Sci Systems, Inc.

Gregory L Clay

Alfred L Fulton

William L Smallwood

The printer and method are particularly advantageous for use in printing transportation coupons such as airline tickets and reservation confirmations. The printer is adapted to fit into the narrow space at an airline ticket terminal and to be usable in printing single-sheet tickets or confirmations, and for recording information on magnetic stripes on the ticket forms. Preferably, the printer uses an ion deposition print engine. Forms are stored in two stacks and fed from either stack through a magnetic recording/reproducing station to the print engine which issues printed forms through an opening in the front of the unit. The form feeding mechanism has easily-removable covers containing part of the feed mechanism so that the covers can be easily lifted to remove or re-position cards when necessary due to double-feeding or other feeding problems. The printer is controlled by a computer system which produces maximum printing speed and reliability at a low manufacturing cost. The printer receives data from a central computer. Protective means are provided to prevent data loss during interruptions in printer operation or when the data input exceeds the capacity of the printer to print it. The resulting printer produces relatively high-resolution printing and yet is a fast, reliable, simple and cost-effective device.

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Athens, AL, United States of America

Gregory L Clay