Patent Abstract:
A hand-held labeler/printer for printing and applying labels is described. The labeler/printer has a keyboard, a display, a scanner, and a battery-containing handle. The labeler/printer is user-friendly and compact. The labeler/printer can be easily loaded with label and webs of different widths. The labeler/printer has a discharge area along its front for the carrier web. Also described are various charging cradles and controllers for the labeler/printers.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/358,123 filed Jun. 24, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates to portable printers, portable data entry devices, labelers and/or accessories therefor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A wide variety of different portable printers are known in the art. Often, such printers are incorporated into hand-held labelers that can directly print one or more labels from a wound roll of blank labels carried on or in the device. 
     Numerous features and functions have also been incorporated in such devices. For example, optical scanners such as used for reading barcodes and the like, radio-based communication provisions, microprocessor-based computing capabilities, and sophisticated operator interfaces are now typically available in hand-held labeling devices. 
     However, as the functional features and capabilities of such devices have significantly increased, so too has their complexity. This can be undesirable as greater complexity generally demands sophisticated manufacturing operations which tend to increase costs. Moreover, as such devices are designed for hand-held operation; it is desirable that the devices maintain a readily manageable weight and/or size. These design goals can present formidable challenges in view of demands for increased device functionality and capabilities. 
     In view of these and other concerns, a desire exists for a hand-held portable labeler and/or printer that includes an array of features and functions, yet which is relatively elegant in its simplicity and operation, and further provides additional improvements over currently known hand-held labelers/printers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to the present inventive subject matter. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. In any event, certain of the difficulties and drawbacks associated with previously known hand-held devices are addressed by selected embodiments of the present apparatus for a hand-held portable labeler/printer with a variety of unique features. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a printer is provided that comprises a housing including a main body, a battery enclosure, and a handle extending therebetween. The main body defines a front end and an opposite rear end, a front face extending from the front end, and a rear face extending from the rear end, the front and rear faces meeting along a raised center region. The housing also defines an interior region. The printer also comprises a drive module assembly generally disposed with the interior region defined in the housing. The drive module includes provisions for advancing material for printing from a wound roll also disposed in the interior region. The printer additionally comprises a selectively movable printing module assembly secured to the housing and positionable between a closed position and an open position. The printing module generally constitutes the front face of the housing when in the closed position. The printing module includes provisions for printing on the material. The printer additionally comprises an operator interface and an electronic module assembly generally accessible along the rear face of the housing. 
     In another embodiment, a hand-held portable printer is provided. The printer includes: a housing having a main body and a handle extending therefrom; a rotatably driven platen roller supported in the main body of the housing; a supply roll holder that holds a supply roll of media or feedstock in the main body of the housing; and a print module including a printhead that selectively prints on the media routed between the printhead and the platen roller from the supply roll held by the supply roll holder. Suitably, the print module is attached to the upper main body of the housing such that the print module is movable between a closed operational position in which the printhead is proximate the platen roller and an open loading position in which the printhead is spaced apart from the platen roller. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the print module may further include a printhead mount to which the printhead is mounted, the printhead mount allowing the printhead to gimbal with respect to the platen roller. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the printhead mount may include: a first portion upon which the printhead is mounted; a second portion by which the printhead mount is mounted to the print module; and a rib extending between the first portion and the second portion of the printhead mount such that the first portion and second portion are separated by a gap therebetween. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the rib may extend in a direction of an axis about which the first portion of the printhead mount is able to gimbal. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the rib may comprise a wall which is flexible to twisting about the axis, but which remains substantially rigid with respect to bending along the axis. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the first portion, the second portion and the rib of the printhead mount are integrally formed from a single unitary piece of material. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the printhead mount may further include at least one locating surface, the locating surface positioning the printhead at a desired location with respect to the platen roller when the print module is in the closed position. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the platen roller may be rotatably held within the main body of the housing by at least one bearing and the locating surface may directly contact at least a portion of the bearing when the print module is in the closed position. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the platen roller may be rotatably held within the body of the housing by a pair of bearings and the printhead mount may include a corresponding pair of locating surfaces such that each locating surface directly contacts at least a portion of its corresponding bearing when the print module is in the closed position. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the pair of locating surfaces may be located on opposite ends of the printhead and the pair of bearings may be located at opposite ends of the platen roller. 
     In another embodiment, any of the aforementioned printers may further include a retaining clip that is snap fit onto the print module, the retaining clip retaining the printhead mount within the print module. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the retaining clip may include a wall which defines at least a portion of a path along which media is supplied from the supply roll of media held by the supply roll holder to the printhead. 
     In another embodiment, any of the aforementioned printers may further include a sensor located opposite the retaining clip wall along the path, the sensor detecting marks on the media passing thereby and the retaining clip wall limiting the distance at which the media can be from the sensor as it passes thereby. 
     In another embodiment, in any of the aforementioned printers, the retaining clip wall may include an RFID antenna. 
     As will be realized, the inventive subject matter may take form in other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a hand-held portable labeler/printer in accordance with aspect of the present inventive subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the labeler/printer illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic module assembly used in the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an exemplary print module assembly used in the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an exemplary printhead mounting configuration used in the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of an exemplary drive module assembly used in the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed perspective view of the front end of the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1  revealing aspects of an exemplary drive/print mechanism and an exemplary latch assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is another detailed perspective view of the front end of the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is yet another detailed perspective view of the front end of the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is another detailed perspective view of the front end of the exemplary drive/print mechanism of the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1  in which a deflector door is in an open position. 
         FIG. 12  is another detailed perspective view of the front end of the exemplary drive/print mechanism of the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1  in which the deflector door is closed, and the latch assembly is disengaged from the front end. 
         FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the drive assembly used in the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1  shown in conjunction with a printhead mounting assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the drive assembly revealing various rollers and relative location and orientation with the printhead mounting assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of the drive assembly having certain components removed to reveal a spacing selector assembly. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a latch bar assembly the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the printhead mounting assembly used in the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of the printhead mounting assembly depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1  having its print module assembly positioned in an open state and the deflector door positioned in an open state. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross sectional view taken across a plane bisecting the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 21  is a detailed cross sectional view illustrating the front end of the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1  and relative locations of components to one another. 
