JPH02504013A - Printing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Printing device and method TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a printer device and a printing method for a printer, and in particular to a printing method such as an airline ticket, etc. The present invention relates to a printing device and method for printing coupons for passengers on vehicles. This patent issue The application is U.S. Patent Application No. 071051046, 198, filed May 15, 1987. No. 183004 filed on April 18, 1988 and No. 183004 filed on May 12, 1988. This is an improvement on No. 193352.

Printing on airline tickets and the like poses major problems. One problem is that printing is not done quickly. Printers take up less space at ticket counters, even though Therefore, it should be compact. The other problem is that the printing is not correct for the passenger. of relatively good quality or resolution for maximum readability by ticket issuers and ticket issuers. In addition, printers must be inexpensive.

Furthermore, printers mean that ticket issuers have little time for large printers. It should be highly reliable.

A ticket and card in the form of a card with information recorded on a magnetic field or magnetic stripe. There are also problems based on the need to print coupons and coupons. Printing mechanism only Therefore, the magnetic recording/reproducing mechanism must be placed in a relatively small space, and the Code alignment must be precisely controlled for both magnetic recording and printing.

One problem with printing pons - like airline tickets - is that each coupon is unique. serial numbers are printed and the accounting is done by the individual clerk issuing those forms. This means that it must be done. Therefore, form insertion errors, jams, etc. damage and vandalism create major problems for cashiers and passengers, and printers should minimize problems.

A variety of printers have been used as mobile coupon printers.

Such printers include dot matrix and thermal printers.

These printers are generally relatively slow and often have poor print quality. . Additionally, they tend to use “consumables” (e.g. ribbons) relatively quickly. and therefore expensive.

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a printing device and a system that solves or alleviates these problems. The objective is to provide a method for

In particular, the goal is relatively high speed and high quality printing in a small space. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a printer and method that can perform Is Rukoto. Furthermore, the aim is to develop printers and printers with relatively low consumption of consumables. The objective is to provide a method for

Another object of the present invention is to provide a relatively simple and reliable mechanism to allow the number of individual sheets to be Printers, especially vehicle coupon printers, were fed alternately from the stack. The purpose of this invention is to provide an individual sheet processing mechanism for the printer. Furthermore, the aim is The document feed mechanism clears document jams or relatively rare misfeeds in the system. To provide a printer that can be operated manually for correction relatively easily.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer and printer that is highly reliable and has a relatively low number and cost of electronic components. Relatively easy to read and maintain, operator-friendly through the use of pushbuttons or switches The purpose of the present invention is to provide a printer that can be adjusted.

According to the present invention, these purposes can be achieved by effectively utilizing an ion deposition type print engine. The present invention provides a printer and method for printing vehicle coupons, and in particular a printer and method for printing vehicle coupons. This is achieved by providing The resolution provided by this printer is relatively high. (for example, 240 dots/inch) and the cost is relatively low. Ion attached type The print engine uses ionization to develop a latent image of dots on a dielectric drum. Take advantage of the fact that the print head has a static hole array that is multiplied by do. This printhead covers the entire width of the printed document. long seat By feeding cards or cards vertically through this printer, you can increase the required printhead width. The size and cost of the print engine are reduced.

In the sheet feeding mechanism and method of the present invention, the sheets are arranged in two juxtaposed stacks of sheets. It is given as a dead body. This configuration saves space and provides reliability in the feeding process. improve sex. This allows coupons or documents of different formats to be accumulated and Supplied as needed or as multiple stacks of the same document to accommodate device dimensions. Provides without significantly increasing or sacrificing sheet feed reliability I can do it.

This document advance mechanism runs from the form storage area near the top of the printer to the print engine. It is extremely easy to access by providing a short direct feed path to the mains.

The feed mechanism part is mounted on a hinge support and can be easily rotated upwards by hand to feed documents. manual removal and relocation of misdirected documents. Ru.

Simple electronic means are provided for varying the density of the printed image. more printer for control that minimizes the dimensions and manufacturing costs of the device and maximizes its operating speed and reliability. Hardware and software are provided.

The airline ticket printer receives the information necessary for ticket printing from the central convenience store.

This central computer stores the data necessary to print a series of related coupons. dokiniment to avoid repeating information common to all coupons in the group. It is arranged as a packet called an ink active record (DIR). this Grouping saves labor and time required for data entry and also saves data storage space. saves time and data transmission time.

For example, when issuing flight tickets for a common destination to a group of people, the flight number, destination, and and other information is entered, stored, and sent only once to each person in the group. Other information required is the traveler's name and other information specific to that person. This allows tickets to be printed for each person in the group.

Another example is issuing a ticket to a single traveler for travel with multiple segments or destinations. It is something that One coupon (ticket) is generally for each segment of the trip. must be printed. In this example, the traveler information is related to each coupon. They are the same and are not repeated, but the destination, flight number, etc. are different for each category. are stored separately for each ticket.

The printing of each such IR coupon must be completed before the printing is complete, e.g. If the coupon feeding mechanism is interrupted due to a jam, the data in the DIR may be lost. Or, coupons already printed for DIR will have to be printed again. cause problems. This results in wasted time and coupons, and each coupon If the ticket is to be settled by the ticketing agent, the cost of printing twice is wasted. Ru.

Printers need less memory to lower manufacturing costs . Another problem is the printer's relatively limited memory capacity, This is caused by the need to receive and process data from data at high speed. right away Unacceptable data is often lost and must be re-entered. stomach. This requires the operator to type the information again.

Another issue is whether the communication link between the printer and the central convenience store is enabled. This is the evaluation when it is considered Disnible. The coupon will not be printed if there is a printer interruption. I can't write. However, the main computer continues to send information to the printer. Sometimes. Because memory is limited, this information cannot be stored continuously. memo The communication link between the printer and the information source is disabled to prevent information loss due to resource limitations. should be snibbled, but it is done without being sure of the information being sent in the DIR. must be done.

Another object of the invention is a method and method in which the above-mentioned problems are eliminated or significantly reduced. The purpose is to provide a method.

Specifically, its purpose is to create a series of related coupons without the need for printing. And it operates without damaging the information stored for printing those coupons. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer that recovers from interruptions.

Other purposes include printing without undue loss of data coming from a central computer. The goal is to minimize memory requirements and memory costs for the data processor.

According to the present invention, the above purpose is achieved when the operation of the printer is interrupted. To avoid reprinting sheets that are currently being printed, the printer should A note to prevent loss of data from the packet along with a means of determining the location of the packet. This is achieved by a printer with a security function. Preferably at the beginning and end of each packet. An indicator is used to indicate the last sub-information used to print the coupon. A means of identifying the packet is used.

According to another feature of the invention, a relatively limited memory capacity is required for storing incoming data. Remembers input data for future use and refreshes to clear the oldest data. A buffer is used. Preferably, this buffer is a battery-powered semiconductor lamp. It is formed by Tom Access Memory (RAM).

It is a good idea to provide overflow protection for the ring buffer. The printer is in the central combination. If you want to interrupt the data transmission long after it has been transmitted from the computer, try The communication link that sends data to the printer is disabled.

However, this link does not work until the data packet being transmitted has been completely sent. is maintained. Suppose this ring buffer becomes full before the final packet is transmitted. and overflows are directed to auxiliary memory locations. Data transmission is a ring Space in the buffer is not recovered until it becomes available again.

The print engine creates an electrostatic latent image on the dielectric surface of a rotating print drum. this The image is developed with toner from a rotating magnetic toner brush adjacent to the print drum. imaged. The document is transferred to the toner by passing it between the print drum and the pressure roller. The image is printed by welding the image to it.

Problems arise when toner is not evenly transferred to the print drum. Due to uneven metastasis An image printed on a document is an indication of “toner loss”, i.e. the print Light and dark areas appear alternately.

Other problems arise from excessive toner accumulation near the toner brush. This cumulative may impair print quality. Also, this accumulated toner removal and toner consumption Therefore, there are considerable operating costs.

It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and method that solves or alleviates the above problems. It is to provide law. In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide relatively uniform contrast and darkness. An object of the present invention is to provide a printer and a method for producing a printed image.

It is another object of the present invention to avoid or minimize the accumulation of excess toner and to The aim is to minimize waste.

A further objective is to reduce "background" in printed copies, thereby reducing The goal is to improve quality. It is further an object of the present invention to make such a printer relatively inexpensive. The goal is to provide products at low manufacturing costs.

According to the invention, these objectives are achieved by providing means for driving the toner brushes on the print drum. Accomplished by providing a printer and method that allows it to be decoupled from the drive means. be done. Preferably two different drive motors are used to drive the drum and toner brush. It will be done. This uses one drive motor to drive the drum and the toner brush to the drum. represents a significant improvement over conventional drives driven by gear trains coupled to . Using a separate motor for the toner brush eliminates traditional toner shedding and The rattling of the drive and gears, which was the main cause of non-uniform brightness in lint, is eliminated. .

Another benefit of this independent drive system is that the toner brush can be stopped and operated independently of the drum. This means that you can call and start.

Another feature of the invention is that the area of the drum through which the electrostatic latent image is located during the print cycle is The toner brush rotates only at certain times and remains stationary at other times. That is.

This minimizes the accumulation of used toner and minimizes the frequency of removing accumulation. It was found that this reduces toner waste. This improvement is desirable for drums. has the added benefit of reducing toner migration to areas that are not Significantly improves lint quality.

Preferably, this feature is coupled with a slight rotation of the magnetic "lobes" of the brushes to drive them. further reduce undesirable toner migration by removing the toner from areas between areas with latent images on the ram. to save.

Requests for ride coupons are often made days or weeks before the trip, so Quick printing of travel coupons, such as , is generally not necessary. Printer capacity Any such use will occur in the evening or after other peak hours. It is often desirable to print the pops in advance in large quantities at one time. Also, that Printing does not require a ticket issuer or other witness to monitor the process. It is also desirable to do it without

Such nippon printing poses a major problem. Vehicles like airline tickets A coupon is a valuable document.

Therefore, if a large number of coupons are printed without anyone present, it may result in theft. There is a high risk of loss. A reliable way to collect and store printed coupons automatic security measures are required.

Other problems are easily attached to the printer and can be removed, and once removed, the printer By providing a bunch and storage means that automatically reactivate the permanent bunch means of the rinta. be.

It is therefore another object of the invention to provide fruit bunch and preservation methods which eliminate or reduce the above-mentioned problems. It is to provide the means.

The particular purpose is to print documents from printers without requiring the presence of a monitoring person. By providing a document collection and preservation means that can reliably collect and preserve be.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer that can be installed in the printer and easily removed by a designated person. The purpose of the present invention is to provide such fruit bunches and preservation means. Preferably this fruit bunch and storage Removal of the means installed in the printer for document assembly will automatically reactivate the means. Ru.

According to the present invention, the above object is to provide a portable container which is placed with respect to the ticketing opening of the printer. This is achieved by providing This container is lockable and its installation and removal It would be good if this could only be done by a designated person. Preferably from a printer Even after removing this container, third party access to the document is prevented. Access to document This access locks the container regardless of whether or not it is secured to the printer. It is best to allow this only through a panel that has been installed.

Preferably, this container has an integrated printer for transferring printed documents into this container. It has a guide means into which the means can be inserted. This guide means is pulled when the container is removed. The document is inserted into the printer, so that the document passes through a certain path built into the printer. It passes through the fruit bunch means.

Preferably, this container is used to store documents in a vertical stack as they exit the printer. Collect as. The top document in this stack will print for every print cycle. A platform that can be moved to the same level as the point of ejection of documents from the computer. is provided. Preferably automatic means for disabling the printer is provided for this container. Provided to prevent storage capacity from being exceeded.

It is not intended to be an exhaustive overview of the invention. Rather, other features, aspects and We believe that the features and advantages will be shown in or apparent from the following description and drawings. . In the drawing, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a part of an airline ticket counter at an airport, each of which is a perspective view of a plane ticket counter of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing several stations with one printer;

FIG. 2 shows an airline coupon printed by the printer and method of the present invention. It is a diagram.

FIG. 3 shows a reservation confirmation coupon printed by the printer and method of the present invention. FIG.

Figure 4 shows the terminal processing unit used in the sale of airline tickets and other coupons. shows the computer circuitry through which individual sales terminals and printers connect FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram.

FIG. 5 is a partial right side view showing the printer mechanism of the present invention.

Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view showing the flow path of foam through the printer of Figure 5; Ru.

Figure 5B is a partial view of the print head used for ion deposition printing carrots. Ru.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the printer of FIG. 5.

7 is a top view of a portion of the printer unit of FIG. 5. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the structure of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the structure of FIG. 7.

10 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a portion of the structure of FIG. 7; FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the magnetic recording/reproducing unit feeding mechanism of the printer shown in FIG. It is.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the mechanism of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13--13 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13A is a waveform diagram showing the operation of the device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the toner supply disable function of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the toner supply roller of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a cross-section taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 12 with the latch mechanism in the first position. It is a figure which shows the state which becomes.

FIG. 17 is a diagram similar to FIG. 16, showing the latch mechanism in the second position. Ru.

FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram of an electrical trigger circuit used in the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the print engine control circuit.

Figure 20 is a block diagram of the byte mapping/Pittman troll logic circuit of the present invention. It is.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the basic structure of a DIR information packet.

FIG. 22 shows a system that is a control method for the printer of the present invention together with the circuit shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a processor.

Figure 23 shows how to record the information necessary to print a large number of coupons in DIR. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a ring buffer for storing data.

Figures 24 to 27 show the systems used to process coupon input and printing in DIR. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the stem processor.

Figure 28 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the toner brush, dielectric drum, and their drive mechanism. It is.

Figure 28A shows the timing for the motor to drive the toner brush and dielectric drum. FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing a sequence.

Figure 29 shows a printed image installed on the front cover of one of the printers in Figure 1. The right side panel of the device for document assembly and storage is removed to show the document assembly state. FIG.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30--30 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a partial side view of the apparatus of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 31.

General description Figure 1 shows a typical airline ticket sales counter with ticketing stations 32, 34, 36. 30 is shown. Each station includes a countertop 38, input/output devices 40, There is a relatively low baggage acceptance weighing surface 42 and a coupon printer 44. printed Coupons and the like are issued through a self-contained opening 48 on the front of the printer. Individual power/output equipment The operator enters passenger and other information and obtains information about available seats, etc. It has a video screen and a keyboard that allow you to

As shown in FIG. 4, each power/output device 40 includes a modem and other devices (not shown). via a remote link 80 to a plurality of locations 72, 74, 76, 78, etc. Central control in regional or national networks with different input/output channels Connect to computer 82.

If necessary, each location may include a device 72 such as, for example, the office of a travel agent. may include one input/output device 40 and one printer 44, such as at an airport 78. Combinations of many such devices can be deployed in some locations. For example, "appointment mouth" A computer 82 such as Calculate reservation data and other data needed to allow Pong to print , memorize and send.

Returning to FIG. 1, the printer 44 is located in a relatively narrow cabinet within the counter. Fits into the space.

