Abstract: A printing method comprising a printhead and rollers for printing. A page of a print job is printed which causes depressions in the non-printed side of the print medium. The print medium is heated to reduce the depressions before printing the non-printed side.

Abstract: A printer comprises a print head, a discharge port, a display portion, and a processor. The processor displays a head marker indicating a position of the print head and a discharge port marker indicating a position of the discharge port on the display portion in correspondence to a positional relationship of the print head and the discharge port. The processor also displays, in real-time on the display portion, an image of the print medium on which the print image has been printed, in accordance with the printing by the print head, such that the image is initially displayed in a state in which a start edge of the image is aligned with the head marker when the printing by the print head starts, and a position of the initially displayed image is moved toward the discharge port marker in accordance with progress of the printing by the print head.

Abstract: A first printhead that prints on one side of the paper, a second printhead that prints on the other side of the paper, and a cutter are disposed to the paper conveyance path with a specific gap therebetween approaching the paper exit for the paper, and a conveyance unit that conveys the paper through the conveyance path in a device that prints duplex receipts. Based on reception of a transaction end statement, the printer prints part of the transaction information by the first printhead; prints the remaining part of the transaction information by the second printhead; prints store information, the length of which fits between the cutter and the first printhead, by the first printhead after printing the transaction information; and then cuts the paper by the cutter at a position between the area where the transaction information was printed and the area where the store information was printed.

Abstract: A printing system having a printer comprising two printheads, sensors for determining a position of a rolled receiver media in the printer, and rollers for starting a multi-page print job using either one of the printheads based on the position of the rolled receiver media in the printer. A second page of the print job is printed before a first page of the print job in response to the position of the rolled receiver media in the printer.

Abstract: A printer includes a thermal head including a line head in which heating elements are arranged in a straight line, a feed device being configured to feed a printing medium in a vertical scanning direction, and a control device being configured to control the feed device and the thermal head, the printer performing printing by forming a print dot by heating on the printing medium. Each iteration of the pulse application cycle is a time period from a main heating starting time to a next main heating starting time. The control device, in a case where the main heating is not performed on a second heating element adjacent in a main scanning direction to a first heating element, is configured to perform printing by using a first mode, in which applying of a first sub-pulse to the second heating element is performed starting from the main heating starting time.

Abstract: A method of creating images in stone substrate such as granite monuments using digital laser etching into a painted area. Alternatively, two layers of color contrasting coatings may be applied and the laser etching penetrates into the innermost layer to produce a contrast with the top coat. Pigmented material of a chemical content which is related to the mineral content of the substrate. Various enhancement techniques are also described.

Abstract: An ink sheet damage calculating unit compares image element density data of each of areas into which an image is divided by an image area dividing unit with a first threshold to calculate the total number of pixels each having density data equal to or larger than the first threshold for each area, and then compares the total number of pixels calculated for each area with a second threshold. A printing operation selecting unit uses a remaining area of an already-used ink area for formation of a next print image when the total number of pixels is smaller than the second threshold in every one of all the areas, and uses an ink area in a new unit area for formation of a next print image when the total number of pixels is equal to or larger than the second threshold.

Abstract: A method of marking a laboratory slide (3) includes providing a tape (9) having dye (10) between a thermal print head (4) and a marking surface (2) of a laboratory slide (3). The dye (10) is on the side of the tape (9) facing the marking surface (2) and the tape (9) is pinched between the thermal print head (4) and the marking surface (2). The thermal print head (4) is heated and applied to the tape (9) so that dye (10) from the tape (9) is vaporised by the thermal print head (4) and the vaporised dye ingresses into the marking surface (2) to mark the marking surface. In a modification, an inkjet printer prints a dye mark on the tape and a heated pad is pressed against the tape to apply the dye mark to the marking surface.

Abstract: A method for printing on both sides of a roll sheet including superimposing and pressing a thermal transfer sheet and the roll sheet between a platen roller and a thermal head so that the bottom surface of the thermal transfer sheet touches the top surface of the roll sheet and the bottom surface of the roll sheet touches the platen roller, and printing an image on the top surface of the roll sheet while conveying the sheets; and superimposing and pressing a thermal transfer sheet and the roll sheet between a platen roller and a thermal head so that the top surface of the thermal transfer sheet touches the bottom surface of the roll sheet and the top surface of the roll sheet touches the platen roller, and printing an image on the bottom surface of the roll sheet while conveying the sheets.

