Including Plural, Independently Supported Key-boards, Platens, Or Type-set Assemblages Patents (Class 400/82)
  • Patent number: 11850844
    Abstract: Printing machine, for printing a laminar web, comprising a feeding unit (10) defining a printing area (A); an inkjet printing station (20) comprising a plurality of inkjet printing modules (21) slidably arranged along a transverse guide (22); a positioning device (30) adapted to precisely slide the inkjet printing modules (21) along the transverse guide (22); wherein each inkjet printing module (21) includes a first coupling (31) and is independent from other inkjet printing modules (21) allowing an independent movement of each inkjet printing module (21) along the transverse guide (22); and the positioning device (30) includes a second coupling (32) complementary to each first coupling (31), the second coupling (32) being releasably engageable to each first coupling (31) in an automatic manner, the positioning device (30) being configured to precisely slide each inkjet printing module (21) engaged thereto, along the transverse guide (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: COMEXI GROUP INDUSTRIES, SAU
    Inventors: Jordi Sahun Peres, Bernat Recasens Artigues, Pol Morral Martí, Andreu Rosales Perez, Lluís Turon Castelló, Jordi Edo i Flores, Joaquim Quintana Vilà
  • Patent number: 11818312
    Abstract: A duplex scan indicative scanner includes a sheet passage, a transporting mechanism, one single scanning module, a duplex indicator and a connection interface. The transporting mechanism transports a document past the sheet passage. The scanning module scans a first side of the document passing through the sheet passage. The connection interface is electrically connected to an electronic device, the duplex indicator, the transporting mechanism and the scanning module. After the electronic device has controlled, through the connection interface, the scanning module to scan the first side, the electronic device controls, through the connection interface, the duplex indicator to output a duplex indication message to guide a user to place the document or a second document, so that a second side of the document or the second document is scanned by the scanning module. A duplex scan indicative scanning apparatus and a duplex scan indicative scanning method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: AVISION INC.
    Inventors: Shao-Lan Sheng, Shih Chao Sheng
  • Patent number: 11533177
    Abstract: Methods and systems for electronic document authentication are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of generating an electronic postmark includes receiving, via a server, a request message from an electronic network, the request message comprising request data including payload data and meta data, generating a timestamp in response to receiving the message, hashing the payload data to generate a payload hash, digitally signing the metadata, the payload hash, and the timestamp to generate a digital signature, generating a response message, the response message generated to comprise the metadata, the payload hash, the timestamp, and the digital signature; and transmitting the response message onto the electronic network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton C Bonnell, Kelley A Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11533178
    Abstract: Methods and systems for electronic document authentication are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of generating an electronic postmark includes receiving, via a server, a request message from an electronic network, the request message comprising request data including payload data and meta data, generating a timestamp in response to receiving the message, hashing the payload data to generate a payload hash, digitally signing the metadata, the payload hash, and the timestamp to generate a digital signature, generating a response message, the response message generated to comprise the metadata, the payload hash, the timestamp, and the digital signature; and transmitting the response message onto the electronic network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Kelley A. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11341456
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an inventory management system including one or more imagers mounted to shelving or other structures displaying items for sale, where the imagers are designed to capture images of the items and relay information to a database for purposes of tracking the items and managing inventory. The imagers are compact, low power devices incorporating wireless means for communicating with the database and may include solar cell arrays for charging purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: DATALOGIC USA, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Shearin, WenLiang Gao, Brett Howard
  • Patent number: 11117263
    Abstract: An apparatus for labeling support structures includes: a chassis having a locomotive assembly, and supporting an effector assembly with an end movable relative to the chassis and carrying a label modification unit with an image sensor; a controller coupled to the locomotive assembly, effector assembly and label modification unit, and configured to: obtain label modification data defining a location relative to a support structure reference feature for a label modification operation; control the locomotive assembly to travel to the support structure; detect the reference feature via image data captured at the image sensor; control the effector assembly to place the label modification unit at the location relative to the reference feature; control the effector assembly and the label modification unit perform the label modification operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Beach
