Patent Publication Number: US-11642903-B2

Title: Printhead carriers and adapters

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/615,182, filed Jun. 6, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,962,972, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/017,135, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,744,784, filed Feb. 5, 2016, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to media processing devices and, more particularly, to printhead carriers and adapters. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some media processing devices include a print mechanism to generate human and/or machine-readable indicia on a surface of media. The print mechanism includes a printhead that generates the indicia based on received data by, for example, depositing ink on the surface(s), thermally transferring ink to the surface(s), applying energy to particular sections of the surface(s), and/or via any other suitable printing technique. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram representative of an example media processing device that may employ teachings of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    depicts an example media processing device constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of internal components of the example media processing device of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of internal components of the example media processing device of  FIG.  2    with a printhead carrier in a closed configuration. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of internal components of the example media processing device of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of internal components of the example media processing device of  FIG.  2    with the printhead carrier in an open configuration. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the example printhead carrier of  FIG.  4    corresponding to the closed configuration of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the example printhead carrier of  FIG.  4    including a cover. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of the example printhead carrier of  FIG.  4    in an access configuration. 
         FIG.  9 B  is another perspective view of the example printhead carrier of  FIG.  4    in the access configuration. 
         FIG.  10    is a rear perspective view of an example adapter constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure mounted to an example pivot mechanism. 
         FIG.  11    is a front perspective view of the example adapter of  FIG.  10    mounted to the example pivot mechanism. 
         FIG.  12    is a front perspective view of the example adapter of  FIG.  10    mounted to the example pivot mechanism. 
         FIG.  13    is a rear perspective view of the example printhead carrier of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a portion of the example printhead carrier of  FIG.  4    including an example biasing element. 
         FIG.  15    is a rear perspective view of a portion of the example printhead carrier of  FIG.  4    including the example biasing element of  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  16    is a rear perspective view of a portion of the example printhead carrier of  FIG.  4    including an example biasing element. 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of an example adapter constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of an example printhead assembly to matingly engage the example adapter of  FIG.  17   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain components of media processing devices are involved in precise operations. For example, performance of a print mechanism is dependent on the components thereof being properly aligned, oriented, biased, and/or otherwise configured. Although media processing devices are typically configured properly initially (e.g., when the devices are shipped and/or delivered), a need may arise to remove, reinstall, or replace one or more components. In such instances, proper removal and installation are important operations for maintaining proper configuration and, thus, desirable performance of the media processing device. Put another way, improper removal and/or installation of certain components may adversely affect performance of the media processing device. 
     A printhead is an example component for which proper removal and installation are important. For example, a thermal printhead is oriented and maintained in close proximity to print media during printing so that the printhead may apply energy to, for example, a thermal transfer ribbon or direct thermal media. If not returned to the proper position (e.g., with respect to alignment, distance, and/or orientation relative to a platen roller), the printhead may not transfer an expected amount of energy to an expected location on the thermal transfer ribbon or the direct thermal media. Moreover, in some instances, a proper amount of force applied to the printhead in a direction toward the platen roller is crucial. For example, without the proper amount of force or pressure applied to the printhead, a conveyance system including the platen roller may not properly feed media across the printhead. In some examples, without the proper amount of force or pressure applied to the printhead, a flow of heat generated by the printhead may have unintended or unexpected characteristics. Additional or alternative issues may result for different types of printheads being improperly removed and/or installed. 
     Example printhead carriers disclosed herein, which are sometimes referred to herein as “carriers,” facilitate proper access operations (e.g., removal, installation, maintenance and/or cleaning) associated with a printhead assembly to be carried by the carrier. In particular, example carriers disclosed herein provide straightforward and convenient access to the printhead assembly and, thus, a printhead of the printhead assembly. As described in detail below, example carriers disclosed herein include first and second pivot mechanisms that enable a plurality of configurations of the carriers. For example, carriers disclosed herein are placed in a closed configuration, an open configuration, or an access configuration. When in the closed configuration, example carriers disclosed herein position the printhead in proximity with a media feed path and retain the printhead in the proper position relative to, for example, a platen roller over which media is fed. When in the open configuration, example carriers disclosed herein position the printhead at a distance further away from the media feed path relative to the closed configuration. The open configuration enables, for example, cleaning of the printhead. Example carriers disclosed herein transition from the closed configuration to the open configuration via the first pivot mechanism. In particular, example carriers disclosed herein pivot about a first axis defined by the first pivot mechanism, thereby moving the printhead away from the platen roller along a first arc. In the example open configuration disclosed herein, the printhead assembly remains secured to the carrier. 
