Abstract: A pressing clip for pressing a flexible member against a circuit board is provided which comprises a web portion, a presser portion extending from the web portion, the presser portion being elastically deformable for pressing engagement with the flexible member on a side thereof away from the circuit board, and an anchoring portion also extending from the web portion on a side of the circuit board away from the flexible member. The web portion is formed with an access opening through which the flexible member extends.

Abstract: A support containing iron as a major constituent is plasma-treated in an Ar-gas atmosphere containing carbon gas, to form a region on the main surface of the support. This region contains carbon at a high concentration. A plasma is generated in an Si- and N-containing gas atmosphere, to form an SiN ceramic layer on the main surface. The ceramic layer is placed contact with a rich carbon region on the surface of the support. The ceramic layer is firmly adhered to the support, by means of this region.

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: 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: In an ink jet recording device having an ink tank integrated type jet recording head and a carriage for mounting the head thereon, good electrical connection is obtained wherein the electrical pad of the connecting terminal of the recording head and the electrical pad of the connecting terminal of the carriage are connected to each other while rubbing against one another. Further, also by specifying the arrangement position of the positioning member, more accurate electrical conduction is effected and also breaking of the positioning member is prevented, thereby providing an ink jet recording device having high reliability in aspects of both recording and durability.

Abstract: A light emitting diode print head has an aluminum substrate or mother plate. A plurality of stainless steel tiles are assembled in a row on the substrate. Each of the tiles has a row of dice, each of which has a row of light emitting diodes. The tiles are assembled so that the LEDs are in a row extending across the print head with the adjacent LEDs at the edges of each of tile being a short distance apart. Compensation for differences in coefficient of thermal expansion between the tiles and substrate is provided by a pair of stainless steel strips adhesively bonded between the tiles and substrate. Each strip is bonded along an edge of the row of tiles away from the row of LEDs by a compliant adhesive. A thermally conductive compliant adhesive is provided between the tiles and substrate beneath the LEDs for heat transfer. The stainless steel strips serve as compensation for the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the tiles and substrate.

Abstract: A housing for a light emitting diode recording head used for linewise recording information on a photoreceptor in a recording apparatus is constituted by elongated extrusion molded base and cover sections held together in a unitary structure by injection molded and closure members. The cover section has opposed inclined side walls engaged at their diverging margins on the base section and defining at their converging margins an elongated slot for receiving the lens array of the head. Preferably, the cover section is formed of two identical subsections with their converging margins held apart by an inner leg on each end member to define said slot. The end members and/or the ends of the base section can carry projections to facilitate accurate mounting of the head in the apparatus. The inner surfaces of the cover section can be contoured to provide sealing surfaces for cooperation with a sealing bead of resilient material surrounding the electrical components within the head.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording on a recording medium has a recording head for effecting recording on the recording medium, conveying rollers for conveying the recording medium, a first and a second case for covering the recording head and the conveying means, and a mechanism for effecting relative movement of the first case and the second case.

Abstract: A mobile printer having features particularly suited for use in a mobile conveyance such as an airplane. The printer stores a first data set in a memory that is accessed under control of a programmable controller. The printer then receives a second data set via a communications transceiver. Data from the first and second data sets are combined to form a composite bit mapped image which is printed by means of a thermal printhead controlled by the programmable controller.The thermal printhead uses rolls of thermally sensitive paper which are supported by means of a mandrel roll. The thermal paper is positioned adjacent the print head by means of a platen roll. A biasing force is provided to bias the platen roll away from the print head when a door in the printer housing is opened to provide a space into which the free end of the roll of paper can enter.

Abstract: Basic elements of a modular printer system may comprise a rectangular open frame with receptacles for a printer module and computerized terminal module, and with an external configuration for receiving modular components such as a carrying handle, a support foot, an auxiliary terminal module mounting bracket and an AC adaptor module. Respective different paper tray modules may be selectively secured to the open frame to form a bottom closure and to provide a repository for appropriate circuit boards and an on-board battery if needed, as well as containing an appropriate supply of paper for the printer (e.g. 50 sheets or 200 sheets). Respective terminal adaptor modules may secure different generations of computerized terminals in the frame for data transfer to the printer. A terminal module may utilize a spring-urged retainer for retaining a hand-held computerized terminal therewith.

