LU85436A1 - ELECTRONIC PRINTING MACHINE - Google Patents

Description

The invention is described below with reference to the following illustrations, as well as in correlation with the indices not illustrated there represented by the figures below 1 correct address 5 Correct stamp 2 reverse address 6 Stamp reverse 3 address turned to the right 7 Stamp turned to the right h address turned to the left 8 Stamp turned to the left:

Fig.I is an overview of a "pocket" printing machine: 9 is the chassis, 10 the printable strip, II the display screen, 12 the keys and 13 the keyboard.

Fig, 2, illustrates a machine according to Fig.I but on the strip of which are printed a stamp 5 and an address I.

Fig.3 "illustrates a machine whose band has an address I printed longitudinally on the right on the band and a second address on the left. Fig. b / 5, illustrate a machine provided with a partial slot at the top, on the left, provided with an envelope positioned vertically for printing the address 2 and an envelope positioned horizontally for printing the stamp 7.

Fig. 6/7 "illustrate a variant according to Fig. ^ / 5, provided with two envelopes with folded upper edge with printing of the address 3 and of the stamp 5 Fig. 8/9, illustrate a variant of Fig. 4 / 5 with slot on the right with address and stamp 6.

Fig. IO / III, illustrate a variant of figΛ / 5 comprising a circuit providing an impression of the address I and of the stamp 8 or I and 5.

Fig. I2 / 13. illustrate a variant according to figΛ / 5 but provided with a complete slot on the left, provided with an envelope with printing of the address I and of the stamp 5. V

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Fig. 1½, illustrates a variant of Fig. V5 t provided with a complete slot at the top with address I and stamp 5 ·

Fig.15 »illustrates a removable keyboard with at least one liquid crystal key, at least mono-functional.

Fig. 16, illustrates a larger format machine, possibly including more than one printing device, or of circular shape (not visible). Fig. 17, illustrates a machine according to fig, 16 equipped with a manual or automatic device for introducing printable supports, their printing and ejection, index switches (not shown) and external connections (not shown) to a memory eg

the invention relates to the creation of a small printing machine, at least on a roll of printable tape, of "pocket" dimensions, electronic, essentially used for printing short texts, at least on paper, of width at least less to the maximum width of paper admitted by the cart of typewriters, of the market, the less wide.

It comprises a chassis of the kind of electronic calculators provided with a printable strip of paper, at least adhesive, as well as an electronic circuit at least printed, called "circuit" below, keys, at least mono-functional, forming activation keyboard by connection to said circuit.

Said circuit comprises, with the corresponding connections, upper and lower case keys of letters of at least one alphabet and other required signs as well as a postage stamp symbol, and also comprises the interconnections performing the four basic operations of calculation and the keys required on the keyboard.

We will name the above letters, numbers, signs, as well as the "stamp" symbol described below, by the name "indices" in the following text.

The above circuit includes a means of connection to an energy source, at least internal to the above chassis, activatable by the above keys.

The above circuit is connected to a display screen memorized by manupulatio: - the above keys,

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Said screen displays said indices side by side on at least one horizontal line, with sequential positioning, at least, from right to left, forming words, sentences and signs scrolling sequentially at their introduction and at any recall.

Said scrolling makes it possible, by appropriate keys and circuits, to carry out manual correction of errors and, moreover, for the composition of an address eg, "framing" and the desired staggering in superimposed lines, name , locality, country, telephone and, for certain professions, medical prescriptions Syla date etc., Fig.l / l, the framing consists, for a text-address e.g., of positioning the centers of the text on the same vertical axis of all superimposed horizontal lines; Manually said "framing" is carried out by keys cutting each line and positioning them by means of appropriate spaces; Said operation is here limited, in width, to the "capacity" of machines of this kind, usually from eight to twelve indices, which makes it possible to establish at least one shortened address horizontally; The composition of non-abbreviated addresses and the automatic framing are described below.

The above-mentioned electronic circuit also includes, with suitable keys, a pre-programming of the symbol framing of a postage stamp, Fig. 2/5, as applied by franking machines authorized by the Post Office, Symbol printable at least in successive installments.

