Abstract: A printer includes a print head configured to print on recording paper, and a printer main body having a case in which the recording paper is set. The case includes a upper case part and a lower case part, and a size of the case is changeable by changing positions at which the upper case part and the lower case part are connected to each other.

Abstract: A folding keyboard has two parts which are hinged together and form the whole keyboard. An interlocking device which comprises a sliding block and a sliding vane is provided at the bottom surface of one part. One end of the sliding block is provided with a raised tongue which fits with a stopper provided inside the keyboard base. The sliding block is provided with a sliding rail and an inclined sliding groove provided along the sliding direction of the sliding vane, and a sliding axis arranged in the sliding groove is provided on the surface of the sliding vane. A fixing block is fixed at the bottom surface of one part and connected with a sliding rail block via an offsetting spring, and the sliding rail block is provided inside the sliding rail of the sliding block and slides in a direction perpendicular to that of the sliding vane.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a base, a receiving module, and connecting assemblies. The base includes a number of touch panel units. The receiving module includes a number of plates. The plates are pivotably connected to each other in series. The connecting assemblies are for biasing touch panel units into the folded configuration when the base is covered by the plates.

Abstract: A mechanism for protecting a portable electronic device, e.g., a handheld computer system. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an encasing structure having an opening and configured to receive and have disposed therewithin the handheld computer system. The present invention is further comprised of a lifting device coupled to the encasing structure. The lifting device is adapted to raise the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure and further adapted to lower the handheld computer system to a disposition therewithin the encasing structure. The encasing structure can be used to protect input/output ports or slots, I/Os externally disposed on side surfaces of the handheld computer system when the handheld computer system is disposed within the encasing structure, and the lifting device enables raising the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure to provide access to the I/Os.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for exposing printable media. The apparatus includes a printer having a cover. The apparatus also includes a set of lifting arms coupled to the cover. The apparatus includes a slowing device engaged with the set of lifting arms. The slowing device is adapted to slow movement of the set of lifting arms when the cover is moved. The apparatus also includes a stage coupled to the set of lifting arms such that movement of the cover causes movement of the stage into a position. The stage is adapted to receive the printable media. The position facilitates exposure of the printable media.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard applicable in a notebook computer is provided. The notebook computer includes a body provided with a keyboard accommodation groove for accommodating and holding the foldable keyboard. Furthermore, the foldable keyboard includes at least one separating segment and a fixed body connected with the separating segment by an adhesive film. When the user of the notebook computer lifts the separating segment of the foldable keyboard, the keyboard can be folded by the user of the notebook computer rapidly, thus the purpose of rapid replacement and upgrade the peripherals can be achieved.

Abstract: A portable keyboard enables full QWERTY touch typing with both hands or full QWERTY typing with one hand without external support. The keyboard includes a number of keypads that are selectively positionable to configure the keyboard in different keyboard configurations for use.

Abstract: A portable computing device includes pivoting and hinging mechanisms which enable its housing to reconfigure to function in multiple modes. In one configuration the device functions as a laptop computer with keyboard input. In another configuration the device folds into a compact, hand-held, pen-based computer. In another configuration the device folds around the display for protection during transport. A set of adjustable stops enable easy and repeatable transitions between the different configurations.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard comprises a connection part, a top cover pivoted to the connection part, a first key assembly connected to the connection part and movable between a first position and a second position, and a second key assembly pivoted to the first key assembly. The first key assembly is located at the first position when the collapsible keyboard is in an operating mode, and the second key assembly is located between the first key assembly and the top cover and the first key assembly is located at the second position when the collapsible keyboard is in a collapsed mode.

Abstract: A cartridge for insertion into a digital printing device, preferably, a drop-on-demand ink jet printing device, includes a casing having a first portion for housing a supply of print media. A print media exit opening is arranged in the first portion of the casing. A print media transport mechanism is arranged at least partially within the first portion of the casing. The mechanism is disposed upon operation to pick up and drive a predetermined amount of the print media through the exit opening to be fed to a print head of the printing device. A leading edge of the print media, when the printing device is inoperative, rests on the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A cartridge for insertion into a digital printing device, preferably, a drop-on-demand inkjet printing device, has a casing that houses a supply of cut sheet media and a media transport mechanism. It also has a drive engagement formation connected to the media transport mechanism; wherein, the supply of print media and the media transport mechanism are enclosed by the casing; and the drive engagement formation is partially external to the casing and positioned such that it engages a powered drive in the printing device upon insertion of the cartridge. By incorporating the media transport mechanism into the cartridge, the casing can be fully enclosed apart from the media exit slot. This minimizes any contamination of the sheets because the exit slot is the only opening.

