Abstract: A printing apparatus employs a nearly linear conveying path P2 for printing paper P from a position confronting the platen roller 6 and thermal head 7 for composing the printing unit 3 to the paper discharge unit 2. The capstan roller 4, pinch roller 5, and discharge rollers 10, 10 are disposed opposedly to the conveying path P2, and at an intermediate position of the conveying path P2 intersects the conveying path P1 from the paper supply unit 1 to the printing unit 3. A paper supply port is disposed at the bottom of the paper cassette forming the paper supply unit 1, so that the conveying path P1 from the paper supply port to the printing unit 3 is shortened, and accordingly the paper conveying path is shortened. The printer construction simplified and downsized, while the precision of positioning of the printing paper and positioning of the printing head is enhanced, so that the printing quality may be improved.

Abstract: A standard resistor having a known resistance value is connected to one transistor in a drive IC. The drive IC has a plurality of transistors each controlling the on/off of a heating element. The saturation voltage of each transistor is generally the same. One of a plurality of transistors is turned on, and a discharge time required for a capacitor to discharge via a standard resistor or via each heating element and lower its voltage to a predetermined voltage is measured. The resistance value of each heating element is determined from a ratio of a discharge time via each heating element to a discharge time via the standard resistor and the resistance value of the standard resistor. A difference between the standard resistance value and a resistance value of each heating element generates a bias heat energy error during bias heating and an image heat energy error during image heating. In accordance with these heat energy errors, bias data for generating a heat energy immediately before coloring is corrected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel thermal printing recording apparatus which can perform printing at a resolution as high as not less than 600 DPI and a higher rate than the prior art. The thermal printing recording apparatus of the present invention comprises a light-emitting device which emits light according to image data, and a light-receiving heating element which selectively generates heat on the area irradiated with light from the light-emitting device.

Abstract: A method of producing a planar stamp including a stamp member, an ink reservoir, and a stamp frame. In the method, after fitting the ink reservoir into the stamp frame, the stamp member, without a print surface and made of a polyethylene foam sheet, is adhered to the stamp frame in order to enclose it in the stamp frame, whereby a planar stamp portion is assembled. Then, a thermal head of a print surface forming apparatus is moved along an entire surface of the stamp member, while the thermal head is in contact with the stamp member, in order to form a print surface. Lastly, ink is injected into the ink reservoir in order to impregnate the stamp member with the ink.

Abstract: An improved wallet card is provided having thereon selected variable data, such as unique bar code information. Due to the construction of the card, the variable data may be imprinted directly thereon in a substantially scratch-proof and smear-proof manner, using a standard thermal transfer printer. The construction thus eliminates the need to use separate bar code labels or lamination to protect the variable data. The card is preferably constructed having multiple layers, including a vinyl substrate layer and a polyester top layer. When the top layer is transparent, a preselected background pattern may be printed directly on the substrate layer. Preferably, the card will have an overall thickness of approximately eleven (11) mils.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet which does not suffer from any cockle problem, during printing, associated with a printer or a dye transfer film used. The thermal transfer image-receiving sheet comprises a substrate sheet and, provided on at least one surface thereof in the following order, an intermediate layer and a receptive layer, the intermediate layer containing either an acrylic polyol or cellulose acetate butyrate.Further, the present invention provides a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet which has a capability of preventing curling and causes no damage to an image-receiving surface even when image-receiving sheets put on top of each other or one another are used. This thermal transfer image-receiving sheet comprises a back surface layer provided on a substrate sheet in its surface where no image is to be formed, the back surface layer containing an acrylic polyol.

Abstract: A latent image printing method and apparatus uses a substrate with one main surface having a covering comprising one of a first pair of a color developer and color former dye defining a background color in conjunction with the one main surface, wherein the color developer and the color former dye react when mixed to produce a first spectral response which is visible relative to the background color and a continuous coating over the covering which is non-porous with respect to the other of the pair and solvent-resistant to the other of the pair. The coating above selected portions of the covering corresponding to a desired latent image is removed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for thermal recording and thermal transfer recording in a multicolor system. After performing the thermal recording, the thermal transfer recording is performed by overlaying a portion thermally recorded already. A thermal transfer donor sheet has a thermal transfer layer containing a desensitizer for suppressing a coloring reaction in the thermal recording layer of the thermal recording sheet. In performing multicolor recording by overlapping images of plural documents, after an image of a first document has been thermally recorded on a recording sheet, an image of a second document is recorded on the same recording sheet by thermal transfer recording. No color mixture occurs between colors thermally recorded and thermally transferred respectively and bright and clear color development can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for display on a display medium is disclosed which comprises a step of applying an electric field to a display medium provided with an image forming medium composed of a thermally fusible material and minute charging particles dispersed therein, a step of applying heat to the display medium until the thermally fusible material assumes a coefficient of viscosity enough for the minute charging particles to migrate by dint of an electric field, and a step of solidifying the image forming medium after formation of an image therein.