     When in the access configuration with the printhead assembly installed, example carriers disclosed herein present the printhead assembly in a position at which the printhead assembly is removable from the carrier. In particular, the second pivot mechanism of example carriers disclosed herein pivots the printhead assembly away from the carrier about a second axis different than the first axis, thereby moving the printhead away from the carrier along a second arc different than the first arc. Put another way, the second pivot mechanism of example carriers disclosed herein enables the printhead assembly, when installed, to drop a certain distance away from the carrier, thereby providing clearance for access to the installed printhead assembly at an accessible angle. 
     When in the access configuration without the printhead assembly installed, example carriers disclosed herein enable the printhead assembly to be installed with clearance via an accessible angle. In particular, the second pivot mechanism of example carriers disclosed herein pivots to present a connector to receive the printhead assembly with ample clearance and at an accessible angle. Notably, example carrier assemblies provide these and other advantages while maintaining a compact size footprint for the media processing device. 
     As described in detail below, the printhead assembly is removably mated with an example adapter disclosed herein. In known media processing devices, the coupling and decoupling of the printhead involves connecting and disconnecting multiple connectors that are typically terminating ends of cables or wires. For example, when installing the printhead in such known media processing devices, the person is required to find the power cable, bring the power cable connector within reach of the printhead, align the power cable connector with the counterpart power connector on the printhead, properly mate the two power connectors, find one or more data cables, bring the one or more data cables within reach of the printhead, align the one or more data cable connectors with the counterpart data connector(s) on the printhead, and properly mate the data cables connectors. 
     Example adapters disclosed herein improve the processes of coupling and decoupling a printhead assembly to and from a media processing device. As described in detail below, example adapters disclosed herein provide a consolidated interface assembly that enables the printhead assembly to be coupled to and decoupled from the media processing device via a single action (e.g., a single insertion or a single disconnection) rather than having to couple or decouple both a power cable and one or more data cables. Example adapters disclosed herein include multiple input connectors (e.g., a power input connector and one or more data input connectors) that are coupled to appropriate sources (e.g., power cables, data cable(s), and/or connectors of a board), of the media processing device. Example adapters disclosed herein include a connector having alignment features (e.g., arms) that guide multiple outputs (e.g., ports) configured to engage counterpart inputs (e.g., pins or plugs) of a printhead assembly. As such, the printhead assembly is coupled to the media processing device via a single mating of the printhead assembly with the connector of example adapters disclosed herein. Further, the printhead assembly is decoupled from the media processing device via a single detachment of the printhead assembly from the connector of example adapters disclosed herein. Notably, the coupling of the printhead assembly to the media processing device enabled by example adapters disclosed herein does not include user interaction with any cables. Further, the decoupling of the printhead assembly from the media processing device enabled by example adapters disclosed herein does not sever the connection of cables to counterpart connectors. 
     In some examples, adapters disclosed herein are used in conjunction with example carriers disclosed herein. In some examples, the media processing device employs carriers disclosed herein without an adapter disclosed herein. In some examples, the media processing device employs adapters disclosed in connection with additional or alternative types of carriers and/or printhead assemblies than those disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram representative of an example media processing device  100  in which teachings of this disclosure may be implemented. The example media processing device  100  of  FIG.  1    is a stand-alone unit. In some examples, the media processing device  100  is integrated into an apparatus such as, for example, an automatic teller machine (ATM), a kiosk, or a point-of-sale device. The example media processing device  100  of  FIG.  1    employs one or more print technologies (e.g., direct thermal printing and/or thermal transfer printing) to generate indicia on media. 
     The example media processing device  100  of  FIG.  1    includes a controller  102  configured to control certain components of the media processing device  100 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  1   , the controller  102  is a logic circuit configured to perform print functions. The example controller  102  of  FIG.  1    is implemented by any suitable logic circuit such as, for example, one or more processors, microprocessor(s), coprocessor(s) and/or integrated circuit(s) (e.g., an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), etc.). In some examples, the controller  102  is configured to execute instructions stored in memory  104  of the media processing device  100 . The example memory  104  of  FIG.  1    is implemented by, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The example memory  104  of  FIG.  1    is configured to store information, data, applications, instructions and/or the like for enabling the controller  102  to carry out print functions. 
     The example controller  102  of  FIG.  1    receives data representative of printing tasks (e.g., print jobs) from the memory  104  and/or an external data source  106 . Examples of external data sources include a host device, a host system, a network device, and a removable storage device. In the illustrated example of  FIG.  1   , the controller  102  processes the received data such that the data is usable to print indicia on media. For example, the controller  102  of  FIG.  1    utilizes a print engine to generate print data lines (e.g. directly or based on a bit map image) based on the received data. 
