Abstract: A roll medium feeding apparatus includes a roll medium accommodating unit including a bearing that supports a shaft member of a roll medium, and a drawer member configured to slide relative to the roll medium accommodating unit. First support surfaces configured to support ends of the shaft member are provided to the roll medium accommodating unit so as to extend in a direction in which the drawer member slides from the bearings, and second support surfaces configured to support the ends of the shaft member are provided to the drawer member so as to intersect with the first support surfaces at an obtuse angle relative to a direction in which the shaft member extends.

Abstract: A roll paper supply device has a roll paper compartment that stores roll paper with the axis of rotation transverse so that the roll paper can roll thereinside; supply rollers that feed the roll paper from the roll paper compartment in a sheet; and pair of side pressure plates that cover substantially all of the sides of the roll paper and contact part of the sides.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a record head which forms an image on a recording medium; a conveyance mechanism which has an outer circumferential surface opposing the record head and conveys the recording medium placed on the outer circumferential surface; and a media attracting unit which causes the recording medium to be attracted onto the outer circumferential surface and includes a first electrode which is provided to oppose an inner circumferential surface of the conveyance belt which surface is opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the conveyance belt, a second electrode which opposes the outer circumferential surface of the conveyance belt and is detached from the outer circumferential surface, and a voltage supply unit which applies a voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A roll-based printer and method of loading the same. An example method includes sliding a roll of print media onto a print media spindle so that the roll of print media is positioned closer to a first end of the print media spindle than a second end of the print media spindle and loading the spindle onto a supporting assembly so that the spindle is rotatably supported by the supporting assembly and the first end of the print media spindle is at the end of the printer which is opposite to an end of the printer having a media detecting unit for detecting the presence of print media being fed to the printer. The example method includes feeding the print media to the printer from the loaded spindle, detecting the position of an edge of the print media fed to the printer and adjusting a starting position of the print head based on the detected position of an edge of the print media.

Abstract: A printing system comprising: a printing device having a printing portion and a printing control portion; and a cutting device having a cutting portion which cuts a continuous sheet, a conveying portion conveying the continuous sheet, a detecting portion detecting cutting information, and a cutting control portion which controls the cutting portion such that the continuous sheet is cut at a cutting position indicated by the cutting information, when the cutting information is detected at the continuous sheet within a predetermined range from a cutting position at an upstream side in a conveying direction of the conveying portion, and controls the cutting portion such that the continuous sheet is cut at a set length which is set in advance, when the cutting information is not detected at the continuous sheet within the predetermined range from the cutting position at the upstream side in the conveying direction, is provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming part; a paper dust collecting roller that collects paper dust from a sheet; a conveying roller that is opposed to the paper dust collecting roller and conveys the sheet; a paper dust removing member that contacts the paper dust collecting roller for removing the paper dust therefrom; a supporting member that extends in a width direction of the sheet; a swing shaft for swinging the supporting member; and a pressing member that presses the supporting member for contacting the paper dust removing member with the paper dust collecting roller. The supporting member includes: a guiding surface that contacts the sheet conveyed along the conveying path for guiding the sheet toward the image forming part along the conveying path; and a paper dust receiving part which receives the paper dust removed by the paper dust removing member.

Abstract: A modular roll bar assembly for use in a continuous web imaging device includes a plurality of roll bars and a support frame configured to operably support the plurality of roll bars such that the plurality of roll bars define a web path having a non-linear shape with an entrance end and an exit end. The entrance end is configured to receive a substantially continuous web of substrate material, and the plurality of roll bars is configured to guide the continuous web past the exit end. A load cell is operably coupled to the support frame and configured to generate a signal indicative of a down force applied to the support frame. A controller is operably coupled to the load cell to receive the signal and to correlate the down force applied to the support frame indicated by the signal to a tension measurement value for the continuous web.

