The invention relates to a coil-transporting carriage with adjustable retaining arms and to a method for the reliable handling of metal coils of small external diameter, or of sleeves, on a coiler mandrel. The coil-transporting carriage has a vertically displaceable coil saddle for accommodating a coil or a sleeve, also has two retaining arms for stabilizing the coil or the sleeve, the retaining arms being arranged opposite one another on the coil saddle and being pivotable by means of rotary drives, and additionally has a second drive unit for moving the coil-transporting carriage. For pulling off from a coiler mandrel, the coil saddle is positioned against a coil located on the coiler mandrel and the retaining arms are pivoted onto the coil. For pushing onto a coiler mandrel, first a sleeve is placed on the coil saddle of the coil-transporting carriage and is thereby guided by the retaining arms.

A reel assembly for deploying a cable, hose or umbilical connection may include an electronic control unit that may operate to control the reel assembly. A sheave that redirects the direction of the cable, hose or umbilical connection may include sensors that may measure various parameters, such as a measured line tension and/or a length of cable, hose or umbilical connection that has been deployed, and transmit the measured data to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may, based on received sensor data, automatically direct the operation of the reel assembly. Optionally, the sensor data and/or user control inputs and system status information may be logged. The system also may use this data to control the system, such as by activating an alarm when a certain alarm limit is exceeded by the data, adjusting parameters of the drive, and the like.

A system for detecting the level of a media supply in a printer has a frame having a support for seating the printer thereon. A first light source is positioned on the support and is energizable to direct a first beam of light into the printer. A first detector is positioned on the support and provides an analog signal in response to reflection of the first beam of light from within the printer. A control logic processor is in signal communication with the first detector and compares the analog signal to a stored/predetermined value and reports a low media condition according to the comparison.

The invention relates to a coil-transporting carriage with adjustable retaining arms and to a method for the reliable handling of metal coils of small external diameter, or of sleeves, on a coiler mandrel. The coil-transporting carriage has a vertically displaceable coil saddle for accommodating a coil or a sleeve, also has two retaining arms for stabilizing the coil or the sleeve, the retaining arms being arranged opposite one another on the coil saddle and being pivotable by means of rotary drives, and additionally has a second drive unit for moving the coil-transporting carriage. For pulling off from a coiler mandrel, the coil saddle is positioned against a coil located on the coiler mandrel and the retaining arms are pivoted onto the coil. For pushing onto a coiler mandrel, first a sleeve is placed on the coil saddle of the coil-transporting carriage and is thereby guided by the retaining arms.

An electronic control unit may, based on received sensor data, automatically direct the operation of a reel assembly for deploying a cable, hose or umbilical connection. The electronic control unit may operate in conjunction with an electro-pneumatic drive to control the reel assembly. Sensors may measure various parameters, such as a measured line tension and/or a length of cable, hose or umbilical connection that has been deployed, and transmit the measured data to the electronic control unit. Optionally, the sensor data and/or user control inputs and system status information may be logged. The system also may use this data to control the system, such as by activating an alarm when a certain alarm limit is exceeded by the data, adjusting the pressure or other parameters of the electro-pneumatic drive, and the like. The system also may generate a visual notification for an operator when an alarm is triggered.

A system for detecting the level of a media supply in a printer has a frame having a support for seating the printer thereon. A first light source is positioned on the support and is energizable to direct a first beam of light into the printer. A first detector is positioned on the support and provides an analog signal in response to reflection of the first beam of light from within the printer. A control logic processor is in signal communication with the first detector and compares the analog signal to a stored/predetermined value and reports a low media condition according to the comparison.

According to an embodiment, an image processing apparatus has a first interface for communicating with a server, a second interface for communicating with a label printer, and a third interface for acquiring an image including a label image. A processor of the apparatus is configured to receive the image via the third interface, extract the label image from the received image, perform image processing on the extracted label image, transmit the processed extracted label image to the server via the first interface along with a request to generate label data based on processed extracted label image, receive the generated label data from the server via the first interface, and transmit the received label data to the label printer along with a request to print a label corresponding to the label data.

A secure printer with a secure tray. Valuable paper can be put in the secure tray, such as prescription paper, stock certificates, etc. The secure printer can lock the secure tray so that the secure tray cannot be removed from the secure printer or printed to. A wireless fob can be used to unlock the secure printer and thus enable removal of the secure tray from the secure printer and/or enable printing to the secure tray. A latch can be retracted and extended into a notch in the secure tray. When the latch is extended it would lock the secure tray from removal. A processor can control when to retract and extend the latch. A standard printer can also be converted to a secure printer by installing some components including a latch assembly, a processor board, and a detectable object on a side of the secure tray.

A handheld tape dispenser is configured to store a roll of tape within a frame, the roll of tape comprising a plurality of segments of tape each corresponding to a tape node and comprising one or more electronic components. The handheld tape dispenser drives mechanical components of the handheld tape dispenser to draw tape along a tape feed path, resulting in a segment of tape being removed from the roll of tape for deployment. The handheld tape dispenser determines a unique identifier of a tape node corresponding to the removed segment of tape, associates the unique identifier of the tape node with an asset corresponding to the tape node, and stores the association in a local memory. In real-time or at a later time, the handheld tape dispenser transmits the association to a wireless tracking system.

The present invention provides for an improved printer provides a user with a simple, intuitive user-friendly touchscreen interface, is easy to assemble, and has a low cost to repair. The printer comprises a platen roller that can be changed without tools via the use of a bayonet connector, and an easy change print head that mechanically guides the print head into the carrier via mechanical guiding pins. Further, the printer comprises a universal supply holder to accommodate different sizes of inner diameter cores for tag and laminated supplies. The printer also discloses a ribbon spindle that accommodates both a cardboard core and a plastic core on the same printer device. Additionally, the printer discloses a media low sensor for providing a low supply indicator, and a gap sensor that comprises an LED array and a resistor array for gap sensing across the supply web.