Patent Abstract:
A method of configuring a touch screen for a printer and a configurable touch screen for a printer are provided. A touch screen layout is created using a standard graphics or drawing program. The touch screen layout is saved in a standard computer file. The computer file is loaded onto the printer or a controller of the printer which is in communication with the touch screen. The controller then configures the touch screen in accordance with the touch screen layout of the computer file.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/644,114 filed on Oct. 3, 2012, which claims the benefit of commonly-owned U.S. provisional application No. 61/544,347 filed on Oct. 7, 2011, each of which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of label printers, such as those used for food preparation and inventory freshness. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tilting touch screen for a label printer and an improved label printer with such a tilting touch screen. 
         [0003]    Restaurants are required to keep track of stored and/or refrigerated food products and ingredients. Label printers are provided in the food preparation/storage area of a restaurant and are used to create “freshness labels” for each package of food or ingredients which specify, among other things, the product/ingredient name, the arrival date and expiration date (and optionally time) for each package. A menu database is created for each class of food items used by a restaurant (sandwiches, salads, drinks, etc.), and the ingredients for each item are provided in the database. The menu database is downloaded to the printer terminal along with parameters for label size, format, expiration dates (or freshness periods), and the like. The label printer may include two print mechanisms, one for printing freshness labels and the other for printing nutritional information, ingredient labels, coupons, receipts, or the like. 
         [0004]    Typical prior art label printers used to print freshness labels such as the Avery Dennison Monarch 9415 are expensive, have a large footprint, and provide unfavorable screen angles and features. 
         [0005]    It would be advantageous to provide an improved label printer that is cheaper, smaller, easier to use, and easier to maintain than prior art label printers. 
         [0006]    The methods and apparatus of the present invention provide the foregoing and other advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention relates to a tilting touch screen for a printer and a printer having such a tilting touch screen. 
         [0008]    In one example embodiment of a tilting touch screen for a printer in accordance with the present invention, the tilting touch screen comprises a touch screen housing, a touch screen located in the touch screen housing, means for pivotally connecting the touch screen housing to a printer housing, the printer housing defining an opening closable by the tilting touch screen, and a controller for controlling the printer in communication with the touch screen. 
         [0009]    The means for pivotally connecting the touch screen housing to the printer housing may comprise pivot arms pivotally coupling the touch screen housing to oppositely disposed inside surfaces of the printer housing at a corresponding pivot points. The pivot arms may each have a free end which extends beyond the corresponding pivot point. The free ends of the pivot arms may be resilient. Each of the free ends of the pivot arms may bear a corresponding protrusion. Each of the free ends of the pivot arms with the corresponding protrusion may be adapted to springingly engage into corresponding recesses in the oppositely disposed inside surfaces of the printer housing upon tilting of the touch screen into at least one of a fully open and a fully closed position. The protrusion may be adapted to be released from engagement with the corresponding recess upon tilting of the touch screen from the at least one of the fully open and the fully closed position. 
         [0010]    Upper and lower recesses may be provided on the oppositely disposed inside surfaces of the printer housing. The free ends of the arms with the corresponding protrusions may spring into the lower recesses when the touch screen is tilted into the fully open position. The free ends of the arms with the corresponding protrusions may spring into the upper recesses when the touch screen is tilted into the fully closed position. In addition, one or more intermediate recesses may be provided for positioning the tilting touch screen in one or more corresponding positions between the fully open and the fully closed position. 
         [0011]    In an alternate example embodiment, the means for pivotally connecting the touch screen housing to the printer housing may comprise counterbalanced friction hinges coupling the touch screen housing to oppositely disposed inside surfaces of the printer housing. The counterbalanced friction hinges may comprise a torsion spring and/or a friction clutch assembly. 
         [0012]    In one example embodiment, the tilting touch screen may further comprise at least one print mechanism located in the tilting screen housing and in communication with the controller. Each of the at least one print mechanisms may comprise a print head, a stepper motor, and a top-of-form sensor. A platen associated with each of the at least one print mechanisms may be located in the printer housing. The tilting touch screen may further comprise a mechanical interface between the at least one print mechanism and the platen. The mechanical interface may further comprise at least one guiding surface for orienting the at least one print head with the platen. 
         [0013]    A paper bucket associated with each of said at least one print mechanisms may be located in the printer housing and accessible upon tilting the touch screen into an open position. The paper bucket may be configured to receive one of a roll of paper or a fan-folded length of paper feedable to the at least one print mechanism. 
         [0014]    In an alternate example embodiment, at least one print mechanism and at least one associated platen may be located in the printer housing. In such an example embodiment, the at least one print mechanism may be adapted to be connected to the tilting touch screen via detachable flexible flat cables. A driver card associated with the at least one print mechanism may be in communication with the controller via the detachable flexible flat cable. The controller may comprise a logic output adapted to be directed through the detachable flexible flat cable to the driver card to drive the printer. The at least one print mechanism may comprise a removable clamshell-type mechanism. 
         [0015]    The touch screen may comprise at least a touch screen overlay and an LCD. The controller may be in communication with the touch screen, the LCD, and print mechanisms of the printer. 
         [0016]    A layout of the touch screen overlay may be configurable. A partially translucent overlay may be provided between the touch screen overlay and the LCD, with permanent buttons being provided for controlling main printer functions on the partially translucent overlay outside of an area of the LCD. 
         [0017]    The controller may comprise a printed circuit board mounted directly to a rear surface of the LCD. The touch screen may also comprise an SD micro card reader in communication with the controller. 
         [0018]    A latching mechanism may be provided for securing the touch screen housing to the printer housing in a closed position. For example, the latching mechanism may comprise at least one magnet fixed to one of the touch screen housing or the printer housing and at least one corresponding metal striker plate fixed to the other of the touch screen housing or the printer housing. 