Abstract: A printing system comprises a paper path architecture for parallel printing using multiple marking engines. The media path configuration enables all the media feed trays to be located in one place, relative to the marking engines. A cross-over module is located between marking engines. The cross-over module can interleave media sheets that are being transported away from a first marking engine with the sheets being transported to the second marking engine. The cross-over module also includes a straight through path that enables media sheets to be transported directly to a finishing device without going through either marking engine. The marking engines include internal duplex loops such that media can be supplied to each engine in alternate groups. A merge module selectively merges the media which can then be further processed in a finishing transition module prior to communication to a finishing device.

Abstract: A digital printing system for printing on a continuous web of print media includes a support structure that guides a continuous web of print media under tension through the printing system. The continuous web of print media includes an edge. The support structure includes a first mechanism, a filter mechanism, and a section in which cross track motion of the continuous web of print media is not desired. The first mechanism is affixed to the support structure and includes structure that positions the print media in a cross track direction. The filter mechanism sets an angular trajectory of the print media, is located downstream relative to the first mechanism, and passively filters fluctuations in position of the edge of the continuous web of print media. The section in which cross track motion of the continuous web of print media is not desired is located downstream relative to the filter mechanism.

Abstract: A platen support mechanism of a printer moves a platen unit of the printer. When moving the platen unit from a closed position to an open position, the platen support mechanism of the printer first moves the platen unit along a straight first path, and then moves the platen unit along a curved second path. A posture of the platen unit is held constant during this time by a six joint linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A transported material transporting device including: a power transmission switching mechanism configured to switch the transmission of the power between the intermediate gear and the cam drive gear between a transmitted state and a blocked state; a detection lever provided in the reversing path and configured to detect the presence or absence of the material to be transported which enters the reversing path; and a blocked-state locking mechanism configured to lock the blocked state of the power transmission switching mechanism when the discharging roller is in the released state, wherein the locked state of the blocked-state locking mechanism is released and the power transmission switching mechanism is switched from the blocked state to the transmitted state upon detection of the position of the trailing end of the material to be transported entering the reversing path by the detection lever.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first transportation unit for transporting a medium; a second transportation unit including a first transportation member and a second transportation member disposed on both sides of a transportation path of the medium on a downstream side of the first transportation unit in a transportation direction of the medium for transporting the sheet supplied from the first transportation unit; and a medium guiding portion disposed between the first transportation unit and the second transportation unit for guiding the medium supplied from the first transportation unit toward the second transportation unit. The medium guiding portion includes a guide surface formed to face the transportation path for guiding the medium toward the first transportation member of the second transportation unit.

Abstract: A support apparatus to support a roll-shaped recording medium with a simple configuration and to enhance a conveyance performance. A recording medium support apparatus for supporting a recording medium rolled around a core tube includes a first fitting portion to be fitted to a first end portion of the core tube, a second fitting portion to be fitted to a second end portion of the core tube, a first rotation shaft to be supported by the first fitting portion via bearings such that the first rotation shaft can be rotated with respect to the first fitting portion, a second rotation shaft to be supported by the second fitting portion via bearings such that the second rotation shaft can be rotated with respect to the second fitting portion, and a supporting unit to support the first and second rotation shafts.

Abstract: A web handling module has been developed for horizontally transporting a web under a printer having at least one print head. The web handling module includes a plenum, an air vent coupled to the plenum, the air vent being coupled to an air handler and configured to generate a negative air pressure inside the plenum, a support plate sealingly coupled to the plenum, the support plate having a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to pass through the plurality of apertures, and a porous belt wound about the support plate to form a continuous loop, the porous belt enabling the negative air pressure to couple the porous belt to a web moving over the support plate to rotate the porous belt about the support plate without relative motion occurring between the web and the porous belt.

