Abstract: A printer that partially cuts roll paper to leave an uncut portion prevents paper jams from reversing the roll paper. A printer 1 has a print unit 41 for printing images on roll paper R; a cutter unit 46 disposed downstream in the conveyance direction from the print unit for cutting the roll paper and leaving an uncut portion; a conveyance unit 42 for conveying the roll paper in the conveyance direction or a reverse direction that is the opposite of the conveyance direction; and a controller 40 that executes a reversing process conveying the roll paper in reverse by the conveyance unit 42 when the roll paper is separated from the paper roll at the uncut portion after the cutter unit 46 cuts the roll paper, and not executing the reversing process in specific circumstances in which the roll paper remains connected through the uncut portion.

Abstract: A label production apparatus includes a printing unit that prints a image onto a medium that includes a first base material, a second base material, and an adhesive layer between the first base material and the second base material; an inspection unit that inspects the image printed onto the medium; and a post-processing unit that cuts the first base material based on an inspection result from the inspection unit, the post-processing unit cutting the first base material using a first cut line that separates an area where the image is formed from the first base material in the case where a print defect has not been detected in the image, and cutting the first base material using a second cut line in which part of the first cut line is not cut in the case where a print defect has been detected in the image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printer including a transverse tension sensor for detecting that a sheet being discharged has deviated in a paper width direction orthogonal to a discharging direction. The conveyance of the sheet is stopped based on a detection signal of the transverse tension sensor.

Abstract: A multifunction device for prefabricating marking labels, having a top side configured to be printed on and a bottom side opposite the top side with a profiling, includes a printing device and at least one of a separating device and a perforation device. A feeder unit is configured to feed blank marking labels of a finite-length or endless material. A holder element including a recess is configured to receive the marking labels, including the profiling, so as to fix the marking labels in position during a passing over of the printing device and the at least one of the separating device and perforation device.

Abstract: A printer includes a fixed blade attached to a cover unit; a movable blade that faces a fixed blade, freely reciprocates relative to the fixed blade when the cover unit is closed and cuts the recording medium together with the fixed blade by overlapping the fixed blade during reciprocation; a movable blade driving motor that causes the movable blade to reciprocate; and a movable blade unit that includes the movable blade, the movable blade driving motor, and an accommodating unit accommodating the movable blade and provided at a printer main body. The printer further includes a mechanism that, when the movable blade protrudes from the accommodating unit and is stopped, widens a space over which the fixed blade and the protruding movable blade face each other before the movable blade driving motor accommodates the protruding movable blade in the accommodating unit, as initiated by operation of a cover opening lever.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises storing information in a database that describes cutting locations on a web upon which multiple images are printed; embedding, in an area on the web, a key into the database; and using the key to ascertain, from the database, the cutting locations.

Abstract: A movable blade unit is fixed to a cutter release lever. The cutter release lever is attached to an upper frame by a cutter supporting point shaft so as to freely oscillate. A latch lever holding the upper frame at a closed position and a cutter lock lever locking the cutter release lever are integrated, and are coupled by an opening and closing lever. If the opening and closing lever is pushed down, the cutter lock lever cancels the lock of the cutter release lever while keeping a state in which the latch lever latches the upper frame. Accordingly, in the movable blade unit, a driving force transmission path between the movable blade unit and a cutter driving motor is disconnected, and a movable blade is returned to a home position by a return spring.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a transfer mechanism that transfers a print medium, a printing device that prints on the print medium, a stationary blade that is provided on a downstream side in a transfer direction of the print medium further than the printing device to cut the print medium, a movable blade that is provided on a downstream side in a transfer direction of the print medium further than the printing device and that cut the print medium, and a step portion that is provided on a reverse face of the downstream blade which is located on downstream side in transferring of the print medium, the reverse face being reverse of a slide face of the downstream blade sliding on the upstream blade which is located on upstream side in transferring of the print medium, and that projects along a thickness direction of the downstream blade.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a first module having a motor and a thermal head support member to fix a thermal head, the thermal head support member having a fixed blade part working as a blade and an a second module being detachably coupled with the first module, the second module having a platen roller, a movable blade member and a movable blade member movement mechanism to move the movable blade member, wherein the movable blade member is disposed to face the fixed blade part and driving force of the motor is conveyed to the movable blade member movement mechanism, and thereby a cutter part is formed.