     In the example of  FIG.  1   , the controller  102  transmits the print data lines (or any other type of data usable to print indicia on media) to a print mechanism  108  of the media processing device  100 . The example print mechanism  108  of  FIG.  1    is configured to receive a printhead assembly  110  that includes a printhead  112 . As described in detail below, the printhead assembly  110  is removably coupled to the print mechanism  108  via a printhead carrier  114 . The example printhead  112  is configured to generate indicia on the media in accordance with the data received at the print mechanism  108 . The example printhead  112  of  FIG.  1    includes a driver implemented by a logic circuit configured to receive the data representative of the indicia to be printed. Additionally, the driver of the printhead  112  is configured to control one or more operations or functions of the printhead  112  based on the received data. For example, when the printhead  112  of  FIG.  1    is implemented by a thermal printhead, the driver selectively energizes (e.g., heats) elements (e.g., printhead dots) of the printhead  112  according to the received data (e.g., print lines), thereby generating the corresponding indicia on media being fed through the media processing device  100  in proximity to the printhead  112 . When the media processing device  100  is configured for direct thermal printing, direct thermal media is fed across the printhead  112  and the elements of the printhead  112  apply energy directly to the media, which changes color (e.g., from white to black or color) in response to the energy. When the media processing device  100  is configured for thermal transfer printing, ink ribbon and blank media are fed across the printhead  112  and the elements of the printhead  112  apply energy to the ink ribbon, which transfers ink to the blank media disposed against the ribbon in response to the energy. 
     When the media processing device  100  is configured to utilize direct thermal printing or thermal transfer printing, proper positioning of the printhead  112  relative to, for example, a platen roller is important. In particular, the platen roller and other components of a conveyance system (e.g., rollers) are configured to convey media and/or ink ribbon through a nip formed between the printhead  112  and the platen roller. Without a proper amount of pressure or force applied in association with contact between the printhead  112  and the platen roller, the media and/or the ink ribbon may not be properly conveyed through the nip. For example, if too much pressure or force is applied to the platen roller by the printhead  112 , the ink ribbon may wrinkle. Alternatively, if not enough pressure or force is applied to the platen roller by the printhead  112 , the media may not be fed through the nip at the proper rate (or at all). Moreover, the proper amount of pressure between the printhead  112  and the platen roller enables the proper heat flow from the heating elements of the printhead  112 . 
     The example printhead carrier  114 , which is sometimes referred to herein as the carrier  114 , is configured to position the printhead assembly  110  (and, thus, the printhead  112 ) in a proper configuration for printing. The example print mechanism  108  of  FIG.  1    employs a carrier constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure (e.g., the example carrier  400  of  FIG.  4    described in detail below) to provide convenient access to the printhead  112 , properly position and maintain the printhead  112  for printing, and facilitate effective installation, cleaning and/or removal of the printhead  112  from the print mechanism  108 . 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG.  1   , the controller  102  and a power source  116  are placed in and out of electrical communication with the printhead  112  in response to the printhead assembly  110  being installed and removed from the carrier  114 . The example print mechanism  108  of  FIG.  1    may employ an example adapter constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure (e.g., the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  9 A  described in detail below) to provide single-action installation and single-action removal of the printhead assembly  110  to and from the media processing device  100 . 
     In some examples, the example print mechanism  108  of  FIG.  1    utilizes an example carrier disclosed herein (e.g., the example carrier  400  of  FIG.  4    described in detail below) in conjunction with an example adapter disclosed herein (e.g., the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  9 A  described in detail below). Alternatively, the example print mechanism  108  of  FIG.  1    utilizes an example carrier disclosed herein, and does not utilize an example adapter disclosed herein. Alternatively, the example print mechanism  108  of  FIG.  1    utilizes an example adapter disclosed herein, and does not utilize an example carrier disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  2    depicts an example implementation of the media processing device  100  of  FIG.  1    constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. The example media processing device  200  of  FIG.  2    includes a housing  202  having a door  204 . As depicted in  FIG.  2   , the door  204  is in a closed, operational position in which access to internal components is precluded. In addition to keeping dirt, dust, and foreign objects from entering an internal cavity of the media processing device  200  and potentially contaminating consumables or electronics, the door  204  may also reduce noise and prevent inadvertent touching of sensitive components. The example door  204  of  FIG.  2    is hingedly attached to a frame of the media processing device  200  via hinges  206  such that the door  204  can be opened to provide access to the internal components of the media processing device  200 . As described below in connection with  FIG.  3   , the frame includes a chassis to which some components of the media processing device  200  are mounted. For example, as described below, a print mechanism mounted to the chassis generates indicia on media fed to the print mechanism by components mounted to the chassis. The print mechanism outputs the media at an exit  208  located along a front face  210  of the housing  202 . 