Abstract: A multi-part output paper tray 14 including a plurality of tray plates 21 to 24 slidably arranged together in a paper eject direction is attached to a printer assembly 1 so that it can be extended/collapsed, the printer assembly 1 including a print head attached thereto for forming an image on recording paper 50. The extended/collapsed state of the output paper tray 14 is detected by an angle sensor 313. A print operation is not performed when it is detected by the angle sensor 313 that the output paper tray 14 is in the housed state, and a print operation is performed when the output paper tray 14 is in the extended state.

Abstract: In a foldable keyboard, a cover member (100) includes a cover part (101) provided with a cover plate (104) and a pair of supporting elements (102, 103) formed on both ends of the cover plat. The supporting elements are each formed with a first slot (117) and a second slot (118). A support screw (123) passes with play through the first slot and is fixedly received in a baring hole (13A) of a bearing member (13) formed in a corner (12B) of a first keyboard unit (3) and a support screw (124) passes with play through the first slot and is fixedly received in a support hole (121) of a first base plate (5) formed in a corner (12A). A support screw (125) passes with play through the second slot and is fixedly received in a bearing hole (17A) of a bearing member (17) formed in a corner (16B) of a second keyboard unit (4) and a support screw (126) passes with play through the second slot and is fixedly received in a support hole (120) of a second base plate (8) formed in a corner (16A).

Abstract: The office machine comprises a paper roll printer within a chassis (1), with a housing (10) for the paper roll (12), means (4) for driving the roll (12) and a lid (3), for closing the housing (10), upon which the drive means (4) are mounted.

Abstract: A portable computing device includes pivoting and hinging mechanisms which enable its housing to reconfigure to function in multiple modes. In one configuration the device functions as a laptop computer with keyboard input. In another configuration the device folds into a compact, hand-held, pen-based computer. In another configuration the device folds around the display for protection during transport. A set of adjustable stops enable easy and repeatable transitions between the different configurations.

Abstract: An apparatus (26) for mounting a display screen (28) to a printed circuit board (32). The display screen (28) has four edges. The apparatus (26) includes a top member (34) opposed to a bottom member (36), and first and second snap-fit members (40). The top member (34) and the bottom member (36) each form an overhang (38), wherein each overhang (38) is adapted to receive an edge (30) of the display screen (28). The first snap-fit member (40) is connected with and extended outwards from the top member (34). The second snap-fit member (40) is also connected with and extended outwards from the bottom member (36). Both the first and the second snap-fit members (40) are adapted to connect with the printed circuit board (32) for snap-fit assembly of the mounting apparatus (26) to the printed circuit board (32).

Abstract: A cartridge for insertion into a digital printing device, preferably, a drop-on-demand ink jet printing device, includes a casing having a first portion for housing a supply of print media. A print media exit opening is arranged in the first portion of the casing. A print media transport mechanism is arranged at least partially within the first portion of the casing. The mechanism is disposed upon operation to pick up and drive a predetermined amount of the print media through the exit opening to be fed to a print head of the printing device. A leading edge of the print media, when the printing device is inoperative, rests on the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard comprises at least one keyboard module, and each keyboard module has a plurality of keyswitches arranged in array pattern. At least one membrane circuit is provided to connect the plurality of keyswitches. When the keyboard is in an operation state, each keyswitch having a predetermined separation with adjacent keyswitch, and the separation is the same as that in a standard keyboard. To shrink the keyboard, the plurality of keyswitches can be arranged in a collapsed state to reduce the transverse size of the keyboard, the lengthwise size of the keyboard, or both sizes.