Abstract: A business form is provided for printing within a high-heat printer and transferring an impressed image between portions of the form. The form includes a first portion with a carbonless transfer coating applied to the rear face thereof, and a second portion with a carbonless transfer coating applied to the front face thereof. The portions are positioned in an edge-to-edge relationship adjacent one another, defining a seam therebetween, and are retained in such position with heat-resistant tape. The tape includes a perforation line that extends along the seam to facilitate folding therealong and easy separation of the portions from one another. The portions include indicia areas with preprinted indicia thereon positioned such that when the first portion is folded behind the second portion, the indicia areas and preprinted indicia precisely align and an impressed image created on the second portion is automatically transferred to the first portion. A method of forming the business form is also provided.

Abstract: In a device or method for drawing a web made of a printable substrate material in a printer or copier, the web is directed in a transport gap between a drive roller and a contact pressure roller. The drive roller is driven by a motor via an electrically controllable coupling. The coupling is controlled so that the web is charged with a predetermined draw force by the drive roller. A rotation of the drive roller is detected wherein, given a set operating state with a standstill of the web, the controllable coupling is controlled depending on the detected rotation so that a draw force of the drive roller is reduced until the drive roller comes to a standstill.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including: a drive roller; an image forming unit; a fixing unit; a sub drive roller provided at the downstream side of the fixing unit, nipping and conveying a continuous-form-paper, on which the toner image is fixed, to the downstream side, a rotational speed of the sub drive roller being changable; a buffer unit provided between the fixing unit and the sub drive roller, being able to increase or decrease a buffer amount of the continuous-form-paper according to expansion or contraction of the continuous-form-paper in the fixing unit; a detection section that detects the buffer amount of the buffer unit; and a control section that controls the rotational speed of the sub drive roller based on the detection result of the detection section such that the buffer amount of the buffer unit is kept substantially constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag comprises: a container holder configured to detachably attach a container for including at least a RFID tag which contains a tag medium on which a RFID circuit element is arranged; and an apparatus magnetic-path forming portion configured to form a magnetic path for a communication magnetic flux in a feeding path of said tag medium in said container for including at least a RFID tag when said container for including at least a RFID tag is attached to said container holder.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer having a print head and a high frequency magnetic coupler to magnetically couple with high frequency RFID transponders in a web at or near the print head. The coupler couples magnetically to only one transponder at a time that is generally aligned with one or more inductors, and magnetic radiation from the inductor(s) may be at least partly shielded from upstream transponders, and a grounded conductor in the upstream side of the coupler diminishes radiation to upstream transponders. One embodiment includes spaced inductors disposed along a generally transverse line across the web, and in another embodiment an elongate inductor extends along a line generally transverse of the web.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes applying at least one invisible mark to media, sensing the at least one invisible mark with separate sensors, and determining a speed of the media from signals of the separate sensors.

Abstract: A printer assembly for dispensing a printer media and printing on the printer media as it is dispensed. The printer assembly includes a housing with a container portion and a lid portion, and a latching mechanism configured to coordinate latching, unlatching and biasing of the lid with locking and unlocking of the printer media supply from a media supply assembly. The latching mechanism may be configured to urge the lid portion away from the container portion when the lid portion is unlatched. The latching mechanism can include a locking surface that is configured to engage a locking surface on relatively movable media support members, restraining relative movement of the media support members and locking down the media supply therein when the latching the lid portion closed. The locking surface is positioned external to opposing, relatively movable surfaces of the media support members enabling a compact assembly for hand held printers.

Abstract: A printer has transportation paths for conveying media in two directions, including a first transportation path P1 and a second transportation path P2 (or third transportation path P3) perpendicular to the first transportation path P1. The printer is constructed and configured to provide a single compact unit that can be used for media processing by reading and printing the media, as well as for printing receipts and validation printing.