       FIG.  3    depicts a side view of a portion of the example media processing device  200  of  FIG.  2    with the door  204  removed. A similar view of the internal cavity is available when the door  204  is opened. As shown in  FIG.  3   , a chassis  300  supports internal components of the media processing device  200  including a media spindle (not shown), a plurality of guide components (e.g., rollers that guide media and/or ribbon), a ribbon supply spindle  302 , a ribbon take-up spindle  304 , a transmissive sensor  306 , a platen assembly  308 , and a print mechanism  310 . The media spindle (not shown) is configured to hold a spool of media that is fed to the print mechanism  310  and out the exit  208  ( FIG.  2   ). The ribbon supply spindle  302  is configured to hold a spool of unused ribbon. The ribbon is fed from the ribbon supply spindle  302  to the print mechanism  310 , which uses the ribbon to generate indicia on the media that is concurrently fed to the print mechanism  310 . The ribbon take-up spindle  304  is configured to hold a spool of used ribbon (e.g., ribbon that has been fed through the print mechanism  310 ). 
     The example print mechanism  310  of  FIG.  3    generates indicia on the media at a nip formed by a roller of the platen assembly  308  and a printhead. In the illustrated example of FIG.  3 , the print mechanism  310  selectively applies heat to the ribbon in accordance with, for example, received print line data, thereby transferring indicia (e.g., ink) to the media adjacent to the ribbon in the nip. Alternatively, when direct thermal media is fed to the print mechanism  310  (e.g., when the media processing device  200  is in a direct thermal configuration), the ribbon is not fed to the print mechanism  310  and heat is selectively applied directly to the direct thermal media fed across the printhead, thereby causing a change in appearance of the media at selective locations. The example print mechanism  310  includes a support structure  312  and removable covers  314  and  316  that shield the print mechanism  310 . 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the print mechanism  310  with the covers  314  and  316  of  FIG.  3    removed.  FIG.  8    depicts the removable cover  316  as installed, which is described in detail below in connection with  FIG.  8   . The example print mechanism  310  of  FIG.  4    includes a printhead carrier  400  (or simply “carrier  400 ”) constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. As depicted in  FIG.  4   , the example carrier  400  is in a closed configuration from which printing operations are performed. However, as described below, the example carrier  400  is alternatively placed in an open configuration ( FIG.  6   ) or an access configuration ( FIGS.  9 A and  9 B ) for different types of operations (e.g., printhead removal, printhead cleaning and/or printhead installation). 
     The example print mechanism  310  of  FIG.  4    includes a toggle assembly  402  to retain the carrier  400  in the closed configuration and to allow the carrier  400  to transition to the open configuration or to the access configuration. The example toggle assembly  402  is hingedly mounted to the chassis  300  and is movable between an engaged position ( FIG.  4   ) and a disengaged position ( FIG.  6   ). The example toggle assembly  402  of  FIG.  4    includes driving elements  404  and  406  and a handle  408 . A manual rotation of the handle  408  moves the toggle assembly  402  between the engaged position ( FIG.  4   ) and the disengaged position ( FIG.  6   ). 
     With the toggle assembly  402  in the engaged position, the driving elements  404  and  406  apply an adjustable amount of force to the carrier  400 . Although not shown in  FIG.  4   , the removable cover  316  is engaged by the example driving element  404  and  406  and the corresponding force is applied to the carrier  400  through the removable cover  316 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  4   , the driving elements  404  and  406  include barrels that are rotated (e.g., to predefined positions marked with indicators) to adjust an amount of force applied to the carrier  400 . In some examples, the driving elements  404  and  406  include a curved profile configured to slidably engage a surface (e.g., of the removable cover  316 ) as the toggle assembly  402  is rotated. The curved profile of the driving elements  404  and  406  provides a cam-type functionality which moves along the corresponding surface as the toggle assembly  402  is rotated from the disengaged position to the engaged position. As such, the driving elements  404  and  406  drive the carrier  400  into position for printing. In some examples, contact areas between the driving elements  404  and  406  and the corresponding surface are configured to allow a sliding motion as the toggle assembly  402  is rotated. 
     In some examples, detents of the toggle assembly  402  are configured to retain the toggle assembly  402  in either the engaged position or the disengaged position. When the toggle assembly  402  is in the engaged position, the driving elements  404  and  406  hold the carrier  400  in position for printing. For example, the driving elements  404  and  406  hold the carrier  400  in a position such that a printhead  600  ( FIG.  6   ) carried by the carrier  400  is properly aligned and oriented with a roller  410  of the platen assembly  308 . Moreover, the example driving elements  404  and  406  ensure that a proper amount of pressure is applied to the printhead  600  in a direction toward the platen roller  410 . 