         FIG. 22  is a detailed cross sectional view of the labeler/printer of  FIG. 1  illustrating a paper path defined within the interior of the labeler/printer. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a charging cradle according to aspects of the present inventive subject matter. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a controller for one or more of the labeler/printers/printers of  FIG. 1  and one or more charging cradles or base stations as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of a collection of charging cradles and a controller in communication with one another in accordance with aspects of the present inventive subject matter. 
         FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of the collection of the exemplary controller and charging cradles depicted in  FIG. 25 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Generally, the present specification describes an ergonomic, user-friendly hand-held printer or labeler device with onboard optical scanning, programmable operation, and power provisions. The device is particularly adapted for use as a hand-held labeler and its embodiments are described herein as such. The printer or labeler devices include a multitude of features and functions, all of which are described in detail herein. For convenience, the devices are typically referred to herein as labelers and/or printers, although the devices are not limited to the printing of labels, but instead can be used for printing other materials, media and feedstocks or used in applications exclusive of printing such as in scanning operations. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a labeler and/or printer  10  in accordance with aspect of the present inventive subject matter. The labeler/printer  10  comprises a housing  20  having an upper main body  28 , a lower battery enclosure  32 , and a handle  24  extending therebetween. The handle  24  includes a trigger or actuator (not shown), the operation of which is described in greater detail herein. The main body  28  includes a front nose end  42  and an opposite rear end  46 . A sloping front face  40  extends generally upwardly and rearwardly from the front nose end  42 . A sloping rear face  44  extends generally upwardly and frontwardly from the rear end  46 . The front face  40  and the rear face  44  meet along a raised central region  45  of the housing  20 . The housing  20  of the labeler/printer  10  further defines a first or right hand side  48  of the labeler/printer  10  extending between corresponding regions of the nose end  42 , the front face  40 , the rear face  44 , and the rear end  46 . The housing  20  also defines an oppositely directed second or left hand side  52  of the labeler/printer  10  extending between corresponding regions of the nose end  42 , the front face  40 , the rear face  44 , and the rear end  46 . The labeler/printer  10  also comprises an operator interface  60  generally accessible along the rear face  44  of the main body  28 . The operator interface  60  includes a monitor  62 , one or more selection buttons  64 , and one or more optical indicators  66 . The labeler/printer  10  also comprises a scanner  70  and a print engine  80  generally enclosed within the main body  28  of the housing  20 , however accessible along the front face  40  of the main body  28 . Each of these components and additional details of the labeler/printer  10  are described herein. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the labeler/printer  10 . In this exploded view, the housing  20  is sectioned into opposing lower half sections  20   a  and  20   b . It will be appreciated however, that the housing  20  can be provided in numerous configurations besides that depicted in the referenced figures. The labeler/printer  10  comprises an electronic module assembly  150  and a print module assembly  200 . The electronic module assembly  150  generally includes the noted operator interface  60  and is incorporated along the rear face  44  of the labeler/printer  10 . And the print module assembly  200  is incorporated along and in certain embodiments generally constitutes the front face  40  of the labeler/printer  10 . The print module assembly  200  includes a printhead (not shown) and an associated mounting assembly (not shown). The labeler/printer  10  also comprises a drive module assembly  300 . The drive module assembly  300  is generally enclosed within the main body  28  of the housing  20  and particularly, between the half sections  20   a  and  20   b  and under the print module assembly  200 . 
     Further aspects of the labeler/printer  10  are illustrated in  FIG. 3  and described as follows. The housing half sections  20   a  and  20   b  are secured to one another by one or more threaded fasteners  106 . A bracket  110  is suitably provided in conjunction with the housing  20  for securing one or more optional accessories to the labeler/printer  10 , e.g., such as a wrist strap  114  or other accessories. Representative bracket sections  110   a  and  110   b  are depicted in  FIG. 3 . Suitably, the bracket sections are received in opposite sides of an exterior opening  700  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 20 ) defined by the housing  20 . In particular, an underside  702  on a rear portion of the main body  28  of the housing  20  slopes downward in a direction away from the handle  24 , and the housing  20  further includes a rear face  704  on a front portion of the main body  28  and a cross member  706  extending from the rear face  704  on the front portion of the main body  28  to the downward sloping underside  702  of the rear portion of the main body  28 , thereby defining the opening  700  between the cross member  706 , the downward sloping underside  702  of the rear portion of the main body  28 , and the rear face  704  of the front portion of the main body  28 . The bracket  110  can be secured or otherwise incorporated in the opening  700  in a variety of ways, such as for example by one or more threaded fasteners  106  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). The bracket  110  may also facilitate engagement and/or use of the labeler/printer  10  in association with an optional docking station, charging cradle, or other optional equipment. The labeler/printer  10  also comprises a tie post  120  that extends between corresponding upper portions of the housing sections  20   a  and  20   b . The tie post  120 , as described in greater detail herein, serves as a hinge or pivot member about which the print module assembly  200  can be selectively pivoted between open and closed states. 
     Enclosed and housed between the housing sections  20   a  and  20   b  are various electronics and other components, as follows. A battery board  130  is provided for operation with a battery  135  generally carried by or accessed via a battery door  138  in the lower battery enclosure  32  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . One or more flex connectors  142  are used to provide communication and power to other components, such as the electronic module assembly  150 . A back-up battery  140  is optionally provided in association with the battery board  130 . Associated battery contacts  144  and a contact block  146  are also provided. A cable assembly  148  provides power and/or communication to one or more components of the labeler/printer  10 . The battery door  138  is suitably hingedly mounted between the housing sections  20   a  and  20   b  generally within the region constituting the battery enclosure  32  and selectively releasable by a latch component  139 . 
     The labeler/printer  10  also comprises a trigger  26  or similar actuator assembly for at least partially controlling the operation of the labeler/printer  10 . The particulars of control and/or operation are governed by software algorithm(s) stored in onboard memory provisions in the labeler/printer  10 . The trigger  26  suitably actuates a pushbutton switch. A single or multi-position switch can be used as desired. Provided in association with the trigger  26  is an electrical grounding member  27 . This member provides electrical communication between the trigger  26  and a grounding path provided in the labeler/printer. Suitably, the grounding member  27  also serves as a biasing member or spring to urge the trigger  26  to a default position such as outward from a depressed position. 
     The electronic module assembly  150  includes the previously noted operator interface  60 , one or more selector buttons  64 , and one or more indicator(s)  66 . The previously noted flex connector  142  provides communication and power to the assembly  150 . The electronic module assembly  150  is described in greater detail in association with  FIG. 4 . 