         [0019]    A bracket may be provided which is adapted to be coupled to the printer housing for mounting the printer to a wall surface. The touch screen housing may be adapted to be pivoted open without extending beyond a back wall of the printer housing, to avoid interference issues when the printer housing is wall mounted. 
         [0020]    The present invention also encompasses a printer having a tilting touch screen. In one example embodiment, such a printer having a tilting touch screen may comprise a printer housing, a touch screen housing, a touch screen located in the touch screen housing, means for pivotally connecting the touch screen housing to the printer housing, the printer housing defining an opening closable by the tilting touch screen, and a controller for controlling the printer in communication with the touch screen. The printer may also include additional features discussed above in connection with the various embodiments of the tilting touch screen. 
         [0021]    The present invention also encompasses a method of providing a tilting touch screen for a printer. One example embodiment of the method may comprise the steps of providing a touch screen housing, providing a touch screen located in the touch screen housing, providing means for pivotally connecting the touch screen housing to a printer housing, the printer housing defining an opening closable by the tilting touch screen, and providing a controller for controlling the printer in communication with the touch screen. 
         [0022]    The method may also include additional features discussed above in connection with the various embodiments of the tilting touch screen. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  shows an example embodiment of a printer in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  shows a representation of a front view of an example embodiment of a touch screen in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a representation of a side view of an example embodiment of a touch screen in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  shows an example embodiment of a screen layout of a touch screen in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  shows a first example embodiment of a tilting touch screen in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of the electronic architecture of the example embodiment of the touch screen of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  shows a second example embodiment of a tilting touch screen in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  shows a block diagram of the electronic architecture of the example embodiment of the touch screen of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of an example embodiment of a printer with the touch screen tilted open in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of the printer with the touch screen tilted open, illustrating an example embodiment of a mechanism for tilting the touch screen; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10B  shows a partial perspective view of a example embodiment of the printer with the touch screen tilted open, illustrating a further example embodiment of a mechanism for tilting the touch screen; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10C  shows a further example embodiment of a mechanism for tilting the touch screen; 
           [0036]      FIG. 10D  shows an exploded view of the mechanism of  FIG. 10C   
           [0037]      FIG. 11  shows an example embodiment of a latching mechanism for the touch screen housing; 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  shows an example embodiment of a wall bracket for a printer in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  shows a rear perspective view of the wall bracket of  FIG. 12  connected to the printer in a first position in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  shows a rear perspective view of the wall bracket of  FIG. 12  connected to printer in a second position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  shows a close-up view of the interior connections between the bracket and the printer in the first position shown in  FIG. 13 ; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  shows a close-up view of the interior connections between the bracket and the printer in the second position shown in  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0043]    The ensuing detailed description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an embodiment of the invention. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0044]    The present invention relates to a tilting touch screen for a printer and a printer having such a tilting touch screen. The present invention is applicable for use as a label printer for printing “freshness labels” for food product preparation and inventory storage. 
         [0045]    As shown generally in  FIG. 1 , the printer  10  may be provided with a touch screen  12 . The touch screen  12  may be angled at an advantageous viewing angle for a typical table or wall mount installation. The printer may also be provided with adjustable feet or legs for adjusting the viewing angle when installed on a shelf or desk (e.g., screw type feet, fold out legs, or the like). 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the touch screen  12  may comprise an LCD area  16  with a touch screen overlay  18 . A partially translucent overlay  20  may be disposed between the LCD area  16  and the touch screen overlay  18 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , touch screen overlay  18  may extend outside of the LCD area  16  so that permanent “fixed” buttons  22  may be provided for controlling main printer functions (on/off, label feed, setup, stop print, display statistics report, home button, and the like) underneath the touch screen overlay but outside of the LCD area (e.g., within the partially translucent layer). The partially translucent overlay  20  is transparent over the LCD area  16 , translucent at the fixed buttons  22 , and opaque everywhere else. 
         [0047]    The fixed buttons  22  may be conditionally lit from behind by a controlled illumination device  24  (e.g., one or more LEDs or the like), which activates to indicate a certain state or feature of the button  22 . A bezel  26  may surround the touch screen overlay  18 . 
         [0048]    The touch screen  12  may be provided with a configurable layout of buttons in the LCD area  16  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). Each touch screen layout may be created in a standard drawing or graphics program such as Visio and saved, for example as a standard Visio file. Through the “properties” feature of the drawing program, each graphic (button or other screen element) is assigned a class (e.g., “button”) with a related function call, so that when the button is pressed on the touch screen  12 , an action is defined (i.e., bring up a further screen identified by the button, increment an amount, print preview, change settings/configuration, edit/add items, and the like). Attributes of the buttons and other screen elements, such as color, size, font of text, shape, and the like are also assigned via the drawing program. 
         [0049]    Once created, each screen layout is saved in a standard file (e.g., Visio) and downloaded to an SD micro card, which can then be inserted into a corresponding card reader on the printer or LCD controller. Firmware in the printer contains a lookup table which relates the function calls to the desired actions for each button and processes the corresponding screen changes. The following are representative of function calls and corresponding functions or actions that may be provided. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 {“ScrollUpMain”, ScrollUpMain,}, 
                 → Advance display one 
               