  • Patent number: 9455101
    Abstract: A key that includes a body with an optically transmissive or light permeable region and an optical film coupled to or carried by the light permeable region. The key also includes a resilient structure coupled to the body. The key can be assembled or coupled to, or disposed relative or adjacent to, a display screen. The key also includes a switch actuator (e.g., an electromechanical switch actuator or contact element). Displacement of the key, more specifically the body of the key, displaces the switch actuator for actuating a switch. The resilient structure is configured to bias the body at a first position. The body can be actuated or displaced from the first position to a second position for effectuating corresponding displacement of the switch actuator and actuation of the switch. The resilient structure provides or establishes a positive tactile feedback upon user-directed or user-controlled actuation or displacement of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE LTD
    Inventors: John Wilson, Robert Garrett, Aaron Julin
  • Patent number: 9229410
    Abstract: The present invention includes a supporting member that supports a first roller and a second roller, a first actuator that rotates the supporting member, a first gear that is connected to an end of second roller on the first actuator side, a second gear that is threadably engaged with the first gear, a third gear that rotates coaxially with the second gear, an input gear that threadably engages with the third gear, and a second actuator that transmits a rotational force to the input gear. The third rotation shaft extends in parallel in a first plane that includes the leading edge and the trailing edge of the nip, the first actuator rotates the supporting member between a first position at which the sheet is received from the leading edge of the nip and a second position at which the sheet is received from the trailing edge of the nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuji Furushige, Keisuke Egawa, Noriaki Sumikura
  • Patent number: 9120339
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, plural rollers, and a roller supporting mechanism. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet carried in a predetermined carrying direction and extends in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to the predetermined carrying direction. The plural rollers are arranged opposite the image forming unit with a carrying path of the sheet arranged in-between and are arranged in a plural number next to each other in the orthogonal direction. The roller supporting mechanism, while pressing the sheet toward the image forming unit, supports the plural rollers in such a way that each roller independently moves, between a carrying position where the sheet is carried in the carrying direction and a separation position where the sheet is separated from the image forming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoyuki Hattori
  • Patent number: 9100726
    Abstract: A media (e.g., Blu-Ray) first content package includes a link to an application for sending second content to a remote device, especially a mobile telephone. The application is included in the first content. The second content is not included in the first content. The application presents a list of second content choices, selectable by a user. The application receives a destination address for the second content from user input and sends the destination address to a second content server. The second content server contacts the remote device having the indicated destination address, and confirms that receipt of second content will be accepted. Upon receiving confirmation, the second content server transmits the second content to the remote device. The technology may be used to provide content to mobile devices, such as mobile phones, in association with distributed media such as Blu-Ray discs configured for being played by a media player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Herz, Kim Lau, Bradley Collar, Massimiliano Gasparri, Randy Lee, Patrick Harman
  • Patent number: 8749962
    Abstract: A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a housing that includes a section to retain a keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes at least a keypad façade that carries a plurality of keys. The keypad façade of the keypad assembly is contoured to adjoin and be substantially flush with the section of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Crooijmans, Yoshimichi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8721202
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a two- or dual-sided thermal print switch is provided to direct printing of received print data on one or both sides of thermal media such as a receipt, document, or label. In a further embodiment, a dual-sided thermal print switch is provided to select custom or predefined data for printing on one or both sides of thermal media with or without received print data. Dual-sided print switch operation may be defined using commands implemented with, for example, setup configuration settings in hardware or software, escape sequences, real-time printer commands, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Lyons, Justin Collins, Charles Q. Maney, Akira Suzuki, Sachio Koyama
