Abstract: A printer is configured with a processor which calculates printhead control parameters, the control parameters being determined by the processor in such a way as to optimize the printing process of the printer's printhead. The processor determines the printhead control parameters according to an optimization algorithm stored in the printer. To maintain the internal security of the optimization algorithm, the printhead control parameters are encrypted by the processor. The encrypted printhead control parameters are then transmitted to the printhead via an internal data path of the printer. If a third party monitors the data along the internal data path, the encryption algorithm remains secure because the control parameters are encrypted. The printhead contains a second, dedicated processor. The printhead processor receives the encrypted printhead control parameters, and decrypts the control parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of a slider insertion device (18). A first sensor (30) on a sender track (20) detects a lack of sliders (21) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor (30) to a controller (24) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (21), and a first solenoid operated plunger (34) thereby releasing the sliders (21) to the sender track (20). Air connections (38) pneumatically push the sliders (21) along the sender track (20) to a second solenoid-operated plunger (44). When a second sensor (46) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack (26) , the second sensor (46) signals the controller (24) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger (44) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve (48). The second solenoid-operated plunger (44) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve (48) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (21) into the feed tube (22) and onto the slider insertion area (27).

Abstract: A printer has a print head with multiple nozzles and an encoder to encode print head data into firing bits used to determine various firing patterns of the print head nozzles. A decoder is integrated on the print head to decode the firing bits into firing pulses used to fire selected print head nozzles. The encoder encodes the print head data in such a manner that there are fewer firing bits than there are possible firings controlled by the firing bits. For instance, the encoder encodes the print head data such that "n" firing bits define 2.sup.n firing levels (where "n" is an integer), with each firing level defining a different number of firings. With the multi-level encoding, the encoder is able to control more than n possible firings with each n firing bits.

Abstract: A dot-type printer of the type using printing pins or wires is improved by employing a driving system which includes a variable-volume sealed container enclosing a pressure transmitting medium. Electrodes are disposed in the medium and are closely spaced such that the application of a high voltage will cause arc discharge across the same. The discharge energy applied to the medium causes an expansion of the medium, which in turn causes an expansion of the sealed container. The printing pins or wires are abutted against a movable membrane or bellows portion of the container, so that container expansion effects linear movement of the pins or wires.

Abstract: Apparatus for stamping different embossed marks into metallurgical or rolled products comprises a plurality of juxtaposed punches, which are axially slidably mounted in a punch holder, and a punch actuator for actuating said punches. To permit a stamping of different embossed marks at a high stamping rate, each punch carries a pattern segment of a set of pattern segments, which are adapted to be assembled to form different patterns corresponding to respective embossed marks. In the punch actuator, a separate punch-actuating cylinder which is fluid-operable is associated with each punch. The punch actuator comprises a controller for controlling the supply of pressure fluid to each of the punch-actuating cylinders or to groups of said cylinders.

Abstract: An imprint marking device utilizing transfer tape moved from a tape supply reel to a take-up reel across an imprint station with a moving marker head having raised indicia movable against the tape to press the tape against an article to be marked. A tape drive system includes a drive roller and an opposed idler roller. Both the tape drive system and the marker head are actuated by a single power cylinder which has power rods extending from opposite ends connected to a single common internal piston, one of the rods operating the marker head and the other of the rods operating the tape drive system.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed for use in printing indicia or the like on a sheet of recording medium by selective application of impulses of fluid. The printer comprises a sheet support mechanism, a print head, fluid supply means, a valve assembly, and an input system. The support mechanism supports and selectively advances the sheet of recording medium. The print head includes a one- or two-dimensional array of tubes arranged to form a dot matrix for printing alphanumeric characters on the sheet. It may extend the width of the recording medium or be movable across it. Connected to these tubes are the fluid supply means and a valve assembly that includes a separate valve for each tube for controlling the supply of fluid thereto. In one embodiment of the invention, a heater raises the temperature of the fluid passing through the tubes enough that printing takes place on the recording medium whenever the fluid is ejected from the tubes.