Abstract: Braille writing devices and systems, and corresponding methods of writing braille characters on a tape medium are described herein. The devices and systems emboss tactile dots on different types of tape medium to enable braille character writing and advance the tape medium to create accurate and repeatable spacing of the braille characters. The devices and systems may be comprised of simply molded plastic parts that snap together using elastically averaging precision alignment features.

Abstract: A printer apparatus includes a supply unit to supply recording media, a recording unit to record information to the recording media, and a storage unit to store the recording media. A tray is formed in at least one of the supply unit and the storage unit and detachably connected to the apparatus to store a plurality of recording media in a stacked state. The apparatus includes a support surface for supporting a bottom surface of the tray, and at least one wall surface touching or opposing a side surface of the tray. An opening is defined by the bottom surface and the at least one wall surface to allow the tray to be detached from a direction within a predetermined angle of the side surface of the apparatus. A positioning device is disposed in at least one of the support surface and the wall surface for positioning the tray.

Abstract: A printing device loads a tape cassette including a label, a tape transfer roller, and a shaft hole, and the printing device includes a first synthetic resin support shaft that is fitted in the shaft hole to support the tape transfer roller, a synthetic resin frame that anchors a lower part of the first support shaft, a second synthetic resin support shaft that stands on the frame on the opposite side of the first support shaft, a first gear that is provided on the second support shaft to be rotated by driving power from a motor in the printing device, a second gear that engages with the first gear and biased toward the first gear, and a press roller that includes the second gear, rotates, and is biased toward the first support shaft to hold the label between itself and the tape transfer roller and to discharge the label.

Abstract: This image generating apparatus includes a side plate, mounted on a first side surface of a chassis provided with a print portion, integrally including a bearing, a bracket member mounted on the side plate and a support shaft arranged between the side plate and the bracket member for rotatably supporting a gear member, while a first end of the support shaft is fixedly mounted on the bracket member, and a second end of the support shaft includes a side end surface brought into line contact with the bearing of the side plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame.

Abstract: A webbing apron of a device for webbing up a printing substrate web in a printing press, namely a web-fed printing press, is disclosed. The webbing apron includes a cable, which is used for engagement of a tension element that is embodied in particular as a chain, and a flat element, where the flat element wraps around the cable at least in sections and is connected to the cable. The flat element is embodied of fluorinated rubber and the cable is permanently connected to the flat element made of fluorinated rubber by vulcanization.

Abstract: A printing machine, in particular a label printing machine or a sheet-fed offset printing press, includes printing units accommodated in a machine support structure that is made at least partially, and preferably entirely, of rock. The rock may be a natural rock, in particular granite, or an artificial rock, in particular concrete.

Abstract: A supporting structure and a Business machine utilizing the same. The business machine includes a main body, cover and supporting structure therebetween. The sleeve connected to the main body has a guiding groove with a lug portion. The connecting rod is connected to the cover and movably disposed in the sleeve. The connecting rod has a cantilever with a hook portion confined in the guiding groove. The guiding groove has a predetermined profile, such that the cover is lifted before closing, protecting the main body from accidental collision.

Abstract: A cover unit includes a first metal cover having at least one side surface and a second cover made of a material not soluble with the material of the first metal cover. A tongue is formed on the side surface of the first metal cover. The second cover is formed with a brim covering at least one side surface end of the first metal cover and with a hole at a position corresponding to the position of the tongue of the first metal cover.

Abstract: A system for dissipating electrostatic charge build-up in printers comprises a ribbon frame made of statically dissipative material and adapted to support a printhead bracket on which a thermal printhead is mounted proximate to a rotating platen. The statically dissipative ribbon frame may be grounded to the printer power supply which in turn is grounded to the main printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of the printer which is connected to earth ground. The electrostatically dissipative material in the ribbon frame automatically dissipates static electric charge as the moving ribbon comes into physical contact with at least one portion of the grounded ribbon frame during printer operation. The printhead bracket may also be made of statically dissipative material and grounded to the PCBA. The electrostatically dissipative material in the printhead bracket automatically dissipates static electric charge as the moving ribbon comes into physical contact with at least one portion of the grounded printhead bracket.