Abstract: A folding keyboard includes a fixed key module and one or more mobile key modules. The key modules are joined together by links between them. Two ends of the links between the key modules are joined at asymmetric positions. The mobile key module can turn 180 degrees to lie against the fixed key module. The folding keyboard is capable of being frontally folded, showing the whole arrangement of keys after unfolding, and being used immediately after unfolded. Moreover, the folding keyboard can be relatively shrunk by way of compression of the key units to reduce the thickness, and can be designed to be a triply-folded or quadruply-folded structure.

Abstract: A printer includes a box-like main body cover, an upper cover, a stacker, and stacker attaching means. The main body cover has an opening and stores a printing unit main body. The upper cover is attached to be able to open/close the opening of the main body cover and pivots about a rear end side of the main body cover as an axis. The stacker is attached to a rear end portion of the upper cover to temporarily place a paper sheet thereon. The stacker attaching means supports the stacker to be pivotal in a direction opposite to a pivoting direction of the upper cover.

Abstract: An information device having a printer includes a body and a printer portion for housing the printer and a printing medium. The body has a display screen side in which a display screen is positioned and a printer side positioned opposite the display screen side. The printer portion is attached to the printer side of the body such that the printer portion remains concealed during operation of the printer when the information device is viewed from the display screen side.

Abstract: A printer for printing image on a paper according to the print data output from a notebook computer. The printer has a paper-feed unit including a paper holding section for holding the paper to be printed on and a table on which the notebook computer can be placed; a print unit including a print section for printing image according to the print data on a paper supplied from the paper-feed unit and a receiving section for receiving a printed paper; and a joint mechanism for rotatably fitting the print unit on the paper-feed unit. The joint mechanism includes a shaft on which said print unit is carried so as to be turned with respect to the paper-feed unit, and the print unit has an open state in which the print unit is remote from said table of the paper-feed unit and a closed state in which the print unit folds flat on the table of the paper-feed unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus of built-in printer type which is excellent in portability and operability, comprising a printer paper receptacle arranged on the lower side of a keyboard, and a printer unit constructed on the side of the keyboard normally facing the user. Further, a printed paper receptacle is arranged on the rear side of a display unit. The paper ejection slit of the printer unit and the paper insertion slit of the printed paper receptacle are formed so as to be united when the display unit is closed. When a print operation is performed with the display unit closed, a sheet of paper printed on by the printer unit is received into the printed paper receptacle through the ejection slit as well as the insertion slit, automatically in the closed state of the apparatus.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording unit and a sheet feeding unit. The recording unit includes a conveying unit for conveying a sheet so as to move along a sheet conveying path substantially orthogonal to a lower surface of the unit, a recording device disposed along the sheet conveying path for performing recording on the sheet, a discharging unit for discharging the sheet on which recording has been performed by the recording device, and a tray for mounting the sheet discharged by the discharging unit. The sheet feeding unit supports the recording unit and includes a feeding unit for feeding the sheet to the sheet conveying path, and a support for supporting the recording unit so as to incline the sheet conveying path.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a first housing having a control unit for controlling a recording mechanism for recording onto a recording medium and a feed mechanism for feeding the recording medium, a second housing connected movably to the first housing, and housing an attaching portion for attaching the recording mechanism thereto and the feed mechanism, and an operation portion. Access to the operation portion is unnecessary when the recording apparatus is not in use and, therefore, it is covered and protected with the second housing, but is opened by the rotation of the second housing when recording. The recording apparatus is placed in a thin form convenient for transportation or storage when not in use or in a form suitable for the conveyance of the recording medium when in use. When in use, the exterior of the first housing can form a part of a conveyance route of the recording medium.

Abstract: A printer having a printer body and a print unit is disclosed. The printer body has an upper surface that supports a sheet in a horizontal plane and a drive roller below the horizontal plane. The print unit has a print head and a driven roller and rotates about the drive roller. The print unit is rotatable to printing and non-printing positions in which the printing unit is above and below the horizontal plane, respectively. A data processing apparatus having a printing unit with a print head, a display unit with a cover and display, and an input body with an upper surface that defines a horizontal plane is also disclosed. The display unit is rotatable to open and closed positions. The printing unit is above the horizontal plane in a printing position when the display unit is in the open position and below the horizontal plane in a non-printing position when the display unit is in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a horizontally set recording apparatus provided with a sheet inserting and discharging holes at the upper surface, wherein substantially linear recording sheet transporting route passing through the recording section is formed, and an automatic sheet feeding apparatus can be removably attached thereon. The recording sheet is delivered into an inlet opening of said transporting route.

