Abstract: A motorless label printer employs a matrix ink jet print head under which a continuous web of labels is moved during printing. An encoder in the path of the web is rotated to generate pulses signifying the position of the labels with respect to a reference that is signalled by detection of an aperture on the web by an electric eye. The printer includes a support for a spool of the web and a delaminator for separating the printed labels from the web substrate.

Abstract: In this printer, switching between a single-sheet form feed path and a continuous form feed path occurs by rotating a paper guide when feeding the forms. When the printed single-sheet form is to be discharged onto a table, the tail end of the form is detected by a first single-sheet form sensor. Form feed is stopped for a moment, and the paper guide is rotated toward the continuous form feed path. Reverse feed of the form is resumed and continued until the tail end of the form reaches approximate center of the paper guide. The paper guide is then rotated toward the single-sheet form feed path. The tail end of the form is bent toward the table, and the form is discharged onto the table. As a result, single-sheet forms fed from a manual insertion port or from an automatic paper sheet feeder can be conveyed after finishing printing to the position where the forms are inserted in a stabilized manner without causing the forms to jam on the discharge path.

Abstract: The thermal transfer printer is an on-line printer to print on a web in packaging apparatus adapted to print either when the web is in motion or during a stop cycle. The printer is configured to interface with a computer having a RS 232C serial port to permit changing messages or product identifications using stored data, fonts and graphics. Thousands of product identifications and descriptions can be stored and called up in minutes. The inker incorporates a web tensioning device which permits feeding a middle portion of the web through a printing nip at a speed different from the speed of the remainder of the web.

Abstract: An occurring positioning error is electronically corrected during the positioning of edge-perforated continuous form paper (10) in a print position (PP) relative to a print station (13) of a printing device (1). Edge perforation holes (EH1 . . . EHv) on the continuous form paper (10) are scanned for the electronic correction and the positioning error is determined for a block (B1 . . . Bm . . . Bu) of the continuous form paper (10). The positioning error is composed in this case for each block (B1 . . . Bm . . . Bu) of at least one slippage value (Sv-1, Sv) as well as of a residual error (RE1 . . . REm . . . REu). While the slippage value (SVv-1, SVv) for a block (Bm) is corrected immediately, a residual error (REm) is taken into consideration during the correction of the position error for a next following block (Bm+1). In addition to the electronic correction of the positioning error, determined for the block (B1 . . . Bm . . . Bu), the positioning process is surveyed relative to interventions (I).

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus capable of automatically changing over continuous paper and cut paper, wherein manual changeover is possible even if an actuator is locked in case of an accidental paper jam, to thus facilitate a processing. A platen gear can be associated with a tractor drive gear via a clutch gear for connecting or disconnecting both gears to or from each other upon oscillation of a clutch lever. The clutch lever is oscillated by a changeover lever which is moved by a changeover cam driven by a stepping motor. Therefor, the changeover cam is manually moved under a normal condition so that the changeover of the continuous paper and the cut paper can be manually performed without any application of a load of the stepping motor.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a platen roller on which a recording sheet is wound in such a manner that the recording sheet is laid over a part of the cylindrical wall of the platen roller. A thermal head is pushed against the platen roller to heat heating points selected for transferring ink from an ink sheet onto the recording sheet. A sheet pulling means pulls the recording sheet in a predetermined direction. A pinch roller on the sheet supplying side pushes the recording sheet against the platen roller with a predetermined force of depression so that the recording sheet is wound on the platen roller. A pinch roller rotating means is provided at at least one end of the pinch roller for rotating the pinch roller at a peripheral speed lower than that of the platen roller.

Abstract: A printer including at least two tractor unit mounting sections upstream of the print position in the sheet feed direction, and at least one tractor unit can be mounted on either of these tractor unit mounting sections. The sheet feeding direction can thus be selected freely in accordance with the web replacement frequency or the printer installation location merely by changing the mounting position of the tractor unit. If the number of tractor units is increased, a plurality of webs can be set up simultaneously and used selectively.

Abstract: A graphics printer including a secondary guiding system comprising a fan arrangement for generating an air flux and directing the flux to a part of a print medium that hangs freely from the graphics printer, so as to maintain the hanging part away from the graphics printer or any object supported by it, preferably, in the case of a pen plotter equipped with devices for creating a partial vacuum beneath the print medium in an active zone of the writing instrument, the air flux being at least partially produced by suction devices.