Abstract: A thermal printer for a portable electronic device such as a receipt issuing machine is capable of increasing an angle at which thermal recording paper is wound on a platen roller while decreasing running load and without generating static electricity. The thermal printer includes a body frame formed from metal, a thermal head disposed on a bottom part of the body frame for printing paper and a platen roller for urging the paper against the thermal head. A paper guide for guiding the paper to a direction in which the paper is wound on the platen roller is integrally formed with the body frame. A bend-raise portion extending in a paper-width direction of the paper and contacting linearly to the paper while feeding is integrally formed at a part of the paper guide where the paper is inserted. The paper guide is formed in such a manner that it comes close to the platen roller with respect to the bottom of the body frame.

Abstract: A print engine chassis comprising a sheet metal frame (12) and a filler material (54) of castable polymer. The chassis is fabricated by joining the interlocking rigid members using tabs (36) and slots (38) junctions to form a sheet metal frame (12). A castable polymer substance (54) is then applied to cavities and troughs (58,60) created when these interlocking rigid members are joined. When the polymer concrete hardens, the resulting chassis provides structural support comparable to a casting with improved vibration damping.

Abstract: A printer having a novel and improved mechanism for damping noise caused by the vibration of a motor of the printer is provided. The printer includes a frame having a hole therein, and a carriage mounted on the frame capable of moving relative thereto. A motor is mounted on the frame and operatively coupled to the carriage to reciprocate relative to the frame. A shock absorber, made of a resilient material, is interposed between the motor and the frame. The shock absorber has a stepped cylindrical shape, including a large diameter portion having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the frame hole, the frame having a thickness. The small diameter portion has a length greater than the thickness of the frame such that a portion of the small diameter portion projects beyond the frame to form a projecting end when the shock absorber is disposed within the hole. A screw is inserted into the shock absorber, the screw fixing the motor to the frame.

Abstract: A modular, multi-function information processing device suitable for point-of-sale (POS) station arrangements wherein separate printer and controller components are individually housed and arranged in a stacked vertical configuration. This arrangement save space by minimizing the overall footprint of the station. The connection between these components can be easily established or terminated for performing maintenance on a particular component or subassembly. Subassemblies within the housing may be extracted without impacting the overall structure of the device or use of the other components, and additional components can be easily added.

Abstract: A plastic molded article including a body is provided. The body includes a first surface thereof and a second surface thereof. The second surface is spaced from the first surface. The body defines a first cavity extending inwardly from the first surface and a second cavity extending inwardly from the second surface. The first cavity overlaps the second cavity so as to form an aperture extending at least partially through the plastic molded article. The body further defines a recess extending inwardly from at least one of the first cavity and the second cavity at a location where the first cavity overlaps the second cavity so as to accommodate flash which may be formed during the molding process of the plastic molded article.

Abstract: The invention protects a printer, scanner, copier and/or FAX machine against shock, particularly during shipping and the like. The system includes side covers, and a subsystem to attach them to a major chassis element. Preferably this subsystem omnidirectionally transfers shock between the covers and the chassis element, and includes a hand-in-glove fit of a portion of the chassis element into each cover, with a snap connector holding the chassis element and covers in the hand-in-glove fit. Also preferably a subsystem is included to attach the covers to a main structural assembly. This subsystem is integrally formed in the covers and main assembly, and takes up at least four degrees of freedom of motion between them.

