Abstract: A printing apparatus and a paper controlling method for a printer in which, upon activating a power source or upon changing over to the on-line mode or upon switching to a high paper feed speed, a paper feed motor is rotated first reversely to draw back paper by an amount a little greater than an amount of a possible slack and then forwardly to advance the paper. Accordingly, paper slack can be cancelled adjacent a print head in preparation for subsequent printing. Accordingly, high quality printing can be attained.

Abstract: A paper feed apparatus includes a plurality of guide ribs formed on a printer top cover disposed above a platen, the guide ribs being aligned along the axial direction of the platen, and a discharge roller is arranged between each pair of the guide ribs. Each discharge roller has its outer peripheral surface slightly extending toward corresponding guide ribs with respect to guide surfaces of these ribs and cooperating with the ribs to hold the printing paper. When the discharge rollers are driven in synchronism with rotation of the platen, the printing sheets are fed at a speed slightly higher than the paper feed speed of the platen. Therefore, the plurality of printing sheets can be simultaneously fed without causing a deviation therebetween.

Abstract: A web feed tractor which comprises a frame, a drive gear rotatably mounted in the frame, a cylindrical shaft fastening member mounted on the frame with a portion thereof protruding from the frame, an endless toothed timing belt trained about the frame and drive gear, a cover plate assembly peripherally surrounding the endless belt in peripherally spaced relationship to the belt to define a track of a web to be fed, a web support or guide member positioned adjacent to the endless belt in side by side relationship, a lock ring rotatably mounted on the protruding portion of the shaft fastening member and a switch mechanism positioned in the track of the web so as to be operated by the web as the web passes through the track.

Abstract: A multifunctional cassette (1) for a printer (131), in which the cassette (1) that can be arranged in the printer (131) is provided with first, second and third chambers (31, 35, 37). The second chamber (35) and the first chamber (31) can accommodate a supply reel (59) and a takeup reel (57), respectively, for transport of a color transfer strip (55) past the printing head (143), while the third chamber (37) can comprise a supply of a data strip (41) to be transported along the printing head (143). Pins (103, 105) brake the web when the cassette is not in the printer. Whether using or not using the first and second chambers (31, 35), the multifunctional use of the cassette (1) becomes possible for different types of printers, such as black-and-white printers and color printers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for moving perforated continuous paper (10) through a dual axis printer (12), with both axes (14, 30) driven, while regulating the feed with the perforations and maintaining a controlled tension (38a) in the paper between the two driven axes. The novel approach in this invention is the addition of a set of spring-loaded friction surfaces (56a-62a), incorporated into a gear transmission (50), which limit the amount of torque which can be transmitted to the unregulated drive axis, with the direct effect of controlling the tension in the paper between the two axes.In order to create this tension, the unregulated axis is driven at a slightly greater speed than the regulated axis (with speed measured in terms of inches of paper per revolution of the driven gear (20)).

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-transfer type thermal recording device capable of recording/printing color pictures by heating an ink tape using a thermal line head and transferring ink from the ink film tape to a continuous sheet of recording paper where the ink film tape and recording paper are conveyed simultaneously, consisting of a vertical cassette unit with an ink-tape supply reel and a take-up reel which allows both to freely rotate by suspending them between two side panels of the cassette unit, with such a configuration in which the ink tape from the supply reel is continuously retrieved by the take-up reel through an inferior aperture in the cassette unit after the ink tape is drawn through a superior aperture in the cassette unit. The cassette unit is installed in a designated position inside the thermal recording device to enable easy loading and unloading and to simplify positioning of the ink film tape between the thermal line head of the recording device and the recording paper platen reel.

Abstract: A printer (1) having a guide (13,15,16) for an insertable cassette (17), which is provided with a data strip (175) displaceable along a printing head (19). In certain arrangements the cassette may also include a transfer strip (177), which could include colored portions. The cassette (17) has an entrance window (167) for a transport roller (65) pivotable in the printer (1) by translation of the cassette (17). During printing, the data strip (175) and the transfer strip (177), if any, are clamped between the printing head (19) on a first cassette side and the transport roller (65) pivoted from a second cassette side located opposite the first cassette side into the entrance window (167). Separate gear wheel trains both driven by the same motor transport the two strips when both are provided.

Abstract: A paper clamp is provided for a computer printer in which the paper is continuously clamped while the paper is advanced and printed. In one embodiment, a clamp magnet is positioned on one side of the paper path opposite a clamp plate on the other side of the paper path. The paper is clamped by the magnetic attraction between the clamp magnet and clamp plate.

Abstract: The improved image building apparatus is constructed such that recording medium, that is, recording paper, is normally introduced into the image building section with a thermal head or the like component incorporated therein while it is stretched under the effect of a certain intensity of braking force which is exerted on the recording paper from the rear side as seen in the direction of transportation thereof. This causes an occurrence of such a malfunction as skewing, loosening or the like of the recording paper to be inhibited at least in the image building section. Thus, image building can be achieved without incorrect registering, deformation or the like recognized with the printing paper on which image transference has been carried out.