Abstract: In order to mark a laboratory sample cassette (2), dye marks (40, 41) are printed by an inkjet printer head (7) onto a tape (11). Rollers (17) move the tape (11) from a first location (13) adjacent to the printer head (7) to a cassette receiving location (15). A cassette clamp marker (8) at the cassette receiving location (15) has a shaped member (10) arranged to fold the tape (11) when a laboratory sample cassette (2) is in the cassette receiving location (15) so that part of the tape (11) covers a marking surface (6) of the cassette (2) and another part of the tape (11) covers a side surface (4) of the cassette (2). The shaped member (10) also has heating pads (26, 29) and when an actuator (32) applies the shaped member (10) to the tape (11) in the cassette receiving location (15), the heating pads (26, 29) are heated so that dye of the dye marks (40, 41) on the tape (11) ingresses into the marking surface (6) and the side surface (4) of the cassette (2) to mark these surfaces.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a printer. The printer comprises a feeder, a driving device, a printing head, a power feed device configured to supply electric power, a battery accommodating part configured to selectively accommodate either one of a primary battery and a secondary battery, a voltage detecting device, an exhaustion determining part configured to determine whether or not a print load voltage has reached a threshold value for exhaustion determination, a notification part configured to perform predetermined notification processing, a first setting part configured to set the threshold value to a first threshold value, a second setting part configured to store a threshold value for constant load voltage determination, a constant load voltage determining part configured to determine whether or not the constant load voltage has reached the threshold value, and a threshold value changing part configured to change the first threshold value to a second threshold value.

Abstract: A label printer, comprising: input means operable by a user; display means; and control means connected to the input means and the display means. The control means are configured to control the display means to first display a header and a first image representative of a label; and, in response to receiving at the control means a signal indicative of an operation of the input means by a user to select the header, to control the display to then display a second image representative of the label and a graphical control panel associated with said header. The second image representative of the label is of a size smaller than the first image representative of the label. The display means may comprise a touchscreen.

Abstract: A printing method comprising a printhead and rollers for printing. A page of a print job is printed which causes depressions in the non-printed side of the print medium. The print medium is heated to reduce the depressions before printing the non-printed side.

Abstract: A printing unit for a weighing device, which has a housing and a load plate, includes an interior configured to hold a print medium. A front panel has a printer opening communicating with the interior for passage of the print medium therethrough. A top cover is disposed above the front panel and extends in an opening direction from the housing of the weighing device, past an edge of the load plate of the weighing device and to the front panel. A side edge cover is disposed at each side of the top cover. The top cover, front panel and side edge covers are shaped so as to direct a liquid from the load plate toward at least one of a bottom region and a drain of the printing unit without entering into the interior.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an ink ribbon on which a plurality of color inks are arranged frame-sequentially, a printing unit configured to be able to print by a predetermined length by transferring the plurality of color inks onto roll paper by one cycle of the ink ribbon, and a print control unit configured to control the printing apparatus to successively print two calendar sheets in case that the printing apparatus is instructed to print a calendar sheet having a length larger than the predetermined length. The calendar sheet includes an image area corresponding to the predetermined length and a date area having a length not larger than substantially 0.5 times of the predetermined length. The print control unit controls the printing apparatus to rotate, through 180°, one of the two calendar sheets to be successively printed, and print.

Abstract: Linerless labels are presented. A label includes a specific pattern or set of patterns of adhesive applied to one side of the label. The adhesive pattern(s) reduces contact between a cutter blade of a printer and the adhesive on the one side of the label. Moreover, the adhesive patterns reduce buildup of adhesive on the cutter blade and reduce buildup at specific locations on the cutter blade. That is, the adhesive patterns more evenly distribute adhesive buildup across the cutter blade. Consequently, the cutter blade can be used for a longer period of time before the cutter blade needs to be cleaned of the adhesive.

Abstract: An image erasing apparatus includes: a paper feeding tray configured to feed a recording medium; a sensor group including a double-feed detection sensor configured to detect double feed of the recording medium and a media sensor configured to detect the thickness of the recording medium; a recording-medium collecting device, a collection box, or a discharge box configured to collect the recording medium; and a recording-medium conveying device connecting the paper feeding tray, the sensor group, and the recording-medium collecting device, the collection box, or the discharge box on a straight line.