These printers are designed so that the operator can easily access the printer mechanism. It is installed so that it slides outward from the cabinet. Lower right part of Figure 1 The printer 44 shown in is pulled out of the cabinet as described above. suitably Insert the key into this unit to be able to pull it out of the cabinet Preferably, the device must be inserted into a lock (not shown) on the front of the device.

This lock allows the operator to access the printer mechanism without shuttering it. It is preferable that the high voltage circuit within the mechanism be disabled.

Figure 2.3 shows a printout produced by this printer mechanism 44 for use in air transport services. Two coupon formats that can be linted are shown.

FIG. 2 shows a passenger ticket and baggage check form 50. form 50 is half It has a ticket part 52, and this part is used when dividing this form. , excluded from the area to be printed. The portion 52 is located at the perforation 54. can be separated from the main body of the form. This form also has a boarding bar on the opposite side. It has a space portion 56. Boarding bus 56 uses perforation 58 to remove the remainder of this coupon. Can be easily separated from other parts.

The ticket stub portion 52 has a relatively large black rectangular spot 60 on a bright background. child The spot 60 is located during the transfer of this form within the printer mechanism, as will be described below. It is used as

Form50 prints all ticketing information for passengers, including fare and total amount. have space for reading. Also, this coupon is used to collect passengers' luggage. It has a space for printing baggage information for future use.

Each of the forms 50 has a preprinted serial number shown at 64. These foo The form is serially numbered to allow for strict accounting of all forms issued. It is attached. Each ticket agent or travel agent must keep track of all issued forms. This will enable accurate accounting for each system. For example, the ticket counter in Figure 1 During a change of ticket agent in one of the The agent may issue all forms at the end of the rotation. Accounting must be done for all. Thus, the printer There is a need to avoid loss or damage to the form during the process. In addition, 2 pieces If two forms are fed at the same time or a jam occurs, one form will be damaged. The operator must correct the situation immediately to avoid loss. Puri The operator should not require the operator to dispose of the form during this process. stomach.

There is. Passenger and business related data is recorded on this magnetic stripe 62. The data can be read by magnetic reading means, and the data can be quickly input to the central combicoater. power and use for its operation and other purposes.

The coupon 66 in Figure 3 is a reservation confirmation coupon or a travel agent or airline ticket. This form is for car rentals made by passengers through an agency. form 66 has no perforations, but has the same position and dimensions as form 50 in Fig. 2. A spot 60 is provided on the ticket stub portion 52.

The booking confirmation form 66 can also be sent to a hotel reservation or ticket or travel agent. It can be used to confirm similar matters that should be handled more closely. Figure 2.3 Traveling - Both types of ports 50 and 66 are stored or stored by printer 44 on request. Print Shitsuru.

5.6, and particularly in FIG. 5, printer 44 is shown with frame 84 and front cover. -85, this cover has a cover near its bottom that attaches the printer to its cabinet. It has a guide 86 that guides it in a sliding manner.

The printer includes an ion deposition print engine 88, a control panel 90, a magnetic recording/ It includes a re-main section feeding mechanism 96 and a hinged card transfer unit 98 . unit The slot 98 is used for transferring cards from the stack stored in the storage unit 100. Includes part of the mechanism that is used. The storage unit 100 adjusts the height of this stack to an appropriate level. supports that are moved up and down by an elevator mechanism (not shown) to maintain the No. 5 to show a stack of ticket forms 50 supported on plate 104. The lower right portion of FIG. 5 is shown in a broken state.

FIG. 5A shows the travel path of a form to be printed within the printer of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a top view of the printer shown in FIG. 5, showing the format stored in the storage unit. The card transfer unit 98 is shown removed to show the system.

In FIG. 5A, these forms are arranged fa as two rows of stacks 102, 103. They are stacked one on top of the other, and these stacks are stacked as necessary to make their height correct For example, the platform 104 and the stack 103 have corresponding platforms. It can be raised or lowered by raising or lowering the platform. The frame is from the stack 102. along the guide 222 to the magnetic recording/reproducing head 250 and thence to the dielectric drum. 109 and the pressure port of the print engine 88. This results in The image is transferred from the drum to the form and the printed form is pressed from the printer. It is brought out. To obtain the form 66 from the stack 103, in the direction of the arrow towards the top of the stack 102, and there the stack ]0 It is basically sent along the same path as the form from 2.

Forms 50 and 66 are stored in two separate containers #1 and #2 as shown in FIG. It will be done. If necessary, the forms in these containers can be changed so that container #2 is issued from container #1. The same can be done to provide additional storage of forms. Generally speaking The foams accumulated in these containers are different. For example, there is a ticket form in container 1. The booking confirmation form 66 can be stored in the container 2 if the form 50 is stored, and Tickets and reservation confirmations are entered using one or more keys on the keyboard of input/output device 40. It can be issued to a given passenger using just a stroke.

Returning to FIG. 5, the print engine 88 itself forms part of the present invention. , and therefore will not be detailed. The print engine 88 is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. 60257 and 4267556.

FIG. 5B shows print head 89 of print engine 88. FIG. print head 89 for the direction of movement of the sheet or form through the print engine. a plurality of rows of 12 very small holes 91 each aligned at an angle of It has 91. The print engine forms a latent electrostatic dot image on the dielectric surface of drum 109. ionization in selected ones of these pores at predetermined times in order to Ru. These dots form a latent image that is developed by applying magnetic toner. and the pressure port 111 transfers the image to the form and transfers the toner to the form. Weld it to the paper. These printed forms are output to the output tray 112. The tray holds the foam adjacent the foam removal opening 48.

This array of holes 1 in the printhead extends the entire width of each form beam and has a diameter of 70 mm. It is from column 91. The print head is relatively short and the form width is relatively small. Therefore, it can be produced economically.

Control panel 90 in FIG. 5 inputs specific instructions to the printer control circuitry. performs interaction routines and maintenance, and controls print brightness and other features described below. It has a keypad 94 used for control. The display device 92 is a type of printer. Displays alphanumeric indicators indicating various operating parameters.

card transfer drive The card transfer drive unit 98 is shown in principle in FIGS. 7 and 8 and furthermore in FIGS. 6.9. ．． It is also shown in Figure 10.

The card transfer drive mechanism transfers coupon forms, that is, stacks of cards 102, 10. 3 to the magnetic recording/reproducing drive system 96.

FIG. 7 is a top view of this transfer mechanism, with the cover of FIG. 5 removed. this The mechanism has a U-shaped base plate 06, and a pair of extension arms are attached to this plate. 108.111 (also shown in FIG. 9) are fixed.

Pivot bins 112 and 114 extend from the ends of arms 108 and 111, respectively, and For example, it is rotatably mounted to the printer frame at point 113 in FIG. mosquito The unit 98 is then pivoted upward to the position shown by the dotted line 98' in FIG. 106, thereby providing access to the card storage container and the feed mechanism on the underside of plate 106. becomes possible.

propulsion mechanism Figure 7 shows unit 98 being advanced upwards and falling, hitting a person or a printer. A mechanism 114 is shown that is used to prevent harm. This mechanism 11 4 is the bracket 118 fixed to the plate 106 and the rising of the bracket 118; A metal rod 119 extends through the hole at the end of the rod, and a coil spring surrounds the rod 119. 120, lock plate 122, and end 115 (FIG. 9) about unit 98. A channel-shaped support axle that pivots into position on the left printer frame of each pivot bin 113. What do you do with the system 110? The rod 119 is supported at one end by a pin 17. It is fixed to the end of the frame 1]0.

The mechanism 114 is the fifth. 7. In Figure 9, it is in the lower position, which is the card sending position. It has become. Mechanism 98 is lifted and rotated in pivot bins 112 and 114. Then, the rod 119 passes through the hole in the bracket 118 and the hole in the locking member 122, and slides easily and allows this mechanism to move upwards easily and smoothly. It has become. However, if this mechanism 98 is released at any point, mechanism 11 4 immediately locks and descends under its own weight, crushing the operator's hand or causing a shock. Make sure you don't do anything like that. This is the interaction between spring 120 and plate 122. This is done by

When rod 119 attempts to return through the hole in bracket 118, this spring tilt the seat 122 to the left as shown in Figure 5.9. And the result As a result, the frictional engagement between the rod 119 and the hole in the locking member 122 allows the operator to Grasp the outwardly extending end of lock member 122 and push it toward spring 120. the unit in the downward position until it releases the lock and allows the mechanism 98 to slowly lower. prevent the movement of the cut 98.

As shown in FIG. It is fixed to the cover of the mechanism 98 so that the knit 98 can be lowered slowly. Operation If the operator's hand slips while the mechanism 98 is lowering, the mechanism immediately stops the lowering. Stop.

Thus, the al structure 114 provides virtually no protection against damage to the printer and the person using it. protection.

Drive a! Structure In Figure 7.8, three drive motors 124°, 126, 128 are connected to the plate 10. 6 and their axes pass through holes in that plate. j@8v! In J. Drive motor 124 is a reversible motor that drives worm gear 130 and Drive the roller of the crossfeed mechanism in the center left of the figure. Similarly, the motor 126 It drives an ohmic gear 132 and a long feed roller 138. The motor 128 is Drive the ohm gear 134 to rotate the other rollers of this crossfeed mechanism. let The propulsion mechanism 114 is omitted from this figure for convenience of illustration.

Figure ji8.9 shows a long feed roller 138, which feeds the card as shown in Figure 6. from container #1 toward the feed mechanism 96 in the longitudinal direction.

The various feed rollers shown in Figure 8 and elsewhere are mounted on their respective shafts by one-way clutches. It will be worn. The conventions used in these drawings are indicated by arrows in the direction of their free rotation. This means that it is now possible to do so. Thus, the rotation in the direction opposite to the arrow and its shaft. These arrows also La is also the direction in which the card is moved.

The long feed roller 138 is preferably a relatively soft rubber roller with teeth on its outer surface. It is a good idea to make it so that it is created and grabs the card. According to one aspect of the invention, The teeth of roller 138 are helical. That is, these teeth are connected to this roller. They are lined up at an angle to the shaft 139 on which they are mounted. This sets the card to this unit. Press diagonally against the edge guide in the recording/playback section of the recorder and insert the magnetic tip in this area. Accurate alignment of the rack with the magnetic recording/reproducing head 250 of FIG. be done.

Roller 138 rotates within a bracket that includes side members 140 and 142 (FIG. 9). possible to be installed. This bracket can be rotated about point 143 in diagram tJ9. This causes roller 138 to move up and down during operation of the card drive mechanism.

The rotation of the worm gear 132 drives a gear 144 connected to the shaft by a pulley 146. do. Drive belt 150 is connected to pulley 1 on the drive shaft for pulley 146 and roller 138. Connect between 52 degrees. Thus, the rotation of the motor 126 is longer than the feed roller 1. 38.

The following is the operation of the long feed roller when feeding cards from container #1.

A long feed roller 138 is placed over the top card of stack 102 in container #1. It is in. When receiving a card issuing command from container #1, the motor 126 stops rotating. This causes the long feed roller 138 to rotate so that the leading edge of the card is aligned with the light sensor shown in FIG. The feed mechanism 96 is opened by the sensor 235. - Just pass between trollers 228 and 230. advance the card until it is detected. The front edge of this card is at this point The card is gripped by rollers 228 and 230 when it is detected. This results in The long feed roller 138 is rotatably attached to the frame that supports it. Rotary solenoid 1 that operates the lift arm 218 in Figure 9.10 It is lifted by 60.

Solenoid 160 was secured to a slot in lift arm 218 with pin 165. Drive shaft 161 in FIG.

When the mag feed sensor 235 detects the trailing edge of the card, the rotary solenoid 160 is turned off and lowers the feed roller 138 to feed the top card in container #1. to prepare for the next feed operation.

crossfeed mechanism When sending cards from container #2 instead of container #1, use the crossfeed in diagram N48. mechanism is used. The long shaft 166 is the end of the support plate 106 for the unit 98. is rotatably mounted between the two. The shaft 166 is fixed to the shaft 166 by the motor 124. rotates in a first direction via worm gear 130 that drives gear 176 .

Two sets of feed rollers are driven by shaft 166. These two are the forward feeder rollers 168 and 170 and the others are top stripper rollers 172 and 174. B rollers 168 and 170 are rotatably attached to support structures, portions of which are shown at 178 and 186. It will be installed. The pulley on the shaft 184 and the pulley on the shaft 166 are idler rollers of 1g. 2 by a drive belt 180.

Similarly, rollers 170 are rotatably mounted to support structures 196, 198 and idlers. - Belt 2001 on -202: driven by.

Stripper rollers 172 and 174 are on a common shaft 188 and drive belt 194. Driven by pulleys on shafts 188,166.

Each of the rollers 168, 170, 172, and 174 is a soft rubber roller, and its surface It has straight teeth on its surface. That is, these teeth are parallel to its axis.

Also, two pickup rollers 212° and 214 are shown in figure N8. are rotatably mounted on shaft 215, which in FIG. 8 is located behind support housing 136. It will be worn. The shaft 215 is fixed to the middle gear 134 and the rotatable shaft 206 in FIG. It is rotated by a drive motor 12g shown in FIG. 7 via a fixed gear 208. Axis 2 Belt 210, which runs on pulleys 06 and 216, slows the rotational movement of motor 128. 212 and 214.

Rollers 212 and 214 can move up and down similarly to feed roller 138. Figure 7 is A mechanism 154 for doing this is shown along with a mechanical solenoid 156. This mechanism is Although not shown in detail, they are similar to those for the upper and lower feed rollers 138.

Fixed to the frame 106 is a position detection element 216 (Fig. 7.8.9) It is. This sensor 216 shines light on a nearby target, detects the reflected light, and This type of signal outputs a corresponding signal. The control signal indicates that this sensor Occurs when a significant change in radiation is detected. This type of sensor can be used as a mag drive unit. The sensor 235 in FIG. 11 is used to detect the front and rear edges of the card in the card 96. It is good.

The alignment of the edge of the card 66 and the sensor 216 is shown in FIG.

Thus, the sensor 216 detects the passage of the black rectangular spot 60 (Fig. 2.3.6). He is placed in a position to know. Spot 60 has various cross fields as described below. It is used to create the timing of the drawer's movements.

The cross-feeding operation of cards from container #2 to #1 will be described.

When the control circuit of this system detects a request to send a card from container 2, a long Feed roller 138 is lifted and the cards are crossed onto the stack of container #1. be able to be sent. Motor 124 starts in the forward direction. This results in , advance rollers 168, 170 move the top card of the stack of container #2 to container #2. Move towards 1. A one-way clutch for rollers 172 and 174 is connected to roller 168. 170, so at this point the rollers 172 and 17 are 4 is idling. Thus the card from container 2 is at the leading edge of black spot 60. 61 (FIG. 3) moves laterally until detected by sensor 216. When this happens Pick up rollers 212 and 214 start. In other words, the motor 128 Start.

The card moves forward a predetermined distance until trailing edge 63 (Figure 3) is detected. Cross feed by load roller 168.170 and pickup roller 212.214 will be removed. This stops the drive of feed rollers 168 and 170, thereby The rotation of roller 124 is reversed to drive stripper rollers 172 and 174. these The stripper roller removes the top card that has just passed between rollers 168 and 170. It and other cards engage the card directly below it and move it to the top card on the stack. Place it back into its stack as it is subsequently pulled out.