In addition, appropriate keys and circuits print the stamp value, not sequentially from right to left but at the very center of the aforementioned symbol, possibly date and identification number.

The "circuit" sudit memorizes and repeats with appropriate keys; It can include for certain uses, such as doctors, a permanent memory of the address, date etc. in addition to normal memory.

After memorization, the indices are transferred to a usual printing device which is electronically activated. To be printed, at will repeatedly, on the strip of the above printable roller, horizontal line by line of indices vertically vis-à-vis the operator, on paper. adhesive, which will be propelled out of the frame after printing of each line, cuts in the usual way and is stuck to the desired location for addresses and postage stamps.

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For its approval as a stamp issuer, by the postal service the aforementioned electronic circuit will be provided with a connection, at least external, not shown, allowing to introduce electronically into said circuit a value figure corresponding to the total amount of stamps- posts paid for by the user of each machine; the said input device will be available to the postal services alone; Said machines can be equipped with various security against theft of stamps, security for the post office and for the user: for La Poste, for example, proven security such as a code known only to it. the maximum amount of value entered in the machine, which, reaching the maximum value blocks the value counter and the printing of stamps; for the user and a number chosen by him in the calculator circuit which connects the "timbre" circuit with its activation key and disconnects at each stop.

Said type of machine, relatively simple, can be manufactured at a very economical cost: It is capable of rendering appreciable services to individuals, liberal professions, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as to the postal services themselves: Each counter and even each postman can be provided with a small machine delivering all the required stamp values.

This is neither a typewriter nor a postage meter as approved by the postal administration, nor a machine for debiting stamps:

On the one hand, unlike mechanical or electronic typewriters, it does not include a mobile carriage or articulated hammers for striking characters, and finally, the reduction in the maximum width of the horizontal text is unalterably limited: it is limited to a maximum, while typewriters include, conversely, a maximum that can be reduced to a minimum, that is to say a means of adjustment which, consequently, forms a distinct combination of means since its flexible "minimum" will correspond to the immutable "maximum" of present combination, the first being unalterable while the second is modifiable.

5- i The franking machines print a stamp symbol whose digit of 1 value is positioned in the center of the stamp "ne-varîetur", ie, that said digit j) cannot be positioned elsewhere; In the present machine the figures can be positioned at various places other than the center of the stamp, which testifies to the fact that the respective ad hoc means of the franking machine and of the present machine are distinct; the two combinations of means are therefore also separate, one providing a fixed result and the other a modifiable result.

Then, against the franking machines, the present machines carry out, in addition, the composition at will, freely, of words and sentences and their instantaneous modification * · tion successive or their repetitive impression, which makes an even more distinctive combination.

As for stamp issuing machines, their main difference is not only that they dispense "real" stamps in comparison to a stamp symblole, but essentially in that the stamp debtor will only issue stamps with individual values. introduced, will stop the flow with the successive exhaustion of the most requested values, even if it still contains a supply of stamps of other values; On the other hand, this machine will continue to issue stamps, even of the most requested value, until all value or total value entered therein is exhausted; It operates similarly for any values of stamps.

The performance of this kind of machines can be diversified and improved. For example, above the horizontal width of the lines could be limited to the capacity of eight to twelve and, without increasing this capacity, the width of the text can be increased by arranging the above electronic circuit to display the "indices" always vertically, as described above, but to memorize them only after pivoting 90 ° to the right around their axis, so that they would appear lying in front of the operator.

Consequently, the lines of indices are no longer printed across the horizontal width of the strip of the printable roll, but parallel to its length, ie vertically, and the maximum number of indices per vertical line 6- n ' is more limited pax the width of the band but, necessarily, by the memory capacity; the number of superimposed lines will naturally be limited by the width of the printable strip; framing by scrolling vertical indices on the screen ”will be carried out as described above, in conjunction with the operation below. The electronic circuit will carry out a sequential classification of the indices from the first of each line; for two lines of three indices eg:

ABC and DEF, the memory will record sequentially; AD-BE-CF; for three ABC lines

e.g. DEF, it will be sequentially, ADG- BEF-CFI, always rotated 90 ° to the right GEC

The electronic circuit therefore transfers the above sequence to the printing circuit and the printing is carried out in horizontal slices, of indices lying horizontally, in superimposed lines from top to bottom of the printable strip progressing Q0> upwards ”reconstituting at 90 ° the initial sequence g and its equivalent of addresses, words etc., in the direction of the length of the printable strip, (Fig.3).