  • Patent number: 8705107
    Abstract: A method and associated system for servicing a print request from a specific client system of a plurality of client systems. A network connection between the specific client system and at least two printer server systems is set up response to receiving the print request from the specific client system. Client-specific information from a client profile is read from database accessible to each printer server system. At least one best-suited printer of the at least two printers is ascertained to be used for servicing the print request, utilizing the client-specific information, printer server information from a server profile, and printer information from a printer profile. The print request is serviced by the at least one best suited printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Jochen Heil
  • Patent number: 8564794
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous dual-feed simplex in an image production device is disclosed. The image production device may include an image production section that includes a first media print path and a second media print path each of which produces simplex images on media, and a user interface that receives a request to print a first simplex print job and a second simplex print job, the first simplex print job being printed using the first media print path and the second simplex print job being printed using the second media print path, wherein the first simplex print job and the second simplex print job are printed at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michel Lemoine
  • Patent number: 7881055
    Abstract: A hand-held, electronic, bi-directional, wireless electronic communication device having a physical configuration which includes a relatively large, constantly visible display and an alphanumeric keyboard that can be concealed until needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Wireless Agents, LLC
    Inventors: Carl Brock Brandenberg, Robert L. Kay
  • Patent number: 7830404
    Abstract: A printer includes a first print head that performs printing on one side surface of the print medium and a second print head that performs printing on the other side surface of the print medium and abnormality detection sensors that are attached respectively to the first and second print heads. A printer performs control such that in the case where any abnormality is detected in one of the first and second print heads, print data to be printed using one print head in which the abnormality has been detected is printed using the other print head which is normally operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7710442
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for two-sided direct thermal printing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dual-sided direct thermal printer comprising a first thermal print head and a second thermal print head is provided wherein a surface of the first thermal print head acts as a platen for the second thermal print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Dale R. Lyons, Michael J. VanDemark, Charles Q. Maney
  • Patent number: 7630192
    Abstract: A universal type keyboard has a common design of an upper housing and key caps for different languages such that keyboards of different languages can be manufactured with a universal upper housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Behavior Tech Computer Corp.
    Inventors: Chin-Hao Hung, Tien-Hao Yang
  • Publication number: 20090290923
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a two- or dual-sided thermal print switch is provided to direct printing of received print data on one or both sides of thermal media such as a receipt, document, or label. In a further embodiment, a dual-sided thermal print switch is provided to select custom or predefined data for printing on one or both sides of thermal media with or without received print data. Dual-sided print switch operation may be defined using commands implemented with, for example, setup configuration settings in hardware or software, escape sequences, real-time printer commands, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Dale Lyons, Justin Collins, Charles Q. Maney, Akira Suzuki, Sachio Koyama
  • Patent number: 7623145
    Abstract: A duplex printer, in which when a first thermal head prints information on a front side as an information printing side of a printing medium, a second thermal head repeatedly prints a previously registered and selected fixed pattern or notice information on a back side as an information non-printing side of a printing medium at regular cycle or at an optional timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignees: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7591603
    Abstract: Method for printing pages within a booklet to improve the appearance of images on opposing pages includes sequencing images such that opposing pages are printed with the same print engine and/or fused the same number of times. Booklets include opposing pages having images fused the same number of times and/or printed with the same print engine as the image on the opposing page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Lofthus, Thomas M. Baretsky, Dusan Lysy
  • Patent number: 7310161
