Abstract: There is provided by the present invention methods for preparing coating formulations and thermal transfer ribbons which provide images of high resolution by thermal transfer printing. The formulations contain an incompatible resin or wax component for reduced cohesiveness between the components of the thermal transfer layer. These methods employ thermoplastic resins and waxes with distinct solubility in the absence of solvent to reduce cohesion but are sufficiently compatible as to exhibit film forming properties. A method for modifying a coating formulation is also provided where an incompatible resin or wax components is added thereto.

Abstract: Continuous or endless loop printing ribbon cassettes and reinking devices therefor which will control the start of reinking transfer flow and the reinking transfer flow rate from the reinking device to the continuous or endless loop printing ribbon fabric substrate. One preferred embodiment of the reinking device in accordance with the present invention utilizes two cylindrical ink rolls positioned concentric to each other. The inner ink roll is saturated with an ink having a normal flow rate and acts as a reservoir. The outer ink roll is saturated with an ink having a higher viscosity or other materials which delay the start of reinking transfer flow when the continuous or endless printing ribbon cassette is new and controls the ink transfer flow rate during the useful life of the continuous or endless loop printing ribbon cassette. In a second preferred embodiment, the inner ink roll is replaced by an inner ink reservoir which controls the ink transfer flow rate to the porous outer ink roll.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon has a substrate and a coating which contains thermally active ingredients for transferring images onto a receiving medium upon the application of heat to said ribbon. The ingredients are predominately water based and are environmentally acceptable in the industry. The various ingredients provide a flexible coating structure and a good adhesive bond along with improved resistance to smear and smudging of the transferred images. The thermal transfer formulation comprises carnauba wax and paraffin wax emulsified in a mixture of 1-10% volatile solvent and about 90-99% water.

Abstract: A fluorescent security system for retail transactions which maximizes the printed character or image life of a combination visible/fluorescent inked printing ribbon while ensuring that the fluorescent security life of the combination visible/fluorescent inked printing ribbon will outlast the visible life for printed characters or images under normal lighting conditions. This fluorescent security system for transaction records consists of a fabric ribbon, a dual-roll foam reinker and an optical filter. The fabric ribbon is initially inked with fluorescent ink richer in visible color dye than a normal fluorescent ink to enhance the printed character or image life of the combination visible/fluorescent inked printing ribbon. A dual-roll foam reinker consisting of an inner roll and an outer roll positioned concentric to the inner roll is used to replenish ink depleted from the fabric ribbon during the printing process. The inner roll and the outer roll can have the same or different pore sizes.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon has a substrate and a coating which contains thermally active ingredients for transferring images onto a receiving medium upon the application of heat to said ribbon. The ingredients are predominately water based and are environmentally acceptable in the industry. The various ingredients provide a flexible coating structure and a good adhesive bond along with improved resistance to smear and smudging of the transferred images.