Abstract: A printer including a cutting portion including a plate-shaped fixed blade, a plate-shaped movable blade and a driving unit, which drives the movable blade back and forth with respect to the fixed blade; and a paper stacking portion for stacking a cut-off paper thereon, which is provided on a downstream side of a paper transfer direction with respect to the cutting portion on the fixed blade side, wherein the movable blade is disposed on the downstream side with respect to the fixed blade and configured to move toward the fixed blade to cut a paper, and a tip end portion of the movable blade is configured to have a surface almost perpendicular with respect to a direction of pushing the paper toward the paper stacking portion.

Abstract: A pinion wheel for a spitter mechanism of a tape printer includes a first surface that does not engage with a tape, and a second surface for contact with a portion of the tape. Rotation of the pinion wheel causes the second surface to engage and move the portion of tape. In an implementation, the first surface has a first curvature and the second surface has a second curvature. The first surface may be flat and the second surface may be arcuate. In another implementation, a tape printer includes a printer body, a printing means, a cutting means for cutting a tape, and a spitter mechanism for moving a portion of the tape. The spitter mechanism includes an element rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a first surface does not engage the portion of tape, and in the second position a second surface engages the portion of tape. Rotation of the element to the second position causes the portion of tape to be moved.

Abstract: A setup application outputs a settings file in which are entered paper types and cutting modes. A print data generated by a design application is appended with data indicating a cutting mode appropriate to the print data and transmitted to a printer. Upon reception of the print data, the printer prints images on a recording paper based on the print data and cuts the recording paper in the cutting mode indicated by the appended data.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and method that provides for severing of prints from receiver media being printed. The receiver media is moved in a process direction past plural printing stations and the printing stations are recording images upon the receiver sheet. While printing is occurring a cutting mechanism having one or more cutting elements is operated to cut the receiver media along a transverse direction to separate a previously printed image on the receiver media from a portion of the receiver media being currently printed. The cutting mechanism includes a clamping member located proximate the one or more cutting elements for stopping movement of the receiver sheet downstream of the clamping mechanism to provide for a substantially square cut relative to the process direction of the receiver media.

Abstract: A printer includes a cutting apparatus with a shield that protects the cutting part of a cutter blade in the apparatus. A fixed blade is supported so that the fixed blade can be moved by pressure by a compression coil spring upon a fixed blade supporting frame attached to a body frame so that the fixed blade supporting frame can be opened or closed. A blade cover for protecting the cutting part of the fixed blade is fixed to the fixed blade supporting frame. When each fitting between fitting parts of the fixed blade and touching parts of a cutter frame is released in a state in which the fixed blade supporting frame is open, a part or the whole of the cutting part of the fixed blade is shielded by the shielding part of the blade cover.

Abstract: A cutter mechanism for use in a printer. The cutter mechanism includes a base and a cutter blade slidably fixed relative to the base. The cutter blade is movable along a cutting path in a first direction between a retracted position and a forward position through a cutting position. A breaker bar is fixed relative to the cutter blade, and is spaced from the cutter blade when the cutter blade is in the retracted position to define a web path between the breaker bar and the base. A first biasing member urges the blade in a second direction away from the breaker bar to completely disengage the blade from the breaker bar. The second direction is not parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: A cutter device includes at least one stationary blade, which has a stationary blade cutting edge extending crosswise to a recording sheet. At least one movable blade moves in contact with the stationary blade cutting edge to cut the recording sheet. A stopper plate prevents the recording sheet from being moved by the movable blade while the movable blade cuts the recording sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the stopper plate is shiftable between a stopper position and a retracted position, and when in the stopper position, contacts a side edge of the recording sheet, and when in the retracted position, is away from the side edge.