Figure 6 shows the relationship between the bottom and the bottom of any card that happened to be moved from the stack at this time. A pair of bottom struts are attached to a shaft 109 that rotates to bring the pieces together and return them to the stack. Ripper rollers 105 and 107 are shown.

The trailing edge of the top card 66 (FIG. 3) is detected by sensor 216. It is cross-fed towards container 1 until the end. As a result, the pickup roller 212 214 is lifted and the long feed roller 138 feeds the cards transferred to container 1. fall on top. At this point, following the actions described above for sending cards from container 1, Send the card to a magnetic recording/playback station.

One of the several features of the card transfer system described above is the ability of two juxtaposed containers to This means that cards are sent alternately from one side to the other. This is container 2] This is different from the one that uses a feeding mechanism arranged vertically against the other side. Use of the crossfeed mechanism is The length of the linter mechanism is significantly shortened and the space required is reduced. this makes this unit even smaller.

Another advantage is that the cross-feeding mechanism is protected against errors such as slamming the card into container 1. This means that the walls of the container 1 where the movement occurs will stop it and force it into the correct position.

This is not possible if the cards are fed vertically into the container 1.

Is the card moving in the same direction as it is being fed to the next station in the printer? If the card overshoots the mark, the device's sensor may quickly reach the next destination.

Other features of this cross-feed mechanism are that it is small and requires no drive motor. One motor drives the forward feed rollers 168, 170 and the top stripper roller. 172 and 174.

Card stack height sensor In Figure 7.10, the height of the card stack in the storage container is the same as the sensor 216. Detected by the same-shaped optical sensors 162 and 164 of FIG. Sensor 162 is a container The sensor 164 detects the height of the stack in container #1, and the sensor 164 detects the height of the stack in container #2. do.

FIG. 10 shows a member 218 used to raise and lower the long feed roller 138. A gap 220 is shown formed at the top of the screen. The light from sensor 162 is in gap 2 20 in vertical alignment.

This long feed roller is lowered to align gap 220 and sensor 162. When lowered, a sensor is activated and the card stack elevator is stacked. Adjust to raise the height. When the long feed roller goes up again, the sensor 162 indicates that the vertical portion of portion 221 of member 218 is the level becomes high enough to interrupt the light from the sensor, so it is unaffected. stomach.

This mechanism is thus used for two purposes. That is, this roller lift machine The structure is used to raise and lower the rollers and to indicate the height of the stack.

A similar mechanism is used in conjunction with sensor 164 to sense stack height in container #2. used.

Magnetic recording/playback card drive An eleventh feed mechanism 96 moves the card through the magnetic recording/playback head 250. ．． It is shown in FIG. 12 and FIG.

Base plate 222 forms a descending surface along which the card moves. 12th As shown, an edge guide 224 is positioned along one side of the plate 222. be done. This recording/playback head is installed in the hole in the plate 222 in the same manner as the sensor 235. Placed. A portion of the card having a magnetic stripe provided with a pressure amount 234 is pressed against the surface of the head 250.

A double vic detector 236 is located immediately downstream of rollers 228 and 230.

The function of this detector is to detect simultaneous feeding of two or more cards and is to stop.

The entrance to unit 96 is on the left side of FIG. A spring 244 is mounted on top of this inlet. This prevents the passage of multiple cards that are stuck together and sent as a group. Change A bottom stripper roller 246 is provided at the top of the card to remove more than the top card to be transferred. All cards outside are removed and returned to container 1. strippero The rollers 246 are conventional and their drive mechanism will not be described.

Pressure volume 234 may be made of a smooth, fatigue-resistant, non-magnetic material, such as Delrin. It will be done. As shown in FIG. 12, the front edge 233 of the pressure amount 234 It is sloped towards. Thus when the leading edge of the card reaches the amount of pressure If it is not flat against the edge guide 224, the inclined leading edge of the pressure This will force it against the edge guide. This allows the edge of the card to the card's magnetic stripe is properly aligned with the magnetic recording/playback head. .

The magnetic stripe has a large number of different magnetic recording tracks and therefore the head 250 Accurate alignment between the multiple recording/reproducing elements within is required. Preferably, four or more The track is approximately 5/8 of an inch or 1. One strike with a width of 6an Formed into rhipes. Of course, you can use more tracks if necessary; In the case of , the accuracy increases as the number of tracks per unit width of the stripe increases. .

The pressure quantity 234 is rotatably mounted on the arm 232 which rotates at 237 .

A spring 248 connects the other end of the arm 232 to a pin 249 fixed to the frame. There is.

The spring 248 is converted into a predetermined amount of pressure to be applied by the amount of pressure 234. Give the power of what will become. The shaft 227 attached to the housing 240 is through a slot in the arm 232 to limit the amount of movement of this arm.

In Figure 11.12, two feed rollers 228 and 230 are connected to one common attached to the shaft.

The common shaft is rotatably mounted to a structure including top wall 240 and side wall 226. has been done. This structure includes a shaft 242 driven by a motor (not shown). Rotate on top. Shaft 242 and shaft to which drive rollers 228 and 230 are attached A pair of bobbies attached to the rollers 228 and 230 along with a belt (not shown) Used for rotation. Rollers 228 and 230 are located on the underside of plate 222. the pinch roller 2 of FIG. 55.

The housing 240 may not be overlapping or properly fed by the operator. The shaft 242 and the fift Remove the pressure rollers 228, 230 and the pressure amount 234 from the feed path and remove them from the shaft. 242.

The mechanism described so far is fixed in the lowered position by a latch consisting of plate 252. The hooked lower end 293 of this plate 252 is in the latched position. It surrounds and is hooked onto a rod 254 that straddles the feed guide of the board. This mechanism The lock acts as a toggle link with a pair of springs 256 (Figs. 16-17). A latch lever 238 rotatably mounted on a pad or shaft 239 Latched closed.

In FIG. 11, the lever 238 is moved clockwise (in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11). Rotation activates this toggle mechanism to release the spring pressure holding down the feed mechanism. Ru.

This causes the hooked end 253 to lift off the rod 254 and The structure can now pivot upwardly about shaft 242.

If you want to return this mechanism to the lower position, reverse this action. hooked end 253 onto the rod 254 and the latch lever 238 is toggled. from the lying position f (Figure 16) until the mechanism latches. move. Spring 256 applies pressure to frame 240, which causes rollers 228, 23 A predetermined pressure is applied to 0 and the pressure amount 234.

Figure 16.17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in Figure 12 of the latch mechanism. Demonstrate operation. In the position of FIG. 16, the hooked end 253 of plate 252 is - hooked on top of 254. One of the two springs 256 VL is worn on the side. Each spring 256 is attached to a pin 259 and a rod on one side of the mechanism. connected between. The left end of the lever 238 extends beyond the bin 239 and The end of member 243 extending upward at an angle from 240 is rotated at 245. move.

Figure 17 shows the latch in its final locked position. Lever 238 is at pivot point 24 It is rotated about 180° with respect to 5. However, when <-238 rotates, bar 239 and The distance between the bins 259 increases, stretching the spring 256.

At the same time, bar 239 slides outward within slot 241 in the side wall of the latch mechanism. Ido. This will cause the spring 250 to apply force to the main body 240 and push the roller 228. downwardly to engage idler roller 255 extending through a hole in rate 222 to press against.

The toggle action is complete when the lever 238 is moved clockwise through the position aligned with the spring. Complete. To return this mechanism to the position shown in FIG. I have to spread it. This is not possible without applying an external force, and this mechanism is simple. Locked with a simple toggle action.

Multiple card feed detector FIG. 13 is a cross-section of the double-vick detection unit 236. Attachment @236 is Deluri A hollow elongated cavity 258 is attached to the card support plate. It extends in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the seat 222. A pair of brackets 260 and 26 2 and a set screw 268 to the right end of the cavity is a piezoelectric crystal 26. 3 and a damping spring 264 extending laterally to the cavity 258.

The crystal and spring are relatively long so that they can be easily bent when the left end of the crystal is pushed upwards. It is attached as a thin cantilever beam.

A piston 265 with an enlarged round head 266 is mounted within the vertical bore. . This piston is free to slide up and down within this hole, and its upper end 269 is Lean on the left end of the body beam 263 and bend it upward by the upward movement of the piston. are arranged and given dimensions. The round head 266 of the piston has a depth It moves up and down within the depression of p.

In this double big detector, two or more cards pass through the mag card feeder section 96. Detect moving conditions. The space between the bottom of the detector 236 and the card support plate 222 The cards move at a pace of 271. The front edge of the card is on the helad 26 above the piston 255. Hit 6 and drive the piston upwards. This causes the piezoelectric crystal to bend and generates an electrical signal on output lead 270 from level detector circuit 27; Sent to 3. This output voltage is proportional to the movement (distance) of the end of the crystal beam 264. Figure 13A shows the voltage waveform of the output signal on beam section 270. Occurs with one card The peak voltage A is insufficient to trigger the level detector 273. This inspection The output is set to detect a voltage X that is significantly higher than A.

If two cards pass through this space 271 at the same time, the piston will move twice as far. It will be driven upwards. This generates an output voltage B that is twice that of one card. do.

Upon detection of such a level, the printer control circuitry immediately turns off all feed motors. OFF to stop the printer and turn on the warning light, and the indicator light to the operator. Let them know about the problem. This machine will not work until the double card condition is corrected. I can't restart.

Of course, according to the present invention, this modification is accomplished by pulling the printer out of the cabinet or In the case of a body type unit, open the cabinet itself and have the feed mechanism 96.98. lift, remove the two cards, return them to their proper containers, and feed mechanism 96. This can be easily done by lowering the 98 and restarting the machine.

This may result in the loss or destruction of valuable serially numbered coupon forms. Therefore, waste of other forms is minimized.

Double Vic detectors are very sensitive and accurate, yet relatively simple and durable. It is cheap to manufacture.

Let us now consider the operation of the double Vic detector in detail.

When a double big is detected, the level detector 273 in FIG. Sends a square output pulse while detecting an input higher than the bell. This output pulse is sent to a microprocessor which forms part of the control system. The start of this pulse creates a command to set the interlaced sequence off. Then the error code The command is sent via the control system by the print engine and motor 124°126.128 In addition, the magfeet feed motor can be disabled and a multi-tone alarm can be activated. is triggered. This alarm is specific to multivic detectors and Inform the user that one type of error has occurred, namely a double big detection. It should be The LED lights up along with the alarm sound. This LED has an error label but does not specifically signal the type of error that occurred.

However, the display 92 on the control panel in FIG. Display messages about things. This “Multi-Big” message will be sent to others within this system. It has priority over the message and is written over the current contents of the keypad.

At this point the machine is permanently disabled and the user can restore the machine's operation. Open this machine, correct the condition, and return the machine to the cabinet before Must be.

As soon as the machine is dis-nibbed, the message is stored in the static RAM in the control circuit. and thus count the number of such events. This RAM can be used in the event of a power failure. maintains an indelible record of the number of multivics that have occurred on a given machine. Comes with a battery as an auxiliary power source.

This RAM also contains the total number of card jams per machine, card jams resulting from container 2. machine and the total number of tickets printed by this machine.

In one embodiment of this machine, a message is sent to the ticket printer via a two-way communication means. is sent to the host combiator that controls the computer, and this host can remember the number of occurrences. This will notify it that a multi-vic has occurred.

The trigger level X of the level detector 273 is determined from the peak value A of the signal of one card. It is set to a level close to the peak value B of the two cards. This is generally a wrinkle Make sure that the edges do not produce a signal high enough to trip the level detector. To distinguish the wrinkled leading edge of a card from a double card by using It is held for the purpose of

toner brush shift One of the problems when printing mobile passenger documents like airline tickets and coupons means that these coupons are sent through the printer on demand at relatively high speed. That is. Thus, the forms can be printed on the print surface with large spaces between them. sent through the engine. While the print engine's dielectric drum continues to rotate, A considerable amount of toner is drawn from the toner applicator and this is printed. Forming undesirable marks on subsequent coupons.

This problem causes toner to adhere to parts of the drum that do not touch the sheet to be printed. Rotate the toner brush or applicator to an ineffective position and The area to be printed can be easily resolved by returning the brush to its effective position. I can do it.

FIG. 14 is a partial schematic diagram illustrating this feature of the invention, and FIG. 15 is a print encyclopedia. 2 is a cross-section of a magnetic toner brush 280 used for printing. The toner brush 280 is conventional belongs to. It has an outer cylindrical housing 304, which housing 3 The inner magnetic structure 306 is mounted for rotation within the 04. ! Figure 15 At the right end of the structure a shaft 308 is secured to the housing 304. the left edge is flat A second shaft 310 is shown having an end 312. Shaft 3〕0 is inner rotor 3 It is fixed at 06.

As shown in Figure 14, this toner magnet structure has eight alternating north and south poles. are formed at 45" intervals around the periphery of the brush. Magnetic toner particles are A mass of toner is supplied from the toner hopper shown at 282 and at the point of contact with the brush 284. Create a relationship. A small gap 285 at the bottom of the toner hopper allows the toner to reach the surface of the magnetic brush. Apply a thin layer of Outer shell or drum 304 is driven by shaft 308 It is continuously rotated by a motor (not shown) coupled to the main body. However, The foot 310 remains stationary so that the position of the magnetic pole of sm on the surface of the toner brush remains constant. will be kept as is. Typically, the adjustment means, such as a knob, is located on the flat portion 3 of the shaft 310. 12 for optimal transfer of toner from the magnetic brush to the drum surface. Allows for slight rotation to make adjustments.

The toner forms a thin sheet around the magnetic brush, but it looks like a lobe in cross section. A long ridge is formed in the longitudinal direction of the brush. Seven such robes are the fourteenth Shown in the figure as 286.288, 290, 292, 294, 296° 298 There is. Only lobes 286 are used for toner deposition.

In the ion deposition printer of the present invention, the ideal location of the lobe 286 is relative to the drum. At an angle of approximately 14° clockwise from the horizontal center line common to the magnetic brush cylinders. .

The drum is also usually Place the lobe at the nearest location 1i300°302. In these positions both lobes is too far away from the drum to allow toner to adhere to the drum surface. toner on drum , rotate the shaft 310 approximately 17 degrees clockwise to the new position 2. 86.

When developing the electrostatic latent image to be printed, the shaft 310 is moved to position 286. The lobes develop the image in its original position.

A mechanism for shifting the toner brush in this manner is shown in FIG. This mechanism is a rotary solenoid. A second link 316 is rotated relative to a clamp attached to the shaft of the nod 318. The link includes a first link 314 having one end that pivots relative to the first link 314 . Rin The other end of the shaft 3100 is fixed to the flat end 312 of the shaft 3100. This rotating solenoid The toner brush is set to move a desired distance when energized to activate the toner brush. Then, it returns to its original position and reduces the effort of the brush.

Toner brush drive Solve the problems of uneven toner supply and toner accumulation on the dielectric drum mentioned above. Figure 28.28A shows a means to reduce this.

