movement direction of the recording material so that the recording material is two-dimensionally scanned by light. The endlessly moveable member is provided with a photodetector and/or a light source. When the apparatus is used for image read-out, the endlessly moveable member is provided with a single light source and a plurality of light receiving elements positioned around the light source.

Abstract: In a facsimile recorder a traversing print head is detachably coupled to a cable by a ball on the cable which is seated on the print head by a spring detent with camming ramps which allow automatic disengagement and reengagement of the ball and head and also rotation of the ball in the seat of the head.

Abstract: A carriage for use in disc driving or the like can be driven correctly by a carriage driving apparatus comprising guide shafts extended linearly, a carriage slidably supported on the guide shafts, a pulley holder rotatably supported around one of the guide shafts at one end thereof, a driven pulley rotatably journaled at one side of the pulley holder, a drive pulley disposed at a predetermined distance from the driven pulley and connected to a rotational shaft of a driving motor, a pulling belt laid around between the drive pulley and the driven pulley and connected at an intermediate portion thereof to the carriage and a base for supporting the guide shafts, wherein a pulley holder rotation inhibitive portion is disposed on the opposite side of a mounting portion for the driven pulley with respect to the guide shaft support portion of the pulley holder closely opposing to the base.

Abstract: In a belt and pulley system wherein motion is transferred between the two members, the belt is a metal belt having a pulley engaging face made of a relatively soft material and the pulley is one having a regular pattern of small hard protuberances, such as formed by knurling, on its belt engaging face which press into the soft metal of the belt to form permanent depressions arranged in a matching pattern which mesh with the protuberances to provide a positive slip-free motion transfer. The belt and pulley drive may be used advantageously in a device such as an X-Y plotter for accurately positioning, with good repeatibility and fine resolution, an associated member driven in one coordinate direction by the metal belt driven in turn by the knurled pulley.

Abstract: In a facsimile apparatus, a recording head and a reading head are mounted on a carriage and the carriage is reciprocated in the main scanning direction so that recording and reading of image information are performed and furthermore, a detector is mounted on the carriage for tracing and detecting slits formed in a scale plate, which is fixed to the facsimile apparatus along the movable path of the carriage, whereby the position of the carriage is determined and the moving speed and reciprocating movement of the carriage are controlled.

Abstract: An improved device for translational movement of automatic drawing machine tools of the type having a frame connected to a drawing machine, a permanent magnet system, and a controlling plunger attached for free movement, with respect to said frame. The plunger is interconnected to a tool carrier which accepts a writing tool in a manner wherein an electromagnetic control coil around the plunger and the tool carrier are moved by a mechanical linkage, pivoted upon said frame, so that the plunger and the carrier are simultaneously moved in opposite directions. The linkage preferably comprises a closed band, which runs around and over two deflection rollers, so that its mutually opposing and essentially parallel side portions are respectively connected to the tool carrier and the plunger. The interconnecting linkage also includes means to statically compensate for the different weights of the plunger and carrier.

Abstract: A bi-directional subscan drive control for a drum-type facsimile machine utilizing a single, bi-directional, electrically controlled stepping motor for driving the scan head of the facsimile machine in one direction at any of a plurality of possible rates during a scanning operation and for driving the scan head in the opposite direction at a much higher rate upon completion of the scanning operation. The stepping motor is operated to provide at last two steps for each revolution of the drum when operated in the one direction.

Abstract: An electronic stencil cutter having a rotatable drum with an original subject sheet and a stencil sheet mounted side by side thereon. Scanning and stencil cutting heads are mounted on a common carriage for simultaneous movement along the original and stencil sheets. The original subject sheet is retained in a holder consisting of a flexible, transparent sheet wrapped about the drum, one end of the retainer sheet being held releasably against the drum by a pressure-sensitive adhesive strip. The ends of the stencil sheet are held by an elongated clamp bar in a slot in the drum, the clamp bar being urged outwardly by springs and manually releasable by latch members at the ends of the bar. The stencil cutting head has a plastic stylus which is deflectible by a solenoid to press a wire electrode against the stencil sheet while cutting the stencil. The solenoid has a soft, felt-like nose which engages the stylus to dampen vibration of the electrode.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic carriage-returning device for a facsimile apparatus comprising a rotary drum for performing the main scanning, a carriage for performing the sub-scanning along the axis of the drum, a belt for moving the carriage in the sub-scanning direction, a coupling means for connecting the belt with the carriage, and spring means operative to return the carriage toward the initial position, said carriage being returned to the initial position by means of repeating actuation and release of the coupling means to the belt.

Abstract: An improved brush holder for use in a rectilinear recorder which utilizes a web of electrical recording paper, which passes across, and in contact with a plane metal back-up plate. A narrow belt loop is supported by a pair of spaced rollers and is driven in a direction transverse to the longitudinal motion of the recording strip or web. One linear portion of the loop of the belt is parallel to and spaced a small distance from the plane of the metal back-up plate. The belt is of insulating material and has attached to it an electrical contact means which is a metal plate fastened to the belt and transverse to the axis of the belt and is long enough to extend some distance on each side of the belt. An electrical contact plate is mounted in the plane of the back-up plate and spaced from it. The belt is positioned so that the two ends of the contact plate extend respectively over the back-up plate and the electrical contact plate.