     The print module assembly  200 , as previously noted, is pivotally mounted on the tie post  120 . The assembly  200  is pivotally movable between (i) a closed position in which the nose end  42  is in secured engagement with the housing  20 , and (ii) an open position in which the nose end  42  is spaced from corresponding regions of the housing  20  thereby providing access to an interior region of the housing  20 . The print module assembly  200  is releasably secured to the housing  20  by a latch member or latch bar assembly  212  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 16 ) including a pair of latch actuators  210  arranged externally on opposite sides of the housing  20  for manual operation by a user. Suitably, a first manually movable latch actuator  210  is provided along one side such as side  52  of the housing  20  and a second manually movable latch actuator (not shown) is provided along another side such as side  48  of the housing  20 . Upon manual movement of the latch actuators  210 , suitably by simultaneous rearward displacement, the print module  200  is released from its closed position and may then be pivoted to an open position. As noted, the print module  200  is pivoted about the tie post  120 . One or more housing panel portions or decorative members such as a pair of medallions  220  may be provided along lateral regions of the print module  200  to further enclose the interior of the housing when the print module  200  is in its closed position. The medallions  220  are suitably sized, shaped, and configured to match the housing  20  and to provide an attractive and aesthetically pleasing housing. The medallions  220  also serve as viewing windows, thereby allowing a user to observe the amount of label supply or other media remaining on a roll  5  within the housing  20 . Additional details of the print module  200  are provided in conjunction with the description of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     The drive module assembly  300 , as previously noted, is generally disposed within the interior region of the housing  20 . Specifically, the drive module assembly  300  is secured between the housing sections  20   a  and  20   b . Also secured within the drive module assembly  300  and between the housing sections  20   a  and  20   b  is a deflector door  360  and an associated pressure roller  370 . The deflector door  360  is pivotally attached to a lower region of the housing  20  proximate the front nose end  42 . The deflector door  360  is pivotably moveable between (i) a closed position (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) where the leading edge  361  is in contact with roller  286 , and (ii) an open position (as shown in  FIG. 11 ). The drive module assembly  300  is described in greater detail in conjunction with  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the electronic module assembly  150  utilized in the labeler/printer  10 . As noted, the electronic module assembly  150  includes provisions for the operator interface  60 . The assembly  150  comprises a front bezel  154  and a corresponding rear bezel  186  sized, shaped, and configured to engage one another and provide an enclosure for the various components of the assembly  150 . A display overlay  152  can be configured to provide an outer panel for the operator interface  60 . Identifying indicia, designs and/or logos, and decorative patterns or colors can be formed on an outer face of the overlay  152 . It is also contemplated that such indicia and the like could be printed on an outer face of the front bezel  154  and the overlay  152  formed to be transparent or substantially so. A speaker  156  or other audio output is suitably provided in the electronic module assembly  150 . A light guide  158  or other optical member is used to implement the indicator  66 . A selector assembly  160  is used to provide the previously noted one or more selector buttons  64 . A display assembly  164 , such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display assembly, is included in the electronic module assembly  150 . The display assembly  150  is suitably resiliently enclosed within the module assembly  150  by an upper gasket  162  and a corresponding lower gasket  168 . One or more electrical grounding pads  166  are provided. A frame  170  is suitably included in the assembly  150  for mounting and otherwise securing components of the assembly  150 . The electronic module assembly  150  includes electrical grounding provisions such as a contact  172  and grounding screw  174 . The electronic module assembly  150  also comprises a keyboard assembly  178 , one or more electronic circuit boards  180 , and a printer or print engine circuit board assembly  184 . The keyboard assembly  178  is suitably secured to the frame  170  by one or more fasteners  176 . One or more electrically conductive spacers  182  can be used between the circuit boards  180  and  184 . Additional fasteners  190  can be used to secure or otherwise retain the assembly  150  together. The electronic module assembly  150  further optionally includes a stylus  188  for assisting in initiating or activating the electronic module assembly  150 . 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the print module assembly  200  used in the labeler/printer  10 . The assembly  200  comprises a printhead retainer or retaining clip  230  and an associated transfer roller  232 . Suitably, the retaining clip  230  is snap fit to the frame  270  via tabs  231  and thereby selectively retains the printhead mounting assembly  240  within the print module assembly  200 . It is contemplated that the printhead retainer  230  can be configured to receive or have incorporated therein, an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) antenna for use with other RFID components, e.g., such as an RFID reader and/or writer incorporated in the labeler/printer  10 . Optionally, the RFID antenna may be included in or on the wall or plate  230   a  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 19 ) of the retainer  230 . The assembly  200  also comprises a printhead mounting assembly  240  which is illustrated in detail and described in conjunction with  FIG. 6 . A flex connector  242  provides electronic and power connection to the printhead (not shown) from the print engine circuit board. The print module assembly  200  may also include an optical scanner  250  secured by one or more fasteners  271  and an associated scanner lens  252 . A top cover  260  is provided in conjunction with lateral panels  262  for receiving a pair of the previously noted medallions  220 . The cover  260  is secured to an underlying frame  270  by one or more fasteners  264 . The cover  260  and frame  270  upon engagement with one another, define an interior region for enclosing and housing a mezzanine electronic circuit board assembly  272 . A flex connector  274  is used to provide electronic and power communication to the mezzanine board  272 . The frame  270  can be secured to other components of the labeler/printer  10  such as portions of the housing  20 , e.g., by tie post  120 . A flex connector  254  provides electronic and power communication between the scanner  250  and the mezzanine board  272 . The print module assembly  200  may optionally further comprise a radio card  280  which provides associated electronics for radio communication with one or more external devices, networks, systems, or items. A particular example of use of a radio card  280  is in the detection and collection of information from an RFID device. One or more coaxial jumper cables  282  are provided in conjunction with the radio card  280 , for providing communication to the card  280 . The print module assembly  200  also includes a latch bar assembly  212 . The latch bar assembly  212  provides along its distal ends the previously described latch actuators  210 . Disposed along the front nose end  42  of the print module  200  is an applicator roller post  285 . In one suitable embodiment, an application roller  286  and an eccentric roller insert  287  are mounted on the roller post  285 . The post  285 , roller  286 , and insert  287 , are mounted along the front nose end  42  of the frame  270 . Details as to their operation and configuration are illustrated and described herein in conjunction with  FIG. 22 . For certain versions of the print module assembly  200 , it may be desirable to use a different roller and/or roller configuration instead of the application roller  286  and its associated components. For example, in an alternate embodiment, one or more rollers  296  supported on a roller post  295  are secured along the front nose end  42 ′ of a frame extension  270 ′. One or more fasteners  297  and washer elements  298  can be used for facilitating affixment of the post  295  to the frame extension  270 ′. The frame extension  270 ′ can then be secured to the front nose end  42  of the frame  270  in place of the application roller  286  and the eccentric roller insert  287 , e.g., via the roller post  285  extending through a mated bore in the frame extension  270 ′. 