Abstract: Fanfold and/or perforated media comprising a substrate including one or more friable coatings and an overcoat covering at least a portion of the one or more friable coatings proximate to one or more associated fanfolds and/or perforations is provided, wherein the overcoat mitigates spallation of the one or more friable coatings. Methods and apparatus for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for achieving registering of side 1 and side 2 images includes sensing marks on both sides of a web with a single IOWA sensor and relying on light transmission through paper to sense side 1 marks. Side 1, the side not facing the IOWA sensor utilizes increased contrast (black toner), mark width, and repeats in order to make effective image “show through.” The image of the marks on both sides of the sheet is compared with respect to each other and adjustments to some combination of position, timing, and image magnification are made as required.

Abstract: A printer comprises a print head, a discharge port, a display portion, and a processor. The processor displays a head marker indicating a position of the print head and a discharge port marker indicating a position of the discharge port on the display portion in correspondence to a positional relationship of the print head and the discharge port. The processor also displays, in real-time on the display portion, an image of the print medium on which the print image has been printed, in accordance with the printing by the print head, such that the image is initially displayed in a state in which a start edge of the image is aligned with the head marker when the printing by the print head starts, and a position of the initially displayed image is moved toward the discharge port marker in accordance with progress of the printing by the print head.

Abstract: A paper detecting device includes a paper detecting element, and a guide element having a path along which the paper detecting element is moved. At least one of the paper detecting element and the guide element includes an engaging element configured to be movable between an engaging position, at which the paper detecting element is fixed on the path, and a release position, at which the paper detecting element is released from the fixation. A click generator configured to click when the paper detecting element is moved on the path and reaches the correct position to stop.

Abstract: A method for controlling a printing speed of a thermal head having a plurality of heater elements arranged in a line includes: dividing a set of printing data into blocks each comprising one or more printing lines aligned in a main scanning direction, in which the dividing is in a sub scanning direction, and in which a block including a first predetermined number of printing lines is regarded as a unit block; calculating the number of the heater elements to be driven for each of printing lines included in a block as the number of on-dots, and comparing the numbers of on-dots for the block to obtain a maximum number of on-dots for the block; and setting a printing speed for one block to be slower than a printing speed for another block with smaller maximum number of on-dots than maximum number of on-dots for the one block.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a type of media installed in a two- or dual-sided thermal printer is provided. In one embodiment, one or more functions of the dual-sided thermal printer may be enabled or disabled depending on the identified media type.

Abstract: One or more arrays of heating elements are configured with insulating regions to prevent the dissipation of heat to unintended regions of a thermochromic substrate. Methods include printing and arranging impressions on a two-sided substrate avoiding bleeding and other problems more-commonly associated with traditional two-sided thermal printing techniques. A simple and reliable thermal printing system is provided for use in ballot marking, including several mechanisms for receiving and detecting the orientation of a substrate within a thermal printing apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid dispensing channel includes an outlet that exits onto the downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid source provides a carrier liquid that flows continuously through the carrier liquid dispensing channel, through the outlet of the carrier liquid dispensing channel, and down the downwardly inclined slide surface. A functional liquid supply channel includes an outlet that exits onto the downwardly inclined slide surface. A functional liquid source provides a functional liquid to the outlet of the functional liquid supply channel. A drop formation device, associated with an interface of the outlet of the functional liquid supply channel and the downwardly inclined slide surface, is selectively actuated to form a discrete drop of the functional liquid in the carrier liquid flowing down the downwardly inclined slide surface. The functional liquid is immiscible in the carrier liquid.

Abstract: A system for creating marked can tabs may include an isolation mechanism located in the path of the tab material strip between a tab material dereeler and a tab forming press and a system suitable for marking the tab material strip. The isolation mechanism may be configured to convert discontinuous motion of the tab material strip proximate the tab forming press into continuous motion of the tab material strip at the dereeler. The system may be suitable for marking the tab material strip. The marking system may be located between the dereeler and the isolation mechanism such that the laser system acts on the tab material strip while it is moving at a relatively constant speed.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a handheld printer comprising a battery power supply, a platen roller configured to feed the print-receiving paper, a thermal line head configured to perform desired printing on the print-receiving paper fed by the platen roller, a device main body comprising a battery storage chamber configured to store the battery power supply, and a battery chamber cover detachably configured to be mounted on the battery storage chamber.