Abstract: A miniaturized rolled-paper holding mechanism is capable of detecting the residual quantity of rolled-paper in both horizontally and vertically installed states of a printer. The rolled-paper holding mechanism includes a rolled-paper holder, a holder cover, a positioning member, and a residual-paper-quantity sensor. The positioning member is structured such that, as the holder cover is opened or closed, the inclination angle of the positioning member is varied with respect to a second-bottom-portion inclined surface formed in the rolled-paper holder. Further, a second positioning groove—which, when the holder cover is closed, can be contacted with rolled-paper R having a given diameter—is formed between the positioning member and the second-bottom-portion inclined surface of the rolled-paper holder.

Abstract: In a printer, a body cover is reclosably attached to a printer body (10). A fixed blade (14) and a movable blade (42) are attached to the printer body (10) and the body cover (20), respectively. The movable blade (42) is superposed on the fixed blade (14) when moved toward the fixed blade. Thus, a paper jam can quickly be cleared. Moreover, paper can be cut well.

Abstract: A tape printing apparatus has a tape exit having a slit defined by a pair of opening edges opposed to each other. The slit includes a tape setting space facing a cutter and a tape guide space defined on the tape setting space in a manner continuous with the tape setting space, for guiding a leading end portion of a printing tape to be inserted into the tape setting space from above. The tape guide space is formed such that said tape guide space extends in a curved manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printer having: a fixed chassis mounted thereon; a moving chassis being engageable with the fixed chassis between an open position and a closed position; a cutter including a fixed blade and a moving blade; a paper drive roll; a thermal head; and driving means driving the paper drive roll to subject paper rolling along a paper path formed between the thermal head and the paper drive roll, and the fixed blade and moving blade; wherein the thermal head is in a path of the paper drive roll and wherein the moving blade urges the fixed blade towards the fixed chassis when the moving chassis is at the closed position, and a restraining module for maintaining an appropriate gap between the fixed blade and the moving blade when the moving chassis is engaging the fixed chassis.

Abstract: A color thermosensitive recording sheet extends two-dimensionally in main and sub scan directions perpendicular to each other. In a thermal printer for use with the recording sheet, two cutters remove front and rear margins from the recording sheet by cutting the recording sheet along lines extending in the main scan direction. Two slitters remove first and second side margins from the recording sheet by slitting the recording sheet along lines extending in the sub scan direction. A slitter shifter shifts the slitters in the main scan direction between a slitting position and home position. The slitters are set at the side margins when in the slitting position, and away from the recording sheet when in the home position. An externally operable mode selector selectively sets a marginless mode and margin mode. A controller causes the slitter shifter to shift the slitters to the slitting position when the marginless mode is set, and actuates the cutters and slitters.

Abstract: ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE A printer with the cutting apparatus with a shield that protects the cutting part of a cutter blade in the apparatus, and a printer with the cutting apparatus is disclosed. A fixed blade is supported so that the fixed blade can be moved by pressure by a compression coil spring upon a fixed blade supporting frame attached to a body frame so that the fixed blade supporting frame can be opened or closed. A blade cover for protecting the cutting part of the fixed blade is fixed to the fixed blade supporting frame. When each fitting between fitting parts of the fixed blade and touching parts of a cutter frame is released in a state in which the fixed blade supporting frame is open, a part or the whole of the cutting part of the fixed blade is shielded by the shielding part of the blade cover.