Abstract: A latent image printing method and apparatus uses a substrate with one main surface having a covering comprising one of a first pair of a color developer and color former dye defining a background color in conjunction with the one main surface, wherein the color developer and the color former dye react when mixed to produce a first spectral response which is visible relative to the background color and a continuous coating over the covering which is non-porous with respect to the other of the pair and solvent-resistant to the other of the pair. The coating above selected portions of the covering corresponding to a desired latent image is removed.

Abstract: A direct thermal imaging method wherein in conjunction with an information-wise energized thermal printhead a direct thermal recording material is used that contains on a support (i) a heat-sensitive layer comprising a substantially light insensitive organic silver salt, (ii) optionally an outermost anti-friction or protective layer, and (iii) a reducing agent being present in the heat-sensitive layer and/or another layer on the same side of the support carrying the heat-sensitive layer, characterized in that said method contains the step of information-wise heating said heat-sensitive layer through a contacting but removable protection element, e.g. web or sheet, wherefrom during said heating no transfer of imaging substance(s) to said heat-sensitive layer takes place.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording sheet comprising a base film, a thermally transferable ink layer formed on one side of the base film, a heat resistant lubricating layer formed on the other side of the base film, wherein the total concentration of alkali metal ions and alkaline earth metal ions contained in the heat resistant lubricating layer is within a range of at most 4 .mu.g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording medium 2, used for a hot-melting-type thermal transfer print system using a hot-melting-type ink, comprises a substrate 2b, and a multi-grooved layer 2a formed on this substrate 2b. A plurality of thin grooves 2a1 are formed on a surface of the multi-grooved layer 2a. Each thin groove 2a1 has a width of 1-10 .mu.m and a length longer than a pixel at least in an auxiliary scanning direction. When a hot-melting-type ink 1a is transferred onto the thermal transfer recording medium 2, the ink 1a smoothly permeates into the thin groove 2a1 and extends along the elongated recess thereof, thereby providing an excellent multi-gradational image with excellent resolution and quality.

Abstract: A document capable of providing multiple colors under the application of heat comprising a support having at least one surface bearing a first coating comprising a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a first color under the application of heat, and a second coating comprising a localized coating of a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a second color under the application of heat. Each chromogenic composition comprises a chromogenic compound and a color developer that are substantially colorless solids in physical contact prior to reaction, but which can chemically react to produce a visible colored image by application of heat at temperatures above room temperature. Under the application of heat from a thermal printer, by quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to produce frictional heat, or other heat application, multicolored images are provided.

Abstract: An erasure method for an image recorded on a reversible heat-sensitive recording medium comprising the step of contacting a thermal head to apply an amount of heat as an electric wave pulse to the recorded image in a heat-sensitive recording layer, characterized in that the amount of heat as pulse waves satisfies the following formula (1)E.sub.(n-1)th >E.sub.(n)th (1)whereinE.sub.(n)th indicates an amount of heat applied to one dot of the thermal head the nth time,E.sub.(n-1)th indicates an amount of heat applied to one dot of the thermal head the (n-1)th time, and.sub.n indicates a number of times the amount of heat is applied, and is an integer greater than 2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal-transfer recording process employing a transfer material and a image-receiving sheet. The transfer material comprises a support film and an image forming layer containing a coloring material and an organic polymer, and the image-receiving sheet comprises a substrate and a photopolymerizable or photosensitive thermal-adhesive layer.

Abstract: An image recording method is disclosed, which uses a substrate such as paper, a synthetic film, a metal plate, and an earthenware plate and an adhesive layer of a delayed-tack adhesive and activates the adhesive layer in accordance with image information, for example, by a step of endowing a tackiness to the adhesive layer by ejecting an organic solvent which renders the adhesive tacky from an ink jet printer cooperated with a computer in accordance with image information or a step of selectively heating the adhesive layer by a thermal printer to endow the adhesive layer with tackiness, and develops the latent image borne in the activated portion with powder selected from organic pigment powder, inorganic pigment powder, water-soluble dye powder, water-insoluble dye powder, metal powder, ceramics powder, plastics powder, magnetic powder, and microcapsules.

Abstract: A magnetic recording layer is formed on one surface of a card-shaped base plate. A printing layer, for printing visible information such as "matters to be attended", is formed on the magnetic recording layer. A laser recording layer is formed on the other surface of the base plate. A visible image, which can be color-developed by radiation of a laser beam, can be recorded on the laser recording layer. The surface of the recording layer is coated with a transparent protection film, and a predetermined pattern is printed on the protection film. The laser recording layer includes a photothermic conversion material and a thermosensitive recording material. The photothermic conversion material has a major absorption wavelength corresponding to a major wavelength of the laser beam. A visible image can be recorded on the card by means of a laser beam without damaging a predetermined pattern on the protection film.