The same is true for stamps and other texts to be printed on adhesive tapes to peel off and stick in the desired place.

Instead of pivoting 90 ° to the right, you can rotate left; this requires from the electronic circuit a rotation to the left of 90 ° ^ ig.3, a sequential inversion from the first to the last index of each conformed line - ment to the aforementioned frame, without the result being .superior to pivoting 90 ° to the right,

The above machines only operate on printable tape and are valid as is; however, they are not arranged to print directly and correctly, ie, on the face of an envelope or of paper. Hereinafter the term "envelope" will designate an envelope, front view, on which conventionally, the address is printed in the upper left corner and the stamp is affixed in the upper right corner, or other printable medium introduced from the outside.

In order to be able to carry out the above operation, the chassis of the above machine is "k. Provided with a passage or partial duct in the form of a slot allowing introduction, at least manually, from the outside by the head, FIG. Fig. 5, in the frame, at the place of the passage of the printable strip "provisionally removed, and 7 - from its contact with the above-mentioned electronic printing device, of an envelope, letter paper or the like, replacing the aforesaid printable strip, to receive directly correct impression of the wanted indices.

In the case of the first type of machine printing the indices vertically, facing the operator's vision, the introduction of a printable support from the outside, such as an envelope, will lead to reverse printing on the top of the envelope, Cad, an address on the reverse side, Fig. V 2, stamp turned to the right, FiG.5 / 7.

A correct impression can be obtained by folding the upper edge of the printable support, printing on the above folded edge; After unfolding the im-j stamp pressure is correct, Fig, 6/5 "the address is oriented to the right Fig.7 / j î But such impressions are generally not desirable.

1 This same type of machine will produce a correct impression by modifying the execution of the electronic circuit so that it operates as described, FIG.

| k and 5, above, except that it memorizes the pivoted indices, not at 90 ° but, at 180 °, cuts by appropriate key and, simultaneously, reverses the sequence between the first and the last index of each line, framing by classification in superimposed lines and sequential inverse of these lines, the last of which becomes the first to be printed Reconstituting-on envelope .a correct address', Fig.TO / l: the stamp will appear turned to the left, Fig.Il / 8.

Another execution consists in placing the printing device and the aforesaid slot in the top left, in an extension of the frame, Fig.12; The pivoting of 900 to the right will give a correct stamp in the top right corner of the envelope, Fig. 12/5, while a pivot as mentioned above in ISO0, will allow a shortened address in the top left corner of the envelope.

In the aforementioned execution of the chassis, the extension of the slot to allow the passage by sliding of the entire envelope, from one end to the other, provides, Fig. 13 / I and 5, a correct impression of the stamp with index swiveling at 9O0 and, with swiveling at 90 ° plus sequential inversion of each line, described above, gives a correct address without abbreviation.

t Ç 11 8- Other versions with partial or total slot positioned to the right or below provide combinations with similar effects.

A preferred embodiment is in accordance with Fig.l4, with the machine stripped of its printable paper roll and provided at the top with a slot allowing the passage by sliding of the envelope from one end to the other of the chassis; at the same time the electronic circuit performs, by key, the 180 ° swiveling for the address and the stamp and, simultaneously, sequential inversion of all the lines for the correct printing of each line.

said execution thus provides, with the envelope facing upwards, a correct impression of the stamp symbol and of the abbreviated address, or by a single longitudinal sliding of the envelope from right to left and, therefore, only requires a single manual operation; sliding from left to right provides the same correct prints but requires a second manual envelope positioning operation. after printing the short address, which pushes the envelope out of the slot.

Adequate increase in the lateral capacity of the machine, e.g. with 16 indices, Fig. 2, allows the printing of a large number of non-abbreviated addresses.

The executions described above always include maintaining the possible use of the printable strip, which must be used for stamping, addressing folds or packages that are too thick to pass through the slot in the chassis.