FIG. 28 is a partial view of the drum and toner brush drive configuration, and FIG. 28A is a partial view of the drum and toner brush drive configuration. shows the timing sequence for the separate motors driving the fuel brush and dielectric drum. .

Until now, the toner brush was driven by a drum, as shown in Figure 28. Toner accumulation as shown at 1422 occurs. This is undesirable on the drum This causes toner adhesion and consumed toner. The solution to this problem is not obvious to the product. However, this has been achieved by the following means:

FIG. 28 shows a stack of coupons 50 and a pair of pinch rollers 14 (not shown). 05.1407 through a magnetic recording/reading device (not shown in Figure 28). Figure 8.9 for sending coupons according to guide 222 (Figures 11.16.17) A long feed roller 138, also shown in FIG. These rollers stabilize the speed of documents and push them toward the guide between the drum 109 and the pressure roller 111. Lower it.

Dielectric drum 109 is rotatably mounted on shaft 1423 and V-bell It is rotated by a motor 1401 via a shaft 1419 and a drive gear 1421. de A document interactive record (DIR) is recorded on a central computer. motor 140 during a print cycle for some related documents that are stored. 1 causes the drum 109 to rotate continuously.

The outer drum 304 of the toner brush 280 (Fig. 14.15) is connected to the toothed drive belt 1. The shaft 308 is driven by the torque motor 1403 via the gear 1413 and the gear 1411. separately driven above. Toner 384 is transferred from the toner hopper 282 to the bottom of the toner hopper 282. Continuously adheres to drum 304 through gap 285 as it rotates. (Figure 14).

In FIG. 28, document position sensor 1409 tracks the leading edge of a document moving on guide 222. It detects and sends a signal to the electrical system 601 (FIG. 19), which system detects the document and the drum 109. This information is processed along with a signal from a sensor (not shown) that detects the speed of the vehicle.

Electrical system 601 sends signals to print head 8 via output line 619 (FIG. 19). 9 (FIG. 5B) to begin forming an electrostatic latent image on the dielectric surface of the drum.

from the position where the leading edge of the image on the drum is adjacent to the print rad 89 to the toner brush. line 6 after a short delay to move and hang just above lobe 286. A second output signal on 19 actuates rotary solenoid 318 (FIG. 5) to rotate lobe 28. 6 to a position effective for transferring toner to drum 109.

This same signal also operates the toner brush drive motor 1403 to drive the toner brush. The outer drum 304 of the drum is rotated so that toner is removed from the hopper 282 by the outer drum 304 of the drum. given to the community.

Motor 1403 seems to be an asynchronous 24-volt DC high-output torque motor manufactured by Yasuyo Denki. This is a high output torque motor.

Its torque rating is 8.3 oz-in and its peak torque rating is 30 oz-in. It is Chi. Its rated inertia is 0.86 oz/5ec2x10”. The output of the motor 1403 is approximately 4 It is adjusted by changing its voltage input to rotate at 0.000 rpm. ratio Due to its relatively high torque and rated inertia, motor 1403 is the most suitable for the image to be printed. rapidly reaches approximately its steady state velocity before the leading edge of reach.

After the image to be printed on the document has moved on the drum 109 through the lobe 286 A third signal on output line 619 causes solenoid 318 and motor 1403 to will be depowered. This deenergization causes lobe 286 to return to its inactive position (Figure 28). , the supply of toner 284 from the hopper 282 to the brush drum 304 is stopped. . Motor 1401 continues to drive the dielectric drive until all documents in the DIR have been printed. Continue rotating the ram 109.

Figure 28A is a plot of motor speed vs. time and prints a document in one DIR. The timing sequence of the operation of motors 1401 and 1403 during the event is shown. Waveform The leading edge 1429 of 1425 indicates the transition of motor 1401 from rest to steady state speed. vinegar. This transfer occurs to the print on dielectric drum 109 for the first document in the DIR. occurs before the image formation by head 89 begins. Motor 1401 is the most The drum 109 continues to rotate until after the next document is printed.

Waveform 1427 shows rotating solenoid 318 and motor 1 during printing of a document in DIR. 403 is shown. Motor 1403 and solenoid 318 are the first statements in DIR. The drum area with the image about the book is turned on just before reaching the lobe 286. It remains on until just after the image passes through the lobe 286, at which time it turns off. . This motor and solenoid will remain in the DIR until all documents have been printed. Similarly, printing of each document is turned on and off. At this time, the motor 1401 and solenoid 318 is turned off.

Period B of waveform 1427 is the time during which motor 1403 and solenoid 318 are on. , period A is before successive documents in the DIR as the documents descend along guide 222. It represents the time between the edges. For printing airline tickets (approximately 8 inches long), A is approximately 1 ．． It is 2 seconds.

Motor 1401 rotates the outer surface of dielectric drum 109 at approximately 21 inches/second. voyage Each blank ticket receives approximately 7 inches of printing, so approximately 0. 3 seconds is in DIR Required for printing each airline ticket. Under these conditions the optimal period B is approximately 0. 5 seconds It turned out to be. During this period, the document image begins to pass through the toner brush. Approximately 0. Give a 1 second advance time, for continuous toner supply after the image has passed. A delay time of approximately 0.1 seconds is given for the purpose.

Shifting of the toner brush lobe and the imageless space of the dielectric drum passing through the brush The combination of simultaneous stopping of the toner brush motor when Reduces toner consumption and accumulation.

The above features of the present invention satisfy the above points. Separate for dielectric drum and toner brush drive source minimizes or substantially eliminates toner loss and uneven print blackness. leave

The operating speeds of these drive motors need not be closely matched. Therefore relatively cheap Use DC motors instead of more expensive, speed-regulated motors such as synchronous motors The toner brush is applied intermittently only when the area where the latent image is to be formed on the dielectric drum has passed. By operating, toner consumption and the accumulation of consumed toner are minimized, It has been found that maintenance, labor and operating costs are reduced.

Additionally, the improvements described above reduce manufacturing costs by a fraction of the cost of adding another drive motor. This is achieved without any increase.

The resulting improvement in print quality is significant. This results in a less dark background, more uniform Blackness and clearer printed documents.

electrical control circuit Often controls the operation of motors, solenoids, and other electromechanical components of the printer. The controlling electric circuit is conventional and does not require explanation. However, some The features have been described above, but others will be described next.

ignition circuit FIG. 18 shows the selection of the print rad 89 to form a latent image on the drum 109. The ignition circuit used to produce ionization in the ion deposition holes shown in FIG.

This improved ignition circuit includes transistor 524, bias resistor 522 and input There is a resistor 520. The collector of transistor 524 is connected to capacitor 526 and resistor. Connect to 528 parallel circuits. capacitor 530 and two transistors 528, A timing circuit including 532 is provided.

One pole of capacitor 530 is connected to the gate of transistor 540 (MOSFET) and resistor 540. Connect to one end of resistor 532.

An oscillation circuit is formed. This oscillator has a capacitor 538 and a main winding tap It consists of a transformer 544.

This transformer converts 110 volts DC to 2600 volts AC on the secondary winding. . Capacitor 538 is connected between the tap of transformer 544 and the cathode of diode 5340. and MOSFET 540 source S. Also, one end of the resistor 542 is connected to this Connect between the diode cathode and ground. The anode of diode 534 is grounded be done.

There are 12 circuits in Figure 18, each with 70 holes across the width of the printhead. corresponding to each of the 12 holes in each of the rays.

Each ignition circuit has a width shown in FIG. It is activated on the leading edge 523 of the falling pulse with W. This 208 microsecond energy Each of the other 12 ignition circuits is activated in sequence during the remainder of the bull cycle. It will be done. The shift register circuit (not shown) is connected to this ignition circuit while each circuit is activated. Using the output of the ions, program the ionization to occur for image formation. through one hole in each of the 70 arrays.

The falling edge 523 of this enable pulse corresponds to the gate G of MOSFET 540. generates a signal to turn it on and start the oscillator.

The trailing edge 525 of this enable pulse turns off transistors 524 and 540. Stop the shaker.

According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitor 530 and the resistor 528,532 When this enable pulse remains on due to a fault, the timing circuit It automatically turns off the single-fire circuit that causes streaks on the print. Ru.

Over time, the voltage across capacitor 530 will turn off MOSFET 540 and the oscillator will turn off. It drops to a level where it stops.

The time constant RC of this timing circuit is set long after the trailing edge 525 occurs, i.e. That is, until 6 microseconds or more have elapsed after the occurrence of the leading edge 523, the transistor 540 is It's like it's not turned off by the timing circuit.

This feature provides reliable turn-off of the ignition circuit and maximizes printed stripes. Make it less.

According to another feature of the invention, the darkness of the printed image increases the width W of the enabling bulge. It can be controlled by changing.

Larger pulses will make the print darker, shorter pulses will make it lighter. this The length of the pulse can be controlled by software and can be controlled using the keypad 94 in Figure 5. can be set.

Advantageously, this width W can be varied to compensate for variations in the operating height of the printer. Due to the effect of ambient pressure on the ionization process, the lower the height, the lower the ambient pressure. The higher the ambient pressure, the greater the required pulse width. For example, 6 microphones at sea level When set to 3.5 microseconds, the setting is approximately 3.5 microseconds at a relatively high point. You can get prints with the same blackness as the original.

This blackness control is very fast and convenient to use.

print engine control circuit FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an electrical system 601 that controls the print engine 88 of the printer 44. It is a circuit diagram.

A bidirectional input/output circuit 602 receives data from the system processor circuit.

The data from the system processor is already formatted into the standard ticket form. ing. This frees the print engine control circuitry from doing so. general One page of data is received at 1 o'clock. Input/output port wi602 is print Error and system status messages from engine control circuits to system processor You can also send.

Input data is input to a microprocessor 6 controlled by a 15 MHz clock 606. Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 620 under the control of Can be put in. DRAM 620 is called during the next printing of a ticket or coupon. Store the data until it is released.

Eventually, several A signal is provided on output line 619.

Connected to the microprocessor 604 are memory units 608, 610.6. It is 12. Memory unit 608 is 16 bytes erasable and programmable. It is a read-only memory (EFROM). EFROM608 is microprocessor 6 Store the operation program for 04.

Programmable read-only memory does not allow these operating programs to be modified by mistake. It is used to store these programs instead of RAM.

Static random access memory (SRAM) 610 is also a microprocessor. Connect to processor 604. The SRAM 610 is necessary for the operation of the microprocessor 604. Memorize various variables needed. These include flags, counters and stack variables. I'm reading. SRAM610 retains input character information in the form of ASC11 data It also acts as a buffer.

Character/graphics cartridge 612 has 640 bytes or 1.2 Mbytes EFR This is a group of OM chips. However, it is common to map two pages of information to each other. Standard memory utilization procedures are used to provide 1.2 Mbytes of effective storage capacity. car The cartridge 612 determines the style of characters to be printed, as well as the particular character shown in FIG. A design that limits the graphical matters necessary to print the name rvorthyJ in the shape of a memorize the data.

Memory 612 may be used to remove other memory having different stored character and graphic information. It is called a cartridge because the chip can be easily replaced by a person. . The use of cartridges is particularly advantageous for printing confirmations in aviation operations. different Not only can it accommodate a variety of different styles, but it can also accommodate many different typefaces. Various logos and logos needed to print attractive booking confirmation coupons for your business. Other information can also be printed.

A multifunction memory access device (MMAD) 616 is connected to DRAM 620 .

The device 616 is a feeder such as Signetics Chip Bart No. PLS105A. consists of a field programmable logic array. This is a small bipolar machine be. MMAD616 handles normal and burst accesses to DRAM620. Used to control both. Normal access is not printing. , occurs when the image is being formed in DRAM 620. Burst type access is Required to update the DRAM during the lint process.

MMAD 616 also connects to a print image processor (PiP) 618 . PIF 618 also connects to DRAM 620. PIF618 is DRAM620 The data read from the ignition circuit is activated to energize the print head 89. Convert it into the signal you need. PIP is the ion generation size of various print engines. generates the correct address row and column information for proper operation of the DRAM The information from 620 is converted into serial data for serial output of images. PIP618 contains numerous logic function chips such as counters, address generators and latches as well as It is made with two FROMs. The image of making PIF618 from these logic chips is is extremely fast, significantly faster than is possible using microprocessors. You will be able to process it in seconds.

The output signals on line 619 are head enable signals, printhead control signals, and printhead control signals. Contains lock signal and serial data signal to ignition circuit.

The operation of the print engine control circuit is as follows.

Upon completion of input data to DRAM, pulse 607 is output to print engine 88. The optical shaft encoder of FIG. 5 is mounted for rotation with the drum 109 of It is issued from da 108. Due to the change in motor speed, the positive pulse 609 of waveform 607 , 611, 613, etc., change in the same way as the 0 portion of the waveform. The leading edge of each pulse is P Used to trigger a logic signal to IP618 to line 619 to it Notifies the start of data output. Every time PIF618 receives this signal, it Outputs 840 bits of information. This takes a considerable amount of time, approximately 110 microseconds. It takes a certain amount of time. The waveform 601 has a constant width B during the pulse and changes between pulses. 3 shows the PIF cycle described above with width C;

The time of each pulse in waveform 601 is determined in a narrow band consisting of a dot-shaped latent image. Limit the time formed for drum 1090 width. The next pulse is in the shape of a dot The additional bands to be created are limited, and the same applies hereafter. The encoder 108 Synchronize the formation of the sand with the rotation of the drum to ensure good image fidelity. This control The other part of the circuit (not shown) is the drum in the magnetic recording/reproducing section 96 of the printer. 109 and the speeds of the feed rollers 228 and 230.

Adjustments are made to delay or accelerate the start of image formation on drum 109. so that the print on each card starts at the same position.

At the leading edge 603 of each timing pulse, PIF 618 triggers the state of the bus mask. receive. That is, it controls the data flow of this circuit. PIF is the bus Information can be read from the DRAM 620 during the master period, while at other times Prevent other combos from accessing the DRAM.

After the PIF618 outputs 840 bits of data, it loses its bus master status and the master The microprocessor becomes the bus master. In detail, the microprocessor 604 is A. Communication with Me2O is then free to create a direct memory access channel. do.

DRAM 620 often needs to update its contents. This update is at least must also occur every 4 milliseconds. In other words, 256 rows of DRAM620 Each must be accessed every 4 milliseconds.

The microprocessor 604 performs DR during the lower part C of the PIP 618 cycle. Used to update AM620. However, the cycle of PIP618 This part C of the file completely updates the DRAM and is not long enough. this The problem is solved as follows.

When the next rising wave leading edge 603 enters, the microprocessor 604 is updated for the last time. The ID of the memory location in DRAM 620 that was created is stored. PIF cycle As soon as the direct memory access channel goes low again, the microprocessor DRAM at the next address after the address stored at the end of the last PIF cycle. Update again.

The circuits and methods described above are useful for updating DRAMs and for controlling bidirectional data flow on the circuit conductors. While using a slow microprocessor 604 for control, DRAM 620 and PIP It is extremely advantageous to utilize the speed of 618 individual hardware elements.

Despite its significantly lower operating speed, the PIF618 is Enough time to process the interrupt service routine in period B when the mask is You will be given time. This interrupt service routine It allows locations in random access memory to be memorized and the update at the address that passed through it when the update could occur again. It is what makes it possible to restore newness. When the PNP cycle goes low again, allowing the update cycle to resume, the processor's Mando is not required. Direct memory access channels are provided by processor 604. Update the dynamic random access memory again during the next timing cycle. There are enough information locations to start with.

In this way, the operating speed is high, the circuit is simple, and the cost is low. 66 (No. Although the mode used to print (Figure 2.3) is very advantageous, there are some It also creates problems. As is clear from Figure 2.3, the printed text Each line runs the length of the card and is read from left to right. Print on each card starting at the right-hand part of the line, so each line is created in the opposite direction. Furthermore, Figure 5B The print head 89 simultaneously forms portions of several character lines. these For other reasons, the memory in Figure 19 must store all pages of information. That is, enough information must be stored to print all cards.

A memory for storing information to form an image from multiple spots or dots. A few attempts have been used so far.

One of these attempts is called bitmapping, which is based on a given image. Each pixel of the image is stored as one memory bit. This method uses pixel It has the advantage of providing very good control over the entire image due to its pixel-based do. However, the main drawback of this method is that it requires very large memory That's what it means. For example, the capacity of bitmapped memory is It takes over 2 million bits to store the statues needed for each card. become. Cost, size and speed make this unacceptable.

Another method is bite mapping. In bite mapping, the image is a series of bites. Each byte represents 8 bits of graphical information. The advantage of this method is that of the previous method. The aim is to reduce the memory capacity to one-eighth of the original capacity. This lowers the total cost It not only allows the printer to operate at higher speeds. The drawback is that the image is It should only be processed in byte-byte format. In other words, 8 bits of 6 images are one must be treated at the given time.

This improves the sharpness of the boundaries between symbols or alphanumeric characters, or A particular problem arises when trying to retype the characters. In both, byte Mapping generally causes a loss of information around the character-image boundary and reduces character quality. decrease.

The present invention uses a method called byte mapping/bit control. This is particulate pine It combines the advantages of pinging, namely low memory capacity and high operating speed. , a given image or gives the user careful control over graphic symbols. other additional An important feature of the present invention is that it is not only cheaper than microprocessors, but also operates faster. This means that it can be realized using logic circuit elements.

FIG. 20 shows the structure of the DRAM 620 of FIG. 19.

This structure shows the logic circuitry required to perform the byte mapping/bit control method of operation. vinegar. Buffer 7700 receives 1-byte character information from data bus BDBUS . Due to the configuration of this buffer at this time, the information is stored in two arithmetic logic units 730. is written in 732. Each pulse generated from the timing circuit writes to the ALU. The stored information is transferred from the ALU to eight 256 dot DRAM chips 710.712. , 714, 716, 718, 720°722.724 . New graphical or alphanumeric information enters this buffer with each timing pulse.

Data representing characters or images is either dynamic random access memory Information stored in one and representing other characters is stored in logical unit 732 or 730. and re-data groups are written to the same location latch 740 locks logic units 730 and 732 at that time. The data is shaped to perform one of some logical functions. ALU is The data on those input lines can perform any of the standard logic functions. come. These functions include AND data, OR data, or complementary data.

If the image erases the information stored in one and does not overlap with the other, then two A The LU unit is configured as a logical OR machine.

As an example, a binary 1 typically indicates that there is information in a given byte. mosquito Thus, if two characters have the same information at a given location, then ORing the data will place one information pixel for each desired location. . If one character has information and the other does not, these OR's will contain that information. Since it is placed there, the problem of information loss is avoided. Similarly, someday If there is no information, this OR operation will not place the information there. these If each operation occurs in one memory access cycle, then this machine With MHz clock pulses, this memory control and processing is extremely fast. It is clear that it works. Also, based on the points mentioned above, there are some rules for handling memory. It is also clear that a clone processor is not required. This not only increases speed Lower the cost of the circuit.

The amount of memory, and therefore its cost, is significantly smaller than with pit mapping. Ru. The printed circuit card stack 93 of FIG. 5 requires less space and lowers manufacturing costs. down.

Document Interactive Record (DIR) Coupon as mentioned above This information is stored in a group called a document interactive record or DIR. It is placed as.

There are two formats of DIR: print DIR and diagnostic DIR. Diagnosis DIR is commands generated by the computer that cause the printer to perform diagnostic routines. put out.

There are 2N types of print DIR, one is for different trips within the same trip for the same person. one group of coupons for the other part, that is, the legs, while the other is for different individuals, 1. Because they have the same destination and similar information. - Associated coupons represents a group of elements.

FIG. 21 shows the information arrangement in print DIRIIIO. DIR information packet The packet 1110 includes coupon information packets B, C, and D. This print DIR can be distinguished from diagnostic DIR by the second character of the DIR data string. on the other hand, The second character of the diagnostic DIR is B. All DIRs start with the letters $ (dollars) , two characters]] (double parentheses).

ring buffer In addition to the devices described above, a ring buffer 1120 (Figure 23) is used to prevent information loss. It will be done. Ring buffer 1120 is part of the system processor in FIG. 24 byte memory area located in RAMI 310 that receives power supply It is.

Ring buffer 1120 (Figure 23) is divided into three areas. One area is This is for storage of DIR information packet 1110 during normal processing conditions. This first The size of the area is 20 bytes. The second area, called the overflow area, is There is no interruption in printer operation, but the speed of information from the host computer is slowing down. Used when the printer's capacity for printing is exceeded. Prevent information loss Therefore, the overflow ring buffer area cannot be placed in the first area. Write down the R information packet. The capacity of the overflow ring buffer is barred to 3. It is. The third area of this ring buffer is a storage area used after printer interruption. It is an area of existence. The capacity of the third buffer is IK bytes.

communication link As shown in FIG. 22, a terminal processor unit (TPU) 1104 It is placed in the information flow path between the printer and the central, ie, host computer 82. child The information path is the communication link. The TPU connects this communication link 80 to the printer. A switch 1106 is included to enable the user to enable or disable the program. communication link When the network 80 is disabled by the TPU, the printer 40 and the host convenience store No information is exchanged between the two. Switch 1106 is the processor's software Controlled by a.

system processor hardware The system processor 1300 in FIG. 22 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1308. , a reset circuit 1304 and a 16 MHz clock 1302.

Stationary RAM 1 310 includes a DIR information rocket 1110. real time clock 13 14 indicates the day, hour, minute and second. Battery 1312 is connected to real time clock 1314 and It becomes an independent IJj for the stop RAM 1310.

The host computer 82 sends data via the communication link 80 to the TPUI 104, through driver and receiver 1306 and serial communication link unit 1332. and send it. A baud clock 1334 provides a timing pulse to this serial communication device 1332. Send a message.

The reset switch 1335 starts the power supply sequence shown in FIG. provided to restart the printer after an interruption in printer operation. liquid crystal A display device (LCD) 1336 provides printer functionality by lighting. Multiple parallel points A CPU 338 provides an interface between the CPU and various input/output devices.

Printer control circuit 601 in FIG. 19 is shown in the lower left portion of FIG. 22. magnetic book A loading/reading device 1340 magnetically records data on the coupon and reads it from there. Read. 342 is a timing pulse to the write/read device 1340 send. DRAM 1302 is temporary memory for system processor variables and data. It is a storage device.

Erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) 1306 is a system programmable read-only memory (EPROM). Memorize the Rosesa software. The document format cartridge 1314 is An easily replaceable memory for formats used in printing books. mosquito Counter timer 1316 includes input keyboard 1318, document sensor 1320, tone Control output device 1322. The baud clock 1324 is the counter timer 131 Send a timing pulse to 6. The keyboard 1318 is used to input data for printing. This is one of those shown in FIG. 1 used by an operator. The sensor 1320 is The movement of coupons from coupon containers 102 and 103 to print drum 109 is detected. put out Tone output device 1322 informs the operator of specific printer conditions. emit an acoustic tone for This tone is generally issued following an error condition.

Status panel 1326 indicates the status of various printer functions. motor and Lenoid control circuit 1330 controls the various motors distributed throughout the printer. .

Computer variables are displayed in the convenience store program to indicate the status of Birdonia. used in Variables are the results of computer calculations or other computer actions. Used in convenience store programs to express results. This variable is referenced by name in the data.

This name represents an address in memory. The actual address is calculated, state or The result is marked.

Task In order to make effective use of the processor, the CPU continuously performs specific purposes or tasks. specify a computer program to The convenience store tab program is Achieve these by running the puter instructions. In an example A convenience store program cannot be continued until a specific event occurs. For example, The vinyl tab program requests testing and transfer of specific segments of information in memory. If the convenience store program Must. To avoid this wasted time and improve CPU efficiency, C PU1308 indicates that the first program is in standby mode and the second computer program is in standby mode. Verify that instructions can be executed during the program. 2nd computer If the third program is in standby mode, the CPU repeats this process Find ram execution etc. Thus one computer program can perform the task If the CPU is waiting for execution, the CPU will execute the instruction. Select one of several other convenience store programs.

The tasks selected by the computer are determined by a priority list. for example , the communication task and the apply task wait for the completion of another event (e.g. as mentioned above). If you are, your priority list contains enough information to choose a particular task. .

The different tasks performed by the CPU are described below within the processor.

Is the sending task one of the stacks of coupons (102 or 103 in the lisA diagram)? and sends it to the print drum 109.

The apply task extracts the DIR information in the ring buffer and prints the actual coupon. Convert to a signal representing some characters or images corresponding to the lint.

The system print task is a sending task, and the first coupon is sent to the print drum 109. The second coupon is not sent to drum 109 before reaching the second coupon. system pudding The task creates a complete IR information packet 1110 following the print interruption.

In addition to the above, there are diagnostic tasks, keyboard tasks, and monitor tasks. these are This is a well-known task that is not directly related to the present invention and will not be described in detail.

ring buffer Figure 23 corresponds to two multi-coupon DIRs similar to DIRIloo in Figure 21. A ring buffer 120 containing information is shown. storage location within this ring buffer Each location is numbered 0 to 92, and each indicates the corresponding memory location. placed above the button. One DIR has locations 0-81 and the other 82-92. occupy

Buffer 1120 stores data from storage locations in the same order as the data enters. It is a first-in first-out (FIFO) memory that is read. example For example, data is first read into location O, then into location 1. The first DIR is In this way, it is placed in location 0-81, followed by the data of the second DIR. Ku.

When the ring buffer is full, this process will store all of the stored data. You can erase everything and continue at location 0. In this way, the sequential storage of DIR is The process proceeds as if the data were stored in a ring-shaped storage medium, so the link It is called a buffer.

The ring buffer is actually has many memory locations.

The convenience store program is stored in the ring buffer in RAM 1310 (Figure 22). Decide on the application.

The computer program places the DIR packet 1110 in the ring buffer. maintains two pointers to remove from. These are CURRAPP Variable 1122 (removal pointer) and DBUFNEXT variable 1126 (addition pointer) ). Addition pointer 1126 adds DIR information packet 1110 to ring buffer. It works when you put it in a. The removal pointer removes DIR information from the ring buffer. It is for. These pointers are static with battery buffer up It is arranged in RAM memory 1310. These pointers are stored in the ring buffer 1120. marked with a memory location within. In Figure 23, CIJRRAPPI 122 variable indicates the next location to be removed from the DIR information packet 1110. marked with address. DBUFFNEXT1126 variable is in ring buffer Mark with the address of the next location to place the DIR information packet 1110 be done.

Generally each DIR information packet 1110 is next in the buffer after the previous packet] 110. will be placed in Similarly, coupon information packets 1112 within each DIR are placed in a location. As a result, each pointer points to the next adjacent location. Marked as a response.

Either add pointer 1126 or remove pointer 1122 Once marked with a high location run number address, the next location is buffered. You will be returned to the start of the first part.

The communication task that sends information from the host computer to the buffer 1120 is DBUFF. Mark the NEXT1126 variable as an addition pointer. form a coupon image The apply task marks the CURRAPPI 122 variable as a removal pointer.

These tasks perform their respective functions simultaneously and independently. However, each task be forced to.

The application task has all the DIR information packets sent by the host combiner 80. have been removed, this apply task will stop removing them. This condition is The address marked in the CURRAPP variable 1122 is the DUFFNEXT variable Occurs when it is equal to the address marked with 1126.

The second enforcement is the addition of DIR packets when there is not enough space in the ring buffer. It is important not to allow For the ring buffer, DUFFNEXT variable 1126 is CU Even if there is insufficient space when the address is the same as the RRAPP variable 1122, That's one thing. The process used when this occurs is described below.

start of record Figure 24 shows the system software during the application task, that is, reading data from the ring buffer. shows the steps performed in the software.

The application task stores the information packet 111 of the next coupon in the ring buffer (Figure 23). Step 802 of entering 2 is performed. The address of this coupon information packet 1112 The path is marked with the CURRAPPI 122 variable. This address is in step 8 In 04, the information is the symbol "$A" indicating the beginning of DIR or one DIR. A test is performed to determine whether it is "]" indicating the end.

If either end symbol is found, the apply task is interrupted and the system Sc is called at step 826. If the character is “$A” then “Record Computer variables named ``apply within'' are marked with 830, i.e. A lag is set to indicate the condition. In steps 832 and 834, address is marked with the "Start of Record" variable. That is, this address It is stored in RAM1310, and the rTIcKETCOUNTJi number is set to 0. Ru. This system task or routine is interrupted and the apply task is started at step 83. It will be recovered in 6.

Or, if the symbol is not the start symbol "$A", the "apply within record" flag is It is reset at 838 to indicate that printing of the DIR is completed. this system The task is suspended and the apply task is called at 836.

If no start or end symbol is detected at 804, coupon information is returned at 806. in step 808, where the coupon is converted into a form suitable for printing a coupon. The apply task is interrupted and the system print task prints the coupon. cormorant. In step 810, the system print task prints the container 102 or 103. From there, it is determined whether a card is being sent to the print drum 109. card The feed conditions are detected rapidly and repeatedly.

If the card has been sent, the standby step 811 is repeated until the coupon sending is completed. be called.

When the coupon sending is completed, the system print task is executed in step 812. Send the coupon image to the print engine control board (PECB in Figure 19). P.E. CB forms a pixel image of the coupon 66Cm3) to be printed. vinegar In step 814, the system print task allows the PECB to complete its purpose. Wait until During the waiting step 814, the apply task in step 816 will be recovered. The application task repeats step 802 and stores the next information packet in the DIR. Insert the cut.

After the PECB operation is completed, in step 818, the system print task is interrupted and the feed task is called to pull the coupon from container 102 or 103. Move it to the lint drum 109. The sending task indicates that the coupon sending was successful (i.e. "Feed Successful" to indicate whether the coupon 66 has reached the drum 109). Mark.

The "send success" variable is sted at 821. This computer variable sends the task A serious error has occurred if it shows that the objective was unsuccessful. child When an error occurs, the end of the record search routine shown in FIG. 25 is executed.