Abstract: A label printer for performing printing on a label temporarily adhered to a pasteboard of a sheet roll includes a main body on which a platen roller and a peeling bar are mounted, an installing part configured to have the sheet roll installed therein, an installing cover configured to close when the sheet roll is installed in the installing part, and a printing head and a peeling roller mounted to the installing cover. The peeling roller is configured to move along a groove formed in the installing cover and contact the platen roller when the installing cover is closed. The peeling bar is configured to peel the label from the pasteboard by bending the pasteboard after the pasteboard is wrapped around the peeling bar and is conveyed between the peeling roller and the platen roller.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a printing apparatus comprising a feeding device that applies a driving force to feed a print-receiving medium; a print forming device that performs a print forming process on the print-receiving medium; a harmonization controlling portion that harmonizes and controlling a driving speed of the feeding device and the print forming process operation of the print forming device, based on an input of print information by using a predetermined harmonization correlation; and a harmonization changing portion that changes the harmonization correlation according to properties of the print-receiving medium or a bonding medium to be bonded thereto.

Abstract: A method for transporting a print medium along a path includes controlling relative rates at which a first drive and a second drive urge the print medium downstream along the path to create a buckle in the print medium. The buckle is formed at a first zone along the path between the first and second drives. With the buckle formed in the print medium, a first operation is performed on the print medium at a second zone along the path upstream from the first zone. At the same time a second operation is performed on the print medium at a third zone downstream along the path from the first zone.

Abstract: A ribbon supply shaft drive motor (8) and a ribbon take-up shaft drive motor (10) are drivingly controlled separately. If the state of a ribbon is not changed after a control cycle is repeated for a set time, the rotational speed of the drive motors (8, 10) is increased step by step.

Abstract: A sheet reversing mechanism for an image forming apparatus including a switchback reverse path for reversing print sheets, including a transfer roller, a drive motor, and a driving force transmission mechanism. The transfer roller transfers a print sheet along the switchback reverse path. The drive motor rotates in a forward direction and in a reverse direction. The driving force transmission mechanism transmits driving force generated by rotation of the drive motor to the transfer roller. The driving force transmission mechanism includes a clutch configured to connect or disconnect transmission of the driving force to the transfer roller.

Abstract: Basic image data serving as a source of print image data is stored. The loading of a special tape is detected when the print image based on the print image data is printed on the special tape having a particular non-printing area. The print image data is generated and then printed with non-printing area image data out of the basic image data masked.

Abstract: When a label tape 36 after the printing on a label 39 has been fed to a tape cutting position, heating elements R1-Rn of a thermal head 9 is situated to face a position slightly on the upstream side of a label front end position (at the downstream end in the feeding direction) of the next label 39 which will be printed on next and to face a position on the downstream side of a print start position of the next label 39 (a<b in FIG. 7), and a mark sensor 12 is situated on the upstream side of the heating elements R1-Rn and to face a position slightly on the downstream side of a position indication mark 39B (c<e in FIG. 7).

Abstract: A printer has an ASF connection/disconnection sensor 18a as a sheet feeding device detector which detects if an ASF 60 is installed to the main printer unit 1, a roll paper holder connection sensor 38 as a roll paper holder detector which detects if a roll paper holder 40 is installed to the main printer unit 1, and a control circuit board 35 which controls operation of the main printer unit 1 according to the detection status of the ASF connection/disconnection sensor 18a and roll paper holder connection sensor 38.

Abstract: A wide format printer having an alternative print zone arrangement is provided. The printer comprises a printhead having a corresponding print zone, the print zone being defined by a plane adjacent the printhead, and a feed mechanism for continuously feeding a web of print media through the print zone. The printer is characterized in that the web is unsupported in the print zone, which obviates the need for a platen and advantageously maintains a constant distance between the printhead and the web.

Abstract: When a label tape 36 after the printing on a label 39 has been fed to a tape cutting position, heating elements R1-Rn of a thermal head 9 is situated to face a position slightly on the upstream side of a label front end position (at the downstream end in the feeding direction) of the next label 39 which will be printed on next and to face a position on the downstream side of a print start position of the next label 39 (a<b in FIG. 7), and a mark sensor 12 is situated on the upstream side of the heating elements R1-Rn and to face a position slightly on the downstream side of a position indication mark 39B (c<e in FIG. 7).