Abstract: An electronic photo processor having a lower main body provided with a tray inserting slot, and a top cover which can be opened and closed elastically from and to the lower main body, is disclosed. The processor comprises a slidetype opening and closing apparatus for opening and closing the top cover from and to the lower main body. A paper supplying apparatus supplies selectively a plurality of papers and enables the papers to be supplied as being inclined downwards from the top cover. A paper transferring apparatus is formed on the lower main body, for transferring papers supplied from the paper supplying apparatus. An optical apparatus is provided with a scanning unit for scanning a laser beam by converting an electrical signal to the laser beam and a reflecting mirror for reflecting the laser beam. A developing means develops the transfered paper with the laser beam. A fixing apparatus is formed on the lower main body for performing heat treatment of the papers.

Abstract: A scanning head comprises a support member for supporting the head in pressing contact with a platen. The support member has lower strength portions spaced longitudinally of the head, and higher strength portions alternate with the lower strength portions. The support member is easily bendable at the lower strength portions, and the higher strength portions are urged by springs toward the platen. Thus, the head can come into intimate pressing contact with the platen even if the surface flatness of the support member as a whole is not strictly realized.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus which records on a recording medium by discharging ink on a recording medium. The ink jet recording apparatus comprises an ink jet recording head which discharges ink to record on a recording medium, a conveyance route which leads the recording medium in the exhaust direction passing above the recording head, and a cap which covers the discharge ports of the recording head provided below the ink jet recording head.

Abstract: A doubled wall container having a base and a pair of container sides pivotally secured to the base. Each of the container sides has a ridge member.

Abstract: The inventive electrophotographic apparatus includes a photosensitive member unit fitted detachably to the main unit of apparatus. On the photosensitive member unit, a photosensitive member, exposure device, and a connector for connecting the exposure device to a drive circuit incorporated in the main unit are mounted, so that the relative position between the photosensitive member and exposure device does not need to be adjusted even after a jam treatment or the like.

Abstract: An extension passage for extending a label tape is horizontally provided, and a recessed label tape storage which is open at its upper side is provided for storing a roll of label tape at one end of this extension passage, a platen roller which is driven and rotated by an electric circuit is provided at the other end of the extension passage and a detector for detecting a position of a label on the label tape is provided at a middle position of the extension passage. The platen roller described above is provided to be opposed to a thermal printing head so that the thermal printing head approaches and moves away from the platen roller and this printing head is supported by a head holder which has a pivotal point at the side of the extension passage, which is entirely exposed when the head holder is vertically raised up.

Abstract: A processing function substrate for page layout and the like, and a display unit, an operation unit and the like are provided on an identical substrate or as an identical unit, and the unified substrate or unit is mounted on a main body by a sliding-in operation. Hence, it becomes possible to realize improvement in assembling capability, improvement in properties against radiation noises, electrostatic noises and the like due to the adoption of one unit, improvement in designing capability, reduction in cost, and the like.

Abstract: A plurality of thermal heads each having a resistance heating element array are provided for a single platen roller. The individual thermal heads are arranged away from one another in the axial direction of the platen roller in such a way that regions in which images are recorded by their respective heating element arrays overlap each other at the joint portion of said regions. The thermal heads are also spaced away from one another in the circumferential direction of the platen roller so as to avoid mutual interference. The above arrangement makes it possible to use only a single platen roller for a recording apparatus which performs recording in a large recording area, thus contributing to making the apparatus compact.

Abstract: A printer includes a clam shell mechanism having a frame rotatably mounted on a base. A platen is mounted on the frame. A print head for acting in cooperation with the platen is mounted on the base. A locking lever mounted on the base cooperates with a shaft mounted on the first frame for selectively maintaining the first frame in a closed position. A lock control member switches the locking means between maintaining the first frame in the closed position and allowing the first frame to rotate to an open position wherein the platen is displaced from the print head.