     In response to the toggle assembly  402  being moved (e.g., via the handle  408 ) from the engaged position of to the disengaged position, the driving elements  404  and  406  are disengaged and, thus, do not apply the force to the carrier  400 . When the toggle assembly  402  is in the disengaged position, the example carrier  400  is free to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration ( FIG.  6   ) or to the access configuration ( FIGS.  9 A and  9 B ). Whether the carrier  400  transitions to the open configuration or the access configuration in response the toggle assembly  402  being disengaged is determined by whether or not the printhead  600  is secured against the carrier  400 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  4   , the printhead  600  is removably secured to the carrier  400  via a fastener (e.g., a bolt or a screw)  412 . To transition the carrier  400  from the closed configuration ( FIG.  4   ) to the open configuration ( FIG.  6   ), the fastener  412  is left in place such that the printhead  600  remains secured to the carrier  400 , and the toggle assembly  402  is moved to the disengaged position. As described below, the carrier  400  is biased to the open configuration and, in response to the disengagement of the toggle assembly  402 , pivots away from the roller  410  in a first rotational direction to the open configuration. To transition the carrier  400  from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the toggle assembly  402  is moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position, thereby causing the driving elements  404  and  406  to apply pressure to the carrier  400  and place the printhead  600  in position for printing operations. 
     To transition the carrier  400  from the closed configuration ( FIG.  4   ) to the access configuration ( FIGS.  9 A and  9 B ), the fastener  412  is loosened or removed such that the printhead  600  is unsecured from the carrier  400 . With the printhead  600  unsecured from the carrier  400  and the toggle assembly  402  is moved to the disengaged position, the carrier  400  pivots away from the roller  410  in the first rotational direction and the printhead  600  pivots away from the carrier  400  in a second rotational direction opposite of the first rotational direction. 
     To enable the pivoting of the carrier  400  toward and away from the roller  410 , the example carrier  400  of  FIG.  4    is hingedly mounted to the chassis  300  via a first pivot mechanism  414 .  FIG.  4    shows a first side of the chassis  300  and  FIG.  5    shows a second, opposing side of the chassis  300 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , an end of the first pivot mechanism  414  extends through the chassis  300 . A biasing element (e.g., a spring)  416  is mounted to the end of the first pivot mechanism  414  that extends through the chassis  300  from the internal cavity covered by the door  204 . As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , a portion of the biasing element  416  is located on another side of the chassis opposing the internal cavity. In the illustrated example, the first pivot mechanism  414  is biased via the biasing element  416  to move the carrier  400  to the open configuration. Accordingly, when the carrier  400  is free to move (e.g., is not engaged by the driving elements  404  and  406 ), the example carrier  400  pivots about an axis defined by the first pivot mechanism  416  in the first rotational direction away from the platen roller  410 . In the illustrated example, the biasing element  416  applies a range of motion (e.g., a number of degrees of rotation) to control the distance traveled by the carrier  400  away from the roller  410 . That is, the example biasing element  416  is configured to position the carrier  400  at a desirable distance away from the roller  410  for the open configuration and the access configuration that enables the user to effectively interact with the carrier  400  and/or the printhead  600  being carried by the carrier  400 . The separation between the carrier  400  and the platen roller  410  provided by the first pivot mechanism  414  enables, for example, cleaning of the printhead  600 , installation or adjustment of the ribbon, installation or adjustment of the media, installation of the printhead  600 , and/or removal of the printhead  600 . 
       FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the example carrier  400  of  FIG.  4    without the removable cover  316 .  FIG.  8    illustrates the removable cover  316  installed on the carrier  400  to protect components of the carrier  400 . The example carrier  400  of  FIG.  7    includes a base  700  fixedly attached (e.g., by bolts or screws) to the first pivot mechanism  414 . As the first pivot mechanism  414  rotates in response to the toggle assembly  402  transitioning from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the attached base  700  pivots about a first axis  702  in the first rotational direction represented by a first arrow D 1  in  FIG.  7   . Consequently, a printhead assembly  704  carried by the carrier  400  also pivots about the first axis  702  in the first rotational direction D 1 . The example printhead assembly  704  of  FIG.  7    includes the printhead  600  shown in  FIG.  6   . The printhead  600  is positioned proximate the roller  410  in the closed configuration ( FIG.  4   ) for printing operations. Accordingly, the printhead  600  pivots about the first axis  702  away from the roller  410  in the first rotational direction D 1  when the carrier  400  moves or transitions from the closed configuration to the open configuration ( FIG.  6   ) and when the carrier  400  moves or transitions from the closed configuration to the access configuration ( FIGS.  9 A and  9 B ). Additionally, the printhead  600  pivots about the first axis  702  toward the roller  410  in a second rotational direction D 2  when the carrier  400  moves or transitions from the open configuration ( FIG.  6   ) to the closed configuration ( FIG.  4   ) and when the carrier  400  moves or transitions from the access configuration ( FIGS.  9 A and  9 B ) to the closed configuration. In particular, the printhead  600  travels in the first and second rotational directions along an arc defined by dimensions of the base  700  (e.g., a length extending from the first pivot mechanism  414  to an opposing end of the base  700 ) and the first pivot mechanism  414  when moving toward or away from the roller  410 . 