               
                   
                 screen 
               
               
                 {“ScrollDownMain”, ScrollDownMain,}, 
                 → Go back one screen 
               
               
                 {“DialogExit”, DialogExit,}, 
                 → Exit current dialog/screen 
               
               
                 {“ChangeCategory”, ChangeCategory,}, 
                 → Change categorey 
               
               
                 {“BrightnessUp”, BrightnessUp,}, 
                 → Increase screen brightness 
               
               
                 {“BrightnessDown”, BrightnessDown,}, 
                 → Decrease screen brightness 
               
               
                 {“CalibrateDialog”, LCDCalibrate,}, 
                 → Calibrate touch screen 
               
               
                 {“SelfTestDialog”, SelfTestDialog,}, 
                 → Do a self test 
               
               
                 {“SetLanguage”, SetLanguage,}, 
                 → Change language 
               
               
                 {“GoHome”, GoHome,}, 
                 → Go to home screen 
               
               
                 {“CharEntry”, CharEntry,}, 
                 → Enter character into 
               
               
                   
                 memory 
               
               
                 {“SetText”, SetText,}, 
                 → Set text of screen element 
               
               
                 {“ReDraw”, ReDraw,}, 
                 → redraw the screen 
               
               
                 {“SetFieldLen”, SetFieldLen,}, 
                 → Limit field/element length 
               
               
                 {“IncVal”, IncVal,}, 
                 → Increment value of 
               
               
                   
