Transaction terminal having base module and portable module

Claim 1

A transaction terminal comprising: a portable module including a power supply, a data input device, a data processor coupled to the power supply and the data input device, an external housing having a first docking surface, and an electrical connector coupled to said processor and accessible through an aperture in said first docking surface of said external housing; and a base module including a lower housing having a base portion for resting on a supporting surface, an upper housing mating with the lower housing, and having a second docking surface with an aperture therein on said upper housing, an internal divider separating the interior of the combined upper and lower housings into a first internal space and a second internal space, the floor of the second internal space being angled upwardly from one end thereof so that it is not flush with a supporting surface on which the base portion rests, a power supply located in said first internal space, a printer located in said second internal space and coupled to said power supply, and an electrical connector coupled to said printer and accessible through the aperture in said second docking surface for engagement with the electrical connector of the portable module, said printer including a paper supply roll holder, a movable print head, and at least one shaft for supporting the print head for movement in a linear path.