If this error has not occurred, the ``ticket count'' will be incremented by 1 and the ticket count will be increased by 1. Coupon actually printed for DIR with the ket count printed on it The number will be shown correctly. The "card feed" indicator is reset at 824. to inform the card feed detector at 810 that the card feed is complete.

End of record search The end of the record search is shown in Figure 25, indicating printer interruption and serious errors. After the occurrence or when the byte storage area becomes full at the base of the buffer, the The routine D is then sent from the host convenience store to the ring buffer. Search for the end of the IR and wait until the DIR has been fully received and stored. Otherwise, the ring buffer and its storage area become full and the communication link becomes TPU1. 104 (Figure 22) until it is dropped by opening switch 1] 06. communication link 80 in the oven. switch 1106 is incorrect again until the operation (e.g. card jam) is corrected and the reset button is pressed. If it is not closed or the buffer is filled, the printer will fill up some of the buffer. That space is empty.

The first step is to reset the DIR at 904 upon detection of the occurrence of such an error. Determine whether the process is stored in the processing buffer. this is, The 24th, which determines whether the “apply within record” flag is set or reset. This is done using a routine (not shown) similar to the lower left part of the figure.

If the start or end of DIR is not detected, step 916 Further transmission of the DIR until the error is corrected by opening or dropping the 80 prevent. However, if the DIR in process is not completed, The host combinator 80 stores the DIR power (until completion or any excess writing in the buffer). Data continues to be sent until the storage area is filled.

Since the printer is not running and has not cleared the DIR from the buffer, this The buffer can be easily filled while attempting to complete the transmission of the DIR in process. that Therefore, routine 908 detects that the ring buffer has reached the end of record []]. During the routine 906's notification, a determination is made as to whether it is full. D.I.R. The buffer becomes full before the end of is detected, and at 910 the storage space is If detected, this storage space is added to the buffer at 912. . If the end of record is found before the storage space is empty, the EOR flag is set at 918 and the ring buffer] 120 is complete and contains the IR. and the communication link is disabled at 916. storage space If the space is empty before the end of record is detected, this is detected in step 910. communication link 80 drops to prevent further data loss.

When storage space is used, the CURRAPP variable 1122 is set in step 9. 15 to indicate the new address. CURRAPP variable 1122 is as above It is tested in 906 as follows.

DBUFNEXT variable 1126 is also set to the correct address for storage in step 912. is marked.

Except in the case of a very long DIR like this, the end of the record search in Figure 25 is normal. Continue to remember DIR until it is completely memorized in the memory of Jing who drops the link. This prevents data loss from the DIR. This process is restarted as described above. The printer cannot hold the incoming data when the data buffer is full. It is used to prevent the loss of

Record recovery logic is performed at step 920 after the communication link is dropped. .

record recovery logic As mentioned above, the ring buffer storing the incoming DIR is an RA with battery auxiliary power supply. Formed in M1310 (Figure 22). Printer errors such as card feed jams, etc. Once activated, this jam can usually be easily corrected by the operator.

In Figure 5.7, which shows the printer, the operator uses the hinged card transfer drive unit. Lift the knit 98 to give easy access to the card storage container and feed mechanism. Just make it easier to fix the problem.

However, for safety reasons, all high voltage power to the control system is supplied by the drive unit 98. Automatically shuts off when lifted. Restart to restore power after problem is fixed. Set button 1335 (Figure 25) must be pressed. This is DRAM and control This is to cut off all power to the system and complete its restart. Thus RAMI 310 backed up by battery for storing DIR (Fig. 22) ), there is a loss of DIR.

Power interruption when restoring power after coupon or card jam is fixed Recover printing at the point in the current DIR where printing was stopped when It is desirable to complete the job without repeating prints that have already been made. stomach.

However, the first thing that must be done is to ensure that the existing data in the DIR is preserved during power interruptions. The decision is whether or not. For example, DIR is the ring buffer capacity and A data transmission that is long enough to exceed all storage space added to the buffer may be interrupted before the DIR is completely stored. remembered in both cases The DIR portion is incomplete and DIR cannot be recovered.

In this case, the operator must confirm that the DIR cannot be completely printed and that it cannot be transmitted again. It is desirable that they be instructed to know what they must do. Figure 26 record The code recovery logic accomplishes this objective.

A sidewalk variable first marks the beginning address of the DIR where it stopped at 950. be done. As a result, a search for end symbols of all DIR records is performed. this The sidewalk variables are stored in advance in step 832 of FIG. Marked from number.

At step 952.954.955, the data stored for DIR is tested. will be played. If the end-of-record symbol is not found before the end of the buffer, If so, a flag is set in step 956 to indicate that the DIR cannot be recovered. Ru.

The step at the bottom of Figure 26 is the new DI that will be entered when the printer is restarted. It is used to indicate the location of R. Last DIR remembered The record end location for is determined and the pointer is moved to the next DIR. Stored to indicate location for storage.

The trail variable is marked at 961 at the next address in the ring buffer ylllO. It will be done. The address in this variable is tested at 962 for the symbol "ko". Ru.

If such a symbol is found, the final DI RJ variable is The address of the path variable is marked.

This increment variable is marked at 961 to the next address in ring buffer 1120. is blocked.

If the symbol [ ] is not found as a result of test 962, the address of the sidewalk variable is In step 963, compare with the address in DBUFF NEXT variable 1122 be done. If they are not equal, the sidewalk variable is set to ringbuffer in step 961. is marked for the next address in the file 1120. If they are equal, “recovery” changes. A number is marked at 956 to indicate prevention of information loss. This system The screen waits at 958 for a reset operation.

power up sequence The system processor waits until a reset operation occurs after error correction.

Following this reset operation, a power-up sequence begins. This logical sheet The can is shown in Figure 27.

First, the "recovery" flag is tested at 1002.

When this flag is set to indicate that DIR is likely to recover, several variables are set. In step 1004, the following is marked: CURRAPP variable 112 2 to the contents of the "Record Start" variable saved in step 832 of Figure 24. marked against. Thus, reading information from DIR is done at the start of DIR. It will be returned.

DBUF NEXT1126 pointer enters the correct memory location DI To recover the memory of R, the "last DIR" stored in step 964 of FIG. Set to the address of the J pointer.

The "ticket printed" variable is marked 1004 to zero. ``Ticket counter The "ticket count" variable is the "ticket count" variable set in step 822 of FIG. is set to the number found in .

The system task is suspended and the apply task is called at step 1006. . The address marked with the CURRAPP pointer 1122 is It is compared with the address of the DBUF NEX pointer 1126. both are the same If so, the apply task waits at 1008 for an address change. These addresses are If so, data on the coupon edge circumference is created in step 1009. This suit The printing task is suspended and the system print task is called at 1010. letter is added to this coupon image at 1012. “Recovery” flag condition is 1014 be struck. Suppose this flag is set to indicate that information loss prevention is not possible. , the "card feed" variable is tested at 1022 and the next DIR print is Start.

When this "recoveryj flag" is set to indicate that information loss prevention is possible, the "ticket The 'count' is compared at 1016 with the 'ticket printed' count. "Ticket If the ``ticket count'' is algebraically above the ``ticket printed'' quantity, then the ``ticket The contents of the "Count" variable are subtracted at 1018. system print task is interrupted and an apply task is called in step 1020.

CURRAPP pointer 1122 points to DBUF NEXT point at 1007 1126, and the process repeats.

Comparison step] Following 016, the “ticket count” is algebraically If the number of cards sent is less than the number of cards sent, the card feed variable is tested with 1022 and the next Start printing the ticket. If the card has been sent, the system task is At 1024, completion of the sending is awaited.

If the coupon has not been sent, the system printer is Suku sends the coupon image to PECB. System task is PEC at 1028 8. Wait until the function is completed. The application program is restored at 1030.

Once the PECB has completed its function, the system print task is suspended and sent. The task is called at 1032. The characters in the “successful sending” variable are 1036 and text be struck. If the "successful feed" variable is marked to indicate an unsuccessful feed, A serious error will occur. If this variable indicates a successful feed behavior, the The "Entered" variable is incremented at 1038.

The characters in the "recovery" variable are tested at 1040.

Applies if the characters in the "recovery" variable are marked to indicate that information loss prevention is not possible. The task is recovered at 1020.

If the "recovery" variable is marked to indicate information loss preventive, then the communication link is enabled at 1042 and the "recovery" variable is enabled at 1042. marked to indicate that it can be stopped. The system task is suspended and the applied task is 1 Called at 020.

The operation of the power-up sequence can be summarized by the following example. 4 tickets are available If it is printed in DIR at the time when the printer stops, the "ticket card" will be printed. "Ticket Printed" is 4, and "Ticket Printed" is the number of tickets printed after step 1004 is completed. O at the start of the warm-up sequence.

The first action in step 1009 is necessary to print the first ticket in the DIR. Set the format and other information. This applies to all tickets in DIR. Common information, e.g. common flight numbers, lines for large groups of travelers. A group for one traveler to be issued a travel ticket with first or multiple legs. Contains information such as traveler ID data.

Routine 1016 is ``The number of tickets printed has exceeded the ``ticket count.'' Determine when the system prints the next ticket printed before the printer stopped. Indicates that the ticket is ready for printing. This is the power up sequence ``Decrement the ticket count by 1 for each operation cycle after the start of the This is done by This will give you all the information common to these tickets. Print the tickets in advance so that they can be used to print the remaining tickets in the DIR. Follow steps 1009.1010.1012 for each ticket entered. make it return.

"Ticket count" is subtracted to a value smaller than "ticket printed" count If so, the actual printing of the remaining tickets in this DIR will start, It continues until completion or until some other interruption in printer operation occurs.

In this way, common data within each DIR is utilized to complete the print operation. Tickets printed automatically will not be printed again.

Common data is stored at the beginning of DIR, but common data is printed. later in the DIR when it is to be used for only a small number of tickets. It may be stored at the time. The recovery routine of the present invention can be used anywhere in the DIR. It is advantageous in that it can extract such common data.

From the above it can be seen that the present invention meets the aforementioned objectives. Printer 44 is fast It is compact, versatile, simple in construction, and relatively high quality. It is possible to perform lint and is relatively inexpensive.

Printers 44 print cards one after the other within one second each. “Consumable” material (tona) -) is advantageous compared to the cost of ribbons in conventional printers. .

Misfeeds and jams of cards in the printer can be corrected even by an unskilled person. You can easily fix it so you don't have to waste your valuable time.

A preferred embodiment of the invention uses an ion deposition type printer. However, the main Many of the features of the present invention are also valid for other types of printers. Furthermore, this printer can be used advantageously for the sale and issuance of train, bus and other tickets and coupons. .

This printer prints receipts and data from the host computer in DIR format. , within the shortest time with minimal data loss, and notes when the printer becomes inoperable. Handles printing with minimal re-requirements.

safety container FIG. 29 shows a security container 1500 for receiving and storing printed forms. , whose sidewall 1616 is partially removed to reveal the accumulated foam 1502. FIG.

The security container 1500 has a printed form on the front cover 85 (Fig. 5). The printer 4 receives them when entering the outlet opening 48 (FIGS. 1 and 5). 4 (Fig. 1.4.5). Safety container 1500 front panel 1608 is opened by hinges 1504 and 1506 to form 1 502. Front to prevent access to form Panel 1608 is locked by locking mechanism 1508 operated by key 1510. It will be done.

In order to release the security container 1500 from the front cover 85 in FIG. The release handle 1524 of the security container must be engaged. this handle Access is gained by releasing locking mechanism 1520 with key 1518 and Slide the printer 44 out of its cabinet along the interior 86 (FIG. 5). It can only be obtained by doing. The handle 1512 is removed by removing the container. make it easier to move. In order to further increase safety, the key 1518 is attached to the locking mechanism 15. 08 cannot be released, and the key 1510 cannot release the locking mechanism 1520. .

In FIGS. 30 and 31, particularly in FIG. 30, the horizontal member 1546 is a security container protrude from the front of the When the container 1500 is fixed to the front cover 85, the horizontal The member 1546 enters the outlet opening 48 of the front cover 85 and outputs the output tray 1]2. Push open the door 1542 at the bottom (Figure 5). Door 1542 is on PC 1610 more open, and this does not resist the collection of foam in the output tray 112. Preferably, it is made of flexible vinyl film. Horizontal member 1546 side 1548 of door 1 when member 1546 is inserted into output tray 112. 542 is released.

In Figure 30, the form 1532 is connected to the pressure roller 111 (Figure 5.5A). Prints are printed when passing between the lint drums 109 (Fig. 5.5A, Fig. 14.28). It will be done.

After printing, form 1532 moves toward output tray 112 (Figure 5). continue. A thin flexible film strip 1536 presses against the bottom of pressure roller 111. This strip is attached to the bottom of the output tray 112 by screws 1538 so that the strip is attached to the bottom of the output tray 112 by screws 1538. example For example, the foam that adheres to the bottom of the pressure roller to attract electrostatic charges can be removed by this film. is removed from the roller.

When the security container 1500 is not in that position, the form 1532 is connected to the output tray 11. 2, where it passes through the outlet opening 48 and is deposited in a partially protruding position. Ru.

From this position the form can be moved, for example, to stations 32, 34 or 36 in FIG. This means that they can be easily removed by ticket agent staff who are responsible for the damage. Safety container 1500 The horizontal member 1546 allows the form 1532 to pass through the door 1542 and exit into the security container. It will be done. A flange 1544 at the bottom of door 1542 directs these forms into the container. It acts like a sea urchin. Immediately after passing through the door 1542, the form 1532 hits the drive roller 15. 50 and idler roller 1588 (Figure 31). Ru.

In FIG. 31.32, drive roller 1550 can rotate on shaft 1562. The motor is connected to the motor via the toothed belt 1604 and drive gear 1612 1556. Drive roller 1550 is supported by bracket 1566. The bracket is rotatably mounted on a shaft 1564 and driven. Roller 1550 lifts slightly as it passes between it and idler roller 1588. It is now possible to move. The motor 1556 and bracket 1566 are each They are attached to the inner surface of top panel 1618 by fittings 1558 and 1560.

Also in Figures 31 and 32, drive roller 1550 and idler roller 1588 After passing through the gap, the form 1532 falls face up onto the form tray 1554. do. As shown in Figure 31.32, the foam tray 1554 has the maximum storage capacity of the container. It is in a position to take advantage of the quantity.

Form tray 1554 has retaining ring 157 mounted on guide shaft 1568. vertically within the container 1500 along the guide shaft 1568 between 0 and 1572. Ru.

Pressed against both sides of guide shaft 1568 by housing 1574 Bearing sets 1576 and 1578 allow this movement. No\Using 1574 passes through a long narrow notch 1606 in the back panel 1602 and It is secured to form trays 1554 on both sides of the frame.

A pulley 159 with a spring 1592 rotatably mounted on a shaft 1598 It is scattered around 0.

This shaft is secured to the back panel 1602. One end of the spring 1592 is a spring Connector 1594 connects the back panel 1602 and the other end connects connector 1596 to the back panel 1602. is fixed to the top of the bearing housing 1574. Form tray 1554 When there is no or only a small amount of spring on the bearing housing 1574. The upward force of 1592 forces the form tray and the bearing no. 1 housing 1574 holds the retainer. direction on the guide shaft 1568 until the ring 1570 is pressed.