                 memory element 
               
               
                 {“SetUpperLimit”, SetUpperLimit,}, 
                 → Limit hi value of 
               
               
                   
                 memory/screen element 
               
               
                 {“SetLowerLimit”, SetLowerLimit,}, 
                 → Limit lo value of 
               
               
                   
                 memory/screen element 
               
               
                 {“SetList”, SetList,}, 
                 → Set possible text values 
               
               
                 {“Print”, Print,}, 
                 → Display print dialog/screen 
               
               
                 {“SetData”, SetData,}, 
                 → Set memory element 
               
               
                 {“InitPreview”, InitPreview,}, 
                 → Init/draw print preview 
               
               
                 {“GoToPage”, GoToPage,}, 
                 → Go to page n of total 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0050]    {NULL, NULL,}//end of table marker→End of table marker 
         [0000]    In addition to invoking functions, parameters can be defined in Visio and passed to the corresponding function calls/invocations. 
         [0051]    Thus, the screen layout is easily customizable by using a standard drawing program to manipulate each screen layout, and downloading the modified file to the printer. Once the screen layout file is downloaded to the printer, certain features of the screen may be further configurable via the touch screen itself, including button size, font selection, font size, and the like. 
         [0052]    In addition, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a print preview  30  of the label to be printed may be provided in the LCD area  16  of the touch screen  12  alongside a touch screen keypad  32 , providing the opportunity to view the label to be printed and input or modify information on the label to be printed (e.g., number of labels to be printed, expiration dates, or notes such as “Use First” or the like). Although  FIG. 4  shows a numeric keypad  32 , it should be appreciated that the touch screen can also be configured to show an alphabet keypad or an alphanumeric keypad. 
         [0053]    The touch screen  12  may be adapted to be pivoted or tilted back to provide direct access to the inside of the printer, facilitating paper loading. In other words, the touch screen  12  comprises a cover for the printer housing  40 , and opening of this cover gives access to the printer mechanism(s) and corresponding paper bucket(s). 
         [0054]    An example of a first embodiment of a label printer  10  with a tilting touch screen  12  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Although the Figures show a printer with two print mechanisms  34  and correspondingly separate paper rolls  36 , it should be appreciated that the features of the present invention can easily be implemented in a printer  10  having a single print mechanism. In addition, it should be appreciated that the paper source could be in the form of fan-folded tickets, rather than a paper roll or rolls. 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  shows the printer  10  with the touch screen  12  tilted into the open position. In this embodiment, the print mechanisms  34  are contained in the touch screen housing (upper case)  39  and tilt up with the touch screen  12 . The platens  38  remain in the printer housing (lower case)  40 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of the electronic architecture of the printer  10  shown in  FIG. 5 . As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the touch screen overlay  18  is mounted on the LCD display  16 , and both the LCD display  16  and touch screen overlay  18  are in communication with the controller  42  (which may be, for example, a PCB mounted directly to the LCD Display  16 ). It is noted that  FIG. 6  does not include the partially translucent overlay  20  of  FIG. 3 , as the partially translucent overlay  20  is not part of the electronic architecture of the printer  10 . 
         [0057]    The print heads, stepper motors, and top of form sensors for the corresponding print mechanisms  34  are also in communication with the controller  42 . Each of the touch screen overlay  18 , LCD Display  16 , controller  42 , and print mechanisms  34  are located in the touch screen housing  39 . 
         [0058]    The SD micro card reader may be located on or in the controller board  42  (or otherwise connected thereto). 
         [0059]    The printer housing  40  contains the paper buckets  44  and platens  38  connected to the touch screen housing  39  and the corresponding components located therein via mechanical interfaces  50 . The mechanical interfaces  50  may include guiding surfaces to orient the printheads into proper alignment with the printing platens. A spur gear transmission may be used to move power from the stepper motors to the platens. 
         [0060]    The printer housing  40  may also contain a power supply  46 , and communication connectors  48  (such as USB ports, Ethernet ports, memory card readers, and the like), each of which is connected to the controller  42 . 