Abstract: In a printer of the type having a print mechanism comprising a platen rotatable about its own axis for supporting a print sheet, an ink ribbon cassette accommodating an ink ribbon therein, and a print head movable along the platen for performing a print operation on the print sheet with the use of the ink ribbon, a hopper storing a stack of cut sheets is disposed above a first area of a printer frame and a stacker above a second area thereof. A pin tractor is disposed beneath the first area thereof for mounting a continuous sheet. The cut sheet and the continuous sheet are selectively fed to the print mechanism for printing. The stacker is movably disposed between a cut sheet receiving position allowing to receive the cut sheets discharged from the platen and a rest position rejecting to receive the cut sheet. A space above the second area is enlarged when the stacker is brought to the rest position, whereby the ink ribbon cassette disposed beneath the second area can easily be exchanged.

Abstract: A printing station assembly includes a printer having drive means for feeding continuous form feed paper from a position below the printer, and through the printer. The paper is discharged through the rear of the printer where it is accumulated in a paper collection tray. The printer can be oriented in two different configurations, where the paper collection tray is either facing or opposing the user. To facilitate such alternate orientations, the printer has alternate locations for the printer control panel, one adjacent to the front side of the printer, and one adjacent to a rear side of the printer, and adjacent to the paper discharge side of the printer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer having a spindle which can hold a web roll installed either face side in or face side out. Spaced guides define the path from the roll to the printing mechanism; different guides are utilized depending on the orientation of the particular roll being used.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding both cut sheet paper and fan fold paper in a printer adapted to process both fan fold paper and cut sheet paper has a platen supported within the printer. A paper pressing member comes in contact with the platen to slidably retain the paper therebetween. A push tractor upstream of the platen feeds fan fold paper towards the platen. A control circuit controls the push tractor to feed fan fold paper in a backward direction once the printer has received an indication that cut sheet paper is to be processed. The tractor feeds the fan fold paper in a forward direction towards the platen upon completion of the feeding of cut sheet paper. The control circuit causes the push tractor to feed the paper in a reciprocating manner prior to returning the paper to an original print position at which fan fold printing may be resumed.

Abstract: A device for feeding a continuous form in a printer, the device having a timer for controlling the width of a drive pulse for a main motor feeding the form. The timer is formed of a plurality of timers controlled by software. These plurality of timers being, for example, three timers measuring a constant time, and one timer measuring a variable time which is varied in accordance with a feeding speed of the form. The width of the drive pulse is determined by summing up a time obtained by multiplying the constant time by three and adding the variable time.

Abstract: A paper guiding system for an acoustic printer enclosure which includes universally adjustable paper guides which slidably extend into the interior of the printer enclosure to direct printer paper across the gap formed between the paper transport system of a printer housed in the enclosure and the paper opening in a panel of the acoustic printer enclosure.

Abstract: In a printer for printing information onto a recording medium, rotation of a platen in a normal direction causes the recording medium to be transported in a normal-feed direction. Rotation of the platen in a reverse direction causes the recording medium to be transported in a reverse-feed direction opposite to the normal-feed direction. Discharge rollers are arranged above the platen for rotation about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platen at respective peripheral speeds higher than that of the platen. A rotation transmitting mechanism is arranged between the platen and the discharge rollers for transmitting rotation of the platen to the discharge rollers.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including a printing section defined between a platen and a printing head mounted for movement in parallel with the platen to convert information into printed form on a printing medium placed in the printing section. At least one pair of feed rollers is provided for feeding the printing medium to the printing section and at least one pair of discharge rollers is provided for discharging the printing medium from the printing section. The nip of the feed rollers are substantially flush with the printing section and the nip of the discharge rollers is substantially flush with the printing section. The printing apparatus includes two printing medium guide paths. The first guide path is curved for guiding the printing medium to the nip of the feed rollers. The second guide path extends straight toward the nip of the feed rollers. The second guide path is effective to feed a thick or inflexible printing medium to the printing section.

Abstract: Printer for data processing system, the printer being for installation on a working desk, and comprising a multifunctional stand having a generic handle-form member hinged to the printer body near the edge defined by the base and the rear wall, the stand being pivotable to take a non operative position close to the base or the rear wall and at least one an operative position in which the stand is positioned below and apart from the base and supports the rear portion of the printer in a position spaced apart from the working desk.