Form tray] 554 is its highest position determined by retaining ring] 570 , the forms entering the container 1500 are relatively short before being placed on the form tray 1554. fall a long distance. Because of this short drop, the edge of the form during the print cycle It almost never hits the inner wall of the container and rides on it. The form that rides on the edge is May be destroyed, reducing the maximum storage capacity of the container.

Additionally, the print cycle will automatically stop when the container reaches its maximum storage capacity. The means described below may not work properly.

When the foam falls onto the tray 1554, their weight is transferred to the foam tray. The upward force of the spring 1592 happens to be exceeded, and the upward force of the spring and the downward force of the form lower it until the weight acting on it is balanced again. Tension of spring 1592 The vertical position of the top form on the form tray 1554 is the print cycle. so that it remains slightly above the retaining ring 1570 throughout its entire course. selected.

Form tray 1554 is configured such that the container is positioned directly above retaining ring 1572. Small arm 16 with housing 1574 protruding from microswitch 1586 The foam continues to move downward as it enters the container with the grooves engaging 14. This switch circuit opens a circuit that provides power to drive motor unit 556 and connects it via cable 1600. A signal to stop the print cycle is sent to the electrical system 601 of the printer 44 (19th Figure). The cable 1600 is inserted into the front cover 85 of the printer. It is connected to the electrical system 601 via a connector 1580.

If the printed foam were to be removed from the container 1500, the foam tray The print head 1554 will return to its original position and a second print cycle will begin. Ru.

The foam can be removed by opening the front panel 1608 using the key 1510. It can only be done by

If the security container 1500 does not need to be used, the key 1518 is attached to the front cover. A locking mechanism is provided so that the printer 44 can be slid forward together with the bar 85 (FIG. 5). Used to separate the structure 1520. This container has a release handle 1524 (FIG. 29) allows the front cover to be released. child For the nozzle, lift the lock rod 1552 (Fig. 30) so that the container is at the front. This allows the cover 85 to be removed.

The security container 1500 is attached to the front cover 85 with fastener hooks 1514 and 1516. Connecting. When installing this container, first attach the lower hook 1516 to the front cover. the upper hook 1514 is spring-biased. Push it out until it engages with the squeezed lock rod 1552 (FIG. 30).

When the security container 1500 is removed from the front cover 85, the output tray 112 The bottom door 1542 falls into its closed position. At this time, the printer 44 outputs The tray 112 can be used as a means for collecting and storing printed documents. become.

When the container 1500 is removed from the printer 44, the foam inside the container is removed from the back panel. becomes visible through the long narrow notch 1606 in the center of 1602 . However, the width of this cut is such that it is impossible to remove it without destroying the form. That's enough. Forms within container 1500 even after removal of the container from printer 44 access is not possible without opening the locked front panel 1608. . Therefore, the accumulated foam remains in the container until it can be transferred to a place where it is safe for removal. It can be kept safely inside.

The detailed description of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Implementation described Various changes and modifications to the examples will occur to those skilled in the art, but do not fall within the spirit of the invention. It is Uchino that can be used without leaving the range.

Engraving (no changes to the content) FIG. 7 FIG, /6 FIG, 17 engraving (no changes in content) n Engraving (no changes to the content) Engraving (no changes to the content) F　I　G, 24A Engraving (no changes to the content) Engraving (no changes to the content) FIG. 25 Engraving (no changes to the content) F　　　　　G, 26 Engraving (no changes to the content) Engraving (no changes to the content) Kei-033dS Procedure supplement (formula) %formula% 2 Name of the invention Printing device and method 3 Person making the amendment Relationship to the incident Patent applicant Shipping date: August 7, 1990 6 Target of correction Compliance investigation report 0 shots bright person Chambeson, Scotto Dio light = i Roman , James Tarr.

0 shots clear, clay, dalgory el.

0 shots clear person Faith, Steven M.

0 shots clearer Smallwood, William L.

0 shots, James, Filmstar, United States, Alabama, Han Tsville, Paywood Drive, Huntsville, Alabama, United States Interhall, Road, 2750 12 U.S.C., Cactus Street, Athens, Alabama, United States Alabama, United States, Huntsville, Sparkman, Drive, N, W, Nan. Bar, 37-F 1500 United States Huntsville, Alabama, Lynn, Lo. Code, N, Double, 2111 Alabama, United States, Arab, Box, 1250, Route 2

Claims (113)