    Abstract: A combined flat bed scanner/printer machine having: a moving body; a scan module connected to the moving body to read a document; and a recording head connected to the moving body adjacent to the scan module, to print on a paper. The moving body is moved by a moving body transfer unit made up of a belt to which the moving body is secured, a guide rod to guide the moving body, and a motor to move the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-wook Kang, Seung-jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20070212146
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a two- or dual-sided thermal print switch is provided to direct printing of received print data on one or both sides of thermal media such as a receipt, document, or label. In a further embodiment, a dual-sided thermal print switch is provided to select custom or predefined data for printing on one or both sides of thermal media with or without received print data. Dual-sided print switch operation may be defined using commands implemented with, for example, setup configuration settings in hardware or software, escape sequences, real-time printer commands, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Dale Lyons, Justin Collins, Charles Q. Maney, Akira Suzuki, Sachio Koyama
  • Publication number: 20070160403
    Abstract: A print control apparatus enables a user to select an arbitrary print mechanism among a plurality of print mechanisms of a print apparatus. To this end, the print control apparatus can display a screen showing two or more print mechanisms usable in the print apparatus. The print control apparatus can determine an optimum print mechanism based on image contents and print conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Akimoto
  • Patent number: 7128482
    Abstract: A multi-media gaming printer. The multi-media printer may accept various kinds of voucher media, such as thermally writable medias, smart cards, or magnetic strip cards. The multi-media printer includes writing, reading, and erasing devices within the printer to manage and use the different types of media. In addition, the multi-media printer includes control logic and articulated printing mechanisms that prevent the multi-media printer from inadvertently manipulating a voucher in an inappropriate manner. The design of the multi-media printer is modular so that voucher media magazines may be replaced as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: FutureLogic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Meyerhofer, Oleg Dymovsky, Mark Meyerhofer, John Hilbert
  • Patent number: 7102878
    Abstract: A keyboard mounting apparatus for a portable computer includes a keyboard (30), a base housing (50) and a plurality of fasteners (10). The keyboard includes a plurality of tabs (32) extending from a front end thereof, and a flange (34) is bent from an opposite rear end thereof. The base housing includes a sunken socket (52) accommodating the keyboard therein. A plurality of locking slots is defined in a front wall of the socket corresponding to the tabs of the keyboard. A plurality of holes (56) is defined in a rear wall (54) of the socket. A plurality of chambers (57) is defined in communication with respective of the holes. The fasteners are extended through the holes of the base housing, and accommodated in the chambers. Each of the fasteners includes a hook (14) engaging with the flange of the keyboard thereby securing the keyboard to the base housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: WeiMing Yu, Xiao-Zhong Jing
  • Patent number: 7093991
    Abstract: A combined printing and binding device which includes a media tray, a printhead, an adhesive applicator, a binder and a housing. The media tray is designed to receive and retain a plurality of media sheets. The printhead is a page-width printhead designed to print ink onto a media sheet. The adhesive applicator is designed to apply adhesive to a media sheet. The binder is designed to bind a plurality of media sheets together. The housing is designed to house the media tray, the printhead, the adhesive applicator and the binder. The device is designed to print and bind a media sheet positioned in an original plane of orientation in the media tray by transporting the first media sheet from the media tray, past the printhead and the adhesive applicator, to the binder, whilst substantially maintaining the media sheet in its original plane of orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7070345
    Abstract: A printing system and a printing method, the printing method including the steps of horizontally placing cloth on a table, moving a nozzle head for ink jet printing in main and auxiliary scanning directions by a carriage for printing, extracting the presence area of printed data from print data, disassembling the presence area into a plurality of blocks, and controlling the carriage so that the nozzle head moves in the blocks for printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Morimoto, Takahiko Tamura
  • Patent number: 6989850
    Abstract: There is described a thermal printer apparatus including one or more thermal print heads fixedly mounted with respect to a print media path, one or more platen roller assemblies each including a platen roller adapted to press print media in the print media path against at least one print head and a frame adapted to support a respective platen roller and a pivotally mounted support member adapted for mounting the platen roller assembly frames to extend from the support member and press its respective platen roller against the print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Michael N. Burdenko
  • Patent number: 6970347