Abstract: The relative positions of cutter blade 42, platen 28, pressing member 44, and bending guide 46 are adjusted to obtain the acute angle &THgr; between side face 42a of cutter blade 42 facing to the delivery direction and recording medium 29 in the range from 25° to 65°.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism for a hand held printer includes a lever pivotally mounted to a base and coupled to a slidably mounted blade. Pivotal movement of the lever translates the blade along a cutting axis to cut labeling media. The lever is automatically returned to the noncutting position by a spring, and the blade is biased toward the cutting bar by a spring incorporated in the blade mounting mechanism. The blade has a chevron shape to provide a clean cut in a short cutting stroke.

Abstract: In a thermal printer, a continuous paper cutting device has an upper and a lower separator located downstream of a platen in the intended direction of paper transport and positioned to face each other with the intermediary of a continuous paper. The upper and lower separators are each provided with an arcuate end in place of a sharp edge for cutting the paper. The paper is formed with notches at opposite ends of each perforation. When a peforation immediately following the printed part of the paper reaches a predetermined position downstream of the arcuate ends of the separators in the direction of paper transport, the paper is brought to a stop. Therefore, the device allows the operator to separate the printed part from the paper along the perforation without resorting to cutters having sharp edges.

Abstract: A method and device for directly positioning and holding media against an output platen while a cutter traverses across a media path. A cutter assembly is mounted on an arm which periodically passes over the media, and includes a cutter blade and at least one media restraint wheel which presses the media against the output platen. The media restraint wheel is located in close proximity to the cutter blade, such that the media restraint wheel is upstream from the cutter blade and also is laterally displaced from the cutter blade to achieve direct engagement of the media by the media restraint wheel prior to cutting the media. The media restraint wheel includes a soft rubber-like tire which rolls along a top surface of the media while rotating freely on an vertically adjustable axle, in order to accomodate both thick and thin media, without the need for a separate media hold-down device. A biasing spring presses downwardly against the axle to assure secure holding of the media against the output platen.

Abstract: A platen holder 8 is provided with a stopper member 12 which comes into contact with a lever 20 depressed when the platen holder 8 is rotated to a home position by removing of a cassette cover 2B from an upper cover 2A. The stopper member 12 is formed to have a contact plane 12A so that an angle .alpha. defined between the contact plane 12A and an imaginary line connecting a tip end R of the stopper member 12 and a fixed point P is set to approximately 90.degree. or less than 90.degree.. A projection part 13 is provided in the platen holder 8, which is to be pressed by a tape cassette 4 when inserted in a tape receiving part. When the platen holder 8 is rotated to an operational position after the cassette cover 2B is attached to the upper cover 2A, a clearance is produced between the projection part 13 of the platen holder 8 and the tape cassette 4.

Abstract: Printing on a tape is carried out using an ink ribbon having yellow, magenta, cyan and overprinting ink arranged thereon. First, the ink position of the ink ribbon is aligned with the print position of the tape, and one ink is transferred on the tape. This transfer is repeated for the yellow, magenta and cyan colors at the same print position to accomplish color printing. When color printing is completed, the position of the overprinting ink is aligned with the position of the tape, and the overprinting ink is overprinted on the color-printed area line by line. When the cut position of the tape reaches the position of a cutter, printing with the overprinting ink and feeding of the tape stop. In this state, the tape is cut. Then, the tape is cut when printing with the overprinting ink is carried out to the trailing edge of the color-printed area.

Abstract: There is provided a cutting device for cutting tape material. A tape-cutting block of the cutting device for cutting off the tape material has a pair of tape-cutting edges which slide past each other to thereby cut the tape material to a cut-off piece having a predetermined length. The tape-cutting block has at least one movable blade formed with one of the pair of tape-cutting edges. An end-trimming block of the cutting device for trimming an end of the cut-off piece has a pair of end-trimming edges which slide past each other to thereby trim the end of the cut-off piece into a predetermined shape. The end-trimming block has at least one movable blade formed with one of the pair of end-trimming edges. The at least one movable blade of the tape-cutting block and the at least one movable blade of the end-trimming block are caused to perform cutting operations by a single cutting operation component device. There is also provided a printing apparatus incorporating the cutting device.

