PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A printer (44) and method for use in printing transportation coupons (50, 66) such as airline tickets (50) and reservation confirmation (66). The printer (30) is adapted to fit into the narrow space (38) at an airline ticket terminal (30) and to be usable in printing single-sheet tickets (50) or confirmations (66), and for recording information on magnetic stripes (162) on the ticket forms (50, 66). Preferably, the printer (44) uses an ion deposition print engine (88). Forms (50, 66) are stored in two stacks (102, 103) and fed from either stack (102, 103) through a magnetic recording/reproducing station (96) to the print engine (88) which issues printed forms (50, 66) through an opening in the front of the unit (48). The form feeding mechanism (108-122) has easily removable covers (98) containing part of the feed mechanism (108, 111, 112, 114) so that the covers (98) can be easily lifted to remove or re-position cards (50, 66) when necessary due to double-feeding or other feeding problems. The printer (44) is controlled by a computer system (82, 80).