Abstract: A housing for an office machine, the housing having an upper and a lower housing portion. There is a housing cover located in the upper housing portion for covering functional elements of an office machine when the housing is attached to an office machine. A parallel guide between the housing cover and the upper and lower housing portions allows the housing cover to be displaced between open and closed end positions. The housing cover rests closely above a keyboard of an office machine when the housing cover is in its open position and the housing is attached to an office machine, and the housing cover sits in the upper housing covering functional elements of an office machine when the housing cover is in its closed position.

Abstract: A body structure for a printer comprises a front cover and a rear cover and is capable of accommodating a platen roller a typing device and advance means for advancing and feeding individual or continuous forms. A hinge element fixed to a pillar of the body structure permits pivotal movement of the covers and such that the front cover can rotate from a first operating position in which it is parallel to and supported on the body structure to a second operating position in which it is substantially turned over onto the rear cover to permit access to the platen roller and the typing device. In addition the hinge element permits the rear cover to rotate from a first operating position in which it is substantially parallel to and supported on the body structure to a second operating position in which it is substantially inclined with respect to the body structure. The forms can be supported and guided by the outside surface of the rear cover in both operating positions.

Abstract: A lightweight collapsible printer case for use with portable computers having two telescoping case sections, the case containing a series of telescoping roller shafts, a metal tape platen and carriage tracks which are housed within a tape reel, and a reel mechanism for coiling a carriage positioning cable. The collapsible printer case can be expanded from a collapsed travel/storage mode to an operational mode. In the operational mode the printer can print characters or graphics onto a standard 8.5" width sheet of paper or other media.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording on a recording medium has a recording head for effecting recording on the recording medium, conveying rollers for conveying the recording medium, a first and a second case for covering the recording head and the conveying means, and a mechanism for effecting relative movement of the first case and the second case.

Abstract: A pair of ink jet print heads are arranged on opposite sides of a conveyor to apply ink markings to the opposed surfaces of material conveyed on the conveyor. The print heads support ink jet nozzle blocks having at least one ink jet nozzle and are pivotally biased out over the conveyor in the path of the conveyed material. A pair of cams positioned on opposite sides of the ink jet nozzle blocks maintain a critical spacing between the nozzle block and the surface of the material. Ramp surfaces and an exit cam control the rate at which the ink jet print heads are pivoted away from and toward the path of the conveyed material as the material is conveyed before the ink jet print heads.

Abstract: A facsimile machine and paper cartridge system wherein the facsimile machine is convertible by accepting disposable cartridges having either plain paper or paper coated with a thermal transfer coating, either cartridge having a paper flow path which reverses the natural curl of the paper to provide generally flat facsimile printouts. Each type of cartridge may also be provided with a wiping surface for cleaning the facsimile machine print head upon the insertion and removal of the cartridge from the machine.

Abstract: A terminal device having an electrophotographic recording function includes a main frame having a first accommodation portion and a second accommodation portion provided on a bottom portion of the main frame, and an image recording part. The terminal device also includes a controller board having a controller which generates character code data from a host system coupled to the terminal device, the controller board being accommodated in the first accommodation portion of the main frame, and an engine board having a print engine controller which generates image data from the character code data, the engine board being accommodated in the first accommodation portion of the main frame.

Abstract: A head pressing mechanism in a thermal ink transfer printer for use with an insertable cassette in which there are housed both an elongate strip of ink transfer sheet wound at least in part on, and extending between, a payoff mandrel and a detachable takeup mandrel, and a stack of recording sheets for thermally receiving ink from the ink transfer strip. The printer withdraws the takeup mandrel from within the cassette and positions it within the printer for holding the ink transfer strip between a thermal printing head and a platen, and draws the successive recording sheets from the cassette onto the platen.

Abstract: A thermal paper cartridge for a facsimile machine, the cartridge including an internal supply of thermal paper, a facsimile machine print head cleaning surface, and an internal paper flow path which reverses the natural curl of the paper to provide generally flat facsimile printouts.

