Abstract: An ink film cassette which is detachably attached to a thermal transfer recording device, the ink film cassette having a supply reel winding an ink film therearound, a take-up reel which rolls up the ink film fed out from the supply reel and a torque limiter which is provided between the supply reel and a frame of the body of the thermal transfer recording device so as to apply torque to the supply reel.

Abstract: A thermal transfer color printer for recording color images on recording paper by successively transferring inks of different colors from an ink ribbon onto the recording paper at a recording position. The printer includes a transport member adapted to transport the recording paper in forward and reverse directions and disposed downstream from the platen roller with respect to the direction of transport of the recording paper for thermal transfer.

Abstract: A thermal transfer color printer provided with a platen roller having elasticity and a surface displaying of low coefficient of friction relative to the recording medium and a transport mechanism which transports the recording medium by force greater than that of the platen roller, in one embodiment or pulls the recording medium from the downstream side of the transport direction while keeping the platen roller freely rotatable in another embodiment.

Abstract: A thermal printer changeable over between a thermal transfer printing mode and a thermosensible printing mode is disclosed. A printing mode is automatically selected by detecting the presence/absence of an ink ribbon. The level of energy applied to a thermal head is changed in accordance with the above selection.

Abstract: A thermal printer in which a thermal head block is moved into and out of pressure contact with a platen roller through a cam mechanism which is driven by a controlled DC motor. The DC motor alternately effects dynamic braking and negative-phase braking before the thermal head is pressed upon the platen roller.

Abstract: A thermal printer has a paper feeder including a platen roller, and a casing including a separating roller, the paper feeder being attached to the casing to be openable and closable. In this printer, when the paper feeder is opened, the separating roller is driven in response to the opening operation, to be set to a retracted position that is clear of the platen roller. When the paper feeder is closed, the separating roller is driven in response to the closing operation, to be set to an operative position out of contact with the platen roller with a predetermined spacing therebetween extending axially of the platen roller.

Abstract: A film roll mounting assembly for use in color printers or like machines comprises an attachment spool member detachably mounted on one end of a core sleeve on which a film roll is wound. The attachment spool member includes a flange and concentric recess for receiving the end of the core sleeve to compensate for dimensional inaccuracies in the length of the core sleeve and assure that the film roll is precisely positioned in the machine.