Abstract: A motion-absorbing region is formed in a continuous form, and a passively rotatable fixing roller is moved into contact with the continuous form when the motion-absorbing region is formed. The motion-absorbing region absorbs the difference in relative speed between the fixing roller and the continuous form, keeping the difference or delay from being transmitted along the form to the region where a toner image is applied to the form. The electrophotographic transfer of the image to the continuous form is started before the pressure roller is moved into contact with the continuous form. The motion-absorbing region can be a slack region formed by feeding the form while the form is not under tension, or a resilient region formed by applying a resilient biasing device to the form while the form is under tension.

Abstract: In a tape printer which prints text data including characters/symbols on a tape, there is a fixed distance between a position where a thermal head is provided and a position where a cutter cuts a printed tape portion. For first text data to be printed, a margin is set and then the data is printed on the tape. Thereafter, the next text data is input with a margin being set and printed on the tape. When the printing of the first text data ends, the operation of the printer stops. When the printing is continued after the next data is input with a margin being set, the tape is conveyed by a length equal to the sum of the margins and set for the respective first and second text data and the input next data is printed. When the boundary between the margins arrives at the position of the cutter during the printing of the next text data, the printing of the next text data is interrupted and a tape portion on which the previous text data has been printed is cut by the cutter from the remaining tape.

Abstract: A printer having a cutter for cutting continuous recording paper to length. A cutter fitting stand is secured onto a writing table and fixedly fitted with a cutter having a blade for cutting recording paper. Projections each having holes for supporting a cutter cover shaft are each provided on both left and right ends of the cutter fitting stand. On both sides of the cutter cover shaft, end portions are provided for restraining the separation of receipt paper and a writing table from each other. Further, a cutter cover always urged by a cover spring in a predetermined direction is rotatably furnished.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for printing and dispensing labels for precise and accurate placement on an article. The present invention also minimizes label queue and the distance between the point of printing and the point of label dispensing. The invention has a retractable print head for printing information on a label while the label moves from a preprinting position to a fixed label dispensing position. The print head is movable to a dispensing position thereby allowing access to the printed label at the fixed label dispensing point by a transfer device. A dispenser having a stripper plate is provided to receive the web having the printed label thereon from the print head while in a printing position. The stripper plate strips the liner from the printed label after the transfer device comes in positive contact with the printed label by moving to a dispensing position. The printed label can then be placed on an article with extreme accuracy.

Abstract: A tape holding case is described for use with a thermal printing device which allows for more efficient cutting and feeding of tape. The cassette has a slot into which a cutting blade can pass which avoids the use of an anvil for cutting. Moreover, the cassette can have a stepped portion for providing a so-called "peel cut" at the end of the tape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paper discharge apparatus for collecting a remaining paper which the recipient rejects or forgets to receive so as to facilitate stable paper discharge. The paper discharge apparatus for discharging an arbitrarily cut paper from a paper discharge port comprising a paper feed means for feeding the paper, a paper discharge means for discharging the paper to the paper discharge port, a paper storage means for bending and storing the paper in the apparatus by operating the paper feed means alone while stopping discharging operation of the paper discharge means when the paper fed by the paper feed means is delivered to the paper discharge means in a paper discharge mode, and a paper collection means for collecting the paper in the apparatus when the paper discharged to the paper discharge port is not removed during a given time.

Abstract: In a printer comprising a printing means for performing printing on a continuous paper in response to a print data and a cutter unit for cutting the continuous paper in the paper width direction upon completion of printing, a printed paper needs to be sorted out easily and clearly depending on jobs. To meet the demand, the printer is provided with a rotary blade and a fixed blade which cut the continuous paper in the paper width direction which crosses perpendicularly to the paper feed direction and it is further provided with a carriage for holding the rotary blade so as to be movable in the paper width direction. The carriage has a shading piece. Sensors are disposed at the position corresponding to the position where the cutting amount of the paper in the paper width direction is set to be smaller than the entire paper width. When the sensors detect the shading piece, the rotary blade stops moving to thereby stop the cutting operation.