Abstract: A plain paper cartridge for a facsimile machine, the cartridge having an internal supply of plain paper and thermal transfer ribbon, a wiping surface for cleaning the facsimile machine print head upon the insertion and removal of the cartridge from the machine, and an internal paper flow path which reverses the natural curl of the paper to provide generally flat facsimile printouts.

Abstract: An enclosure (10) for a device (86) for recording information onto a strip of printing medium (14) is disclosed, and includes a base (11), forming a cavity (84), and first and second covers (12, 13) pivotally secured to the base. The first and second covers move opposedly to each other between open and closed positions to allow replacement of the printing meduim, which is wound onto a spool. The base and a printhead (16) are pivotally coupled to the first cover by cover and printhead links (30, 58), enabling the printhead to move with and remain covered by the first cover when the enclosure is opened. A drive roller (17) is rotatably secured to the second cover and is biased against the printhead for advancement of the printing medium when the enclosure is closed. When the second cover pivots to its open position, the roller is withdrawn from the base, but remains continuously engaged to a drive motor (18) by a series of gears.

Abstract: A thermal printing head (10) having a housing (12, 14, 16) is described wherein a support (42) carrying a thermal printing plate (26) is mounted to be pivotable about an axis (28) mounted on both of its ends. The thermal printing plate (26) comprises several selectively triggerable heating elements being arranged in a line (36). In the housing (12, 14, 16), a counter-pressure roll (22) is mounted to be rotatable about an axis (20) with respect to which the line (36) heating elements of the thermal printing plate (26) is held in frictional contact along a paraxial generating line. The mounting axis (28) of the support (42) extends to be parallel with respect to the axis of the counter-pressure roll (20) and to be spaced apart from this axis (20). One end of the axis (28) of the support (42) is mounted in the housing (12, 14, 16) to be adjustable in perpendicular direction with respect to the plane formed by the axis (28) and the line (36) of the heating elements.

Abstract: Apparatus combining the input function of a digitizer and the output function of a plotter to provide a current simultaneous plot of computer input as traditionally provided by a cathode ray tube display is disclosed for computer aided drawing. The apparatus provides a casement having a transparent upper working surface comprising a digitizer pad that is operated responsive to position of a separated puck. Transparent drawing film is releasably maintained in a uniquely determined position by a peg type fastening element on the underside of the transparent upper working surface. Flat-bed type plotting apparatus is carried in the casement beneath the drawing film for operative contact with the undersurface thereof. The plotting apparatus provides a marking member and a correction member. The upper working surface of the casement provides plural switches to input keyboard type instructions to an associated computer.

Abstract: A mechanism for obtaining a strip record of an environmental measurement. The mechanism is used in conjunction with a clock drive which advances a recording strip and with a stylus which marks an indication of the environmental status on the recording strip. The mechanism includes a housing having an exterior and interior portion which encloses the marking stylus. The recording strip is supported by a holder to permit marking by the stylus. An element is connected to the recording strip and fixed relative to the housing for permitting marking of the recording strip by the stylus. The element is removed from the housing by movement away from the marking stylus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a control main body, and reading and recording main bodies detachable to the control main body. The reading main body includes a first memory for storing a read image data memory of original. The recording main body includes a second memory for storing the read image data. The control main body includes a data transmitting circuit for transmitting the image data stored in the first memory to the second memory when the reading and recording main bodies are mounted on the control main body. The recording and reading main body does not only operate alone but also in a state combined with the control main body.

Abstract: A feed mechanism and method for feeding zigzag paper from either side of a zigzag paper pack. Zigzag paper is inserted into a paper retention pocket in a door pivoted to a housing. The door is then closed, causing the paper pack to stand upright vertically and an end of the paper to become positioned between a drive roller and a print head and between a drag spring and guide element. The drag spring biases against the guide element and is arranged above a base of the paper retention pocket over the zigzag paper pack. The drive roller pulls the paper between the drag spring and guide element and out of the pocket.