         [0061]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , all active electronics are located on the main controller  42 , which is mounted on the rear of the display module. The print heads, stepper motors, and sensors reside in the upper housing  39 , while the printer housing  40  contains only passive mechanical components, such as the paper buckets  44  and platens  38 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the print heads are easily accessible for cleaning when the upper housing  39  is tilted open. 
         [0062]    An example of a second embodiment of a label printer  10  with a tilting touch screen  12  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Unlike the example embodiment described above in connection with  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in the example embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the print mechanisms  34  do not tilt with the touch screen  12  and instead remain in the printer housing  40 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 8  shows a block diagram of the electronic architecture of the printer  10  shown in  FIG. 7 . As in the  FIG. 6  embodiment, the touch screen overlay  18  is mounted on the LCD display  16 , and both the LCD display  16  and touch screen overlay  18  are in communication with the controller  42  (which may be, for example, a PCB mounted directly to the LCD Display  16 ). It is noted that  FIG. 8  does not include the partially translucent overlay  20  of  FIG. 3 , as the partially translucent overlay  20  is not part of the electronic architecture of the printer  10 . 
         [0064]    However, unlike the  FIG. 6  embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8  the print mechanisms  34  (including platen  38 ) are located in the printer housing  40  with the paper buckets  44 . A driver card  54  associated with the print mechanisms  34  may be provided which is in communication with the controller  42  via detachable flexible flat cables (FFC cables)  52 . 
         [0065]    In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the main controller  42  is mounted on the rear of the display module and includes logic outputs for driving the printer. 
         [0066]    The print mechanisms  34  may be removable clamshell type print mechanisms mounted in the printer housing  40 . Only logic signals and raw power are sent over the FFC cables  52  from the controller  42  to the driver cards  54  to drive the print mechanisms  34 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of the example embodiment of printer  10  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , the screen  12  when tilted does not extend beyond the back of the printer housing  40 , so that there is no interference with a mounting surface when wall mounted. Thus, the present invention enables flush mounting of the printer  10  against a wall, while still enabling full opening of the tilting screen  12  for direct access to the print mechanisms  34  and paper buckets  44  for service or paper loading, without requiring the removal of any additional covers. 
         [0068]      FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of the printer with the touch screen  12  tilted into the open position. The touch screen housing  39  may be pivotally connected to the printer housing  40  by various means. As shown for example in  FIG. 10A , the means may comprise pivot arms  41  fixed to the housing  39 . For example, an upper portion  37  of the pivot arm  41  may be secured to the inside of the housing  39  (i.e., via screws or bolts) on opposite sides of the housing. The pivot arm  41  may be pivotally secured to the printer housing  40  at a central pivot point  43  (e.g., via a pin, bolt, a recess and corresponding protrusion on the housing side panel  76  and arm  41 , or the like). A free end  45  of each arm  41  is resilient and has a protrusion adapted to springingly engage with or snap into corresponding recesses or pockets  47 ,  49  provided in each side panel  76  of the printer housing  40 . When the touch screen  12  is tilted open as shown in  FIG. 10A , the free end  45  of the arm  41  snaps into the lower recess  47 . When the touch screen is tilted down into the closed position, the free end  45  of the arm  41  snaps into the upper recess  49 . 
         [0069]    Other conceivable means for enabling tilting of the touch screen  12  are conceivable and within the purview of the present invention. For example, the weight of the touch screen  12  may be supported by a torsion spring which will ease opening. As shown in  FIG. 10B , the means may comprise a friction clutch assembly  35 , which serves to dampen the movement of the touch screen  12  (not shown in  FIG. 10B ) during opening and closing.  FIGS. 10C and 10D  show an example embodiment where the means comprises counterbalancing friction hinges  31  which include a clutch assembly  35  having a torsion spring  33 . Two oppositely disposed counterbalancing friction hinges  31  may be provided on either side of the touch screen housing  39  and fixed to the housing side panels  76  of the printer housing  40 . 