It is the same for the models which follow, the printable tape ad-hesively, internal or external to the chassis constituting fundamentally one of the means allowing the limitation of the height of the slot and of the size of the machine.

The above executions are only examples; they suggest various possible variants which do not modify the inventive combination of the abovementioned executions.

Still other executions lead to more complex machines, eg. We will pre-program various operations, such as "framing '* from the first line.' Ι 9 - To this end, a memorized pulse is introduced into the electronic circuit manually, by key, at the end of each line without regard to spacing, or blanks, the circuit carrying out the framing automatically.

Sequential printing, of indices or line by line, can be replaced by the incorporation in the frame of a printing device of several lines at the same time, in block; It is also possible to incorporate in the chassis several printing devices, one printing the stamps and the other addressing simultaneously, performing the two operations with a single manual intervention, or printing successively, by roll, always by a only manual intervention, We can also program manual or automatic insertion operations in the chassis slot »printing at least separately from the stamp and address, then ejection,

Said machines, suitable for wall mounting and provided with currency counters advantageously replace the public debtors of stamps, with the necessary useful adaptations.

Said operations preferably relate to executions of larger machines as illustrated in FIG.

However one can increase the number of functions even of pocket machines, without increasing the surface of the keyboard:

It is known to use each key on the keyboard for several functions and to fill in the indices around the key: eg a function whose index is located in the center of the key, a second with index on the left of the key, a third at the top, a fourth on the right and a fifth function at the bottom of the key, said indices being able to appear on the key itself, provided with a base of dimensions suitable for their inscription.

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. · 10- • Said series of indices on the left, top etc. are correlated and used in conjunction with specific electronic circuits when these; the latter are activated by a switch - e.g. positioned on one of the sides of the chassis, or by keys - which activate the desired series of indices, with their circuit; a keyboard of ^ 0 keys can thus allow the operator to visually select and activate two hundred indices; this is sufficient for a western language eg

’This is insufficient for two languages, e.g. a western language and Arabic, Russian or an eastern language; we describe below the principle of various executions increasing considerably and even almost unlimitedly the visual display capacity of a given keyboard and, correspondingly, the use by the operator of a very large range of indices visible on the same operating keyboard.

The principle lies in the execution of the machine with a "fake" mobile keyboard; said false keyboard comprises, for example, flexible or elastic keys carrying the desired indices on the upper face, eg, five indices j per key. Said "false keyboard is removably embedded, in any way | at the top of the chassis. It includes, at the place provided for each key, a protuberance on the upper or lower face or both; the lower face, facing the center of the protrusions of the upper face, is in "elastic contact with protrusions constituting the" real "keys of the device. (Fig. 15),

The electronic circuit of said executions will be built on a modular basis; All the functions and indices common to all - or most - of the languages and calculations are incorporated into a standard execution of electronic circuit connected to the "real" keys; for at least each of the languages, an electronic circuit module includes all the indices which particularize it and will be incorporated into each device to form at least unilingual devices Each unilingual device is equipped with a "false" keyboard on which are written, in addition of all the standard indices, the above particular indices! sants of the language of the apparatus, ['One can also execute apparatuses with two, a series or all the n- useful languages; Said devices will be fitted with suitable switches and, in addition, "false" keyboards in as many suitable copies as languages of the device, said "false" keyboards constituting the essential means, in the absence of which the operator does not cannot perform correct operation for each language.

Another execution achieving the same result consists in providing the device with a normal fixed keyboard and, for each language, providing the device with a flexible, elastic “Oapu-chon” conforming to the shapes of the keyboard and its keys, said cap individualized for each language at the location above the keys of the real keyboard of the indices of the language in question.

A mechanical execution of the previous one consists in replacing the flexible, elastic cap by a flexible curtain carrying, longitudinally, the replication of the previous caps with reproduction of the indices used, said curtain winding from right to left, at least, positioning the reproduction of the cap required in connection with the corresponding language switch.