Abstract: A laptop computer has a base housing and an associated printer (2'), an input keyboard (320, 328) and a screen (306,304). The base housing has a transport channel (3') for a printing medium which runs towards the rear from the operating side and extends essentially over the whole width of the base housing so that printing media of corresponding width (e.g. A4 format) can be printed. The printer (2) is designed as a flat-bed printer and preferably has a dot matrix printing head which can be moved in the lower housing part (4') transversely to the direction of motion (8) of the printing medium (line direction).

Abstract: A portable ink-jet printer and sheet feeder which can be battery powered. The printer may be manually fed paper for operation independent of the sheet feeder. The printer and sheet feeder are mounted on a base and locked at 90 degrees to one another. They may then be rotated into two operating modes in which automatic sheet feeding occurs, one of which provides a straight paper feed path for relatively stiff print media and/or printing relatively dense graphics. A paper output system includes a pair of wings and a deflector which place various arches in the paper as it emerges from the printer to maintain it over the previously printed sheet to permit it to dry. The printer may be configured by driving a print carriage having an arrow thereon to different positions adjacent a menu. When the arrow is opposite a desired configuration option, the option is selected by pressing a button.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable printer suitable for hand-carrying and transporting, and provides a portable printer which is easily carried and transported and provides less possibility of damage to the printing mechanism, and comprises a plurality of casings 1, 2, a printing mechanism 10 housed in the casing 1, 2 for performing a printing of a paper 100, and connecting means 3 for connecting the plurality of casings 1, 2 by mating wider surfaces 1a and 2a among outer surfaces of the casings 1, 2 when a printing of the paper 100 by the printing mechanism 10 is performed, and when a printing is not performed, the relative positional relationship of the plurality of casings 1, 2 can be varied to form an essentially flat configuration overall.

Abstract: A portable data processing device has a housing, a display, turnable holding arms arranged to hold the display above an upper side of the housing. Each of the holding arms has a holding arm-extension part provided with a blocking slider. The housing and the holding arm have locking recesses. The blocking slider has a first blocking portion which in one end position engaging in the locking recess of the holding arm and a second locking portion which in another end position engages in the locking recess of the housing. The blocking slider is spring biased in direction toward the locking opening of the holding arm and fixed in a locking position which is opposite to a spring force. The device also has a turning arm which locks the blocking slider in the locking position. The display is turnable and vertically movable between two different positions.

Abstract: A printer includes a sheet storage cassette and a sheet separation device for storing and separating individual sheets prior to printing, as well as a sheet deposit device for receiving of the printed-on individual sheets. A sheet storage cassette (2) is formed of two cassette sections (5 and 6), which can be pivoted relative to each other in order to achieve a compact construction of the printer in view of the space requirements of the sheet storage cassette. The first cassette section (5) is fixedly disposed opposite to the sheet separation device (11). The second cassette section (6) is formed as a flap cover (2), pivotally supported at the printer. The flap cover (2) forms the upper side of the printer in the closed state. The flap cover (2) is aligned with the first cassette section (5) in a flipped open state under formation of a sheet storage cassette (4).

Abstract: A lightweight collapsible printer case for use with portable computers having two telescoping case sections, the case containing a series of telescoping roller shafts, a metal tape platen and carriage tracks which are housed within a tape reel, and a reel mechanism for coiling a carriage positioning cable. The collapsible printer case can be expanded from a collapsed travel/storage mode to an operational mode. In the operational mode the printer can print characters or graphics onto a standard 8.5" width sheet of paper or other media.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording on a recording medium has a recording head for effecting recording on the recording medium, conveying rollers for conveying the recording medium, a first and a second case for covering the recording head and the conveying means, and a mechanism for effecting relative movement of the first case and the second case.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a keyboard disposed in a front portion of the apparatus; a printing section disposed in a back portion of the apparatus and printing information inputted by the operation of the keyboard and capable or raising from an appratus body; a display section disposed between the keyboard and the printing section and displaying the information inputted by the operation of the keyboard, the display section being pivoted from the keyboard towards the printing section; the printing section being raised from the apparatus body in association with the pivotal movement of the display section; a link mechanism for moving the printing section from the storing position within the apparatus body, to a hop-up position in which the printer is located above the apparatus body; and a power transmitting mechanism for transmitting the pivotal movement of the display section to the link mechanism.