Abstract: A print media handling system for a compact printer having a housing, a cut-sheet supply station, a rotatable print platen constructed and located to feed top sheets from the supply station, through a print path ingress and out a print path egress. The sheet supply station of the print media handling system is mounted for movement to and from a sheet engaging relation with respect to the print platen. A continuous print-media inlet passage extends from a location, that is spaced from the sheet supply station, to the print path ingress and an actuator is provided synchronously enable the supply station and block the continuous media inlet passage, or vice versa. A first program control effects a predetermined start-print sequence for sheet print media, a second program control effects a predetermined start-print sequence for continuous print media; and the first or second program control is selected in response to the condition of the actuator.

Abstract: Fluid jet printing apparatus having a fluid jet printhead and a pair of substrate positioning rolls for moving the substrate between a position below the printhead for printing on the substrate and a position removed from the printhead enabling access to the printhead. Two or more printing stations, each having a fluid jet printhead and substrate positioning rolls, are serially aligned in the direction of movement of the substrate to print different fluids on the substrate. Idler rolls are arranged to effect printing on opposite sides of the substrate at the respective printing stations. The direction of travel of the substrate past the printhead may be in a direction to first pass the catcher and then the droplet streams thereby minimizing or eliminating the tendency of particles to enter the region of the electrodes.

Abstract: A printer having a first memory for storing character data representative of lines of characters to be printed on a recording medium, a second memory for storing line-space data representative of a line spacing between the lines of characters, and a control device for activating a print head according to the character data stored in the first memory, and controlling the print head and a paper feed device according to the line-space data stored in the second memory, to underscore at least one of the characters of the printed lines. The position of the underscore is controlled such that a distance between the underscore and the underscored characters is varied depending upon the line spacing represented by the line-space data.

Abstract: A thermal printer is provided wherein data inputted from a data reader, such as a pen scanner, is compared with previously stored data. In the event that a match occurs, the printer prints predetermined information such as a sorting code on a thermal print medium. The thermal printer has a data input, data memory, program memory and an I/O port for communication with external devices. A controller controls the various components and directs the printer to print when the match occurs. Should a match not occur, the non-matching data is stored in data memory. The print medium such as a label or the like, may then be affixed to the same article or merchandise from which the data reader initially read the data.

Abstract: A portable label printer comprising a label printer unit and an electrically and mechanically detachable data terminal unit is disclosed. When mated, the data terminal unit and the label printer unit are angularly adjustable with respect to each other. The printer unit has an interface for communication with external devices.

Abstract: A printer has a memory for storing character information on printed characters; character information on a composite character consisting of at least two characters is stored in the memory to simplify the correction operation. Print form/print pitch information which is common to a plurality of characters is stored in a common area of the memory to improve the efficiency of usage of the memory.

Abstract: A printer comprises a first paper feed passage extending from the rear of a platen to a printing position through the lower part of the platen, and a second paper feed passage extending from substantially just under the printing position to the printing position. A first pinch roller is disposed on the way to the first paper feed passage for pressing a first paper against the platen. The first paper is fed by rotating the platen. A second pinch roller is disposed on the way to the second paper feed passage for pressing the second paper against the platen. Rotation of the platen here causes the second paper to be fed. In addition, a paper insertion device according to the present invention includes a flat part for placing a paper thereon and a slit for converting the advance direction of a paper from horizontal to vertical.

Abstract: A paper feeder for a printer having a platen and a printing member disposed in confronting relation to the platen includes a pair of slide blocks which can be moved to vary the spacing therebetween dependent on the width of recording paper placed on the platen, each of the slide blocks supporting a track rotating body having a plurality of pins mounted on a peripheral surface thereof and spaced at prescribed intervals, a paper holder member confronting the track rotating body, and a drive roller. A drive shaft is disposed in each of the slide blocks for driving the track rotating body and the drive roller. A roller shaft supports thereon a pair of pinch rollers for contacting the drive rollers, respectively, and is movable away from the slide blocks, the pinch rollers being held by the paper holder members for slidable movement along the roller shaft in response to movement of the slide blocks.

Abstract: The present printer is adapted to be easily equipped with removable and interchangeable paper feed modules of several different types. Each of the paper feed modules is specifically adapted to feed a particular type of paper through the printer and each is easily replaceable by the purchaser of the printer to be used for feeding a specific type of paper therethrough. The printer is provided with a main frame including a pair of side support members and an elongate platen extends between the side support members and is fixed at opposite ends thereto. Three different types of removable and interchangeable paper feed modules are illustrated in the present application and each includes a pair of elongated end plates with a paper moving mechanism supported intermediate the elongated end plates.

