Abstract: In a transfer printing method using a transfer layer on a carrier layer, an image is printed over a transfer section of the transfer layer using a thermal print head and a print ribbon. At least one non-transfer portion of the transfer section is heated using the thermal print head without bonding the at least one non-transfer portion of the transfer section to the print ribbon. The at least one non-transfer portions of the transfer section are transferred from the carrier layer to an adhesive panel of the print ribbon using the thermal print head. Imaged transfer portions of the transfer section remain adhered to the carrier layer. The imaged transfer portions of the transfer section are then transferred from the carrier layer to a substrate using a transfer device.

Abstract: In a transfer printing method using a transfer layer on a carrier layer, an image is printed over a transfer section of the transfer layer using a thermal print head and a print ribbon. At least one non-transfer portion of the transfer section is heated using the thermal print head without bonding the at least one non-transfer portion of the transfer section to the print ribbon. The at least one non-transfer portions of the transfer section are transferred from the carrier layer to an adhesive panel of the print ribbon using the thermal print head. Imaged transfer portions of the transfer section remain adhered to the carrier layer. The imaged transfer portions of the transfer section are then transferred from the carrier layer to a substrate using a transfer device.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a supply spool, a take-up spool, a supply of ribbon, and a supply circuit. The cartridge housing includes a supply spool enclosure and a take-up spool enclosure. The supply spool is contained in the supply spool enclosure and the take-up spool is contained in the take-up spool enclosure. The supply of ribbon extends from the supply spool to the take-up spool. The supply circuit includes a memory containing supply information relating to the ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: A printer includes a substrate input, a substrate transport, a printhead, a removable ribbon cartridge, a ribbon cartridge receiver, and a substrate output. The substrate transport is configured to feed a substrate from the substrate input along a print path. The printhead is positioned below the print path and is configured to print an image on a surface of the substrate. The ribbon cartridge is received in the ribbon cartridge receiver and contains a supply of print ribbon that extends between supply and take-up spools and over the printhead. The substrate can then be discharged through the substrate output.

Abstract: A ribbon sensor includes a first and second emitter and a receiver. The first emitter is configured to transmit a yellow light signal and the second emitter is configured to transmit a blue light signal. The receiver is configured to produce an output signal in response to the transmission of the yellow and blue light signals through a panel of a print ribbon, wherein the output signal is indicative of a color of the panel. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to a printer that includes the above-described sensor and a method of using the sensor to identify colored ribbon panels.

Abstract: An identification card printer includes a card input, a card transport, a printhead, and a card output. The card transport is configured to feed a card from the card input along a print path. The printhead is positioned below the print path and is configured to print an image on a surface of the card. The card can then be discharged through the card output.