Abstract: With respect to a printer which carries out printing on a paper by impact of a wire of a printing head repeating movement, a sound proof device of a printer prevents the paper from transmitting fluttering under amplification to the paper sent to an entrance of the printer, and does not cause inconvenience to sending of the paper.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paper transport device for printers. The device transports either single sheets or continuous paper through a printer in such a manner that switching between single sheet feed or continuous paper feed does not degrade print quality. When feeding single sheets, the platen determines the paper feed rate and is driven at a first circumferential speed. When feeding continuous paper, the platen is driven at a second and faster circumferential speed, which is slightly greater than the rate at which the paper tractor feeds the paper to the platen.

Abstract: An apparatus having a friction-feed and surface-driven roller mechanism for producing laminated labels from a strip of base-tape material and a strip of transparent overlay-tape material. The apparatus is readily mountable to and adapted for use with many different types of typewriters and printers without permanent modification thereto. One embodiment is adapted for use with a typewriter or printer having a rolling platen. Another embodiment is adapted for use with a printer having a fixed platen and sheet-feeding tractor mechanism. Yet another embodiment is adapted for use with a typewriter having a movable, rolling platen. In all embodiments, there is provided a roller mechanism having a frictionally surface-driven feed roller engaging either the typewriter platen or a separate drive roll for pulling the overlay-tape and base-tape material into and through the roller mechanism and pressing the adhesive surface of the overlay-tape material into contact with the base-tape material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paper transportation device for printers, which use reel paper, having a motor-driven platen and one paper pressure roller which contacts the platen approximately at the center thereof so that it can be swung away in an elastic manner. The paper pressure roller is motor-driven such that the peripheral speed of the paper pressure roller leads the peripheral speed of the platen and by virtue of the arrangement of the paper pressure roller, the maximum possible angle of loop (.beta.) of the paper and the platen is achieved. This angle is delimited by the paper pressure roller and by a paper guidance channel which is aligned to lead tangentially away from the platen. The paper guidance channel is preceded by a device which produces a bias between the paper and the platen.

Abstract: A mechanical torque transmitting apparatus such as a one-way clutch which includes two distinct sets of flexural arms (primary and auxiliary) and a cylindrical engagement surface. The primary flexural arm is adapted to be in edgewise continuous engagement with the cylindrical surface. Preferably, the primary flexural arm has a long, straight, narrow cross-section area and applies a relatively low force against the cylindrical surface when said surface is rotating in a free-wheeling direction. In the non free-wheeling direction, the force against the cylindrical surface increases until the rotational forces overcome and buckle the primary flexural arm whereupon the auxiliary flexural arm is brought into contact with the cylindrical surface to resist further rotation.

Abstract: A thermal transfer color printer is disclosed for printing color images on individual sheets of paper. One sheet of paper at a time is removed from a stack of paper stored in a cassette and this sheet is transported by a reversible platen roller in a first or forward direction at a first predetermined rate. While the sheet of paper is gripped between the reversible platen roller and one or more pinch rollers, slack is removed by a slack removing device. A multicolored ink ribbon with successively arranged color segments also is transported in the first direction at the same predetermined rate. A thermal printhead presses against the reversible platen roller to press the ink ribbon and sheet of paper together as they move in the first direction. Energization of the thermal elements on the thermal printhead by color component signals corresponding to the current color of the ink ribbon causes the particular current color to be thermally and selectively transferred to the sheet of paper.

Abstract: A dot matrix line printer incorporates plural print element driver assemblies each including N electromagnets driving N print rods, with each electromagnet having a local magnetic circuit that includes a working air gap and a passive air gap; a permanent magnet is connected to all of the local magnetic circuits. A magnetic circuit connects all of the local passive air gaps in parallel to afford a passive air gap common to all local circuits, the reluctance of the common passive air gap being of the order of 1/N times the maximum effective reluctance of the working air gap of each electromagnet. Each armature is supported by a cantilever bias spring, biasing the armature and associated print rod away from the electromagnet poles toward a print position; a stop member progressively reduces the effective length of the cantilever spring as the armature moves toward the electromagnet poles.

Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus used in shuttle printers including drive means for moving a print sheet and a paper holding spring for holding the print sheet on a platen to apply a back-tension to the print sheet when it is being moved. The feeding apparatus further includes friction means disposed opposed to the print sheet at a position forward of the platen in the direction of feeding, pressure spring means located opposed to the friction means, and a lever for biasing the pressure spring means against the friction means. The platen is movable between a first position where it is engaged by the paper holding spring and a second position where the plate is disengaged by the paper holding spring. The biasing lever has its tip placed in non-contact with the platen when the platen is engaged by the paper holding spring, whereby the lever can be engaged by the platen to separate the pressure spring means from the print sheet when the platen is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A housing for an impact printer has a case body and a cover thereof. They define therebetween an opening for the passage of the paper to be printed and the printed paper. A paper shelf lies over the top surface of the case body, and supported at one end rotatably away from the case body. The end of the paper shelf is located in the vicinity of the opening, and spaced apart from the case body and the cover only to the extent required for the passage of the paper to be printed and the printed paper. The top surface of the case body has at least one projection extending transversely of the paper to be printed. The paper shelf has a lower surface facing the top surface of the case body and formed with at least one projection extending transversely of the paper to be printed. This projection is spaced apart from the projection on the case body longitudinally of the paper to be printed.

Abstract: Braking-brush assembly in folding apparatus of a rotary printing machine having braking brushes for stretching web sections which are being conveyed in a given direction on a folding cylinder of the folding apparatus, the braking brushes individually being disposed so as to match the curvature of the cylinder and being distributed over the length of the cylinder, including a spindle and a cross bar both spaced from one another and extending transversely to the given direction in which the web sections are being conveyed, the braking brushes being articulatingly fastened at lower ends thereof to the spindle and at upper ends thereof to the cross bar, and respective levers supporting the cross bar at each end thereof, the cross bar being independently adjustable by the respective levers for pressing the braking brushes to a greater and lesser extent selectively against the web sections being conveyed on the cylinder.

Abstract: A clamping device for a printer has a plurality of sideways-slippage preventing rollers housed in a roller housing which is fixed to a rear face of a wall of a ribbon shield. These preventing rollers prevent the printing paper from slipping sideways during a printing operation. A plurality of pressing plates are fixed on a hammer cover and biased towards the preventing roller by springs. A printing paper travels between the preventing rollers and the pressing plates, and the preventing rollers are oriented to rotate in the direction in which the printing paper travels. Since the preventing rollers prevent the printing paper from slipping sideways during printing, the printing lines are aligned properly. The preventing rollers also exert a minimum forward clamping force on the printing paper, which thus prevents the paper from tearing.

Abstract: A detachable paper transport device for a printer having a printing roller, using two transport chains. The device has two side walls on each of which a control lever is pivoted for selecting the spacing between the transport chain and the roller, to compensate for differences in the thickness or number of layers of the paper. The device side walls each have a slotted hole for engaging one member on the printer, and each control lever has a bearing lug for engaging another member on the printer to slide the device along the slotted holes.

Abstract: A feed in device for continuous forms (e.g. in rolls or stacks) for supplying the printer of a data processing system. The rolls or stacks are arranged one underneath the other or one next to the other. The individual continuous form pages can be pulled off upwards flat next to one another. A guiding device is arranged above the rolls or stacks, where said guiding device is provided with slots for the passage of respectively one continuous form. A holding device is here provided for each slot, which prevents the respective continuous form from sliding downwards.

Abstract: Apparatus used in conjunction with printer document feed mechanisms for allowing the dynamic adjustment of the feed mechanisms while paper feed is occurring, thus adjusting paper tension. The apparatus has a linear adjustment capability over its total range. In particular, adjusting levers are attached to the feed mechanism support shaft, pinions being attached to each end of the shaft. The pinion teeth mesh with the teeth of racks attached to each side plate of the feed mechanism. As the adjusting levers are moved, the support shaft and pinions rotate. The rotation of the pinion meshing with the rack causes the support shaft (and feed mechanism) to move, changing the distance between the feed mechanism and the printer platen. This distance, and paper tension, vary linearly with the angular position of the levers. The paper tension can be adjusted while the feed mechanism is operative.

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 printing cartridge for supplying image carrying tape and printing ribbon in a printing apparatus including a cartridge housing comprising a tape and ribbon supply section and an elongated guide section rigidly and integrally joined with the supply section, a spool of image carrying tape rotatably supported within the tape and ribbon supply section and a supply of printing ribbon disposed within the tape and ribbon supply section. The printing cartridge also includes a wall section for retaining the spool of image carrying tape in a generally circular configuration, a device for limiting the movement of the image carrying tape from the tape and ribbon supply section in a forward direction only, an improved guide structure for guiding the tape and ribbon through the elongated guide section and an improved structure for aligning the cartridge with respect to a cartridge carrier.

Abstract: A printing paper feeding mechanism for a printer having a pin tractor for feeding a web with holes perforated at periodic locations along both edges and a pair of rollers for drawing out the web fed by the pin tractor through a printing position while pinching the web under pressure. The pin tractor and one of the rollers are driven by a motor through a transmitting device such that the rollers are imparted a slightly faster feeding action than the pin tractor for preventing the web from being slackened. The rollers are adapted to be used independently of the pin tractor for feeding a cut sheet paper at the same speed as the web fed by the pin tractor by driving the motor at a reduced amount of rotation for a unit line spacing amount than usual.