Abstract: The invention provides a conversation device having a space key for instructing feeding of a printing tape without printing, a pulse oscillator for producing pulses of predetermined period upon depression of the space key, a counter for counting the pulses generated from the pulse oscillator, a one-shot multivibrator for producing a pulse to indicate that the count value has reached a predetermined value, a flip-flop which is set by the pulse from the one-shot multivibrator and allows the pulses from the pulse oscillator to be supplied to a motor driver for amplifying the pulses and which is reset when the predetermined number of pulses from the pulse oscillator is received and prohibits the supply of the pulse oscillator to the motor driver, and a pulse motor for feeding the printing tape without printing. Therefore, when the flip-flop is set, the motor driver causes the pulse motor to drive the printing tape for a predetermined length corresponding to a plurality of characters.

Abstract: The printer includes a print head moveable in a lateral direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of a sheet of recording paper. The print head is supported on a carriage which is reciprocably driven. Different paper feed pitches are selectable depending upon the lateral position of the carriage at the end of printing. A paper feed cam includes two or more feed grooves and pitch changing grooves connecting the feed grooves so that the paper feed means can operate from any selected one of the feed grooves. A cam follower connected to the carriage rides in a groove causing the paper feed cam to be driven by motion of the carriage. Different feed pitches for graphics and text are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling printing to allow to obtain a long vertical line which is continuous even if a reduction in height of font is produced due to the occurrence of font change between the two consecutive print lines is provided.

Abstract: A paper feed device for the printer of an electronic calculator or the like, has a paper detector which comprises a light-emitting diode and a phototransistor having registered optical axes. If a paper sheet is not detected when a paper feed key or the like is depressed, the paper sheet feed operation continues, even after the paper feed key is released, until the paper detector detects the paper sheet. Operability of paper feed is improved. The rest position in the printer of the leading edge of the paper sheet is determined by the position of the paper detector to thereby determine a constant printing position for the paper.

Abstract: A printer having a printing head which prints characters across lines on a recording medium. The printer includes a frame having a driving shaft rotatably supported thereon and a motor for rotating the driving shaft in first and second directions. The printer also includes a paper feeding mechanism and a platen releasing mechanism. A clutch mechanism is driven by the driving shaft and is operatively coupled to the paper feeding and platen releasing mechanisms for selective operation thereof.

Abstract: An improved print medium driving mechanism for a line or serial printer adapted for advancing either individual cut sheets or a continuous web having regularly spaced perforations preformed along its edges. The driving mechanism operates in either a friction drive mode or a spur drive mode. In friction drive mode, print medium inserted into the mechanism, is guided to a driven friction feed roller. The medium is then clamped between the feed roller and a plurality of pressure rollers. Driven by the feed roller, the medium is advanced and guided around that roller and then between immediately adjacent surfaces of a printhead and a platen. If cut sheets are being driven, they are inserted between lateral guides adjusted to the width of the sheet. Such sheets, after being advanced past the platen, contact a deflector surface of a cover which guides them into a second clamping, driven engagement in a friction feed assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for encoding magnetic data and printing on a plurality of closely spaced labels releasably mounted on a supply roll of carrier strip, includes a magnetic head for encoding the labels and a printer for printing on the labels. The carrier strip extends from the supply roll past the magnetic head and to the printer, and forms a variably sized loop between the head and the printer. The variably sized loop has a gap, across which an encoded label may be transferred so that movement of a label past the printer is independent of movement of the supply roll. The magnetic head is movable parallel to the carrier strip so that the plurality of labels may be encoded and printed without reversing the supply roll, thus increasing the speed at which labels may be encoded and printed. The speed of the movable head may be precisely controlled to ensure accurate encoded. The encoded data is verified when the magnetic head moves over the label back to its original position.

Abstract: A compact shuttling printer mechanism suitable for use with dot forming print elements is disclosed. A single part plastic molding forms the frame and shuttling suspension for the print head or heads. The design utilizes a compound cantilevered spring principle. A linear reciprocable drive element acting as close as possible through the center of percussion of the print head and suspension assembly reciprocates the print head back and forth along a desired print line adjacent to a platen. Means for incrementing paper at the end of each reciprocation or stroke are provided. The design is adapted to provide print line visibility so that printed characters may be seen as they are formed. The reciprocation drive operates without orthogonal forces. It provides a purely linear drive force so that the machine is free of unwanted vibrations in other planes or axes. The unitary molded plastic compound cantilever spring and frame assembly greatly reduces the size, cost and complexity of the printing mechanism.