Abstract: The printer records images in the form of dots on electrical discharge-sensitive paper which has a conductive coating on one surface. A plurality of styli are mounted on a rotor. The paper is fed continuously through a curved guide in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the rotor. This divisional patent is directed to the feature whereby current is supplied to the styli from a power supply through the conductive coating on the paper. The return path to the power supply is made by means of a simple brush consisting of a curved, helical spring. The spring makes good electrical contact and also serves to help shape the paper into an arc before it passes over the rotor.

Abstract: Electrographic paper is fed over a segmented platen where its dielectric surface receives image defining electrostatic charges deposited by styli bearing directly and successively upon it. The styli are integral to an endless belt moving laterally to the surface. Voltage pulses corresponding to the input information are applied to the segmented platen to produce the electrostatic charges. The latent image charged surface is progressively fed to an image toning and fixing cycle to produce a hard copy.

Abstract: A stylus for attachment to a facsimile recording belt is formed of springy sheet metal such as stainless steel in the form of a foot with a toe bent downwardly from the end of the foot, and a leg extending upwardly at an angle over the toe to a recording surface. The leg has a cut-out portion intermediate the recording surface and a flexible hinge between the leg and the foot.

Abstract: Facsimile apparatus which graphically records electric signals on recording paper drawn through a recording zone has a linear recording electrode on one side of the zone and a cooperative scanning belt carrying one or more recording styli. The styli are orbitted on the other side of the recording zone by a drive sprocket wheel engaging the belt. At the other end of the recording zone the belt passes over an idler guide which has integral flanges at each end of its semicylindrical body receiving the belt. The guide also has a plunger portion sliding against a spring in a socket on the recorder frame, the spring causing the guide means to tauten the belt.

Abstract: A facsimile recorder using an endless scanning belt which carries styli for electrically marking graphic signals on a recording web has a pulley for the belt at the finish of a scan across the web. The belt includes conductive means connected to or integral with the stylus which contacts the pulley as the stylus passes over the pulley. During the pass the stylus touches a contact adjacent the pulley thereby completing a framing pulse generating circuit through the pulley and contact. This recorder framing pulse is compared with a synchronization (sync) pulse of an incoming facsimile signal and used to synchronize the scanning belt with the signal.

Abstract: A recorder in which a stylus is transported in successive line scans across a recording medium for imprinting data thereon, a stylus transport having a guide edge with which the stylus makes sliding contact, the stylus transport having a lubricating surface against which the stylus is guided for producing a thin film of lubricant upon the stylus. The lubricating film prevents wear between the stylus and the guide.

Abstract: A side scan sonar system which records return echoes in a manner which realistically displays the spatial relationship between the sonar transducer and the echo producing topographical feature on the sea floor. The system includes a dual channel strip chart recorder having a continuous transverse belt carrying a pair of equally spaced writing styli. The belt circulates at a constant speed with each stylus moving across the paper, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction. One of the styli records starboard channel data when that stylus is moving across the paper toward the right, while the other stylus records port channel data when that stylus is moving across the paper toward the left.

Abstract: A recorder in which a stylus assembly is transported across a recording medium at increased speeds by a flexible non-extensible belt having its edges slidably nested within slots oriented transversely of the recording medium. The belt has molded teeth for accurate mating with a sprocket drive.

Abstract: Facsimile recording apparatus for electrically marking graphic signals line by line transversely of a recording web uses a scanning belt carrying styli which traverse a scan line along a recording zone through which the recording web is fed. The belt is composed of one or more sections each having identically spaced perforations or equivalent feed elements, and additional coupling perforations in the same predetermined relation to the feed elements in each section. By joining the belt sections with fasteners extending through the styli and coupling perforations of overlapping belt sections the styli are precisely positioned with respect to each other and to the feed perforations. The fasteners may also serve as signal conductors.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the distance of a printing head from a platen for an office machine comprises a printing head movable parallel to a platen along two guides. One of these guides is fixed to the frame of the machine; the other is transversely shiftable by a cam for correspondingly shifting the head, the cam being swung by a manually operable linkage. The device further comprises means for preventing the driving belt from excessive stresses and wear.

Abstract: A printer comprising a stylus carrige having at least two stylii disposed on a continuously driven belt transporting each stylus in turn across a print medium. The belt is made of any flexible insulating material and has a plurality of conductive strips disposed thereon. Each stylus comprises a plurality of wires, one end of which forms a writing tip with each of the wires at the other end individually connected electrically to one of said conductive strips. Motor driven commutator means drive the belt and provide the conductive paths for energizing individual wires in accordance with the data to be printed.

Abstract: A facsimile receiver reproduces documents at remote locations automatically while unattended. The receiver includes a telephone coupler for receiving data over a telephone line, a scan converter, a single-stylus scanner, and automatic paper feed, extraction and stacking mechanisms so that a large number of documents may be reproduced and stacked in sequence in the absence of an operator.

Abstract: Electrographic paper is fed over a segmented platen where its dielectric surface receives image defining electrostatic charges deposited by styli bearing directly and successively upon it. The styli are integral to an endless belt moving laterally to the surface. Voltage pulses corresponding to the input information are applied to the segmented platen to produce the electrostatic charges. The latent image charged surface is progressively fed to an image toning and fixing cycle to produce a hard copy.