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a printhead mounting configuration used in the labeler/printer  10 . The printhead mounting assembly  240  (previously described in conjunction with  FIG. 5 ), includes a segmented body configuration and uses one or more biasing elements to allow rotational positional changes of a printhead  205  about a central axis of the body, yet provide rigidity and resistance to positional displacement in other directions. Suitably, a pair of biasing members such as a spring  206  (only one spring is depicted in  FIG. 6  for clarity) are provided for use in mounting and engagement of the printhead mounting assembly  240 . If coil springs such as spring  206  are used for the biasing members, it is suitable that the printhead mounting assembly  240  include a corresponding number of retention posts  209  that extend from an upwardly directed face of the mounting assembly  240 . The retention posts  209  serve to retain and maintain the position of a spring  206 . It will be appreciated that in no way is the invention limited to this particular configuration. The printhead  205  is affixed along an underside of the assembly  240  by one or more fasteners  208 . The printhead  205  is generally positioned between the underside of the assembly  240  and the printhead retainer  230  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Additional details of those components are provided herein. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the drive module assembly  300  used in the labeler/printer  10 . The assembly  300  comprises a pair of frame sections  302   a  and  302   b . The frame sections  302   a  and  302   b  are sized, shaped, and configured to engage one another and provide an interior region within which are disposed various components as follows. One or more, and suitably two, supply flanges  310 , and one or more, and suitably two, supply holders  312   a  and  312   b  are movably disposed within the interior region defined between the frame sections  302   a  and  302   b . Each flange  310  is rotatably engaged with a corresponding holder  312   a  and  312   b . As described in greater detail herein, the sets of flanges  310  and holders  312   a  and  312   b  can be selectively positioned at different distances from one another to thereby accept and retain a wound roll of paper or media for use with the labeler/printer  10 . The drive module assembly  300  also comprises an electrically powered motor  320  mountedly disposed within the frame sections  302   a  and  302   b . The motor  320  provides rotational power to a drive gear  322 . The drive gear  322  is engaged with a platen gear  324  and a liner drive gear  328 , suitably via one or more idler gears  326 . All or a portion of the gears described herein can be retained to a frame section such as section  302   b  by a retaining clip  327 . Powered rotation of the platen gear  324  imparts rotation to a platen roller  340 . And, powered rotation of the liner drive gear  328  imparts rotation to a liner drive roller  350 . Each roller  340  and  350  is rotatably supported and mounted between the frame sections  302   a  and  302   b . Although a wide array of mounting configurations can be used, suitably each of the platen roller  340  and the liner drive roller  350  are rotatably received by a pair of bearings  344  disposed in aligned apertures in the frame sections  302   a  and  302   b . The drive module assembly  300  also comprises a peel roller  355  also extending between the frame sections  302   a  and  302   b . The operation of these components is described in greater detail herein. 
     Referring further to  FIG. 7 , as noted, the spacing between the two sets of the supply flange  310  and the supply holders  312   a  and  312   b  is selectively variable. Thus, a user can selectively position each set of flange  310  and holder  312   a ,  312   b  along their axis of rotation within the interior region defined between the frame sections  302   a  and  302   b . Suitably, relative spacing between the sets of flanges and holders may be biased to one or more predetermined default spaces. This feature enables the sets of flanges  310  and holders  312   a ,  312   b  to be readily adjusted to fittingly receive wound rolls of paper or media of common or industry standard widths. A stop guide  380 , a retainer  382 , and an idler gear  384  provide this feature and are periodically referred to herein as a spacing selection assembly  378 . The stop guide  380  is slidably positionable and depending upon its position, laterally displaces corresponding cam followers formed on the supply holders  312   a  and  312   b  and thereby positions the holders  312   a  and  312   b  apart or closer together. For example, one cam follower  313   b  formed on the supply holder  312   b  is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . Suitably, a similar cam follower (now shown) is also formed on the supply holder  312   a . Since the flanges  310  are mounted on and thus carried by the supply holders  312   a  and  312   b , the flanges  310  are also linearly displaced relative to one another as the stop guide  380  is repositioned. One or more biasing members or springs  386  can be used to urge the sets of flanges  310  and holders  312   a  and  312   b  apart or closer together. Additional details of the spacing selection assembly  378  are provided in  FIG. 15  and the associated description herein. As will be understood, the frame sections  302   a  and  302   b  can be secured to one another in a variety of different ways. One or more threaded fasteners  394  are suitably used. 
     One or more sensors  390  can be used to detect indexing and/or other like marks on an underside of the web or media threaded through the labeler/printer  10 . Suitably, a backside or surface such as the wall or plate  230   a  of the print head retainer  230  defines at least a portion of the web path and limits the distance at which the web can pass by the sensor  390 , thereby aiding accurate sensor readings of indexing and/or other like marks on an underside or back surface of the web. 
       FIG. 8  is a detailed perspective view of the front nose end  42  of the labeler/printer  10  revealing various aspects of the drive module assembly  300  and the print module assembly  200  generally positioned above the drive module assembly  300 . In  FIG. 8 , the labeler/printer  10  is shown without associated covers or housings to better reveal the interior of the labeler/printer  10 . Drive gear  322  is illustrated showing its engagement with the platen gear  324  and the liner drive gear  328  via the idler gear  326 . The application roller  286  associated with the print module assembly  200  is suitably positioned forwardly and above the gears. A unique feature of the labeler/printer  10  is the location of the application roller  286 . Locating the roller  286  relative to other components along the front nose end  42  while retained in the pivotable print module assembly  200  as shown eliminates or at least significantly simplifies “threading” paper, media or web through the labeler/printer  10  during supply loading. The deflector door  360  is also shown, located immediately below the application roller  286 . As explained in greater detail herein, the deflector door  360  is positionable between a closed state (shown in  FIG. 8 ) and an open state. Latch actuators  210  are suitably located along lateral side regions of the labeler/printer  10  and upon actuation, enable the print module assembly  200  to be released so that it may pivot from a closed position shown in  FIG. 8  to a raised or open position, thereby enabling access into the interior of the labeler/printer  10 . 