Abstract: Sheet feeding accessories for a typewriter-type printer unit having a stepwise driven print roller. The single sheet feeder is pivotally mounted on the printing unit and the continuous sheet feeder is mounted piggyback style on the single sheet feeder. A drive belt commonly connects the print roller, the single sheet feeder, and the continuous sheet feeder. take-off (60,61) is provided down stream in the direction of printing media movement. Both a single sheet conveyor (15) and a continuous form conveyor (30) attached to conveyor 15 are driven by a drive belt 21 commonly interconnecting the drive roller (12), the drive take-off (60,61) with the sheet and forms conveyor to achieve synchronous operation in the same feed direction. The drive take-off (60,61) has rollers of such a circumference in engagement with the printing media so as to maintain tension on the printing media when fed therethrough.

Abstract: A printer having a movable print head for printing on a first record medium fed by one feed mechanism also contains a second feed mechanism capable of performing line-by-line feeding of a separate record medium across the print head independently of the main drive and is capable of performing single line or multi-line printing on the separate record medium.

Abstract: A support for an idler gear is pivotally mounted about the driving gear axis in a gear driven platen drive for a typewriter. A constraining member mounted with the interchangeable platen engages and constrains the support in a position to insure engagement of the idler with the platen gear and may be sized or shaped to insure proper positioning of the support and idler for a number of different platen gears of varying diameters, allowing platens and platen gears to be readily changed to vary the line feed increment as desired by the operator.

Abstract: A powered gear driven paper insert and line feed mechanism capable of rotating a platen through one half line spacing increments and which is both power operated and disconnectable for manual operation is disclosed. The platen of the typewriter or printer may be manually rotated using platen or may be electronically rotated by energizing the control magnet, thus engaging the clutch assembly to connect the drive motor to the platen. The clutching assembly is such that two separate clutches are operable to disconnect the platen and gear train from the overall clutch apparatus and also to disconnect the drive motor belt and other related hardware which is driven by the drive motor and belt.

Abstract: A platen for a typewriter, is rotated intermittently by pulsing a winding to establish flux between poles of a stator and a rotor, which rotates through a fixed angle and then back to a datum position under the action of a spring. The magnetic flux also engages an electro magnetic clutch formed by the rotor and a part rotationally fast with the platen so that the platen is rotated only during the forward rotation of the rotor. The stator, rotor and said part are all coaxial with the platen and may be housed inside the platen.

Abstract: An electronic tachometer utilizes a transducer, typically an optical encoder disc, connected to a movable mechanical element. The transducer produces a pair of triangular waves of fixed relative phase, each having slopes proportional to the velocity of the mechanical element. The triangular waves are differentiated and the resultant signals are sampled by gating pulses derived from the triangular waves themselves. The samples are combined to produce an output signal having a magnitude proportional to element speed and a polarity indicative of direction.In a combined system in which the transducer is attached to the shaft of a brushless motor, another output of the same transducer is used for commutation control of the motor stator windings. This arrangement is particularly useful in a velocity servo system, in which the tachometer output is compared with a signal indicating desired motor velocity. The comparator output is used to modify the commutation control so as to produce the desired motor velocity.

Abstract: A paper feed mechanism for multiple copy, impact-type printers used in data processing systems, wherein both the platen and the paper advancement tractors are positively driven to avoid tearing of the paper and clogging of the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A code reader, in the form of a photoelectric sensing device, is slidable across a coded disc which disc includes a first circle of apertures at one diameter designating a code channel for advancing record media, for example, at a spacing of six lines per inch and a second circle of apertures at another diameter designating a code channel for advancing the record media at a spacing of eight lines per inch. A positive locking detent is associated with the code reader for maintaining the desired position thereof for the selected code channel and line spacing.

Abstract: A driveshaft having a square cross section for driving the paper feed tractors of an impact printer fits, at each end, into the square sockets of a bushing assembly and a gear and hub assembly, respectively. The bushing assembly has an outer circular bearing surface at one end and a raised shoulder at the other end, the bearing surface rotatably mounted within a journal bearing of a first bracket assembly that is mounted on one sidewall of the frame of an impact printer. The hub of the gear and hub assembly is rotatably mounted within a journal bearing of a second bracket assembly which is mounted on the other sidewall of the frame. The first bracket assembly is mounted on the outside surface of the sidewall and the other bracket assembly is mounted on the inside surface of the other sidewall.