Abstract: A main frame (22) of a printer comprises a horizontal bottom plate (23e) and walls (23a to 23d) to form a box-shaped enclosure defining an inner space (23f). At least one of the walls is offset from the respective edge (104a to 104c) of the bottom plate to form an outer space (106) above the bottom plate (23e). A platen (8) and a carriage (10) are positioned in the inner space (23f) and fixed to the walls (23b, 23c) of the main frame (22). A controller board (3) and a power unit (4) are positioned in the outer space (106). An upper cover (13) has a top plate (13e) and walls (13a to 13d). The controller board (3) and the power unit (4) are positioned between the walls (13a to 13d) of the upper cover ( 13) and the walls (23a to 23d) of the main frame (23).

Abstract: A body structure for a printer comprises a front cover and a rear cover and is capable of accommodating a platen roller a typing device and advance means for advancing and feeding individual or continuous forms. A hinge element fixed to a pillar of the body structure permits pivotal movement of the covers and such that the front cover can rotate from a first operating position in which it is parallel to and supported on the body structure to a second operating position in which it is substantially turned over onto the rear cover to permit access to the platen roller and the typing device. In addition the hinge element permits the rear cover to rotate from a first operating position in which it is substantially parallel to and supported on the body structure to a second operating position in which it is substantially inclined with respect to the body structure. The forms can be supported and guided by the outside surface of the rear cover in both operating positions.

Abstract: A printer head bank in which an assembly of yoke, magnet, coils and printing board are encapsulated in a resin forming the head carriage to which the typing hammers are attached.

Abstract: A combination printer stand and paper refolding apparatus for use with an associated printer and associated fanfold paper which includes, in one form, a printer receiving shelf dimensioned and configured for holding a printer, and a paper receiving shelf dimensioned and configured for receiving paper on which printing has been completed. The paper receiving shelf is disposed substantially beneath the printer receiving shelf and the second paper receiving shelf is formed from a plurality of wire members. The printer stand includes other apparatus for directing the path of the associated fanfold paper leaving the associated printer to the paper receiving shelf and to cause refolding of the associated paper on the paper receiving shelf. The paper receiving shelf has an elongated peak intermediate the boundaries of the shelf. The apparatus for directing the path of the associated fanfold paper may include a pivotable mounted member. An anti-sag shelf may be included to direct the paper.

Abstract: Matrix printers exhibit the tendency to develop electrostatic charges on account of various movements in sliding contact between the print medium such as paper on one hand and the transport device and print styli or hammer on the other hand. In order to eliminate these charges the traction means for transporting the paper is driven by a drive shaft which is held in electrical insulation from the transport device but is electrically connected through a paper support structure which is in turn is electrically connected to a connecting rod completing a frame structure for the transport device.

Abstract: A wire dot printer head comprising a leaf spring welded to an armature and biased by a permanent magnet, and a magnetic coil adapted to erase the magnetic field of the permanent magnet so as to release the leaf spring and to drive a print wire. The leaf spring is made of an alloy which consists essentially of 13-14 wt % Cr, 0.37-0.43 wt % C, 0.25-0.5 wt % Si, 0.3-0.5 wt % Mn, 1.15-1.35 wt % Mo and the balance Fe. The alloy makes the width of the weld metal of the leaf spring wide and its depth of weld penetration deep and thus minimizes the generation of micro-cracking.

Abstract: A printing head assembly having a permanent magnet to attract magnetic members such as armatures to store the strain energy in resilient members such as leaf springs, electro-magnets to cancel the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnets in order to drive the magnetic members, first yokes related to cores of the electro-magnets, and second yokes forming surfaces by the permanent magnet and serving to form fulcrums of rotation of the magnetic members. The permanent magnet is mounted on the first yoke and the second yoke is mounted on the permanent magnet respectively. In order to equalize attracting force by the permanent magnet among a plurality of armature actuating mechanisms and to adjust the height of the surface of the second yoke, with a predetermined height, there is applied a powdery magnetic material mixed into a bonding agent on at least one side of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A daisy wheel printer having a platen, a translatable carriage, a pair of parallel support rods for the carriage, a pressure roller control mechanism, and electrochemical dirve mechanisms for the carriage and the platen has a unitary cast base member incorporating all of the support members required for these elements. The unitary base member also integrally incorporates a support platform for the electrical power components, a separate integral chamber for the electronic control components, and a thermally conductive heat sink for conducting away heat generated by the electrical components.The unitary base member also provides electromagnetic radiation shielding and static discharge protection without the need for additional shielding or ground components.The carriage assembly for the printing element includes a one piece die cast lower support brace, and an upper carriage assembly incorporating the detachable ribbon cartridge drive mechanism and a simple one piece ribbon latching device.