    Abstract: Tooless assembly of a keyboard into an information handling system housing is performed by dropping the keyboard into an opening of the housing so that tabs and hooks of the keyboard align with tab slots and hook slots of the housing, by sliding the keyboard relative to the housing to engage the tabs in the tab slots and the hooks in the hook slots, and by securing the keyboard from moving relative to the housing with a tooless keyboard lock. For instance, a portable information handling system having a hinged lid secures the keyboard from sliding by inserting a hinge cover between the keyboard and the housing, the hinge cover having rib structures to keep it in place. Sliding of the keyboard relative to the housing is aided with a pull tab coupled to the keyboard that stores under the hinge cover once assembly is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Maria C. Schlesener, Cecilia H. Sun
  • Patent number: 6920039
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes first, second, and third keyboard units U1, U2, and U3 which are rotatably connected with one another by means of main links (4) and (5) disposed on side end surfaces of each unit. The first and second units U1 and U2 are rotatably connected by means of an auxiliary link (6) parallel to the main link (4), and the second and third units U2 and U3 are rotatably connected by means of an auxiliary link (7) parallel to the main link (4). The first unit U1 is formed with recesses (38) at four corners of a peripheral wall member (12) and the second unit U2 is formed with projections (36) at four corners of an undersurface of the second unit U2 so that the projections (36) are received in the recesses (38) when the first, second, and third units U1, U2, and U3 are disposed (stacked) one upon another into a folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isao Mochizuki, Takeyuki Takagi
  • Patent number: 6899477
    Abstract: A portable label printer is provided having a central control section, and first and second printing sections coupled to the central section. Each of the first and second printing sections has a printing mechanism with a thermal printhead and motor driven platen roller, a compartment for receiving a roll of paper, and a cover enabling loading of a roll in the compartment. The central control section has a printer control circuitry which independently controls the printing mechanism of each of the first and second printing sections interactive with signals from a host computer or terminal. Each of the first and second printing sections represents a module detachable from the central control section and can be replaced with another module providing a printing section capable of accommodating printing on different type of paper. One type of terminal is provided which is attachable to the central control section of the printer and can communicate with the printer control circuitry of the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Steven F. Petteruti, Majid Amani
  • Patent number: 6842332
    Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a computing device. More particularly, the invention pertains to an improved keyboard arrangement for use in the computing device. One aspect of the invention pertains to a movable keyboard that can be opened or removed to gain easy access to internal components of the computing device. Another aspect of the invention pertains to a magnetic keyboard securing system suitable for holding the movable keyboard relative to the computing device. The invention is particularly useful in computing devices such as portable computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Cory Rubenson, Harold J. Welch, Stephen Zadesky, David Lundgren
  • Publication number: 20040240922
    Abstract: The inventive image recording apparatus records unit images with different combinations of light beams among a plurality of light beams emissive from a recording head when preparing the respective ones of C, M, Y and K plates. Also when the plurality of light beams are dispersed in quantity of light, therefore, density distributions of different tendencies result in the unit images recorded on the respective ones of the C, M, Y and K plates. In a resultant image formed by superposing the unit images with each other, therefore, fluctuation of densities can be canceled and reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: DAINIPPON SCREEN MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Oka, Yasuo Kurusu, Mamoru Fujimoto, Osamu Morizono
  • Patent number: 6808327
    Abstract: A printer unit for facilitating maintenance such as repair/replacement of a printer paper winding mechanism and reducing a work time required for the maintenance. The printer unit is mounted removably on a device that requires the printer unit. It comprises a journal printer 4 and a pulley 8 that winds paper P printed by the printer. The printer unit also comprises a body 110 to which the printer is fixed and having a paper shed 3 in which the paper is stored, and a turning arm 140 assembled at one end rotatably with the body 110. The turning arm 140 has thereon the winding pulley 8 and a platen 143 that is bringable to a position opposite to the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshikiki Iwata
  • Patent number: 6798649