Abstract: Each of the parts or components constitutes the thermal head holder is designed to be small in size, thin thickness and having such a shape as can be readily fabricated by press forming of metal sheet or by moulding plastic material, in addition, the thermal head supporting means as a sub-assembly is attached to the central part of the rotary shaft so that it can be supported in a manner of one point central support type suspension.Depression of the thermal head utilizing this supporting means against a platen roller is performed by urging, relying on cam action, a thermal head urging lever having a length considerably shorter in axial direction and very light weight, thereby the depression can be applied to the platen of a thermal printing system via a depression spring disposed at the central part of the thermal head holder and normal to the aforesaid rotary shaft and in a central support type manner.

Abstract: The printer and method are particularly advantageous for use in printing transportation coupons such as airline tickets and reservation confirmations. The printer is adapted to fit into the narrow space at an airline ticket terminal and to be usable in printing single-sheet tickets or confirmations, and for recording information on magnetic stripes on the ticket forms. Preferably, the printer uses an ion deposition print engine. Forms are stored in two stacks and fed from either stack through a magnetic recording/reproducing station to the print engine which issues printed forms through an opening in the front of the unit. The form feeding mechanism has easily-removable covers containing part of the feed mechanism so that the covers can be easily lifted to remove or re-position cards when necessary due to double-feeding or other feeding problems. The printer is controlled by a computer system which produces maximum printing speed and reliability at a low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An electronic image printing apparatus is provided on the front face thereof with an improved downloading film access door assembly. The door assembly pivots substantially under the force of gravity from an upright closed position to an extended fully open position wherein a film cassette may be inserted into and/or withdrawn from a film cassette receiving carriage which is disposed for controlled reciprocal sliding translation during the printing process. A dashpot is provided for dampening the pivotal movement of the film loading access door so that it progressively decelerates as it approaches its open extended position so as to gradually come to a stop without substantial vibration or shock. The dashpot also includes a spring which extends through the back wall thereof to counter the increase in the weight induced opening torque as the door pivots downwardly.

Abstract: In a laser printer or similar electrophotographic image recorder of the type having a photoconductive element subunit including a photoconductive drum and an upper and a lower unit which are hinged together and each is loaded with a different group of structural parts and elements inclusive of the subunit, a device for screening the drum includes a screening member which is movable in interlocked relation to opening and closing motions of the upper unit. The screening member covers the drum when the upper unit is opened and uncovers it when the upper unit is closed. When the image recorder is in operation with the upper unit being closed, the drum is uncovered to allow a laser beam to reach the drum. When the image recorder is out of operation with the upper unit being opened, the screening member covers the drum in response to an opening motion of the upper unit so as to screen the drum against external light.

Abstract: A time clock housing has a back plane circuit providing parallel circuit connections between identical pins on a plurality of circuit board connectors mounted on the back plane. This permits mounting any circuit board to any connector. The time clock includes a basic configuration of components as follows: a power supply, a floppy disk controller, a central processing unit, a ROM, a RAM, a real time clock having its own battery, an input/output circuit, an interface circuit, a keypad, a card reader, a liquid crystal display and an internal printer. The time clock optionally includes components as follows: a backup battery, a hard disk controller and hard disk, a video display circuit, a modem and a local area network circuit. Connectors may also be provided for connecting other devices to the time clock to enter data or receive data.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprising a housing; a paper receiving member disposed within the housing for receiving printed copy sheets; a paper cassette for holding copy sheets to be printed, disposed on the back of the paper receiving member so that the copy sheets are covered with the paper receiving member; and a paper conveyor disposed below the paper cassette for transporting copy sheets from the paper cassette to the paper receiving member, an image forming means being placed between the paper cassette and the paper conveyor so that the toner image is transferred onto a copy sheet passing through the paper conveyor.