Abstract: A portable typewriter, including keyboard and printer, is disclosed. It has a display pivotable about two axes which can be disposed in a position covering the keyboard. It can be pivoted about a first axis to reveal the keyboard, and can be further raised to reveal the printer.

Abstract: A portable data system includes a bottom plate 1 and a lid 4. The bottom plate carries a PC-computer 10 having a keyboard 11 and a pivotal presentation screen 12 which in its lowered position forms part of the upper surface of the computer. The system also includes a voltage source for powering the computer and the screen. A carrier plate 26 is intended to rest on the upper surface of the screen in the lowered position thereof. The carrier plate is attached to the bottom plate by means of two parallel-arm mechanisms 18-21 arranged on each side of the computer. These parallel-arm mechanisms enable the carrier plate together with the printer 27 carried thereby to be moved away from the computer and partially into the raised lid.

Abstract: A character display is pivotably mounted on an electronic typewriter for pivotable movement from an open position for viewing the character display to a closed position for covering the keyboard. The character display has a pivot axis in alignment with a rotatable axis of the platen. A structure for pivotably mounting the character display includes a spring operable to dampen the pivotable movement of the character display near the closed position. A brake pad combined with the dampening spring holds the character display in manually selected positions near the open position. A paper support which covers a platen and an adjacent open area is combined with the character display located in the closed position to provide a cover for the typewriter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing accessories inside a printing device, wherein the apparatus includes a storage enclosure, which is secured pivotally to the housing of the printing device, and which is capable of assuming at least one open position and one closed position. The storage enclosure is substantially housed within the carriage swept volume, when it is located in the closed position, without interfering with the path of travel of the carriage assembly, when it is in the open position. A cover protects the inner printing mechanism when the storage enclosure is in the open position. A catch mechanism retains the storage enclosure in stable open and closed positions.

Abstract: In a printing device according to the present invention, a housing assembly comprises a pair of housings which are rockably supported, with their respective open end portions abutting against each other. A platen is disposed in an abutment region where the open end portions abut. A keyboard is provided on the one housing, while a printing element is disposed inside the other housing. When the printing device is in a nonusable position, the two housings extend along one plane, thus defining a flat, rectangular outline of the housing assembly. When the device is in a usable position, the housings are rocked relatively, thus defining a substantially L-shaped outline of the housing assembly. As the housings rock in this manner, the printing element is brought to a printing position, where the element faces the platen.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement for reducing stress and tension experienced by a human operator during communication with an information processing machine. The keyboard, which may have the actuators thereon arranged in a conventional keyboard distribution, such as a QWERTY keyboard system, is splitable into first and second sections, each such section containing respective portions of the actuators. When joined, the two keyboard sections form a unitary keyboard which is conventional in appearance and operation. When separated, a display screen may be interposed between the keyboard sections, and the keyboard sections may be arranged in selectable spatial positions and orientations selected for the comfort of the operator. An adjustable mechanical mounting arrangement is provided for ensuring positional stability of the keyboard sections. In a further embodiment, an information processing system is arranged to be portable in a housing which permits the screen to assume a sloped position.

Abstract: A printing apparatus of modular construction includes a printing mechanism with a pivotally mounted printing head, a continuous form feed part and an individual form feed part. To provide a compact construction in which the printing operation can be viewed by the operator, the individual form feed part is constructed as a base unit so that the individual form is fed into the apparatus and transported horizontally. The printing mechanism and continuous form feed part are positioned above the base unit. As a result, with the apparatus mounted on a table, printing on the printing base of the continuous form feed part takes place below the eye level of the operator. To insert the continuous form, the continuous form feed part can be pivoted away from the printing mechanism. In addition, the printing mechanism and the continuous form feed part can be pivoted relative to the base unit to gain access to the path of the individual forms on the base unit.

Abstract: A sheet feeder support assembly is disclosed which is utilized to hold a sheet feeder in a raised position from its normal resting position on the printer without the requirement of any actual modifications to either the sheet feeder or the printer.