    Abstract: A digital processing device including a base, a display assembly, a hinge assembly, and a foldable keyboard is described. The hinge assembly enables the back of the display assembly to be rotated between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the user may interact with the device in a similar manner as a PDA. In the second configuration, the hinge assembly enables the unfolding of the keyboard assembly so that it is accessible to the user to enter information by typing and the display assembly is positioned for viewing of information. The keyboard assembly unfolds to form a full-size keyboard (e.g., conformance with an ISO 9241-4:1998(E) standard) that allows a user to comfortably, quickly, and accurately “touch-type” in a manner that the user may be accustomed to. The base may be rigid to enable use of the keyboard assembly on soft or uneven surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Think Outside, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Olodort, Peter M. Cazalet, Russell Mead, John Tang
  • Publication number: 20040156664
    Abstract: A method, printer system and printer apparatus for simultaneously printing a first print medium and a second print medium, wherein, on the first print medium first information is printed that is one of: identical information to the second information and information that includes at least some information different from the second information that is printed on the second print medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Juan C. Vives, Josep Maria Serra, Kurt Eugene Thiessen
  • Patent number: 6773179
    Abstract: An external input device for a portable computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) has at least one rotatable sideboard. The sideboard operates in two states. When the sideboard is in the first state, the sideboard protects the key sets, and when the sideboard is in a second state, the sideboard facilitates input operation of user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Mao-Sung Huang, Chin-Chen Li, Jian-Ying Liao
  • Publication number: 20040136764
    Abstract: A multi-media gaming printer. The multi-media printer may accept various kinds of voucher media, such as thermally writable medias, smart cards, or magnetic strip cards. The multi-media printer includes writing, reading, and erasing devices within the printer to manage and use the different types of media. In addition, the multi-media printer includes control logic and articulated printing mechanisms that prevent the multi-media printer from inadvertently manipulating a voucher in an inappropriate manner. The design of the multi-media printer is modular so that voucher media magazines may be replaced as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Meyerhofer, Oleg Dymovsky, Mark Meyerhofer, John Hilbert
  • Publication number: 20040085716
    Abstract: The present invention provides a modular, openable keyboard that provides convenient replacement or substitution of various keyboard components, such as upper housing pieces, keystroke resistance setting components, key sets, liquid resistance barriers, and storage areas. Also described are kits for customizing or modifying the modular keyboards, and methods involving modifying the keyboards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Alan K. Uke
  • Publication number: 20040037027
    Abstract: A keyboard with adjustable support devices for supporting the keyboard at several levels is provided. Each support device includes a leg able to rotate along the bottom of the keyboard. The angle between the axis of rotation and the bottom plane of the keyboard has a value other than 90 degrees. The leg is selectively posed at the first or second state. When the leg is at the first state, the tilt angle between the keyboard and a desk is smaller. When the leg is at a second state, the tilt angle between the keyboard and a desk is larger. There are multiple support devices provided on the bottom plane of the keyboard. Therefore, the keyboard provides multiple variations in angle and height by adjusting the positions of the legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Jihuang Chen
  • Publication number: 20040037603
    Abstract: A printing device includes a plurality of print heads, each of which has a printing zone. An extension of this printing zone in a direction of printing defines a line height and an extension of this printing zone perpendicular to the direction of printing defines a column width. The printing heads are arranged in several parallel rows which are located at a distance from one another. The print heads in different rows are offset in relation to each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of printing. A separation distance between the print heads in each row corresponds to the column width multiplied by the number of rows. The distance between the rows corresponds to the line height multiplied by the number of rows plus one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Rainer Eck, Michael Koblinger, Karl Erich Albert Schaschek
  • Publication number: 20040028443
    Abstract: A printing device is usable to print a material which is bent around a printing cylinder. The printing device includes a plurality of print heads and a print head holder. The print head holder positions the print heads in a common holder plane which is defined by the holder. The print heads are disposed in a row that is inclined relative to the printing device at an acute angle. The print heads are also inclined relative to the holder plane so that they are directed at substantially a right angle to the material to be printed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Koblinger
  • Publication number: 20040004809