Abstract: A recording medium conveying device includes a first conveying unit that feeds a recording medium from a recording medium storage section to a registration roller, the recording medium storage section being located in a main body of an image forming apparatus; and a second conveying unit that feeds a recording medium from a bypass tray to the registration roller. A conveying roller of the first conveying unit and a conveying roller of the second conveying unit are driven by a driving unit.

Abstract: An inkjet printer containing a print zone and an inkjet printhead for printing on a substrate in the print zone, a supply unit for storing and delivering the substrate for printing, and a transport unit for transporting the substrate from the supply unit to the print zone, in which printer the supply unit contains a number of substrate holders, each holding a roll on which a substrate web is wound, each substrate holder being operatively connected to a sensor for detecting the end of the web in the substrate holder corresponding to that sensor, wherein the transport unit includes a first transport means for engaging and transporting the substrate emerging from the supply unit, a downstream, second transport means for further transporting the substrate and positioning the same in the print zone, and a guide element rotatably disposed between the first transport means and the second transport means.

Abstract: A method for printing onto a web of media is disclosed. The method starts by receiving a configuration. The configuration includes a selection of a length. A blank core is then received into a media loading area, and the web is received in a media path of a printer. The media path extends from the media loading area to a winding area. A printhead is located in the media path for printing onto the web. The web is wound onto the core after the web has been printed on, the length of web wound on the core being according to the length of the configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to moving a printed upon web along bowed segments of a web path through at least three consecutive turns in a same direction are disclosed.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes: a transfer roller that transfers an image formed on a photoconductor drum onto continuous paper pressed against the photoconductor drum; and guide rollers that regulate the position of the continuous paper with respect to the photoconductor drum.

Abstract: A paper cutting device for cutting sheet material from the lengthwise edges of the material toward the middle comprising a stationary blade and first and second movable blades with the sheet material placed between the stationary blade and the first and second movable blades. The paper cutting device enables the spacing between the stationary blade and the first and second movable blades to be opened by moving the stationary blade frame and the movable blade frame relative to each other. The first movable blade and second movable blade are supported on a first stud and second stud, respectively, near the distal ends of the edge of the blade part of the stationary blade so that the paths of the blade tips overlap when cutting the sheet material. The movable blade drive mechanism drives the first movable blade and second movable blade with the first movable blade leading and the second movable blade following.

Abstract: A printing system is provided having a printhead, a media drive mechanism for driving media to the printhead for printing, and a media cartridge for supplying the media. The cartridge has a rotatable core for a roll of media and a media delivery arrangement having an opening in the cartridge. The media delivery arrangement is arranged to enable a roller of the print media drive mechanism to contact a wound portion of the roll of media so as to feed an unwound portion of the media from the roll to the printhead on demand operation of the roller on the wound portion.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal that is capable of printing on a roll of paper is provided with a compartment defining an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, a left side and a right side between the upper and lower surfaces, and a rear surface between the upper and lower surfaces. The terminal also includes a display and a keypad disposed on the upper surface, and a printer with a paper roller and a printing mechanism for receiving and printing on the roll of paper. The printer is disposed within the compartment, and a door is provided in the lower surface of the compartment for insertion of the roll of paper. The compartment is provided with an exit for the paper adjacent the rear surface.

Abstract: A roll medium supporting apparatus includes: a base body portion to be inserted into a hollow shaft portion of a rolled medium; a plurality of contact supporting portions provided circumferentially of the base body portion so as to be capable of being displaced radially of the hollow shaft portion, having a plurality of predetermined positions within the displaceable range, and coming into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hollow shaft portion and supporting the same; and a stabilizing mechanism configured to stabilize the contact supporting portions at the plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses an apparatus for producing RFID label includes: a cartridge holder detachable with respect to a cartridge having a base tape provided with a RFID circuit element provided with an IC circuit part and a tag antenna, a loop antenna configured to transmit/receive information with the RFID circuit element via radio communication, and a cartridge connector configured to supply power to the loop antenna; a tape feeding roller configured to feed the base tape; and an apparatus connector configured to supply power to the cartridge connector.