Abstract: One or more arrays of heating elements are configured with insulating regions to prevent the dissipation of heat to unintended regions of a thermochromic substrate. Methods include printing and arranging impressions on a two-sided substrate avoiding bleeding and other problems more-commonly associated with traditional two-sided thermal printing techniques. A simple and reliable thermal printing system is provided for use in ballot marking, including several mechanisms for receiving and detecting the orientation of a substrate within a thermal printing apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system includes a downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid dispensing channel includes an outlet that exits onto the downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid flows continuously through the carrier liquid dispensing channel, the outlet of the carrier liquid dispensing channel, and down the slide surface. A liquid dispenser array structure includes functional liquid dispensers located on a substrate that is common to the functional liquid dispensers. The functional liquid dispensers include a functional liquid supply channel. A functional liquid source provides a functional liquid to the functional liquid dispensers through the functional liquid supply channel. A drop formation device, associated with an interface of the functional liquid supply channel and the downwardly inclined slide surface, is selectively actuated to form discrete functional liquid drops in the carrier liquid flowing down the slide surface. The functional liquid is immiscible in the carrier liquid.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus and a fabricating method of organic light emitting diodes using the same, which laminate an acceptor substrate and a donor film using a magnetic force in vacuum, and are used to form a pixel array on the acceptor substrate. A substrate stage includes a magnet or magnetic substance. The acceptor substrate has a pixel region for forming first, second, and third sub-pixels, and the donor film has an organic light emission layer to be transferred to the pixel region. A laser oscillator irradiates a laser to the donor film. A contact frame is adapted to be disposed between the substrate stage and the laser oscillator, and is used to form a magnetic force with the substrate stage. The contact frame includes an opening through which the laser passes. A contact frame feed mechanism moves the contact frame in a direction of the substrate stage.

Abstract: A receipt issuing apparatus includes a conveying unit conveys a receipt paper which consists of a strip-shaped thermal recording paper and on which pieces of promotion-related information are pre-printed at predetermined positions which are arranged at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the receipt paper, a thermal printing unit prints the detail data of a commodity transaction on the receipt paper conveyed by the conveying unit by thermal printing, a mask printing control unit overprints a mask data for hiding the information over the information printed on the receipt paper by the thermal printing unit and an issuing control unit issues a receipt by cutting off the receipt paper on which mask data is printed by the mask printing control unit at a position more upstream than the printing position of the mask data in the conveying direction of the conveying unit.

Abstract: A method of marking an object for identification purposes uses a local heating source, preferably a solid-state or fiber laser, to form a multi-symbol encoded encrypted monochrome or polychrome message with identification parameters of the object by impacting its surface. The message is created by modifying optical properties and structural configuration of the surface to create contrast microscopic imprints comprising cluster nanostructures of elements of the material of the surface. Encoding the message is based on a primary code array of correspondence of each of the message symbols to a multibit combination of 0 and 1 respectively representing absence and presence of the heating source impact imprint. Encrypting is effected by creating particular code arrays based on the primary one by means of random perturbation of its components. The invention makes it practically impossible to counterfeit the objects, replace them, or make a subject of others illegal actions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a computer implemented method of printing data is provided, the method comprising identifying whether a single- or a double-sided printer is operatively connected to the computer, identifying whether single- or double sided media is installed in the printer, and selecting a mode of operation for the printer based on whether it is identified as a single- or a double-sided printer and whether single- or double-sided media is identified as being installed therein. Variations are provided.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for generating render information of an image includes a storage for storing shape information of strokes forming the image; an information acquiring unit for acquiring the shape information of strokes from the storage; a thickness acquiring unit for acquiring thickness information of the image; a stroke generator for generating a number of parallel strokes that are each parallel to an original stroke, and to specify intervals between the parallel strokes, wherein the number and the intervals correspond to the thickness information; a length adjusting unit for adjusting a length of a first parallel stroke parallel to a first original stroke and/or a length of a second parallel stroke parallel to a second original stroke that is connected to the first original stroke; and a render information generator for registering, in the render information, the shape information of the parallel stroke whose length has been adjusted.