Abstract: An electronic line printer characterized by reduced electromagnetic interference, comprising a printer chassis including record medium storage means; a platen mounted on said chassis and adapted to be in contact with the record medium; electronic printing means for contacting said record medium for printing visible symbols on said record medium; and record medium tensioning means for increasing the tension of said record medium in the vicinity of said platen.

Abstract: A label machine for forming individual labels from an endless tape strip. The machine includes a novel label removal device which uses compressed air to insure removal of each label to a collection station after it is cut from the endless strip, thereby preventing hang-up of labels at the machine's cutter assembly. The machine also includes a novel tape feed mechanism that provides accurate label length control, thereby preventing waste of tape. These mechanisms are preferably used in combination with a printer head, the novel tape feed and label removal mechanisms cooperating to prevent printing errors between leading and trailing labels cut from the endless tape strip.

Abstract: A matrix printer which is specifically adaptable for printing and the like is characterized by having a stationary print head containing a plurality of print wires which are arranged in a single row extending transversely of the direction of travel of a relatively heavy paper stock. The paper is advanced at a substantially constant rate of speed along the guide path and signals are generated in response to that advancement to activate selected ones of the print wires in the row so as to form dot-like impressions in the paper, line-by-line, as it is advanced past the print head. The density or spacing of the wires coupled with the printing speed is such that designs, alphanumeric characters, together with coded information, may be impressed upon the paper as it is continuously advanced past the print head, the code providing a means of verification of the information printed as well as to signal the end of the printing operation for each ticket.

Abstract: A platen gap adjuster for a printer utilizes a shaft along which the print head carriage slides during printing of each line. The shaft is eccentrically mounted by means of unitary, offset spindles the common axis of which is parallel to but spaced from the shaft axis. By rotating the shaft about the common spindle axis, the carriage and print head will be moved transversely of the shaft, thereby adjusting the gap between the print head and platen without impairing the longitudinal sliding motion of the carriage.

Abstract: The paper feeding mechanism in a printer has a paper feeding roller and a pressure roller cooperating with the paper feeding roller so as to feed a paper sandwiched therebetween for the printing operation of the paper, and the pressure roller is mounted on a resiliently energized swingable lever so that the pressure roller is releasably urged against the paper feeding roller for feeding the paper. The paper feeding mechanism further comprises a paper arresting member adapted to disengageably contact with and arrest the paper when actuated, an actuating lever coupled with swingable lever as well as the paper arresting member and a driving solenoid provided with a plunger actuated thereby and coupled with the actuating lever.

Abstract: Apparatus for the timed transporting of forms over the writing beam of a printing device, comprising a transporting device mounted downstream of the writing beam for causing the forms to make a timed movement of advance. At least one brake flap is biased so that a free end of the brake flap engages, in use, a form passing over the writing beam, immediately upstream of the writing or printing area. A lifting device is associated with each brake flap for lifting the brake flap away from the form during transport of the form to thereby frictionally release the form.

Abstract: A data-processing machine having a single operator station is provided with a printer comprising a supply holder on the front of the machine next to the operator station for holding a form band, a support on the machine next to the station with an upwardly concave surface, and a receptacle on the back of the machine below the support for catching the printed form band. A guide and a transport device is provided for guiding the band up from the supply holder in the front of the machine, over the surface of the printing station and down to the receptacle. A printing head which is vertically displaceable above the upwardly concave surface is displaceable horizontally along the surface to print the band. A guide slot extending down toward the supply is pivotal between a down position for normal operation of the machine and a raised position for threading a new form band in and a detent is provided for holding it in the up position during reloading.

Abstract: A label printer is described herein for printing on a tape information indicative of the cost of an item. The tape has a top print-receptive layer and a supporting layer and is disposed to be advanced between a printing head and a platen. The printing head is disposed near the tape egress end of the platen, which platen is pivotable at its tape ingress end about an axis perpendicular to the path of tape feed. Platen adjusting means are included at the tape egress end for adjusting the print head working distance. A delaminating bar and a tape advancement wheel are disposed in spaced apart sequence in the path of tape feed and downstream of the tape egress end of said platen so that, as the tape is advanced through the printer, the tape is pulled over the delaminating edge and separates the print-receptive layer from the supporting layer of tape.

Abstract: A plurality of clamping members are disposed along a recording line against the record media, and a cable, secured at the ends thereof, is trained in a path engaged with the clamping members and with movable bearing members spaced between the clamping members. Actuation of a solenoid causes a rocker arm to pivot and through a cable tension control member carried thereby cause tightening of the cables on the clamping members and on the bearing elements thereby changing the force on the clamping members and against the record media for holding the media in precise position while recording thereon.