Abstract: Thermal transfer printing ribbon for printing security bar code symbols wherein the thermal transfer printing ribbon has been overprinted or overcoated in specific predetermined locations with a coating which has magnetic recognition characteristics. The difference in printed bar code symbols is invisible to the human eye and bar-code scanning equipment, but can be readily detected using a device capable of recognizing a magnetic signal.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image processing system is disclosed, in which there are provided a first conveyance passage including conveying rollers for conveying a medium having a nature that the volume thereof expands when heated, a stereoscopic image output device including a heating head and a roller for pressing the medium against the heating head so as to heat the medium thereby to form a stereoscopic image, and an information processing control section for processing information of respective parts of the processing system and controlling operation thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic recording layer is formed on one surface of a card-shaped base plate. A printing layer, for printing visible information such as "matters to be attended", is formed on the magnetic recording layer. A laser recording layer is formed on the other surface of the base plate. A visible image, which can be color-developed by radiation of a laser beam, can be recorded on the laser recording layer. The surface of the recording layer is coated with a transparent protection film, and a predetermined pattern is printed on the protection film. The laser recording layer includes a photothermic conversion material and a thermosensitive recording material. The photothermic conversion material has a major absorption wavelength corresponding to a major wavelength of the laser beam. A visible image can be recorded on the card by means of a laser beam without damaging a predetermined pattern on the protection film.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive coloring recording method for producing multi-color images by use of a reversible thermosensitive coloring recording medium which is composed of a support and a reversible thermosensitive coloring recording layer containing a plurality of reversible thermosensitive coloring compositions, each coloring composition being independently present separated from the other coloring compositions, and capable of reversibly forming a color development state with a different color in a predetermined color development temperature range, and a decolorization state in a predetermined decolorization temperature range by the application of heat thereto and maintaining the above two states at room temperature, the decolorization temperature range being located lower in terms of temperature than the color development temperature range therefor, comprises the steps of: temporarily applying heat to the recording medium to a color development temperature at which at least two of the coloring compositio

Abstract: A transparency dye receiver media for minimizing curl during recept of dye transfer images in a thermal printing process includes a transparent support having a thickness between about 5.5 mil and about 6.5 mil and a dye receiver layer on a surface of said support. Preferably, the transparent support has a thickness of about 5.8 mil. The transparent support has a thickness in inches approximately equal to the cube root ofC*F.sub.H R*.sup.2 .theta..sup.3 /4Eb(57.3).sup.3 (1-Cos.theta./2),where:C* is a constant for a given dye receiver support thickness,F.sub.H is the load on the receiver media from the printhead in pounds,R* is the radius of the bend during printing in inches,.theta. is the arc of bending of the receiver media during printing in degrees,E is Young's Modulus in psi, andb is the width of printhead in inches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying surface relief features of a substrate processed in a printing machine, and adjusting the machine parameters as a function thereof, before the substrate is processed through the machine. The apparatus includes a light source positioned adjacent to the substrate surface. A light sensing device, in a light receiving relationship with the substrate surface, detects light reflected from the substrate surface. A signal is generated indicative of sensed light intensity with a first magnitude range indicating ridges and a second magnitude range indicating depressions. Control circuitry, electrically connected to the light sensing device, receives the signals of ridges and depressions, and discriminates between them to generate a set of signals indicating surface relief features of the substrate.

Abstract: A fusion-type thermal transfer printing system using an ink ribbon having a thin film and a heat fusible ink applied on the thin film at an ink application rate of 2.5 g/m.sup.2 or less and a porous-surface recording medium having a substrate and a porous-surface layer formed on the substrate, diameters of pores in the porous-surface layer being from 1 to 10 .mu.m. The printing system has a thermal head provided with a plurality of heating resistors formed in a line at regular intervals of 8 dot/mm or less, temperature gradient of each of the heated heating resistors being such that temperature is the highest at a middle portion thereof and changes decreasingly toward ends thereof and a gradation control circuit for controlling ink fusion areas heated by the heating resistors by controlling intensity of current passed through the thermal head.

Abstract: An optical conductive thermal transfer ink medium is disclosed, comprising at least the following layers laminated on a light-transmitting substrate in this order: a light-transmitting conductive layer, a photothermal layer exhibiting photo-conductivity, a conductive layer and a thermal transfer ink layer and which is used, when printing, by applying a voltage between the light-transmitting conductive layer and the conductive layer. It may also comprise a low surface energy protection layer between the conductive layer and the thermal transfer ink layer or a conductive heating layer between the photothermal layer and the conductive layer, in the above described structure.

Abstract: A recording apparatus which when used includes in an arbitrary order steps of brining a contact material into contact with a surface of a recording medium, and selectively heating the surface of the recording medium. The surface of the recording medium has a characteristic which a receding contact angle becomes smaller when the recording medium is brought into contact with liquid and it is in the heated status. The contact material is selected from a liquid, a vapor or a liquid under conditions of a temperature lower than a temperature at which the receding contact angle of the recording medium starts to decrease. An area having the receding contact angle corresponding to a temperature of the recording medium obtained by selectively heating the surface of the recording medium in accordance with image information in formed, as latent image, on the surface of the recording medium.

Abstract: A process for thermal transfer printing method including the steps of forming a thermal transfer image in a dyeing layer of an intermediate sheet using a coloring layer of a transfer sheet and transferring the dyeing layer carrying the formed image from the intermediate sheet to an image receptor with a medium for applying heat and/or pressure, in which the medium is also used for fixing the transferred dyeing layer on the image receptor, and an thermal transfer printing apparatus having means for feeding an elongate intermediate sheet having a dyeing layer, means for cutting the elongate intermediate sheet, printing means for forming a thermal transfer image in the dyeing layer of intermediate sheet, and means for transferring the dyeing layer carrying the formed thermal transfer image to an image receptor, by which the printed image with low gloss is formed on the image receptor at a high printing speed.

Abstract: A rewriteable card of the invention is composed of a thermally reversible thermosensitive recording material which changes reversibly between a slightly opaque state and a transparent state depending on a given heating condition wherein the rewriteable card includes a reference slightly opaque portion at the part thereof having the reflectance equivalent to a slight opacity state of the thermally reversible thermosensitive recording material in an early stage or a last stage of use of the rewriteable card. A method of judging the life of the rewriteable card is based on the result of detection of the reflectance on a printing slightly opaque portion and that on the reference slightly opaque portion, and a printing apparatus is provided with a card life judging device employing the judging method.

Abstract: A rewriteable card of the invention is composed of a thermally reversible thermosensitive recording material which changes reversibly between a slightly opaque state and a transparent state depending on a given heating condition wherein the rewriteable card includes a reference slightly opaque portion at the part thereof having the reflectance equivalent to a slight opacity state of the thermally reversible thermosensitive recording material in an early stage or a last stage of use of the rewriteable card. A method of judging the life of the rewriteable card is based on the result of detection of the reflectance on a printing slightly opaque portion and that on the reference slightly opaque portion, and a printing apparatus is provided with a card life judging device employing the judging method.

Abstract: This invention provides a magnetic recording medium wherein visible patterns can be written, in which a heat sensitive layer is formed on a magnetic recording layer and a metallic thin layer is formed on said heat sensitive layer. The metallic thin layer of said magnetic recording medium can by roughed by using a material containing minute particles to form a roughed heat sensitive layer on the magnetic recording layer and then depositing the metallic thin layer on said heat sensitive layer. In using said magnetic recording medium, information corresponding to at least a part of the information recorded in the magnetic recording layer can be written as visible patterns.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermal transfer printing process comprising:heating a thermal ink film with a printing head to print dye transferring images onto an intermediate sheet which comprises a substrate and a printing layer thereon,heaping an image receive sheet on said printing layer, andtransferring said printing layer onto the image receive sheet by pressure or heat;an improvement residing in that said printing layer is formed from polyvinyl acetal.The present invention also provides an intermediate sheet for the above thermal transfer printing process comprising a substrate and a printing layer on said substrate wherein said printing layer is formed from polyvinyl acetal.

Abstract: A process for forming a dot image on a recording medium, a surface of the recording medium having a characteristic in which a receding contact angle decreases when the recording medium is heated under a condition in which a liquid is in contact with the surface of the recording medium. The process includes the steps of forming a latent image having a plurality of dots, and developing the latent image by a liquid recording agent relative to which the recording medium is moved in a moving direction, wherein each of the dots making the latent image has a triangular shape becoming narrower in a direction opposite to the moving direction.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive coloring composition is composed of (i) an electron-donor coloring compound and (ii) an electron-acceptor compound selected from the group consisting of an organic phosphoric acid compound, an aliphatic carboxylic acid, and a phenolic compound, each having a straight chain or branched chain alkyl group or alkyenyl group having 12 or more carbon atoms, the electron-donor coloring compound and the electron-acceptor compound being capable of reacting to induce color formation in the reversible thermosensitive coloring composition at the eutectic temperature thereof. The electron-donor coloring compound and the electron-acceptor compound, when fused and colored in a mixed state, with application of heat thereto, followed by rapidly cooling the fused mixture, exhibit an exothermic peak in a temperature elevation process in a differential scanning calorific analysis or in a differential thermal analysis.