Abstract: A method for printing an image to convey information to both a sighted person and a visually-impaired person. An image including image content is printed on a receiver medium using one or more visible colorants, the printed image being viewable by the sighted person. A vocabulary of different tactile patterns is defined, each tactile pattern having a defined meaning. Tactile patterns are selected from the predefined vocabulary and are provided on the surface of the printed image such that when a visually-impaired person touches the tactile pattern at a particular location, the tactile pattern conveys information about the corresponding image content at the particular location to the visually-impaired person.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting apparatus for a document (10, 70, 90), in particular a credit title, an insurance document, a permit or a transport document (10, 70, 90), comprises a means for printing (25) on said document (10, 70, 90) at least one printed data field in visible characters (12, 14, 17, 19, 72, 92), means for reading (30, 30?) the data of said printed data field (12, 14, 17, 19, 72, 92) and means for generating a cutting signal (45) responsive to said reading step (30, 30?) of the data of the printed data field (12, 14, 17, 19, 72, 92). Furthermore, it comprises a cutting means of the document (10, 70, 90) in a predetermined zone thereof on the basis of said cutting signal (45). In particular, the cutting means is configured to make on the document, near the printed data field (12, 14, 17, 19, 72, 92), a cut data field (12a, 14a, 17a, 19a, 72a, 92a) in an inerasable and visible way.

Abstract: A label manufacturing apparatus has a thermal head with heating elements for heating at least a part of a heat sensitive adhesive sheet to place it into an adhesive state when the heat sensitive sheet is transported through a preselected position of the label manufacturing apparatus in which the heat sensitive sheet contacts the heating elements of the thermal head. A control device selectively operates the heating elements of the thermal head in synchronization with timing of transporting of the heat sensitive adhesive sheet through the preselected position to thereby heat the part of the heat sensitive adhesive sheet and place into the adhesive state, and stops operation of the heating elements so that a trailing end portion of the heat sensitive sheet is not heated and is not placed into an adhesive state when the trailing end portion reaches the preselected position.

Abstract: A label manufacturing apparatus includes a thermal head and a device for transporting a heat sensitive adhesive sheet. The control device operates the head in synchronization with timing of transporting of the sheet to activate the adhesive, determines if heating based on a last row of a heating pattern is completed before a trailing end of the sheet reaches a set position contacting the head, controls driving of the transporting device so that when it is determined that the heating based on the heating pattern last row is completed, the sheet is transported until the trailing end passes through the set position, and controls driving of the head so that when it is determined that the heating based on the last row of the heating pattern is completed, the heating based on the last row of the heating pattern is repeated until the trailing end passes through the set position.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing an image on a thermal medium includes a stroke group generating unit configured to group continuous strokes forming the image of a desired character to be drawn to generate one or more stroke groups of the continuous strokes, a first overlapped part removing unit configured to detect a first overlapped part between a first combination of the strokes associated with the same stroke group to remove the first overlapped part in an arranged order of the strokes within the same stroke group, and a second overlapped part removing unit configured to detect a second overlapped part between a second combination of the strokes associated with plural of the stroke groups to remove the second overlapped part from the stroke groups.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus and a fabricating method of organic light emitting diodes using the same, which laminate an acceptor substrate and a donor film using a magnetic force in vacuum, and are used to form a pixel array on the acceptor substrate. A substrate stage includes a magnet or magnetic substance. The acceptor substrate has a pixel region for forming first, second, and third sub-pixels, and the donor film has an organic light emission layer to be transferred to the pixel region. A laser oscillator irradiates a laser to the donor film. A contact frame is adapted to be disposed between the substrate stage and the laser oscillator, and is used to form a magnetic force with the substrate stage. The contact frame includes an opening through which the laser passes. A contact frame feed mechanism moves the contact frame in a direction of the substrate stage.

Abstract: An adhesive label includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive agent layer formed on one surface of a support. A non-adhesive heat-reactive layer is positioned above the adhesive agent layer and in which openings are formed by heating at a predetermined temperature or higher. An intermediate layer is positioned between the heat-reactive layer and the adhesive agent layer. The intermediate layer and the heat-reactive layer are each formed thinner than the adhesive agent layer. The intermediate layer facilitates the formation of the openings in the heat-reactive layer with good heat energy efficiency and allows the intermediate layer or the adhesive agent layer to be exposed through the openings.