         [0070]    A more positive latching mechanism may be used to ensure a positive feel when pushing the touch screen housing  39  into the closed position. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the latching mechanism may comprise a magnet  51  and a corresponding metal striker plate  53 .  FIG. 11  shows the magnet  51  arranged on a side of the inside of the touch screen housing  39  and a corresponding striker plate  53  on the housing side panel  76 . A similar arrangement may be provided on both sides of the printer housing  40 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that a single magnet and striker plate arrangement may be used or that the location may be changed. Further, it should be appreciated that the magnet  51  may be arranged on the housing side panel  76  and the striker plate  53  may be arranged on the touch screen housing  39 . 
         [0071]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the power cord receptacle  90  and on-off switch  92  may be mounted to the printer housing  40 . A USB A port  94 , USB B port  96 , and Ethernet connection  98  may also be positioned in the printer housing  40  and connected to the controller board  42 . Additional ports (USB A and B, mini-USB and the like) may also be provided. Alternatively, these ports (e.g., USB A port  94 , Ethernet port  98 , and others) may be mounted directly to the controller board  42  through the touch screen housing  39 . For example,  FIG. 13  shows a slideable cover  95  in the touch screen housing  39  covering the various ports. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 12-16  show an example embodiment of a bracket  60  for mounting the printer  10  to a wall surface.  FIG. 12  shows the bracket  60  unconnected to the printer housing  40 . The mounting bracket  60  is flat and designed for flush mounting of the printer  10  to a wall surface. The bracket  60  also enables the printer  10  to be mounted in two different positions on the bracket  60  so that the viewing angle of the touch screen  12  can be adjusted, as discussed in detail below. The bracket  60  is provided with through holes  61  for mounting screws for mounting the bracket to the wall. 
         [0073]    An arm  64  extends from each side of the bracket  60 . The arms  64  may be provided with two slots  68  and  69  each. The arms  64  extend though slots  70  in the rear of the printer housing  40 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 13  shows the printer  10  in a “full back” position where the printer  10  is positioned in slots  68  of arms  64  of the bracket  60 .  FIG. 14  shows the printer in a “full forward” position where the printer  10  is positioned in slots  69  of arms  64  of the bracket  60 . This full forward position may position the printer at an angle with respect to the full back position, for example of approximately 30 degrees. It should be appreciated that additional positions and/or viewing angles may be provided by providing additional slots in arms  64  and/or by changing the length of the arms of the positions of the slots. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show the arms  64  extending through slots  70  into the interior of the printer  10  in the full back position and full forward position, respectively. As can be seen from  FIG. 15 , in the full back position, the printer  10  sits in slots  68  of arms  64 . As can be seen from  FIG. 16 , in the full forward position, the printer  10  sits in slots  69  of arms  64 . Thus, the printer can easily be installed on the bracket by aligning the slots  70  in the housing with the arms  64 , moving the printer towards the bracket  60  until the rear of the printer housing  40  is in alignment with the desired slots  68  or  69 , and lowering the printer  10  into the desired slots  68  or  69 . Removal of the printer  10  from the bracket  60  for servicing or re-positioning is the reverse process and entails simply lifting the printer  10  out of the slots and pulling the printer  10  away from the bracket  60  until the arms  64  of the bracket are free of the printer housing  40 . 
         [0076]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various styles of brackets and arms may be used to mount the printer to the wall, including brackets with various positioning and adjustment options, brackets which enable pivoting of the printer with respect to the wall (in defined increments or at any position within an angel range), and the like. 
         [0077]    Although the present invention has been described in connection with a label printer for printing freshness labels, the present invention is also easily adapted for use in other environments, including but not limited to as a label printer for a deli counter of a grocery store, as a label printer for a grill or beverage area of a fast-food restaurant, as a point-of-sale receipt printer, a barcode printer for inventory control and tracking, or the like. The printer can also be coupled with a scale through a USB interface. The system could then be used for weighing and labeling any kind of bulk goods. 
         [0078]    It should now be appreciated that the present invention provides a food preparation printer with advantageous features, including but not limited to a small footprint, an easily configurable touch screen, easy serviceability, simplified paper loading, flush mounting, adjustable touch screen viewing angles, and more. 
         [0079]    Although the invention has been described in connection with various illustrated embodiments, numerous modifications and adaptations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6