'Once the principle is known, other executions prove to be valid, eg. On a normal, but transparent keyboard, at least with the keys and surroundings, practical] in addition to the normal inscriptions of indices but by overprinting a second inscription in fluorescent material, invisible in normal light but revealing itself to the view by lighting, in the frame, for example, by Wood's light, making the second inscription fluorescent and masking the first.

An analogous operation consists in replacing the keys of the usual keyboard by keys consisting of liquid crystals, eg connected to the. _ adequate switches to display the indices of the language used.

Said liquid crystal keyboard can be connected to all types of switches, including rheostats performing continuous regulation.

This kind of device is commonly provided with at least one memory; in this case it is useful, and it can be economical, to provide a connection ί! from the electronic circuit to an external connection socket making it possible to connect to the apparatus other electronic devices such as, for example, an additional memory, alphabetical or other; This last kind of memory can serve as a listing

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12 - for VAT, address lists for associations, advertising lists for small and medium-sized enterprises and multiple combinations.

The execution of apparatuses of this kind provided with a larger chassis, possibly more solid, can be used to create, like the "copy service", services based on the sale and the hiring of apparatuses, in places accessible to the public authorized to use it for a fee; For the above-mentioned devices, they could be called "Stamp service", "Instant postage", "Instant Stamp", "Address Service", "Mail service" etc or "Service Timbre", "Timbre instantanné", "Affranchi minute" , "Address service", "Mail service" etc, (Fig. 16 '

This type of device will generally include the combination of printing addresses and stamps, job security for the rental company, separate stamp counter if any, full address memorization by scrolling or multiple display, automatic framing, repetition of 'addresses, possible counter.

It should be noted that the above type of "stamp service" for making machines available to the public is not a simple duplication of the "copy-service" system! indeed, in the latter the public comes by bringing a text already printed, or coated, on paper etc., to have it reproduced.

In the case of the "Stamp service" with addresses, the public presents itself without pre-established text or printed on paper etc .; On the other hand, he composes on site - or has composed - the desired text; It is therefore a service constituting a distinct inventive combination of the "copy service" type, already by the sole confection of the address on the spot, and therefore a new combination is created.

Said combination of "service" is even more distinct when added to the "means" of stamping.

The above "Stamp service" therefore constitutes a patentable combination.

The Stamp Service does not have to have the large machine model; the aforementioned small models may be suitable for this kind of service for debiting addresses and stamps to be glued in place;

This kind of inexpensive device can therefore be acquired - or rented - by a very large number of businesses open to the public: newsagents, tobacco merchants Γ

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13 - and cigarettes, stationeries, banks, large areas and even grocery stores, etc. , while the minimal price of the said machines will make it easier to equip all the postal service counters, such as letter carriers; Said low price will facilitate the acquisition of said devices not only from professionals such as doctors, bailiffs, etc., but ultimately from individuals who, individually or by family group, consume a minimum of stamps justifying the acquisition of a device that expensive, performing several interesting and useful services.

It goes without saying that nothing would be changed at the basis of the above invention par'.le'fait split into separate operations, but associated in a combination, the impression of the value of the stamp and its symbol.

To this end, strips of printable support are pre-printed, to be introduced into the machine, bearing the visible symbol of the stamp without numbers, while one prints electronically in a lateral margin of the aforementioned strip. Indeed, the mode of identification of the user and the maximum sum of stamps which he can use.

Such pre-printed bands with the symbol are sold and debited by the postal services by means of electronic machines printing in the margin the aforementioned modes of identification and the maximum sum of use.

Said bards will therefore be introduced into the above printer machine; this one is programmed to record the figure, code, of the user and not to issue stamps in his absence, at the same time that it records the figure marfmum d (use and to block the issue of stamps at this level (Fig.l / 5 ·) · v! I

Claims (3)