Abstract: A paper cutting device of an electronic printer which derives its motive power from the drive source operating the paper feed mechanism of the printer. The paper feed mechanism has a one-way clutch coupled to the paper feed drive shaft which locks on to the shaft when feeding print media in the forward direction and over runs when the paper feed drive source rotates opposed to the print media driving direction. A second one-way clutch is coupled to the cutter drive shaft and positively engages the cutter mechanism when the paper feed drive is operated in the reverse non-feeding direction. It over runs when print media is being fed. The cutting mechanism is driven through its one-way clutch to a couple eccentric crank. The crank pushes a linear guided cutter blade by means of an articulated link which engages the blade. The paper is registered against the front edge of a slot in the blade guide and the blade is forced through the restrained media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper discharge apparatus provided together with a printer for discharging printed matter such as a receipt or a ticket. The paper discharge apparatus stores paper then feeds it during printing, and discharges the paper upon completion of printing. It is possible to perform stable printing and discharge operations because a recipient does not touch the paper during printing. The paper discharge apparatus stops the discharge of the paper when an obstruction occurs, and it quickly restarts the discharge when the obstruction is removed.

Abstract: Conveyance apparatus for a continuous form having sprocket holes on both sides thereof provided in a high-speed printing system, comprised of a printing machine and an after-treatment machine, including: a constant-speed conveyance roller for feeding the continuous form to the printer; a pair of ejection rollers located downstream of the constant-speed conveyance roller for conveying and ejecting the continuous form, under tension, by rotating a little faster than the constant-speed conveyance roller; a pair of drawing rollers provided at the entrance to the after-treatment machine for pulling the continuous form therein injected by the printing machine; an end sensor for outputting an end signal when a disengagement between the last sprocket hole and the constant-speed conveyance roller is detected; and a controller.

Abstract: A printed slip issuing apparatus is provided with a cutting blade having a cutting portion and disposed with its cutting portion extending along the width of a form web at a position immediately below a printing unit for printing on the form web, and a nipping member disposed near and opposite to the cutting portion of the cutting blade so as to form a web nipping region in combination with the cutting portion. When cutting off a printed portion of the the form web, the form web is nipped between the cutting portion of the cutting blade and the nipping member in the web nipping region to enable the cutting blade cut off the printed portion clearly.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a main body in which a sheet-like printing medium or a tape-like printing medium contained in a cassette can be mounted, a printing head capable of printing an image either on the sheet-like printing medium or the tape-like printing medium, and a control unit for, when an image is printed on the sheet-like printing medium, controlling the printing head and the sheet-like printing medium to make them move relative to each other and cause the printing head to print the image on the sheet-like printing medium, and for, when an image is printed on the tape-like printing medium, controlling the printing head and the tape-like printing medium to make them move relative to each other and cause the printing head to print the image on the tape-like printing medium.

Abstract: A color printer according to the present invention includes a clutch means, an urging member and a positional alignment mechanism. The clutch means is used for engaging and disengaging a driving force used to move a paper holder means. The urging member (e.g., a spring) is used to urge the paper holder means in a direction opposite to the printing direction. The positional alignment mechanism is used for mechanically determining the position at which printing is to start on the paper when the paper holder means is disengaged from the driving force by the clutch means and is urged by the urging member in the direction opposite to the printing direction.

Abstract: A printer for a plurality of different printing objects serving as a multifunctional printer is subject to problems of economic production.