Abstract: Provided herein is a printer, including a printing head that executes printing in units of columns of dots; a feed roller that feeds a print medium in synchrony with driving of the printing head; a motor that constitutes a drive source for the feed roller; a memory section that memorizes a predicted idling amount, which is the amount of idling predicted to occur when motor drive starts; and a drive control section that controls driving of the printing head and the motor, wherein when printing operation is halted and restarted, the drive control section drives the motor by a first idling amount that is smaller than the predicted idling amount, implements printing based on data for a first dot column to be printed at printing restart, further drives the motor by a subtraction amount that equals the predicted idling amount minus the first idling amount, and then starts printing from first dot column data.

Abstract: The invention relates to the distribution of printer paper via a housing flap of a printer, the housing flap being rotatably mounted about an axle by use of a hinge, and at least one central part of the hinge may be a printing paper opening having at least a width B.

Abstract: Basic image data serving as a source of print image data is stored. The loading of a special tape is detected when the print image based on the print image data is printed on the special tape having a particular non-printing area. The print image data is generated and then printed with non-printing area image data out of the basic image data masked.

Abstract: A recording device that records images on both sides of a recording medium using two recording heads suppresses slack in the recording medium and conveys the recording medium reliably. A first recording unit 21 holds and conveys the roll paper 20 between a first recording head 22 that records images to one side of the roll paper 20 and a first platen roller 27. A second recording unit 41 located downstream from the first recording unit 21 holds and conveys the roll paper 20 between a second recording head 42 that records images to the other side of the roll paper 20 and a second platen roller 47. The first platen roller drive unit turns so that the circumferential speed of the second platen roller 47 is faster than the circumferential speed of the first platen roller 27.

Abstract: A printer selectively prints on heat-sensitive adhesive sheets and ordinary sheets that have no heat-sensitive adhesive. The printer has a printing unit that prints on one surface of a sheet and a printing platen roller that transports the sheet in a forward direction. A cutter unit cuts the printed sheet to a predetermined length, and a thermal activation unit disposed downstream of the cutter unit has a thermal head for heating the other surface of the sheet and a thermal activation platen roller that transports the sheet in the forward direction. A detector detects whether the sheet is a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet or an ordinary sheet, and a control device controls operation of the thermal activation unit so that both the thermal head and the thermal activation platen roller are operated in response to detection of a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet and so that the thermal activation platen roller but not the thermal head is operated in response to detection of an ordinary sheet.

Abstract: Provided herein is a feed drive device for a printer including: a feed roller that feeds a print medium in synchronization with drive of a print head; a motor constituting a driving source of the feed roller; a roller reduction gear train that transmits power from the motor to the feed roller; and a reverse rotation preventing mechanism that is incorporated in an input side of the roller reduction gear train and prevents reverse rotation of the feed roller; the reverse rotation preventing mechanism being operated by reverse rotational power of the feed roller reversely input to the roller reduction gear train to prevent reverse rotation of a first gear disposed in an input side of the roller reduction gear train.

Abstract: A method of supplying a media web to a wallpaper printer. the method includes opening a reusable case, placing into the case a core onto which has been located a supply roll of a blank media web and supporting the core for rotation within the case. then, leading a free edge of the roll between a pair of rollers and past an edge of the open case and closing the case. next the case is loaded into a self threading printer with the rollers located within the case and on either side of the media web. the printer includes a full width digital color printhead and the printhead prints a wallpaper pattern on at least part of the media web to produce wallpaper.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer having a print head and a high frequency magnetic coupler to magnetically couple with high frequency RFID transponders in a web at or near the print head. The coupler couples magnetically to only one transponder at a time that is generally aligned with one or more inductors, and magnetic radiation from the inductor(s) may be at least partly shielded from upstream transponders, and a ground conductor in the upstream side of the coupler diminishes radiation to upstream transponders.