[Claims] 1. The ionic adhesion print engine prints this document form to be printed. Feeder means to feed the print engine to the print engine. Boarding documents consisting of control means for controlling the printing of passenger information, especially for printing airline tickets. My printer. 2. Each of the forms has a magnetic recording area in which passenger information is recorded. a magnetic recording means for recording, and each time the control means controls the magnetic recording means; 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein: 3. a housing in which the feeder means feeds the foam; The printer is routed from a supply station along a path adjacent to the top of the housing. and a drive means for moving the engine to the engine, the drive means being a drive mechanism and a drive mechanism. a rotatably mounted closure member supporting a portion of the drive mechanism; When the closure member pivots out of the passageway, one form in the passageway 2. The printer of claim 1, wherein the printer is easily removable. 4. The form has a long and relatively narrow width, spanning the width of the form. The print engine includes a stationary printhead having an array of spot-forming apertures. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printer has: 5. The housing is receptacle within the support structure to give easy access to the mechanism. 4. The printer according to claim 3, further comprising a drawer that can be slid against the printer. . 6. an input keyboard device, the keyboard device and the printer are connected to the form; coupled to a central computer for generating said information to be printed on The printer of claim 1 further comprising coupling means for. 7. The magnetic recording means includes a stationary magnetic recording head and a recording medium for each of the forms. The above form is pressed while pressing the area against the above head and recording information in the above area. a pressure means for passing the above-mentioned head, and a pressure means for passing the above-mentioned force through the above-mentioned head; a reference guide means for guiding the form into exact alignment therewith; alignment means for pressing the head against the guide means while passing the head; 3. The printer according to claim 2, further comprising: 8. Said aligning means directs said form to a main stroke in the direction of movement along said guiding means. a drive roller adapted to provide a second thrust towards the last and said guide means; 8. The printer according to claim 7, further comprising: a. 9. The pressure means is shaped to force the foam against the guide means. 8. The printer of claim 7, further comprising a pressure applying member having a beveled edge. 10. Detects the thickness of the foam being fed and generates a signal that is a function of thickness the feeder means, and two forms are simultaneously fed by the feeder means. and detect the level at which the above signal corresponds to the thickness of one sheet of foam. 2. A printer according to claim 1, further comprising detection means for detecting a condition that is exceeded. 11. said feeder in response to detection of said condition in which said signal exceeds said predetermined level. 11. The printer of claim 10, including means for disabling the means. 12. The print engine includes a drum for receiving and retaining an electrostatic latent image; Developing the latent image by generating ropes of toner material extending outwardly. These ropes connect with the foam for printing with a rotating magnetic toner brush. Both lobes are sufficient on the drum to apply toner to areas of the drum that will not be touched. At least one rope is rotated to a first position in which the drum is not close to the drum. The drum is rotated into a second position to develop the latent image in the area of the drum that contacts the foam. 2. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising means for causing the printer to display the image. 13. The form has a long and relatively narrow width, and the print engine has one A stationary printhead with a spot-forming aperture array that spans the width of the form wherein said feeder means feed said foams with substantial space between said foams; The print engine is configured to sequentially feed the print engine in a longitudinal direction toward the print engine. 12. The printer described in 12. 14. The print engine has a spot-forming aperture that spans the width of one form. a stationary printhead having an array and selectively producing ionization in each of said apertures; and an input pulse forming means, provided for each ignition circuit. input energizing means, and the width of the pulses can be changed by the print engine. and means for changing the darkness of the image formed. Rinta. 15. automatically turning off the ignition circuit when the width of the pulse exceeds a predetermined value; 15. The printer according to claim 14, further comprising a delay circuit for delaying the time. 16. The foams are long and have a relatively narrow width; accumulating means for accumulating in two stacks, said feeder means along one path longitudinally from one side of the stack toward the print engine; a longitudinal feed means for feeding said one stack from the other stack; and cross-feeding means for selectively feeding the foam. printer. 17. The longitudinal and cross-feeding means portions are Can be rotated to access and reposition any form 17. The printer according to claim 16, wherein the printer is attached to a printer. 18. The control means includes a relatively high speed circuit for use in forming the spot. , a relatively slow microprocessor circuit, and one of these circuits and then and the other is alternately enabled for controlling communications in said control circuit means. 2. A printer according to claim 1, further comprising enabling means for controlling the printer. 19. Dynamics for storing information about the printed image to be formed This memory includes random access memory (DRAM) and the microprocessor. 19. The printer according to claim 18, further comprising means for updating the printer. 20. Imaging hand for forming an image to be printed with multiple small spots stage, a relatively fast circuit for spot formation, and a relatively slow micro The processor circuit and one of these circuits and subsequently the other are controlled by the control circuit described above. enabling means for alternating Nina pulls to control the passage in the steps; A printer consisting of a combination of 21. Dynamics for storing information about the printed image to be formed This memory includes random access memory (DRAM) and the microprocessor. 21. The printer according to claim 20, further comprising means for updating the printer. 22. The final address of the DRAM updated in the first operation cycle is 22. The printer of claim 21, including means for storing in the microprocessor circuit. 23. The DRAM stores information for printing all pages in byte map format. It is designed to logically combine image elements with overlapping bites. including means for preventing loss of spots during printing of these elements; The printer according to claim 22. 24. The printer includes a spot-forming printhead, a recording surface support, and a spot-forming printhead. means for moving the print head and support relative to each other, and means for moving the print head and support relative to each other; position indicating means for generating a signal with an interval indicating the relative position in the front; The encoding means is actuated by a timing signal from the encoding means. 21. The printer according to claim 20, wherein: 25. A print engine for printing indicators corresponding to electrical signals and this storage means for storing a vertical stack of sheets on which the indicia are to be printed; housing and the above sheets one at a time starting from the top sheet of this stack. A combination of a feeder means for feeding the print engine and a support structure. and at least a portion of the feeder means is attached to the support structure; is rotatably fixed to the housing to connect the print engine of the sheet. Free the above sheet by allowing it to move upwards from Jinhe's passage above. A printer that allows manual access to aisles and sheets. 26. The storage means is adapted to store two stacked sheets of the sheet in juxtaposition. and said feeder means feeds one feeder from one of said feeders to said print engine. a longitudinal feeding means for longitudinally feeding said sheet along the path and another stack; a cross-feeding means for selectively feeding the sheet laterally from the spinner body toward the one body; 26. The apparatus of claim 25, comprising: 27. the hinged support structure in the up position unless manually released; Claims including a unidirectional prop mechanism that allows the support to be lifted freely 25. The device according to 25. 28. Each of the sheets has a magnetic recording area, and the sheet is connected to the feeder means. The magnetic recording means for recording information in the above area when being sent by the feeder means aligns the recording means with the area; a recording drive means for feeding the sheet through the recording means by bringing the sheet into contact with the recording means; This recording driving means is rotatably mounted and this driving means drives the recording station. above to free the sheet and give manual access to it in the 26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising means for enabling rotation in either direction. 29. The portion of the feeder means that is attached to the support structure is such that the support structure is at least one motor that engages the top sheet of the stack when in position; 26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising a feed roller driven by a motor. 30. The feeder means has at least one cross-feed drive motor coupled thereto. includes a cross-feed roller and a longitudinal-feed drive motor and associated rollers. Claim 26, wherein the motor and roller are mounted on the support structure. The device described. 31. Print engine for printing indicators corresponding to electrical signals on sheets Sheet feeder device for feeding the sheet to the sheet to be printed with the above index accumulating means for accumulating at least two stacks; housing means for mounting the sheet feeder to the sheet feeder; Sheets are now sent to the print engine from either side of the stack. and a connection from the first stack of the stacks to the print engine. a first sheet drive means for moving sheets along one path; and a second stack. and a second sheet drive means for moving the sheets from the first stack to the first stack. The old sheet feeder device. 32. Detects the height of each of the stacks and maintains the top sheet at the desired height said first sheet drive including means for raising said stacks to Means includes a first feed roller driven by a motor and a sheet from said second stack. means for lifting said first feed roller as it is being fed to a first stack; 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the device is rendered inhospitable. 33. said second sheet driving and passing means rotatably mounted on a common shaft; also has one advance roller and at least one stripper roller; Drivingly engages the shaft with the advance roller only when rotating in one direction The above stripper roller is rotated only when the above shaft is rotating in the other direction. a clutch means for drivingly engaging the shaft; and a clutch means for first rotating the shaft in the one direction. Next, rotate in the other direction and place the top sheet from the first stack into the first stack. the next sheet in the second stack moves with the top sheet. 32. Means for returning the sheets of bass to the second stack. equipment. 34. the sheet has a mark at a predetermined position, and the second drive means Detects the forward roller group, the second forward roller group downstream of it, and the above mark, and feeds them. and a means for moving the roller according to the position of the mark. The device according to item 31. 35. Consists of a long sheet of printable material, adjacent to one edge thereof. of the planned dimensions to detect the position during feeding for printing. Travel coupon form with marks. 36. One end of the form is unprinted to secure the coupons as a group. area, and the mark is placed in this non-print area. 36. The form of claim 35, wherein the form is 37. The mark extends across the entire width of the coupon, and is substantially separate from the surrounding area. 37. The foam of claim 36, wherein the foam has optically different light reflecting properties. 38. The coupon is a relatively long and narrow seat card, which can be used for travel tickets, hotel deals, etc. selected from the group consisting of hotel/motel reservation confirmation, and rental car reservation confirmation. 36. The form according to claim 35, which has become 39. Accumulating a stack of printable sheets that are long and have magnetic recording areas a print engine and a magnetic recording means; Pass the recording means through the engine with the recording area aligned with the magnetic recording means. and an edge guide means for guiding the sheet passing through the recording means. , means for pressing these sheets against the edge guide means; A magnetic recorder/printer for magnetically recording information on a computer. 40. The feeding means presses the recording area against the recording means so that the sheet is a pressure line for causing said sheet to pass through said recording means, said foot to said sheet to said edge; 40. The device of claim 39, further comprising a beveled edge for pressing. 41. The feeding means is connected to the rotating shaft so as to press the sheet against the guiding means. A feeder made of flexible gripping material with angled longitudinal grooves. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising a roller. 42. Accumulating a stack of long, printable sheets with magnetic recording areas means, a print engine and a magnetic recording means, at least one mounted on the carriage; a feeding means including one roller; a support structure on which the roller is retractably mounted; , manual for fixing the carriage in the driving position to drive the sheet. a manual latch that is automatically released to provide manual access to the sheet within said feeding means; A magnetic recorder for magnetically recording information on a recording area of a sheet consisting of a means and da/printer. 43. The recording area is moved by this recording means so that the sheet moves through the recording means. 43. A pressure line as claimed in claim 42, including a pressure line attached to the support structure for pressing against the step. equipment. 44. The carriage is pivotably mounted on the support structure to be pivoted upwardly. the latching means comprises a toggle mechanism comprising resilient means for biasing the roller; mounted on said support structure such that it meets said roller when latched into the recording position; 43. The apparatus according to claim 42, further comprising a roller that is rotated. 45. A print engine and an accumulator for feeding sheets to this print engine. and a test to detect the conditions under which two sheets are fed simultaneously by this feeder means. This detection means detects the thickness of the sheet being fed. generates a signal that is a function of thickness, and this signal corresponds to the thickness of one sheet. Print on a sheet that detects a condition that exceeds the expected level. A printer for printing. 46. The detection means is a piezoelectric crystal that generates an electrical signal proportional to the thickness of the sheet. 46. The printer of claim 45, comprising means. 47. The detection means includes a housing and is slidably attached to the housing. a plunger, the crystal being cantilevered at one end to the housing; and the plunger detects each sheet as it passes through the detection means. The crystal is placed so that it is pushed inward by the crystal, and the free end of the crystal is bent to face the 47. The electrical output signal of claim 46, wherein the electrical output signal is arranged to generate a corresponding electrical output signal. printer. 48. comprising means for disabling the feeding means upon detection of the condition; The recording means is easily manually removable from contact with the sheet to allow for modification of conditions. 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the apparatus is adapted to enable. 49. 45. Said detection means is a signal level detector of the output of said detection means. The device described. 50. The printing method consists of the following steps. (b) Information useful for forming image blocks from small dots is stored in memory. To do. (b) A process for converting the above information into a form useful for printing the above image at relatively high speed. 1. Use one circuit means. (c) A comparatively low-speed microprocessor is used to control the printer alternately with the first circuit means. To be used to control communication in a circuit. 51. The information for printing the entire page is stored in memory in bytemap format, and then 51. The method according to claim 50, further comprising the step of: reading information under the control of said first circuit means. Method. 52. All of the print cycles except when said first circuit means has access. using said microprocessor for accessing said memory means in a portion of 52. The method of claim 51, comprising the step of: 53. A computerized image is written as a series of bytes each eating multiple bits. a step of storing these bytes, a step of inputting these bytes into a logic circuit, and a step of storing these bytes. The stages of performing logical operations to combine bytes to overlap the images, and the image process. outputting the combined byte of the above information to the server control system; Methods for mapping and processing. 54. Each logical operation is performed in an arithmetic logic unit and includes a disjunction operation. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein: 55. How to print long travel coupons, especially airline tickets, consisting of the following steps: (b) Accumulating coupon forms in the accumulation station; (b) Upon request, the above foam is ionized in the longitudinal direction from the above accumulation station. sending it to the print engine. (c) The form is passed through the print engine while forming the desired graphic image. Print the desired circular image by feeding it through the stationary print head in the hand direction. control the operation of the print engine so as to 56. For use in data for printing documents and printing each of the planned number of documents. A record containing multiple sequential data buckets containing common data stored separately. A printer that causes a printer to print multiple documents sequentially in response to receiving data in the form of a programmed control means and said program while printing the document corresponding to said record. Determine the last of the above buckets printed before disabling the linter means and at least the above common data and the above records to be printed. storage means for storing data buckets in memory for Retrieve this common data and the remaining bucket by restarting the printer. and the last bucket printed before being disabled. and a restart means for restarting printing of the document bucket in the subsequent packet. printer. 57. At least some of said common data is stored at the beginning of said record and The storage means stores the entire record in the memory, and the storage means stores the entire record in the memory. The extracting means sequentially extracts the common data and packets from the beginning of the record. The restart means restarts the last print before discarding. Discard printing of these packets until the packet following the packet 57. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the apparatus is adapted to: 58. The disable includes interrupting power to the printer, and the memory is 57. The apparatus of claim 56, further comprising a power source separate from the power source of the printer. 59. 59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the memory is a RAM with a battery. 60. 56. The memory is a ring buffer formed in electronic RAM. The device described. 61. The document is a travel coupon, like an airline ticket, with each packet containing one coupon. The common data corresponds to the information printed on each coupon for recording purposes. 57. The apparatus of claim 56, comprising: 62. The common data may be about different members of the group of travelers traveling together. common flight information and for travelers issued coupons for multiple destinations. Claim 61: one member of the group consisting of common passenger identification information of The device described. 63. The data for printing the document and the planned number of files used for each print of this document. A record containing multiple sequential data packets containing common data stored separately. Upon acceptance of data in the form of a code, the above documents are printed sequentially to the printer. programmed control means for receiving and storing said records; storage means with a fixed capacity and a power supply means separate from the power supply of the printer means and the printer prints data at a high enough speed to prevent loss of incoming data. Detects the condition when it is not possible to print, and after this condition is detected, the next scheduled means for continuing to store the record in the storage means until a condition is detected; A printer consisting of. 64. when said record is completely stored or said storage means is full; 64. The apparatus of claim 63, including means for stopping continuous storage of said records. 65. the record enters from a host computer via a data communications link; and after this record has been completely stored or when said storage means is full. 65. The apparatus of claim 64, including means for disabling the communication link. 66. The storage means is a separately powered RAM forming a ring buffer. and a way to add reserve storage space to this buffer when it becomes full. 66. The apparatus of claim 65, comprising: 67. The sequential data packets for documents and the How to print a series of documents corresponding to data records consisting of common data . (b) Storing the above record in computer memory. (b) Different information in the above packet together with the above common data for printing each document. To print the above-mentioned document by sequentially using one data set. (c) At least the above common data and unprinted packets are stored in the above memory. hold the cut. (d) The above common data and retained data packet after the above printer is disabled. take out the cut. (e) Use the retrieved data to complete the printing of the document in this record To do. 68. providing a ring buffer memory for storage of said records. The method according to item 67. 69. Claims comprising powering the computer memory from a battery power source. 67. The method described in 67. 70. Count the number of packets in said record printed and its initial count The common data and packets are stored and returned to the beginning of this record after being disassembled. Read the packets read, count the packets read, and combine this count with the initial count above. and restarting printing when the latter count exceeds the initial count. 68. The method of claim 67. 71. Sequential data packets for documents and common data for packets consisting of the following stages: Protecting document printing data from loss due to insufficient printer performance how to. (b) Storing the above record in a computer memory with limited capacity; (b) Detecting when the performance of the printer described above becomes insufficient; (c) This record is completely memorized, but the above process is performed until this memory is full. Continuing to memorize records that were partially memorized at the time of release; (d) Stop transmitting records to the printer. 72. Determine when said memory is full and determine when said memory is full during successive transmissions of said records. 72. The method of claim 71, including temporarily adding reserve capacity to the memory. 73. A storage means of limited capacity for receiving and storing said records, and A storage means having a power supply means different from that of the printer, and a storage means having a power supply means different from the power supply of the printer, and the performance of the printer Detect when enough is sufficient, and continue until the above record is memorized after the above detection. or continue to store the record in the storage means until the storage means is full. 57. The apparatus of claim 56, including means for determining. 74. The document is a travel coupon, such as an airline ticket, with each packet containing one coupon. corresponding to the coupon, the common data is printed on each coupon for that record. 74. The apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the information is information that should be used. 75. Printing of traveling vehicle documents, especially airline coupons, consisting of a combination of the following requirements: printer for printing. (a) A drum that receives and holds an electrostatic latent image. (b) Adjacent to this drum, toner material is selectively transferred to this drum to form the latent image. Rotating magnetic toner brush for developing. (c) The drum is placed in the first position to receive the electrostatic image and in the second position to transfer the developed image to the document. a first drive means for rotating between the position and the position; (d) means for sending the document to the second location; (E) A second driving means for rotating the surface of the toner brush independently of the first driving means. Drive means. 76. The first driving means operates continuously during the period when a group of documents are being printed. 76. The second driving means operates intermittently during this period. printer. 77. The rotating toner brush generates a plurality of outwardly extending ropes of toner material. and furthermore, each of these lobes is used to supply toner to the drum. Sufficient heat is provided in the first position, not close to the drum, and at least one rope supplies toner. a second position proximate to the drum; The printer according to claim 75. 78. energizing the second drive means when the lobe of toner material is in a second position; 78. The lobes of claim 77, including means for deenergizing the lobes when in the first position. printer. 79. The second driving means is configured to drive when a drum area having a latent image passes the brush. 77. The prism of claim 76, wherein the prism is operative and becomes inactive when the imageless region passes. Nta. 80. 76. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein said second drive means is a relatively high torque DC motor. printer. 81. Traveling vehicle documents, especially prints for printing airline tickets, that meet the following requirements: Ta. (a) A drum that receives and holds an electrostatic latent image. (b) adjacent to the drum and selectively transferring toner material onto the drum to develop the latent image; Rotating toner brush. (c) A means of continuously rotating the drum while printing multiple documents in groups. (d) Send the above document to a position adjacent to the drum and transfer the image from this drum to the document. means of (E) The toner is supplemented only during the period when the drum area having the latent image passes through the brush. Means for rotating said toner brush for charging. 82. The rotating means for the front drum includes a first motor, and rotates the toner brush. 82. The printer according to claim 81, wherein the means for controlling is a second motor. 83. 83. The motor of claim 82, wherein the second motor is a relatively high torque DC motor. Rinta. 84. The rotating toner brush generates a plurality of outwardly extending ropes of toner material. and further, each lobe is charged enough to supply toner to the drum. ■The first position is not close to the drum and at least one rope supplies toner. and a second position close to the drum. 82. The printer according to claim 81. 85. shifting the rope to the second position when the toner brush rotates; 9. The toner brush according to claim 8, further comprising means for shifting to the first position when the toner brush is not rotating. The printer described in 4. 86. A printer for printing documents consisting of the following steps: (b) To receive and hold an electrostatic latent image on the drum. (b) Transferring toner material from a rotating toner brush to a drum to develop a latent image. (c) Continuously rotate the drum while multiple documents are being printed sequentially thing. (d) Transferring the image from the drum to the document. (e) Toner material is applied to the brush during the period in which the area having the latent image passes through the brush. and to stop its replenishment at other times. 87. Remove the toner transfer surface of the brush from the drum and transfer the toner at the other time. 87. The method of claim 86, comprising the step of preventing transfer of the material to the drum. 88. The replenishment step involves rotating the shell around a stationary magnet to forming lobes of magnetic toner material in the toner distribution station; The toner is taken out from there through the The step comprises rotating the magnet to release the lobes from the drum, as claimed. The method according to item 87. 89. The rotation stage and the replenishment stage of the drum are performed by two independent driving sources. 87. The method of claim 86. 90. A printer for printing documents consisting of the following steps: (b) To receive and hold an electrostatic latent image on the drum. (b) Applying toner material from a rotating toner brush to this drum to develop the latent image. and. (c) A first position that receives the electrostatic image and a second position that prints the developed image on the document. rotating the drum between (d) sending these documents to a second location; (e) by means mechanically separate from that used to rotate the drum; Rotating the surface of the toner brush. 91. The rotation stage is controlled by an independent DC drive motor and drive coupling means. 91. The method of claim 90, wherein the method is performed. 92. Travel vehicle documents, especially airline tickets, that have a combination of the following requirements: Nta. (a) A dielectric drum that receives and holds an electrostatic latent image. (b) Toner material is intermittently applied to the drum adjacent to this drum to develop the latent image. Rotating magnetic toner brush that performs imaging. (c) A hopper adjacent to the toner brush that supplies toner material to the toner brush. (d) A first position for receiving the electrostatic image and a second position for printing the developed image on a document. first motor means for rotating said drum between positions; (e) Means for sending these documents to a second location. (f) Rotate the surface of the toner brush only during this development, and do not rotate it at other times. Second motor means. 93. 93. The printer of claim 92, wherein said second motor means is a DC motor. 94. Printed document output from a printer that has a combination of the following requirements: A portable device for collecting and accumulating. (b) A container for storing documents. (b) Projects out from this container and can be inserted into the output hole of the printer and is inserted into this container. A guide for distributing printed documents. 95. The guide means projects through the door along a document feed path for the printer. 95. The apparatus of claim 94. 96. The documents are collected from the top card located in the container. Additionally, movable platform means are provided to maintain the same vertical position during the period. 95. The apparatus of claim 94, comprising: 97. further comprising spring means for applying an upward force to said platform means; Claim 9, wherein the platform means is lowered as the weight of the document increases. 6. The device according to 6. 98. Turn on the printer when the number of documents in the container is approximately equal to the planned number of documents. 95. The apparatus of claim 94, further comprising means for disabling. 99. The platform means is engaged in accordance with the position of the platform means to reduce the weight of documents within the container. further including switch means for disabling the printer when the amount is approximately equal to the predetermined value. 98. The apparatus of claim 97. 100. a drive roller adjacent to said guide means for pressing said document against said container; 95. The apparatus of claim 94, further comprising: 101. further comprising means for locking said container to prevent access to documents. 95. The apparatus of claim 94. 102. 102. The apparatus of claim 101, further comprising means for locking the container to a printer. Place. 103. Printed document output from a printer consisting of a combination of the following requirements: A device for collecting and accumulating. (b) A container for storing documents. (b) Means for directing these documents to the container. (c) The top card in this container is where the documents are collected. Movable platform means for maintaining the same vertical position during the period of time. 104. Means for directing said document protrudes from said container and is adapted for use in an output aperture for a printer. A receptacle consisting of a guide means for dispensing the printed document into a receptacle. The device according to claim 103. 105. further comprising spring means for applying an upward force to said platform means; A claim in which the platform means descends as the weight of the document increases. 103. The device according to 103. 106. Disable the printer when the number of documents in the container is approximately equal to the planned number. 104. The apparatus of claim 103, further comprising means for activating. 107. Means for rendering said printer inoperable is located at said platform means. 107. The device of claim 106, wherein the device is responsively engaged switch means. 108. The claim further includes means for locking said container to prevent access to documents. The device according to claim 103. 109. 109. The method of claim 108, further comprising means for locking the container to a printer. Device. 110. Collect printed document output from printers that have a combination of the following requirements: A device for accumulating (b) A container for storing documents. (b) A printer projecting from this container and capable of being inserted into an output hole for a printer. guiding means for dispensing printed documents into said containers; (c) The top card that is in this container and is there for the period during which documents are collected. ■ Movable platform means to maintain the same vertical position. (d) When the number of documents in the container becomes approximately equal to the planned number, the printer will be disabled. means to do so. 111. means for locking said container to prevent access to documents; 111. The apparatus of claim 110, further comprising means for locking the device to the printer. 112. Print a document and print the printed text, consisting of a combination of the following requirements: A device for collecting and storing books. (b) Printer. (b) A container for storing documents printed by this printer. (c) A print that can protrude from this container and be inserted into an output hole for a printer. a guide device for dispensing the stored documents into said containers; (d) the top card that is in this container for the period during which documents are collected; Movable platform means for maintaining the same vertical position. 113. means for locking said container to prevent access to documents; 113. The apparatus of claim 112, further comprising means for locking the device to the printer.