Abstract: A protective carton-enclosed typewriter ribbon pancake assembly and associated cartridge frame having a biased-open top are disclosed. The pancake assembly includes a typewriter ribbon pancake spirally wrapped around a supply hub. The ribbon and supply hub are enclosed by a protective paper carton configured for insertion within the cartridge frame. The carton has holes through which the ends of the supply hub pass. The free end of the ribbon is attached to a take-up hub. A used ribbon pancake assembly is disposed of by merely releasing the biased top of the frame so that the used ribbon, protective carton and hubs free fall into an underlying waste receptacle. The carton is shaped to insure proper alignment of the pancake assembly within the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a preferably transparent removably mounted cover plate for covering the top opening or printing point area in a printer, e.g. a needle printer, which serves to reduce noise and to prevent the introduction of foreign substances and dust. Of particular advantage is the inclusion on the cover plate of paper guide elements, a switch actuating cam which acts on a switch to shut off the machine when the cover plate is removed or swung out, and a paper tear-off edge.

Abstract: A light-weight micro-printer including a one piece molded plastic main frame is provided. The printer frame includes two substantially parallel side frames spaced apart from each other a distance of the width of a print paper with integrally molded support members between the side frames. The support members function as a paper guide member and isolate an electromagnet disposed within the frame.

Abstract: A device for guiding a record medium sheet which is to be printed upon in a printing machine having a platen, the device being arranged to guide the sheet around the platen and including an apron member formed and positioned to hold the sheet in contact with the platen and to guide the sheet at a point closely below the line being printed, the member being constructed to conform to the curvature of the lower portion of the platen and presenting a press and guide edge at each end of the member in the direction of the circumference of the platen, and a spring biassing component disposed for pressing the member resiliently against the platen to cause the edges to bear against the platen, the member being of a material selected so that the coefficient of friction between the record medium sheet and the press and guide edges is less than the coefficient of friction between the platen and the record medium sheet.

Abstract: A tab stop assembly characterized by an integrally molded part comprising a slotted body or rack part joined to individual tab stops and including integrally formed spring elements to maintain the tab stops in position within the slots of the body after assembly.

Abstract: This invention provides improved means for automatically retracting the styli away from the paper when the rotational speed of the rotor drops below a predetermined minimum level. Improved means also are provided for stably holding and accurately positioning the styli during printing. In addition, simple means are provided for adjusting the axial position of the styli to ensure proper character spacing. A snap-on housing protects the rotor and the retracted styli and allows the rotor and styli to be removed easily from the rotary printer as a single enclosed unit. An improved latch is provided for locking the rotor in one place on the drive shaft, but allowing the rotor to be removed relatively easily. The platen has a slight inclined area or ramp at the leading edge of the recording paper. The ramp smooths the travel of the styli on to the paper and increases the area of the paper which can be used for printing.

Abstract: A toy simulating a typewriter for enabling a child to compose a large number of sentences from a limited number of words, the toy having a keyboard with a plurality of keys, each key having a word imprinted thereon. A carriage is provided with paper receiving imprints of the words from hinged type arms operable upon depression of the keys, depression of one of the keys performing the imprinting operation and release of the key actuating a spacer frame coacting with an indexing bar for incrementing the carriage under force of a spring a predetermined distance.