Abstract: In a printer of the kind which uses a continuous form print sheet having a plural pages each defined by perforated score lines formed in the widthwise direction of the sheet, a sheet feed control device is provided for controlling a sheet feed means for feeding the sheet. The control device includes a central processing unit which upon measuring a first line distance on the sheet, controls a sheet feeding means so that the perforated score line in the bottom of a printed page is brought in coincidence with a sheet cutting position. The print sheet can thus be separated at the line of perforations even if the first line distance is differently than that of the previous sheet.

Abstract: In a thermal transfer recording method for use in a recording apparatus using a roll of recording paper of an ordinary paper material wound about a core and an ink ribbon wound about an ink ribbon feeding roll, the recording paper and the ink ribbon are transported forwardly while they are superimposed one above the other and the recording is effected by means of a thermal head during their transportation. While the recording paper and the ink ribbon are released from the clamped state by means of the platen roller and the thermal head, only the recording paper is transported to a cutter where a recorded part of the recording paper is cut off. An unused part of the recording paper is then transported to until its leading end reaches the thermal head, where the recording paper and the ink ribbon are superimposed one above the other again.

Abstract: An adjustable load tear bar mechanism for a friction feed platen (15) that comprises a tear bar assembly (31) and spring loading mechanisms (33) is disclosed. The tear bar assembly (31) comprises a tear bar (51) mounted between a pair of side arms (41, 43) located on opposite ends of the platen (15). The tear bar (51) is an inverted, generally U-shaped channel. Positioned in the channel is a roller shaft (45) on which a plurality of friction feed rollers (47) are mounted. The downstream ends of the side arms (which overlie the platen) are pivotally attached to walls (11, 13) of the printer chassis. The tear bar (51) and roller shaft (45) extend between the upstream ends of the side arms (41, 43). Mounted on the roller shaft (45) so as to be rotatable therewith are arm hooks (53, 55). One of the arm hooks is part of a detent mechanism that includes teeth (125) that co-act with a spring (59) and plunger (57) housed in one of the side arms (43).

Abstract: A paper feed and drive mechanism for use in a high speed printer comprises a pair of arms which may be selectively positioned in a first lowered position, or in a second raised position. When the arms are in the lowered position, a line of contact is formed between a pressure roll and a drive roll and a narrow printing gap is formed between the platen and the inked ribbon. Spring means bias the pressure roll onto the drive roll and clips mounted on the arms hold the arms in the lowered position against the bias. Allowing the arms to raise to a second position in response to the spring bias creates a gap between the pressure roll and the drive roll and a wide non-printable gap between the platen and the inked ribbon. Additionally, a narrow tear bar slot formed between a fixed saw tooth tear bar and a backing plated attached to the arms opens to form a wide space when the arms are raised. The wide space eliminates the necessity to thread the paper tape through the narrow tear bar slot.

Abstract: A printer of the type in which a receipt paper and a journal paper are arranged in parallel to each other, after the receipt paper and journal paper have been transferred in a horizontal direction, the receipt paper is passed through a vertically moving cutter device and issues from the printer in a horizontal direction whereas the journal paper is turned upwardly and wound about a take-up roll; printing drums for the receipt paper and the journal paper are disposed below a horizontal paper transfer plane and printing devices for the receipt paper and the journal paper are disposed above the horizontal paper transfer plane to print on the undersurfaces of the papers, which makes it easy to mount an optical printing drum position detector on the printer.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing characters on at least one data carrier comprising a printing head movable along the data carrier, a line advance device for feeding the data carrier substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the printing head, an ink ribbon feed mechanism for feeding an ink ribbon in relation to the data carrier, a cut-off mechanism for cutting off the data carrier, and a shaft rotatable less than 360.degree. in one direction by a reversible motor from a home position to an end position determined by the selected operation cycle and thereafter back to the home position by reversing the direction of rotation of the shaft. The reversal of the shaft is performed at different times during subsequent operation cycles to permit gears and cams on the shaft to move the printing head to positions determined by the number of characters to be printed on the data carrier, actuation of the line advance device, and actuation of the ink ribbon feed mechanism or cut-off mechanism.