Abstract: Linerless labels are presented. A label includes a specific pattern or set of patterns of adhesive applied to one side of the label. The adhesive pattern(s) reduces contact between a cutter blade of a printer and the adhesive on the one side of the label. Moreover, the adhesive patterns reduce buildup of adhesive on the cutter blade and reduce buildup at specific locations on the cutter blade. That is, the adhesive patterns more evenly distribute adhesive buildup across the cutter blade. Consequently, the cutter blade can be used for a longer period of time before the cutter blade needs to be cleaned of the adhesive.

Abstract: Printers and methods of printer operation are disclosed for detecting print line loss. Embodiments include at least one stable frame element and a print head that is moveable with respect to the stable frame element; and at least two optical elements mounted on one or more of the stable frame element and the print head, the optical elements oriented with respect to one another so as to detect motion of the print head.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of recording image information and additional information added separately from the image information to a photographic printing medium is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes: image information acquisition means for acquiring the image information, additional information acquisition means for acquiring the additional information, and recording means for recording the image information acquired by the image information acquisition means and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition means to the photographic printing medium, wherein the recording means can record the additional information by applying a transparent material that absorbs light of a specific wavelength to the area that does not absorb the light on a recording surface of the photographic printing medium.

Abstract: A thermal print head detecting device comprises a power supply (1), a power supply switch (4), a power supply switch control circuit (5), a first detecting resistor (Ra), a second detecting resistor (Rb), a print head (2) to be detected and a print head control circuit (3); an output end of the power supply (1) is connected to a common joint (N) of respective heating elements of the print head through the power supply switch (4), the first detecting resistor (Ra) is connected in parallel with the power supply switch (4); an output end of the power supply switch control circuit (5) is connected to a control end of the power supply switch (4); the second detecting resistor (Rb) has one end connected to the common joint (N) of the heating element units, and the other end grounded; and the print head control circuit (3) controls strobing of each heating element unit of the print head.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an erasing apparatus includes a used sheet stacking tray, an image erasing unit, a stand-by tray, a stand-by tray driving unit, and an erased sheet stacking tray. The used sheet stacking tray stacks thereon a used sheet on which an image is formed using an erasable colorant of which a color is erased by a predetermined heating process. The image erasing unit performs the heating for the used sheet which is received one by one from the used sheet stacking tray and discharges an erased sheet from which the image formed on the used sheet is erased. The stand-by tray has a mechanism which can be driven in a predetermined direction and places thereon the erased sheet discharged by the image erasing unit. The stand-by tray driving unit drives the stand-by tray and enables the erased sheet to free-drop. The erased sheet stacking tray is disposed under the stand-by tray and stacks thereon the erased sheet which free-drops from the stand-by tray.

Abstract: An imaging system including an image receiving structure including a material layer having a tunable energy transfer characteristic; and an energy source to emit an energy beam at the material having the tunable energy transfer characteristic such that marking material is pattern-wise transferred to the image receiving structure. An imaging system includes an image receiving structure disposed to be in direct contact with marking material; and an energy source to emit a pattern-wise modulated energy beam at a region of the image receiving structure contacting the marking material to pattern-wise transfer marking material to the image receiving structure.

Abstract: A thermal printer, when operating under battery power, has an internal or battery ground. Static electricity is typically generated during normal operation of the printer. At least one static electricity discharge member is positioned in contact with a major surface of printing substrate at a location downstream from the location at which a thermal print head transfers ink from an ink transfer ribbon to the substrate. The at least one static electricity discharge member is electrically coupled to the internal ground so as to discharge static electricity build up that can otherwise damage electronic components of the printer.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing an image on a thermal medium includes an overlapped part removing unit configured to detect an overlapped part between strokes or stroke groups forming a character to be drawn to remove the detected overlapped part, a dissipation liability information attaching unit configured to attach dissipation liability information to one or more of the strokes or one or more of the stroke groups grouping continuous strokes, and a stroke excluding unit configured to exclude the strokes or the stroke groups to which the dissipation liability information is attached such that the overlapped part is not removed from the excluded strokes or the excluded stroke groups when the overlapped part removing unit removes the overlapped part between the strokes or the stroke groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sign maker for printing signs and labels on a continuous roll of media without the use of a personal computer, the sign maker comprising: a keyboard for receiving user input; a printer for printing characters on the media; a cutter for cutting the media to a calculated length; and a user selectable template containing a centering algorithm stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable program code embodied thereon, the computer executable program code configured to calculate a length of the media and center the printed characters on the media based upon the user input.