Abstract: A strip chart recorder has a chart dispenser, a platen, a writing table, and a chart advancing mechanism mounted in its base and a temperature-sensitive transducer having a bimetal coil mounted in its cover. The transducer is attached to a stylus that is mounted in the cover and marks the chart when the cover is closed as the chart that is being advanced across the platen. The cover includes a window and a lid for closing the window. The window is disposed over the writing table for enabling that portion of the chart that has been advanced over the writing table to be written upon after the cover has been closed. The cover is shaped for preventing access to the transducer and the marking means when the cover is closed with the window open. A detachable form is attached to the cover over the writing table and disposed in position for preventing closure of the lid prior to detachment of the form from the cover.

Abstract: A linear printhead writer assembly has a rigid box-like support housing which independently supports and protects an LED printhead and a linear lens array. The housing has a front wall to which locating surface means are fixed and which are intended to engage locating bearing surfaces on a printer or similar apparatus.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a recording unit disposed in a case and including support members for supporting a platen a printing head and a sheet feed guide having an outlet situated near a region between the platen and the printing head an an inlet situated on the side of the rolled recording sheet loaded in the case, the sheet feed guide serving to guide the recording sheet from the inlet toward the outlet, thereby delivering the sheet to the region between the platen and the printing head the support members support the sheet feed guide and is rockable between a recording position, where the inlet of the sheet feed guide faces the recording sheet, and a sheet insertion position, where the inlet of the guide faces on opening of the case. The printing head is disengaged from the platen when the support members are brought to the sheet insertion position.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printer comprises an access cover for opening and closing an upper opening of a cavity in an enclosure, a rotatable head holder supported at one adjacent to the inner surface of the access cover, an optical print head provided on the inner surface of the head holder, and a process cartridge containing a photosensitive drum provided so that it can be inserted and removed through the upper opening. The optical print head may have holes provided at both ends thereof, and the process cartridge may have pins which are engageable with the holes on the optical print head, thereby to facilitate alignment between the optical print head and the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus comprises a print head, a reservoir, and a rigid articulated support assembly connecting the print head to the reservoir. The support assembly affords two degrees of rotational freedom for allowing adjustment of the print head relative to the reservoir, so that printing can be carried out on surfaces lying in various planes or moving in various directions without tilting the reservoir. The support assembly has an internal channel for conducting ink from the reservoir to the print head, and may be made of a thermally conductive material in order to maintain hot melt inks at the proper operating temperature using heat generated by heating elements in the reservoir and print head.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a detachable controller cartridge in which at least a control circuit is accommodated. The detachable controller cartridge can be detachably accommodated into a housing of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is provided with an upper unit having a recording head for discharging ink for effecting recording on a recording medium in response to information, and at least a portion of the electric circuit of the apparatus, a lower unit having a platen for maintaining the recording medium in the recording station by the recording head, the lower unit capable of being spaced apart relative to the upper unit, and a conveying member for conveying the recording medium to the recording station. The upper unit and the lower unit are capable of being spaced apart and opened in the recording station by the recording head.

Abstract: A chart recorder is described, which is especially useful in recording the temperature of a cargo being shipped, which can be constructed at low cost and which provides a tamper-resistant and accurate record. The recorder includes a strip of pressure-markable paper having an inner portion wound into a roll and an outer portion forming a leader. The leader extends past a marking station, a transport that pulls the leader, a storage space within a housing that encloses the rest of the mechanism, and through an opening in the housing with the outer end of the strip attached to the outside of the housing. During recording, the chart is pushed by the transport station into multiple folds lying in the storage space of the housing. The strip can be removed by pulling on its outer end to pull it out of the housing. Pulling of the outer end releases the strip from the marking and transport stations.

Abstract: In a reproduction apparatus including an image receiving member, at least one support for mounting the image receiving member for movement along a travel path, and an electronic light emitting print head assembly including a focusing lens, a simplified mechanism for accurately locating an electronic print head assembly relative to the image receiving member, which enables the image receiving member to be readily changed and which does not impact tracking of the member. The mechanism comprises a frame with the print head assembly mounted at a preselected location in the frame. A first feature is defined in the frame, the first feature including a locating surface spaced at a preselected distance from the plane through the geometric center line of the focusing lens of the print head assembly.