     As described above, the printhead assembly  704  is secured to the carrier  400  via the fastener  412 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  7   , the fastener  412  extends through an aperture in the base  700  and is received (e.g., via a threaded hole) by the printhead assembly  704 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  7   , a force distribution bar  708  includes an arcuate cutout to accommodate the fastener  412 . The example force distribution bar  708  of  FIG.  7    is not directly attached to the base  700  to accommodate thermal expansion of, for example, the printhead  600  and/or the base  700 . As shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the example force distribution bar  708  is attached to the removable cover  316  via rivets  710  and  712  (or any other suitable type of fastener(s)). The example removable cover  316  is attached to the base  700  via screws  714  and  716  (or any other suitable fastener(s)). The example removable cover  316  is engaged by the driving elements  404  and  406  of the toggle assembly  402 , thereby applying a force to the force distribution bar  708 . 
     When secured to the base  700  via the fastener  412 , the printhead assembly  704  is held against the base  700 . Accordingly, when the driving elements  404  and  406  no longer apply a force to the force distribution bar  708  (through the thickness of the removable cover  316 ) and the fastener  412  is holding the printhead assembly  704  against the base  700 , the example carrier  400  transitions via the first pivot mechanism  414  from the closed configuration to the open configuration shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     Alternatively, when the driving elements  404  and  406  no longer apply a force to the force distribution bar  708  and the fastener  412  is not holding the printhead assembly  704  against the base  700 , the carrier  400  moves away from the roller  410  in the first rotational direction D 1  via the first pivot mechanism  414  and the printhead assembly  704  moves away (e.g., drops) from the base  700  in the second rotational direction D 2 . This transition places the carrier  400  in the access configuration shown in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B . To enable the movement of the printhead assembly  704  away from the base  700  in the second rotational direction D 2 , the carrier  400  includes a second pivot mechanism  900  ( FIG.  9 A ). The example second pivot mechanism  900  pivots about an axis  902  defined by a shaft  904 . As the second pivot mechanism  900  pivots about the axis  902  away from the base  700 , an adapter  906  mounted to the second pivot mechanism  900  pivots away from the base  700 . In the illustrated example, the printhead assembly  704  is removably coupled to the carrier  400  via the adapter  906 . Accordingly, when installed, the printhead assembly  704  pivots in conjunction with the second pivot mechanism  900 . Moreover, when the printhead assembly  704  is not installed, the adapter  906  is presented for coupling with the printhead assembly  704  in the access configuration shown in  FIGS.  9 A-B . As such, the second pivot mechanism  900  enables convenient (e.g., with significant clearance and at an accessible angle) coupling and decoupling between the printhead assembly  704  and the carrier  400 . 
     In  FIG.  9 A  a view of portions of the adapter  906  is precluded by a cover  908 . However,  FIGS.  10 - 12    illustrate the mounting of the adapter  906  to the second pivot mechanism  900 .  FIG.  10    is a rear perspective view of the example adapter  906  mounted to the example second pivot mechanism  900  of  FIGS.  9 A-B  via mounting brackets  1000 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , the example adapter  906  is fixedly coupled to the second pivot mechanism  900  such that the example adapter  906  rotates or pivots in conjunction with the second pivot mechanism  900 . 
       FIG.  11    is a front perspective view of the example adapter  906  mounted to the example second pivot mechanism  900  of  FIGS.  9 A-B . The cover  908  is not shown in  FIG.  9   . As shown in  FIG.  11   , the example adapter  906  is coupled to the mounting brackets  1000  of the second pivot mechanism  900  by any suitable fasteners  1100  such as, for example, screws or bolts. The example adapter  906  of  FIG.  11    includes apertures that are aligned with (e.g., positioned and spaced apart in accordance with) the mounting brackets  1000  of the second pivot mechanism  900 . 
       FIG.  12    is the front perspective view of  FIG.  11    with the cover  908  depicted. The example cover  908  is shaped to fit within a corresponding opening in the base  700  such that the cover  908  and the adapter  906  are able to pivot within the opening in the base  700 . The example cover  908  includes apertures that enable access to the fasteners  1100  of  FIG.  11   . Additionally, the cover  908  includes an alignment feature  1200  that guides the coupling of the printhead assembly  704  with the adapter  906 . The mating of the adapter  906  and the printhead assembly  704 , as well as additional details of the example adapter  906  are described in detail below in connection with  FIGS.  17  and  18   . 