I ° -Electronic machine comprising: - an alphanumeric keyboard, - a device for displaying a certain number of characters entered by the keyboard - at least one RAM memory for storing information entered in pairs, • the keyboard, - a removable printable support, preferably on a roll, - a printer controlled by signals entered by the keyboard or coming from the memory, printing indices consisting of alphanumeric characters.,. these characters forming lines of characters in the direction of reading, and columns of characters perpendicular to the direction of reading, the printing being done by means of the aforesaid electronic printer, on a support whose width, perpendicular to the direction scrolling, is less than the length of a line of text to be printed, and in that it comprises the following steps: - store the text to be printed, as well as the information on its presentation in lines and columns of characters, in a memory, - scan in reading the memory so as to read the stored information, in a sequential manner corresponding to successive columns of the text to be printed, - send the information corresponding to a column of characters in the text, characterized in that the printing is carried out after angular rotation of the characters, their framing, sequencing and control of the scrolling of the printing medium and the printing of the success columns ives of the text to be printed, thereby obtaining the printing of the text in the correct direction of the support, and in that it prints at least postage stamps, 2 ° - electronic machine according to claim 1 °, characterized in that said character rotation is 90 ° · 3 ° - Electronic machine according to claim 2 °, characterized in that said character rotation is 180 °. -2 - 4 ° - Electronic machine according to claim 1 ° further characterized in that it comprises a housing in the housing for at least partial introduction, in the printing position in place of the removable printing medium in roll, of a flat printing medium intended to receive a specific print. 5 ° - electronic machine according to claim 4 ° further characterized in that the aforesaid housing is arranged left-top and receives, at least manually, from the outside, from the top 3 · the place of the passage of the strip and from its contact with the printing device, an envelope directly picking up the desired indices, inside out, except on the folded edge of the envelope. (Fig. 4/5 - 6/7 - 8/9). 6 ° - electronic machine according to claim j> further characterized in that the sequential inversion between the first and last index of each line, the classification of the superimposed lines and their sequential inversion, the first of which becomes the last to be printed, corresponds to an angular rotation of 180th. 7 ° - electronic machine according to claim k further characterized in that it comprises the combination of a partial housing, slot, on the side-top-left, index pivoting 90 ° to the right for correct stamp and 180 , sectioning, framing plus sequential line inversion, for a correct short address. (Fig.IO/lI- I & 5) · 8 ° - Electronic machine according to claim 7 »further characterized in that it comprises the combination of a passage, full slot, on the 'left lateral side, and index pivoting at 90 ° for a correct timbre and, in addition, sequential inversion for a correct non-abbreviated address. (Fig. 12/23). 9 ° - electronic machine according to claim k, further characterized in that it comprises the combination comprising a passage, full slit at the top O, index pivoting of 180 ° and sequential inversion by line, of all the indices as well as of all the printed lines, (Fig, 1 * 0. I0 ° - Electronic machine according to claim 9> further characterized in that it comprises the combination comprising at least several removable keyboards provided with at least mono-functional keys. (Fig. 15). Λ -3 - II0- Electronic machine according to claim 10 ° further characterized in that it comprises the combination of a keyboard equipped with liquid crystal keys, (Fig, I5). 12 ° -Electronic machine according to claim 9 ° further characterized in that it comprises the combination comprising at least one connection to an external memory separate from the machine. (Fig. II ·). 13 ° “Electronic machine according to claim 9 ° further characterized in that it comprises the combination comprising more than a single printing device operating at least simultaneously. (Fig. 16). It · 0- Electronic machine according to claim 13 ° further characterized in that it comprises the combination comprising, at least, a printing device of circular shape, (Fig, I7). I3 ° - Electronic machine according to claim 9 ° "further characterized" in that it comprises the combination comprising an intro device. duction, translation and ejection of printable flat supports out of the machine, at least automated, (Fig.17). I6 ° - Electronic machine according to any one of claims 1 ° to 15 ° further characterized in that it comprises a locking device, at least remotely, for issuing postage stamps, its commissioning by at least a tenant in a place generally freely accessible to the public, for remuneration of employment, and production of at least a small printed postage stamp and address format, forming a "stamp service" at least. (Fig. 16). i, i I7 ° - Electronic machine according to claim 1 ° characterized in that the | the printable support is formed by a pre-printed band with the symbol of the tim-r. | | bre and includes a side margin on which is electronically recorded a user identification code as well as the maximum amount of use value in stamps and in that the above machine is i programmed to operate only 'with said code and block its operation when its flow has reached the maximum figure allowed, (Fig.l / 5). j i i i! ? i s