       FIG. 9  is another detailed perspective view of the front nose end  42  of the labeler/printer  10  illustrating further aspects thereof. In this view, the application roller  286  has been removed along with the deflector door  360  for greater clarity. As can be seen, the platen roller  340  is disposed above the liner drive roller  350 . Optionally, the liner drive roller  350  is over-driven with respect to the platen roller  340 . That is to say, the liner drive roller  350  is rotatably driven at a speed or amount greater than the platen roller  350 . This configuration serves to maintain tension on a liner layer described in greater detail herein. Increased tension on the liner promotes separation of a label or facestock layer from the liner, particularly as the liner is pulled over the peel bar or roller  355 . This is described in greater detail in conjunction with  FIG. 22  which illustrates a paper path defined in the labeler/printer  10 . Another unique feature of the labeler/printer  10  is the location of the liner drive roller  350 . Locating the roller  350  relative to other components as shown in  FIG. 9  eliminates or at least significantly simplifies “threading” paper or web through the labeler/printer. The liner drive roller  350  is generally located below the platen roller  340  and in contact with the pressure roller  370 . As previously described, the pressure roller  370  is rotatably supported and mounted on the deflector door  360  which is not shown in  FIG. 9  for greater clarity. As previously noted, rollers  340  and  350  are driven by gears  324  and  328 , respectively. Only a portion of the drive frame section  302  is depicted. The latch actuator  210  and its associated latch bar assembly  212  is also shown. 
       FIG. 10  is another detailed perspective view of the front nose end  42  of the labeler/printer  10  revealing additional aspects thereof. In this view, the various housing portions and covers have been removed, the deflector door  360  is removed, application roller  286  is removed and a right hand side portion of the drive frame section  302   b  has been removed for greater clarity.  FIG. 10  illustrates the relative positions of the pressure roller  370  and the liner drive roller  350  when the deflector door (not shown) is closed. As can be seen, the pressure roller  370  is in close proximity and suitably in contact with the liner drive roller  350 . The liner deflector door (not shown) is hingedly or pivotally mounted on a hinge post  362  or other suitable member along the front region of the labeler/printer  10 . 
       FIG. 11  is yet another detailed perspective view of the front nose end  42  of the labeler/printer  10 . In this view, various housing and cover portions have been removed along with certain electronics and the application roller  286 , and the deflector door  360  is depicted in an open position. The pressure roller  370  is rotatably supported along an interior face of the deflector door  360 . Mechanical stops are provided in the hinge assembly for the deflector door  360  so that the door does not extend beyond its fully open state depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of a subassembly of a portion of the print module assembly  200  and a portion of the drive module assembly  300  of the labeler/printer  10  in conjunction with other components. Specifically, the latch bar assembly  212  and laterally disposed latch actuators  210  are shown removed from their engagement with the frame  270  of the print module assembly  200 . Laterally located and partially exposed support members  214  are fittingly received in apertures  269  defined in the frame  270  of the print module assembly  200 . The latch bar assembly  212  engages the frame  270  of the print module assembly  200  and is suitably retained therewith by the pair of apertures  269  and biased rotatably forward by biasing frame members  216 . Due to the arcuate inverted U-shaped configuration of the frame members  216 , the forward portion of the bar assembly  212 , particularly the portion carrying the latch actuators  210 , can be forwardly or rearwardly displaced. Thus, by forward or rearward displacement of the latch actuators  210  and associated latch fingers  211  relative to a corresponding stationary latch engagement member  304  in the drive module assembly frame  302 , the latch bar  212  and pivotable print module assembly  200  can be selectively secured to or released from affixment with the frame  302  of the drive module assembly  300 . The provision of dual latch actuators  210 , each accessible and provided on opposite side regions of the labeler/printer  10  along with the rearward action or movement used to operate the latch actuators  210  greatly minimizes or in many instances, eliminates unintended or accidental actuation of the latch assembly which could otherwise potentially occur if the labeler/printer  10  is laid on its side by an operator. 
       FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the drive assembly  300  in conjunction with the printhead mounting assembly  240 . It will be understood that upon assembly and incorporation of the printhead mounting assembly  240  in the print module assembly  200 , the underside of the printhead mounting assembly  240  at which is located the printhead (not shown) is in close proximity to the platen roller  340  so that paper or other material passes underneath and is immediately adjacent to the printhead  205 . This configuration is illustrated and described in conjunction with  FIGS. 21 and 22 . The motor  320  is also illustrated in  FIG. 13  and its orientation in the drive assembly  300 . 
       FIG. 14  is another rear perspective view of the drive assembly  300  and the printhead mounting assembly  240  as depicted in  FIG. 13 , however partially disassembled. Specifically,  FIG. 14  reveals the drive assembly  300  having a portion of the left hand side drive frame section  302   a  removed. In addition, the printhead mounting assembly  240  is spaced from the platen roller  340  for greater clarity. The sets of supply flanges  310  and supply holders  312   a  and  312   b  mounted within the drive frame sections  302   a  and  302   b  are illustrated.  FIG. 14  illustrates a mounting configuration for the printhead mounting assembly  240 . Suitably, the assembly  240  defines a pair of forwardly directed alignment or locating surfaces  244  which, upon assembly of the printhead mounting assembly  240  in the labeler/printer  10 , directly contact exposed regions of the bearings  344  associated with the platen roller  340 . This configuration between alignment surfaces  244  and platen roller bearings  344  ensures proper and consistent positioning of the printhead (not shown) retained along the underside of the assembly  240  and the platen roller  340  upon which is carried paper or other stock to receive printing. The printhead mounting assembly  240  also provides a pair of rearwardly located and laterally projecting mounting pins  246 . Each pin  246  is received in horizontal slots of an upper frame (not shown) in the print module assembly  200 . As noted, the printhead mounting assembly  240  suitably has a segmented body to enable the assembly  240  to undergo deformation and/or movement in certain directions while resisting such and thereby provide support with respect to force loadings in other directions. Suitably, the assembly  240  includes a center rib  248  that extends substantially the entire length from front to back of the assembly  240  and connects a frontward portion  240   a  of the assembly  240  and a rearward portion  240   b  of the assembly  240  to one another with a gap between the aforementioned frontward and rearward portions  240   a  and  240   b . As shown, the rib  248  comprises a vertical wall which is flexible to twisting about its longitudinal axis X, while remaining substantially rigid to bending vertically about this axis. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more slots or regions of separation  247  define the aforementioned gap. Suitably, the assembly  240  has two symmetrically arranged slots  247  extending laterally outward from the center rib  248 . This configuration enables rotational or “gimbal” movement of a frontward portion  240   a  of the assembly  240  about the axis X such as shown by arrows A and B, while the rearward portion  240   b  of the assembly  240  is secured or mounted to one or more frame members within the labeler/printer  10 . The biasing members  206  bias the frontward portion of the assembly  240  toward an aligned position with respect to the platen roller  340 , while still allowing the printhead  205  mounted under the frontward portion  240   a  to gimbal with respect to the underlying platen roller  340  along with the corresponding movement of the frontward portion  240   a  of the assembly  240 . 
       FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of the drive module assembly  300 , similar to  FIG. 14 , illustrating the spacing selection assembly  378  for conveniently positioning the sets of supply flanges  310  and supply holders  312   a  and  312   b  in one of several predetermined spaced arrangements. In this figure, the left hand side drive frame  302   a  and left hand side supply holder  312   a  and associated flange  310  are not shown for greater clarity of the spacing selection assembly  378 . Specifically, with reference to both  FIGS. 7 and 15 , the spacing selection assembly  378  includes the stop guide  380  having an outwardly facing contact member  381  that can be serrated or otherwise roughened to promote engagement by a user. The stop guide  380  is slidably retained within a channel (not shown) defined in the frame sections  302   a  and  302   b  of the drive module assembly  300 . The stop guide  380  is selectively movable in forward or rearward directions shown by arrow C in  FIG. 15 . Defined along lateral side regions of the stop member  380  are a collection of cam or stop surfaces  380   a  and  380   b . Ribs or cam followers (e.g., such as the illustrated cam follower  313   b ) extending from the supply holders  312   a  and  312   b  contact one of the stop surfaces or none. The selection of the surface  380   a ,  380   b  or none that contacts the rib(s) or cam follower(s), depends upon the position of the stop member  380  along a path extending in a direction of arrow C. Each supply holder  312  also suitably includes a projecting supply guide  311 . The supply guides  311  serve to contact an outer edge of the other webbing used in the labeler/printer  10 , thereby promoting additional guidance of the web within the labeler/printer  10  between the roll  5  and the nip. The present invention includes a wide variety of different versions of the spacing selection assembly  378 . For example, the provision of a greater number of default spacings, such as four, five, or more, can be readily provided by increasing the number of stop surfaces of the stop guide  380 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the latch bar assembly  212  used in the labeler/printer  10 . The latch bar assembly  212  includes two distally disposed latch actuators  210  arranged at opposing ends of a longitudinally extending central portion  212   a . As previously explained, the latch bar assembly  212  also includes two longitudinally aligned support members  214  that are supported in a pair of mating apertures in the print module frame (not shown) when the print module assembly is positioned in its closed state. The latch bar assembly  212  also includes a pair of biasing frame members  216  that provide a biasing action upon rotation of the assembly  212  abut support members  214  such as during displacement of the latch actuators  210  in a direction indicated by arrows D occurring during a latching operation upon closing the print module assembly  200  or a de-latching operation upon opening the print module assembly  200 . As previously described, the latch bar assembly  212  defines a pair of fingers  211 , suitably sized, shaped and configured to engage with corresponding latch engagement members or catches of the drive module assembly (not shown), upon securing the print module assembly thereto. It will be understood that the print module assembly  200  is disengaged from the drive module assembly  300  and hence, remainder of the labeler/printer, by displacement of the latch actuators  210  such as in the direction of arrow D, thereby also effecting linear displacement of the fingers  211  so that the fingers are disengaged from the stationary latch engagement members  304  of the drive module assembly  300 . It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment the latch bar assembly  212  is a one-piece molded plastic part, it is not limited to such a construction. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate the printhead mounting assembly  240  in greater detail. The printhead mounting assembly  240 , as previously explained, suitably includes a segmented body that enables torsional movement about a central axis as depicted in  FIG. 14 . The central axis is collinear with a center rib  248 . A pair of slots or regions of separation  247  generally extend from the rib  248  along a mid-region of the assembly  240  to lateral edge regions. The regions  247  facilitate torsional displacement of the assembly  240  about the center rib  248 . The assembly  240  also includes one or more, and suitably two, upwardly extending retention posts  209  for receiving and aligning corresponding biasing elements such as coil springs that serve to apply a biasing load on the front portion  240   a  of the assembly  240 . The assembly further includes provisions for promoting alignment of the assembly  240  and printhead (not shown) and in cooperation with an underlying platen roller (not shown). These alignment provisions are suitably in the form of a pair of upwardly extending slots formed in lateral regions of the assembly  240  which provide forwardly directed alignment or locating surfaces  244  that upon incorporation in the labeler/printer, directly abut or contact an outer surface of bearings (not shown) that rotatably support the platen roller. Although the segmented body of the printhead mounting assembly  240  can be formed in a plurality of separate components, it is suitable that the body be integrally formed and that the material selection and structural design parameters dictate the torsional loading and response characteristics of the body. This enables precise and consistent behavior of the assembly  240  under a variety of operating conditions. 
       FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of the labeler/printer  10  illustrating the print module assembly  200  in an open position, and the deflector door  360  in an open position. Located along the front nose end  42  of the print module  200  is the application roller  286 . Disposed along the front nose end  42  of the housing  20 , and accessible once the deflector door  360  is opened, the platen roller  340  and peel roller  355  are exposed. Opening the print module  200  to its opened position depicted in  FIG. 19  reveals the interior of the labeler/printer  10  and a spaced void between the two sets of supply flanges  310  and supply holders  312   a  and  312   b , for receiving a roll of paper or other rolled media. Another significant feature of the labeler/printer  10  is the provision of electrical grounding components that provide an electrical grounding path to the print module assembly  200 , and in particular, to the printhead (not shown) regardless of the position of the print module assembly  200 , e.g. either open, closed, or at any position therebetween. Suitably, the ground path is provided from the printhead  205  to a ground source in the labeler/printer  10 , by a ground wire or conductor. 
       FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the labeler/printer  10  containing a roll  5  of media such as precut labels on a liner carrier member. The cross sectional view was taken along a plane extending through the center of the labeler/printer  10 , and thus bisecting the labeler/printer. 
       FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the labeler/printer  10  taken along a plane parallel to a bisecting plane as in  FIG. 20 , however spaced therefrom. The offset cross sectional view of  FIG. 21  illustrates the location of the printhead mounting assembly  240  being disposed over the bearings  344  of the platen roller  340 . Suitably, and as previously described, a pair of alignment surfaces  244  defined by the printhead mounting assembly  240  are located on and in contact with an outer shoulder or portion of the bearings  344  of the platen roller  340 . 
       FIG. 22  is a detailed bisectional view, similar to that of  FIG. 20  illustrating the path for paper or a roll  5  of media when used by the labeler/printer  10 . The paper or media is drawn from the roll  5  from a lower region of the roll  5 . The material, designated as  5 , includes an upwardly directed layer  5   a  for printing and a lower liner layer  5   b . The material  5  is pulled under and in intimate contact with the printhead  205  as a result of frictional engagement with an upwardly facing portion of the rotating platen roller  340 . As will be recalled, the platen roller  340  is driven by the motor  320 . As the material  5  travels past the platen roller  340  towards the front nose end  42  of the labeler/printer  10 , the material passes the peel roller  355 . As a result of tension applied to the liner layer  5   b  by the liner drive roller  350  and the relatively small radius of the peel roller  355 , the abrupt change in direction of the liner layer  5   b  promotes separation between the layers  5   a  and  5   b . The layer  5   a  which may for example be in the form of a label containing print on an upwardly directed face and an exposed layer of adhesive on an oppositely directed face, passes under the application roller  286  as the layer  5   a  exits the labeler/printer  10 . Accordingly, a user may manipulate the labeler/printer  10 , e.g., by its handle, to apply the peeled label to a desired surface and further press and/or secure the label thereto by rolling the application roller  286  over the applied label. The liner  5   b  meanwhile is gripped by and travels between the liner drive roller  350  and the pressure roller  370  as that layer then exits the labeler/printer  10  through an aperture or other opening such as provided in the deflector door  360 . 
     Generally, the materials selected for forming the labeler/printer  10  and its various components are those providing sufficient strength and rigidity while promoting ease in manufacturing. Polymeric materials that can be injection molded are suitable for the housing and panel portions. Many of the structural components and frame members can also be formed from polymeric materials. A key consideration in material selection is dissipation of static charge build up. Thus, it is suitable for many components that the material be sufficiently electrically conducting so as to dissipate such charges to avoid detrimental charge accumulation and associated release. 
     For example, in one suitable embodiment, a first electrically conductive ground path is established from the printhead  205  to an electrical ground arranged on the circuit board  130 . Suitably, the electrical ground may take the form of a ground plate arranged on the back side of the circuit board  130  which is unseen in  FIG. 3 , for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrically conductive ground path includes the printhead mount assembly  240  to which the printhead  205  is mounted and the frame  270  to which the printhead mount assembly is  240  is attached. In this case, suitably the assembly  240  and frame  270  are made from electrically conductive material, e.g., such as an electrically conductive plastic. Optionally, the springs or biasing members  206  may also be metal and/or otherwise electrically conductive so as allow electrical charge to flow between the assembly  240  and the frame  270 . Further, as shown, the frame includes a hub  273  that engages the post  120  about which the hub  273  rotates when the printhead module  200  is moved between its open and closed positions. Suitably, the hub  273  has an exposed exterior surface  273   a  which acts as at least part of the first electrically conductive ground path. That is to say, in practice, an electrically conductive ground contact  800  which is part of the cable assembly  148  is arranged to be relatively stationary with respect to the rotating hub  273  while otherwise continually abutting against the surface  273   a  thereof. Suitably, the contact  800  may be located behind a forward corner  186   a  of the bezel  186  and biased into contact with the surface  273   a  of the hub  273 . The first electrically conductive ground path is then completed by a ground wire  802  extending from the contact  800  to a connector  149  of the cable assembly  148 , which connector  149  in turn engages a corresponding connector on the circuit board  130  to complete the electrical connection with the electrical ground thereon. Notably, in this way, the first electrically conductive ground path remains unbroken regardless of the position and/or movement of the print module  200  insomuch as the contact  800  remains abutting the surface  273   a  of the hub  273  included on the electrically conductive frame  270 . Moreover, it is significant that the first electrically conductive ground path does not include any flexible portions within the print module  200  that are bent when the print module  200  is moved between its closed and open positions. In this way, each time the print module  200  is opened or closed, there is no repeated flexing or bending, e.g., of a wire or other like part, which over time could lead to breaking or failure of the repeatedly flexed part. 
     In another suitable embodiment, a second electrically conductive ground path is also established between the trigger  26  and the electrical ground on the circuit board  130 , e.g., to drain off static charge through a user touching the trigger  26  with their finger or other body part. Accordingly, the trigger  26  is optimally made of an electrically conductive material, e.g., a suitable electrically conductive plastic. Likewise, the biasing member  27  is also part of the second electrically conductive ground path. Suitably, the biasing member  27  may be the illustrated leaf spring or alternately a compression spring made from a metal or other suitable electrically conductive material. In practice, one end of the biasing member  27  contacts the trigger  26  and the other end of the biasing member may directly contact the electrical ground or ground plate on the circuit board  130  thereby pushing off from the same and biasing the trigger  26  outward or otherwise into its unactuated state. 
     It is also contemplated that electronic processors with associated memory provisions are utilized throughout the labeler/printer  10  and in one or more of its components to control and monitor their operation. For example, one or more of the previously described electronic circuit boards, “cards”, or components, such as battery board  130 , display assembly  164 , keyboard assembly  178 , electronic circuit board  180 , print engine circuit board  184 , scanner  250 , mezzanine electronic circuit board  272 , radio card  280 , and any other components of the labeler/printer  10  can include software algorithms with updating protocols to avoid having to reboot or re-initialize the associated component(s). 
     Another feature of the labeler/printer  10  is the elimination of numerous intermediate components and resulting assembly simplification. This enables higher manufacturing tolerances to be achieved. 