     Returning to  FIGS.  9 A-B , the adapter  906  pivots via the second pivot mechanism  900  along a second arc away from and toward the base  700  about the second axis  902  defined by the shaft  904 . In the illustrated example, the second axis  902  is different than but parallel to the first axis  702  defined by the first pivot mechanism  414 . The example second pivot mechanism  900  of  FIG.  9 A  is coupled to the shaft  904  via first and second extension portions  910  and  1002  ( FIG.  10   ) of the second pivot mechanism  900 . Each of the extension portions  910  and  1002  includes an aperture to receive the shaft  904 . The extension portions  910  and  1002  extend from the second pivot mechanism  900  through openings in the base  700 . Additionally, the example carrier  400  includes first and second retainers  912  and  1300  ( FIG.  13   ) that receive the shaft  904 . In the illustrated example, the retainers  912  and  1300  are separate components from the second pivot mechanism  900 . Each of the example retainers  912  and  1300  is shaped to fit within an opening in the base  700  at a particular position and to be maintained in that position. In the illustrated example, each of the retainers  912  and  1300  include one or more shoulders that engage a surface of the base  700  such that the retainers  912  and  1300  are maintained in position. The shaft  904  extends through apertures in the retainers  912  and  1300  and through the extension portions  910  and  1002  of the second pivot mechanism  900 . As shown in the example of  FIG.  13   , the shaft  904  includes a bent end  1302  to restrict axial movement of the shaft  904  in a first direction. In the illustrated example, the removable cover  316  restricts axial movement of the shaft  904  in a second direction. 
     Additionally, the example carrier  400  includes first and second biasing elements  914  and  916  that couple the shaft  904  to the base  700 . In the illustrated example, the biasing elements  914  and  916  are each implemented by a torsion spring constructed with teachings of this disclosure.  FIGS.  14 - 16    illustrate an example implementation of the biasing elements  914  and  916  of  FIG.  9   . As shown in the example of  FIG.  14   , the first biasing element  914  includes a first portion  1400  into which the shaft  904  is inserted. The example first portion  1400  of  FIG.  14    has a diameter to enable the shaft  904  to pass through. When assembled with the carrier  400 , the example first portion  1400  of the first biasing element  914  is located between the first extension portion  910  and the first retainer  912 , which assists with locating the second pivot mechanism  900 . The example first biasing element  914  of  FIG.  14    includes a second portion  1402  into which a tab  1404  of the base  700  is inserted. The example second portion  1402  of the first biasing element  914  has parameters (e.g., number of coils, wire diameter, stress correction factor, etc.) that yield a desired amount of torque. The first and second portions  1400  and  1402  of the first biasing element  914  are connected. The example first biasing element  914  of  FIG.  14    includes a third portion  1406  that extends from the second portion  1402 . As shown in the example of  FIG.  14   , an arc of the example third portion  1406  of the biasing element  914  is positioned in an aperture  1408  in the base  700 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a shape of the example first biasing element  914  of  FIG.  14   . As shown in  FIG.  15   , the third portion  1406  of the first biasing element  914  extends from the second portion  1402  to a side of the base  700  against which the printhead assembly  704  abuts (when installed), into the aperture  1408  in the base  700 , and back to the side of the base  700  against which the printhead assembly  704  is mounted (when installed). For purposes of clarity and not limitation, the side of the base  700  against which the printhead assembly  704  is mounted (e.g., in the closed configuration and the open configuration) is referred to herein as a bottom side, while the opposing side of the base  700  is referred to herein as a top side. 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a shape of the example second biasing element  916  of  FIG.  9 A . The example second biasing element  916  of  FIG.  16    has a similar shape as the example first biasing element  914  of  FIG.  15   . The example second biasing element  916  of  FIG.  16    includes first, second, and third portions  1600 ,  1602 , and  1604 . 
     The example first and second biasing elements  914  and  916  ensure proper engagement of the printhead assembly  704  with the base  700  and, thus, alignment of the printhead  600 . In particular, the first and second biasing elements  914  and  916  capture the shaft  904  in a manner that compensates for a downward bias exerted by the adapter  906  and component(s) coupled to the adapter  906  (e.g., a power cable and/or data cable(s)). For example, the biasing elements  914  and  916  provide a floating arrangement through which the shaft  904  (and, thus, the second pivot mechanism  900 ) is coupled to the base  700 . While the printhead assembly  704  is fastened to the base  700  via the fastener  412  at an upstream end of the carrier  400 , components located near a downstream end of the carrier bias the printhead assembly  704  downwards. However, the biasing elements  914  and  916  and the shaft  904  counteract this downwards bias by capturing the downstream end of the printhead assembly  704  against the base  700  with tolerances provided by the biasing elements  914  and  916  and the floating arrangement between the biasing elements  914  and  916  and the shaft  906 . Put another way, the example biasing elements  914  and  916  and the shaft  904  maintain proper (e.g., flush or parallel) engagement of the printhead assembly  700  with the base  700  of the carrier  400 . 
       FIG.  17    illustrates an example implementation of the adapter  906  constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. While the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  17    is implemented in the example carrier  400  described above, the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  17    can be implemented in alternative print mechanisms (e.g., without the example carrier  400  of  FIG.  4   ). The example adapter  906  of  FIG.  17    is configured to implement a removable coupling of the example printhead assembly  704  shown in  FIG.  18   . The example printhead assembly  704  of  FIG.  18    corresponds to the printhead assembly  704  described above in connection with  FIGS.  6  and  7   . However, the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  17    can be implemented to mate with alternative printhead assemblies. 
     The example printhead assembly  704  of  FIG.  18    is removably coupled to the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  17    in a single action or movement by matingly engaging or disengaging a female connector  1700  of the adapter  906  and a counterpart male connector  1800  of the printhead assembly  704 . The example female connector  1700  of the adapter  906  includes alignment arms  1702  and  1704  configured to be received at alignment receptacles  1802  and  1804  of the printhead assembly  704 . The example female connector  1700  of the adapter  906  includes a plurality of ports  1706  arranged to matingly engage counterpart plugs  1806  of the example the male connector  1800  of the printhead assembly  704 . Accordingly, a plurality of electrical connections are established simultaneously via the single engagement of the adapter  906  and the printhead assembly  704 . Further, a plurality of electrical connections are severed simultaneously via the single disengagement of the adapter  906  and the printhead assembly  704 . 
     The example adapter  906   FIG.  17    includes a power input connector  1708  and a data input connector  1710 . In some examples, the example adapter  906  includes a different number of power input connectors and/or a different number of data input connectors. The example power input connector  1708  of  FIG.  17    is coupled to (e.g., via one or more cables or directly to a board) a power source of, for example, the example media processing device  200  of  FIG.  2   . The example data input connector  1710  of  FIG.  17    is coupled to (e.g., via one or more cables or directly to a board) a data source such as, for example, a logic circuit of the example media processing device  200  of  FIG.  2    and/or an external data source. 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG.  17   , the power input connector  1708  and the data input connector  1710  are mounted to a board  1712 . The ports  1706  of the female connector  1700  are in electrical communication with the power input connector  1708  and the data input connector  1710  via the board  1712 . Accordingly, when engaged with the male connector  1800  of the printhead assembly  704 , the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  17    transmits power and data received from the respective sources of the media processing device  200  to the printhead assembly  704 . As such, the printhead assembly  704  receives the power required to operate (e.g., selectively energize thermal elements of the printhead  600 ) and the data representative of the indicia to be generated on the media, as described above in connection with  FIGS.  1 - 3   . 
     Notably, the power connection and the data connection between the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  17    and the corresponding sources (e.g., the power source of the media processing device  200  and the source of data) are maintained even when the printhead assembly  704  is removed from the media processing device  200 . In some examples, the power connection and/or the data connection between the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  17    and the corresponding sources are implemented by one or more cables that may be awkward to maneuver in the constrained space of the media processing device  200  (e.g., due to one or more loops formed in the cables due to a length of the respective cables) and/or may be improperly connected and/or disconnected. Accordingly, maintaining the power connection and the data connection between the media processing device  200 , even with the printhead assembly  704  removed from the media processing device  200 , as accomplished by the example adapter  906  of  FIG.  17   , improves the processes of removal and installation of the printhead assembly  704 . 
     While the example connector  1700  of the adapter  906  is described above as female and the example connector  1800  of the printhead assembly  704  of  FIG.  18    is described above as male, the connector  1700  of the adapter  906  may be configured as a male connector and the connector  1800  of the printhead assembly  704  may be configured as a female connector. That is, the electrical connections between the adapter  906  and the printhead assembly  704  are accomplished via any suitable relationship between the connectors. Moreover, the example adapter  906  can employ any suitable additional or alternatives type(s) of connector(s). 
     As described above, the example adapter  906  is mounted to the second pivot mechanism  900  and the printhead assembly  704  is captured against the base  700  of the carrier  400 . Proper alignment of the printhead assembly  704  is important for successful printing operations. The example adapter  906  and the example carrier  400  establish and maintain the proper alignment using a plurality features. For example, the alignment arms  1702  and  1704  of the adapter  906  cooperate with the alignment receptacles  1802  and  1804  to establish and maintain alignment between the adapter  906  and the printhead assembly  704 . Additionally, the alignment feature  1200  of the cover  908  guides the printhead assembly  704  into and out of engagement with the adapter  906 . Additionally, the example carrier  400  includes apertures  1304  and  1306  ( FIG.  13   ) configured to receive posts  1308  and  1310  ( FIG.  13   ) that extend from the printhead assembly  704 , thereby aligning the printhead assembly  704  with the carrier  400  and the platen roller  410  (e.g., by positioning an edge of the printhead  600  in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the platen roller  410 ). As shown in  FIG.  13   , the example force distribution bar  708  is shaped to accommodate the posts  1308  and  1310  that protrude through the apertures  1304  and  1306 . Additionally, the fastener  412  is received by a threaded receptacle  1808  of the printhead assembly  704  to position the printhead  600  in a desired location against the base  700  of the carrier  400 . 
     Although certain example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.