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a first, second, and third keyboard units U1, U2, and U3 which are rotatably connected with one another by means of main links 4 and 5 disposed on both sides of each unit. The first and second units U1 and U2 are rotatably connected by means of an auxiliary link 6 parallel to the main link 4 and the second and third units U2 and U3 are rotatably connected by means of an auxiliary link 7 parallel to the main link 4. The first unit U1 is formed with recesses 38 at four corners of a peripheral wall member 12 and the second unit U2 is formed with projections 36 at four corners of an under surface of the second unit U2 so that the projections 86 are engaged in the recesses 38 when the first, second, and third units U1, U2, and U3 are put on one another into a folded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Isao Mochizuki, Takeyuki Takagi
  • Patent number: 6663304
    Abstract: A method, printer system and printer apparatus for simultaneously printing a first print medium and a second print medium, wherein, on the first print medium first information is printed that is one of: identical information to the second information and information that includes at least some information different from the second information that is printed on the second print medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Juan C. Vives, Josep Maria Serra, Kurt Eugene Thiessen
  • Publication number: 20030223186
    Abstract: A notebook computer with a low-noise keyboard. The notebook computer comprises a housing, a base plate and a plurality of lift assemblies. The base plate, having a first area and a second area surrounding the first area, is disposed in the housing. The lift assemblies are disposed on the base plate. The first area is located under the plurality of lift assemblies, and the base plate defines a plurality of through holes located in the second area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Yung-Shun Chen
  • Patent number: 6614649
    Abstract: The main structure of a keyboard of PDA includes a case, a key set, function keys, a circuit board, and a PDA support frame. The device is characterized in that the case opens to the left and to the right and is a rectangle that contains the key set. The key set has two parts fitted at the bottom of the case and on the inner side of the cover respectively. One of the parts can slide inside the case to integrate with the other part for easy operation. They can also be folded so that the case becomes smaller and convenient for carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Sen-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6607316
    Abstract: A portable label printer is provided having a central control section, and first and second printing sections coupled to the central section. Each of the first and second printing sections has a printing mechanism with a thermal printhead and motor driven platen roller, a compartment for receiving a roll of paper, and a cover enabling loading of a roll in the compartment. The central control section has a printer control circuitry which independently controls the printing mechanism of each of the first and second printing sections interactive with signals from a host computer or terminal. Each of the first and second printing sections represents a module detachable from the central control section and can be replaced with another module providing a printing section capable of accommodating printing on different type of paper. One type of terminal is provided which is attachable to the central control section of the printer and can communicate with the printer control circuitry of the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Steven F. Petteruti, Majid Amani
  • Patent number: 6607317
    Abstract: There is provided a printing apparatus which is capable of increasing the printing speed by employing a multi-head structure while maintaining or enhancing print quality. The printing apparatus prints on a print medium by using N print heads, where N is an integer equal to or larger than 2, assuming that two axes orthogonal to each other on a two-dimensional rectangular coordinate system are set to an X axis and a Y axis, each of the print heads being capable of printing M dots in a direction along the Y axis simultaneously, where M is an integer equal to or larger than 3, and at the same capable of printing M dot lines each extending in a direction along the X axis, by relative scan on the print medium in the direction along the X axis, the M dot lines being arranged side by side in the direction along the Y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Morozumi, Kiyoshi Suyama, Nobutoshi Otsuka, Atsushi Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20030151888
    Abstract: Electronic apparatus with keyboard module which can be rotated and hidden. The electronic apparatus includes an electronic apparatus main body and a keyboard module. One side of the main body is provided with pivot notches. The keyboard module is pivotally connected with the side of the main body via bracket members freely pivotally inlaid in the pivot notches. The keyboard module can be turned rearward to attach to back face of the main body and hidden behind the main body for easy carriage. In addition to the virtual keyboard on the operation panel of the electronic apparatus, a user can alternatively pivot the keyboard module toward the operation panel for quickly keying in data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chung-Chi Chien, Wu-Yung Chen, Chih-Chuan Cheng