     The present inventive subject matter also includes a charging cradle for the labeler/printer  10 . The charging cradle can be in a variety of forms. However, one suitable form is a stationary base that slidably receives and engages the labeler/printer  10  such as along the battery enclosure  32  and in doing so, establishes electrical contact with one or more contacts such as for example electrical charging contacts  34  depicted in  FIG. 19 . Ports  22  may provide electronic communication with one or more components of the labeler/printer  10 . The ports  22  can be in any form such as for example USB, serial, parallel, and other data and signal ports. The charging cradle is suitably provided with overcharging protection provisions, correspondingly aligned electrical contacts that establish electrical communication with the contacts  34  of the labeler/printer  10  and may include addressable operations. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a charging cradle  400  in accordance with aspects of the present inventive subject matter. The charging cradle  400  comprises a housing  410  that defines a receiving region  420  for receiving and engaging a portion of a labeler/printer such as the labeler/printer  10 . Suitably, the receiving region  420  receives a distal lowermost portion of the lower battery enclosure  32  of the labeler/printer  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The receiving region  420  is defined by one or more interior walls  422  as shown in  FIG. 23 . Located along one or both of the interior walls  422  is one or more outwardly projecting guide member(s)  432  and a collection of electrical contacts  430 . The guide  432  is aligned and positioned so as to be slidably received in one or more recessed regions defined along the lower battery enclosure  32  of the labeler/printer  10 . The electrical contacts  430  of the charging cradle  400  are also appropriately positioned with respect to the guide  432  and the receiving region  420  of the charging cradle  400  so that upon engaging the lower battery enclosure  32  of the labeler/printer  10  with the receiving region  420  of the cradle  400 , the contacts  430  are in electrical communication with one or more electrical contacts  34  located along the battery enclosure  32  of the labeler/printer  10 , thus establishing electrical connection between the cradle  400  and the labeler/printer  10 . The electrical contacts  430  typically serve to provide for transfer of electrical current from the cradle  400  to the labeler/printer  10  such as during charging of one or more batteries onboard the labeler/printer  10 . The electrical contacts  430  may also serve to provide signal or information transfer between the cradle  400  and the labeler/printer  10 . 
     The charging cradle  400  also comprises one or more power and/or communication ports  440  accessible along the exterior of the housing  410 . Suitably, each cradle  400  includes an outwardly extending male port, such as port  440 , along one side of the housing  410  and another female port (not shown) along an oppositely directed side of the housing. This configuration enables multiple charging cradles  400  to be serially connected and/or daisy-chained to one another as described in greater detail herein. 
     The charging cradle  400  may also comprise an optional alignment member  450  and/or affixment base as depicted in  FIG. 23 . The member  450  suitably extends laterally outward from the housing  410  and serves to facilitate engagement with an adjacent component and/or promote securing the cradle  400  to an underlying support surface. One or more alignment surfaces  452  can be provided in the alignment member  450 , each suitably extending from a distal end of the member  450  to the housing  410  of the cradle  400 . The surfaces  452  are sized, shaped, and configured to slidably engage with corresponding receiving members provided in another component to be placed into electrical communication via the port  440 . Thus, although one or more cables (not shown) can be used to connect to port  440 , it is suitable to directly connect one port of a first cradle to another port of a second cradle (or other component). In this mode of connection, the alignment member  450  provides further physical engagement between the cradles and/or components. The alignment member  450  may also define one or more slotted regions  456 . Instead of slotted regions, one or more apertures could be used. Regardless, the slotted regions  456  and/or other apertures can receive fastening members which may serve to affix multiple charging cradles  400  to each other or to a controller  500  or to an underlying support or surface. 
     Each charging cradle  400  also suitably includes a collection of feet  460  for stably supporting the cradle  400 . 
     It will be understood that in no event is the invention limited to the particular charging cradle  400  described and illustrated in the accompanying figures. Instead, the invention includes a wide array of variant versions and designs. 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a controller  500  in accordance with aspect of the present inventive subject matter. The controller comprises a housing  510 , one or more indicator lights  520 , and one or more feet  560  as generally depicted in  FIG. 24 . The controller also comprises various electronic processors and memory provisions and is configured to at least partially control the operation and charging of the labeler/printer  10 , and suitably also at least partially control the operation and charging of the cradle  400 . Furthermore, the controller  500  can also be configured to assist in the programming and transfer of operation instructions and other information between the labeler/printer  10 , the cradle  400 , and the controller  500 . 
       FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate a combination  600  of one or more charging cradles  400  and a controller  500  in accordance with aspects of the present inventive subject matter. These figures are merely one possible configuration of a plurality of charging cradles  400 , each in electrical communication with one another via their corresponding ports (such as port  440  depicted in  FIG. 23 ) and also in electrical communication with a controller  500 . The controller  500  receives electrical power from a power cord (not shown) via a port  530  shown in  FIG. 26 . One or more accessory ports  532  may also be provided for signal or information transfer to or from the controller  500 . Suitably, each charging cradle  400  has a unique electronic address whereby the controller  500  controls the transfer of electrical power to each cradle  400  by appropriately selecting the cradle  400  via its address. Furthermore, one or more cradles  400  can be selected by the controller  500  to receive particular information, signals, and/or programming for the respective cradles and/or its corresponding labeler/printer engaged therein. 
     Another feature of the combination or system  600  of one or more cradles  400  and the controller  500  is that the controller  500  may also be configured to selectively and wirelessly communicate, e.g. transfer signals and/or information, with one or a collection of labeler/printers. For example, a controller  500  may wirelessly provide information to onboard memory provisions in one or more labeler/printers. 
     Yet another significant feature of the labeler/printer  10  is that the center of mass, and configuration and orientation of the lower face of the battery enclosure  32  are such that the labeler/printer  10  can be placed in an upright “standing” position in which the lower face of the battery enclosure  32  contacts a support surface. The center of mass is located over the lower face and relatively low such that the labeler/printer  10 , when placed in such position, is remarkably stable. 
     A further feature of the labeler/printer  10  is the provision of a smaller diameter or thickness grip in the location of the handle  24 . This improves user feel and workability, particularly for users having relatively small hands. 
     Additional details and aspects of hand-held labelers, printers, and related systems are set forth in one or more of the following patent documents owned by the assignee of the present application: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,619,204; 6,652,170; 6,712,112; 7,073,717; 7,170,538; 7,180,627; 7,367,372; D631,087; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0103238. 
     Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology. 
     All patents, applications, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     It will be understood that any one or more feature or component of one embodiment described herein can be combined with one or more other features or components of another embodiment. Thus, the present invention includes any and all combinations of components or features of the embodiments described herein. 
     As described hereinabove, the present invention solves many problems associated with previous type devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the invention, as expressed in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1