US3565000A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrically controlled printing machine employing reciprocable type bias
Assignee: ENAED ELECTRONICS Inc
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Filing: 1969-10-06
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Granted: 1971-02-23
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Expires: 1989-10-06
Abstract
Abstract This device prints numbers or other characters on paper or other such material in response to digital electrical input signals. It uses linear type bars which are moved back and forth via a motor and springs, and are individually stopped at the correct characters by electrical or electromagnetic stop elements. These stops or latches are actuated via electrical comparators, which compare the electrical input signal for each type bar, typically in binary-coded-decimal code, with the electrical output of a position sensor, and stop each type bar at the proper position. Only one position sensor is needed for a plurality of type bars. A cam mechanism, in conjunction with springs, moves and raises and lowers the type bars. The type is first inked, and then the bars a re moved forward and pressed onto the paper tape or other such material. T HIS PRINTER IS PARTICULARLY SUITED FOR CONNECTION TO DIGITAL ELECTRICAL INDICATING INSTRUMENTS, SUCH AS DIGITAL VOLTMETERS. It is substantially simpler and cheaper to manufacture than other printers in this category.
Inventors
- 👤 John O Yeiser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:29
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J1/00; B41J1/08; B41J1/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
194 words
A printing machine comprising: a plurality of bars each carrying a row of type and adapted to print a character selectively on a medium, a medium support; each said bar being movable longitudinally between a starting position and a printing range of positions generally opposite said medium support; sweep means to draw said bars collectively to said starting position; spring means to draw said bars individually into said printing range; latching means to latch each said bar at a selected position in said printing range with a selected character opposite said medium support; press means to press said bars against said medium support to print said selected characters on said medium; sensing means translating the longitudinal position of each said bar into an electrical position signal; a set of input terminals for each said bar to receive input signals representing said characters selectively; comparators connected to receive functions of both said input and position signals and each producing a latching signal when they agree; energizing means operating said latching means in response to said latching signal; and whereby said input signals select each of said selected characters to be printed by said press means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
194 words
A printing machine comprising: a plurality of bars each carrying a row of type and adapted to print a character selectively on a medium, a medium support; each said bar being movable longitudinally between a starting position and a printing range of positions generally opposite said medium support; sweep means to draw said bars collectively to said starting position; spring means to draw said bars individually into said printing range; latching means to latch each said bar at a selected position in said printing range with a selected character opposite said medium support; press means to press said bars against said medium support to print said selected characters on said medium; sensing means translating the longitudinal position of each said bar into an electrical position signal; a set of input terminals for each said bar to receive input signals representing said characters selectively; comparators connected to receive functions of both said input and position signals and each producing a latching signal when they agree; energizing means operating said latching means in response to said latching signal; and whereby said input signals select each of said selected characters to be printed by said press means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
A printing machine as in claim 1, further comprising: an ink pad; means synchronizing said press means with said sweep means; and said press means pressing each said row of type onto said ink pad when said bars are substantially in said starting positioN, and holding said bars out of contact with said pad between said starting position and said range of printing positions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
79 words
A printing machine as in claim 1, further comprising: an inking element; driving motor means; said sweep means comprising a swingable yoke and a reciprocating linkage connecting said yoke to said motor means, said yoke engaging a first pin which passes through first longitudinal slots in said bars; and said press means comprising an oscillatory mechanism connected to said motor means and to said bars, and adapted to press said type alternately against said inking element and said medium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A printing machine as in claim 3, wherein: said oscillatory mechanism comprises a cam, a cam follower, and a second pin; said second pin passing through second longitudinal slots in said bars to impart motion to them substantially normal to their length.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
121 words
A printing machine as in claim 1, further comprising: driving motor means connected to rotate a crank pin; a first cam, and a second cam; longitudinal slots in said bars, and slot pins passing slidably through said slots; said sweep means comprising a swingable pivoted yoke and a connecting rod connecting it to said crank pin; said yoke engaging one of said slot pins; said press means comprising a follower on said first cam connected to the other of said slot pins; said second cam engaging electrical contacts connected to stop said motor means when said machine is substantially in said starting position; and manual switch means connected to said contacts to start said motor means to initiate an operating cycle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
A printing machine as in claim 5, wherein: said medium support is a roller supported in printing relation to said rows of type, and further comprises: an overrunning clutch connected to rotate said roller, and a crank linkage between said clutch and said motor means; and said linkage and clutch rotating said roller through a predetermined angle for each revolution of said crank pin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A printing machine as in claim 1, wherein: said sensing means comprises a single mechanoelectric displacement transducer, and a driving linkage connecting the mechanical operating element of said transducer to said sweep means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
A printing machine as in claim 1, further comprising: an electronic digital-to-analogue converter connected between said input terminals and each said comparator and producing an analogue voltage function of each said input signal; said sensing means comprising an electrical analogue displacement transducer producing an analogue position signal; and said comparator being connected to receive said analogue voltage function and said analogue position signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
A printing machine as in claim 8, wherein: each said converter comprises four electrical switching elements, each connected to a load resistor of weighted value; all said load resistors being connected to a current-summing junction; an electrical translating device connected to translate the sum of said currents into an analogous voltage; and said voltage constituting said analogue voltage function.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
A printing machine as in claim 9, wherein: said switching elements and said translating device are transistors; said comparator comprises two transistors in a common-emitter differential connection; and said energizing means comprises a power transistor connected to receive a latching signal from a point in the collector circuit of said comparator.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-22 | 1974-08-24 | 1975-02-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-22 | 1978-08-24 | 1979-02-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-08-24 | 1983-02-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |