Abstract: A printer system comprises a thermal printer, an ink transfer unit and a thermal printing unit. The ink transfer unit and the thermal printing unit can be selectively mounted in the thermal printer. The ink transfer unit has an ink reservoir in which liquid ink is stored. The thermal printing unit has an ink ribbon. When neither the ink transfer unit nor the thermal printing unit is mounted on the thermal printer, an image can be formed on a thermal recording sheet only by the thermal printer. When the ink transfer unit is mounted on the thermal printer, ink stored in the ink reservoir is transferred onto a recording sheet to form an image thereon. When the thermal printing unit is mounted on the thermal printer, ink contained in the ink ribbon is transferred onto the recording sheet.

Abstract: A modular printer that can be configured to provide different printing sizes, models, and features. The modular printer has a base module that includes base printing electronics, and a drive and print mechanism. Coupled to the base module are different communication modules that provide an interface for the operator of the printer. Different battery modules are designed to interface with the other modular sections.

Abstract: A device for thermal printing of a rolled paper strip has a frame of which a fixed part comprises two lateral cheeks, which are perpendicular to an axis of articulation of a cover, and each comprise on their inner side fixed articulation means. The cover comprises two discs, which are accommodated between the two fixed cheeks, and each comprise on their outer side mobile articulation means which cooperate with the fixed articulation means. A latch, which is articulated around an axis which is parallel to the axis of articulation of the cover, cooperates with the cover and the fixed part of the frame, in order to provide locking/unlocking of the paper compartment on the fixed part of the frame.

Abstract: An in-port capable of receiving a cartridge containing a plurality of thermal sheets of standardized size, a platen roller, and a thermal head are generally sequentially aligned in a direction. A thermal sheet picked up from the cartridge is turned at about 180 degrees along the platen roller, and fed out through an out-port arranged in the same side as the in-port. Thus, a very compact, front-in/front-out printer can be realized. Therefore, a card-size printer for the printing sheet of size B7, which can be inserted into a 3.5 inch-file bay, can be provided.

Abstract: A thermal printer for printing on a recording medium adapted to travel along a path through the thermal printer includes a frame and a thermal print head supported by the frame, the thermal print head carrying printing elements. A cover hinged to the frame is movable between an open position and a closed position. An elastomeric platen roller is rotatably supported by the cover, the thermal print head and the platen roller being relatively resiliently biased toward each other to urge the printing elements carried by the thermal print head into contact with a recording medium disposed between the thermal print head and the platen roller when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A printer for printing on an outer layer of a print medium on a print medium roll. The printer includes a base and a cover, which are pivotally coupled in a "clamshell" configuration for movement between a closed position in which the printhead is located in a printing position proximate the path of the media and an open position that is spaced from the printing position. The printer may use thermal or inkjet printing. The printer is used without a mechanical paper drive mechanism. The printer monitors movement of an outer wrap of the print medium as the print medium roll rotates in response to a user pulling print medium from the print medium roll. In one embodiment, the printer detects movement of the print medium with a metering roller and an optical rotation sensor. In another embodiment, the printer monitors movement of the print medium by detecting movement of index marks on the print medium.

Abstract: A printer device for printing on a strip medium, the device comprising a body (1), a carriage (5) movable in translation along a guide (2) secured to the body (1) and carrying a pivoting print head (7), and resilient means (9) disposed between the carriage (5) and the print head (7), a cover carrying a platen and pivotally connected to the body (1) to pivot between an open position and a closed position in which the print head (7) is held pressed against the platen by the resilient means (9), a locking member carried by the body (1) in retractable manner between a first position in which it co-operates with an abutment secured to the cover and a second position in which it escapes from the abutment, the locking member (17) being secured to a lever (19) hinged to the body (1), the lever (19) having an end that co-operates with the print head in such a manner that during the movement of the locking member (17) between its first and second positions, the end of the lever (19) causes the print head (7) to pivot a

Abstract: An image marking device adapted to reduce an exterior envelope thereof. The image marking device comprises a housing having an exterior surface and a slot formed through the exterior surface. An image forming location, such as a print head, is disposed in the housing for printing an image on a recorder medium supplied from a supply tray received in the slot. The tray and the housing define the exterior envelope. The tray is inwardly slidable in the slot from an extended position to an inserted position. A guide ramp is disposed in the housing for guiding the recorder medium from the supply tray to the print head and extends from near the tray to near the print head. The guide ramp has a hinged end portion disposed adjacent the tray in a first position as the tray is extended and inwardly movable to a second position to allow the tray to be fully inserted into the slot.

Abstract: A demand printer has an input structure for receiving command signals related to the operation of the printer; a control circuit coupled to the input structure, and a power supply circuit for processing command signals and generating corresponding control signals for controlling the operation of the printer. A switch circuit line is coupled to at least a first and a second point on the power supply circuit. The switch circuit line provides a first operating voltage for the operation of the printer when connected between the first and second points in the power supply circuit and provides a second operating voltage when the connection between said first and second points is opened by a severing structure. The severing structure projects into a base cavity of the case and is retained therein for maintaining an open circuit between the first and second points on the power supply circuit once said switch circuit line is severed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved thermal printer with a rigid frame made from a main frame plate with compound bends and a base plate, record member supply roll mounting and guide devices, an ink ribbon and record member web feed control system, a print head assembly, and improved ink ribbon cores and spindles.

Abstract: An optical printer is disclosed which detects photo speed, cartridge presence, pick location and door closure using only two sets of photo detectors. The disclosed optical printer uses a low-profile gear and switching mechanism which allows placement of the optical printer within a standard computer bay.

Abstract: An electronic imaging camera includes a printer assembly for providing instant images. Selected special effects may be applied to the images prior to printing. The printer assembly includes a thermal print head and a paper advance roller. A replaceable preloaded paper cartridge is provided for easy replacement of the paper. The housing of the paper cartridge acts as a printing platen for the print head, and rollers in the cartridge maintain friction between the paper and the paper advance roller of the printer assembly. A pivoting print head cover prevents a user from inadvertently coming into contact with the print head when the paper cassette is removed. A rotary encoder gear includes a plurality of spaced lugs which block emissions from a light emitting diode from reaching a phototransistor. As the encoder gear rotates in synchronization with the print head, the phototransistor produces a series of electrical pulses indicative of the print head speed.

Abstract: A printer comprises a frame having top, bottom, left and right surfaces, a base disposed along the bottom surface, and a pair of bearings each connected to the base and having a recessed portion. A platen is supported between the left and right surfaces of the frame to undergo rotation. A print head is supported between the left and right surfaces of the frame to undergo pivotal movement about a rotational axis into and out of contact with the platen and for printing on a recording paper fed between the platen and the print head. The print head has a pair of support shafts disposed along the rotational axis each for engagement with one of the recessed portions of the bearings. When the support shafts of the print head detachably engage with the recessed portions of the bearings and the print head is pivoted about the support shafts, the print head undergoes pivotal movement into and out of contact with the platen without being detached from the bearings.

Abstract: A film thermal processor assembly for use in an imaging system. The assembly includes a retention member for receiving a plurality of thermal processor rollers and their shaft mounted sleeve bearings which are adapted for snap insertion into snap fingers of the injection molded non-metallic retention member. The rotation member holds bias springs for radially loading the rollers. A direct contact thermal sensor having a large sensing area, which conforms to the shape of the drum, directly measures the surface temperature of the processing drum.

Abstract: An image recording device having a detachable web roll cassette in which a rolled web sheet is accommodated. The device includes a frame body having a web roll cassette insertion port, a web roll cassette accommodating portion, and a web sheet passage extending from the web roll cassette accommodating portion in a sheet feeding direction. The device also includes a web roll cassette, a rotary cutter positioned downstream of the web roll cassette, a sheet feeding unit including a drive roller and a pinch roller for nipping the web sheet therebetween, and a print head for printing the image on the web sheet fed by the sheet feed unit. The web roll cassette includes an upper and lower cases accommodating therein a web roll at one side and defining a front end discharge portion at another side directing toward the web sheet passage. The upper and lower cases are formed with through holes at a position adjacent the front end discharge portion.

Abstract: A printer comprises a frame, a platen supported by the frame for undergoing rotation, and a printing head for printing on a recording medium fed between the platen and the printing head. The printing head is supported by the frame for undergoing pivotal movement into and out of pressure contact with the platen. A biasing member is mounted for movement between a first position in which the biasing member is in a neutral, unstretched state, and a second position in which the biasing member is in stretched state. The biasing member has a first end integrally connected to the printing head and a second end opposite the first end. An operation member is integrally connected to the second end of the biasing member and is supported by the frame for undergoing pivotal movement between a first position and a second position. When the operation member is pivoted to the first position, the biasing member is moved to the first position and the printing head is pivoted out of pressure contact with the platen.

Abstract: A recording sheet cleaning apparatus is mounted on a printer having a thermal head and arranged to feed a recording sheet along a sheet feeding path. The recording sheet cleaning apparatus includes a wiping member located upstream of the thermal head along the sheet feeding path. The wiping member is located on the same side as the thermal head with respect to the sheet feeding path. The recording sheet introduced into the printer contacts with the wiping member, so that the printing surface of the recording sheet (the surface facing the thermal head) is wiped by the wiping member before printing.

Abstract: Printer defining a reduced exterior envelope and method of providing same. The printer comprises a housing having a top wall. The printer also has a front side wall with an aperture for receiving a dye-carrying cartridge therethrough. A printhead is disposed in the housing. A movable platen is disposed in the housing in a first position spaced-apart from the printhead and a movable arm attached to the platen and engageable with the cartridge as the cartridge is received through the aperture. The arm moves from a first location to a second location thereof as the arm engages the cartridge and the platen moves from the first position to a second position thereof adjacent the printhead as the arm moves from the first location to the second location. In this manner, the printer defines a reduced exterior envelope because the cartridge is loaded through the aperture in the front sidewall rather through the top wall of the printer.

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 printer for printing image on a paper according to the print data output from a notebook computer. The printer has a paper-feed unit including a paper holding section for holding the paper to be printed on and a table on which the notebook computer can be placed; a print unit including a print section for printing image according to the print data on a paper supplied from the paper-feed unit and a receiving section for receiving a printed paper; and a joint mechanism for rotatably fitting the print unit on the paper-feed unit. The joint mechanism includes a shaft on which said print unit is carried so as to be turned with respect to the paper-feed unit, and the print unit has an open state in which the print unit is remote from said table of the paper-feed unit and a closed state in which the print unit folds flat on the table of the paper-feed unit.

Abstract: A line thermal printer comprises a frame, a platen supported by the frame for rotation, and a thermal head supported by the frame for pivotal movement into and out of pressure contact with the platen for recording printing data to a recording medium disposed between the thermal head and the platen. A leaf spring is disposed between the thermal head and the platen for resiliently pressing the thermal head into pressure contact with the platen. A pressing plate has a rotation shaft supported by the frame for pivotal movement for applying pressure to the leaf spring to resiliently press the thermal head into pressure contact with the platen. A head-up lever is integrally connected to an end of the rotation shaft of the pressing plate for pivoting the pressing plate to release the pressure applied to the leaf spring to release the thermal head from pressure contact with the platen.

Abstract: There is disclosed a thermal printer having a print head and a pressure roller cooperable with a platen roll, with one manually operable member for substantially simultaneously separating the print head and the pressure roll for threading the printer and another member for separating the print head widely from the platen roll for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a print module for use with a thermal printer. The print module includes a carriage including fastening structure for detachably fastening the carriage to the printer. The carriage is sized and shaped to receive print heads of various sizes and geometries from any number of manufacturers. A specific print head is mounted on the carriage along with a source of non-volatile memory. The source of non-volatile memory contains operational values characteristic of the specific print head. The operational values can be utilized by the printer to make operational adjustments that are customized with respect to the specific print head.

Abstract: A head holder incorporating a thermal printing head is detachably mounted in a printing position defined in a thermal transfer printer by use of guide means. The head holder secured by the guide means is vertically moved by means for vertically moving the head holder so as to be positioned at a stand-by point in non-operation of printing, and at a print working point in operation of printing. When the head holder demounted for exchanging or other possible purposes is replaced in the printing position, the head holder is restrained by lateral and longitudinal spring members, thus being placed in an adequate printing position, so as to enable excellent printing on a recording medium such as ID cards to be successfully performed without marring the essential printing quality.

Abstract: A printer system and method for sealing a printer system within a housing by moving a back-up plate toward a print head access opening of the housing and into engagement with a first perimeter thereof to sealingly close the housing, whereby the printer system is sealingly enclosable within the housing when not printing. The printer system includes a main plate assembly supporting a print head removably mountable in an opening of the housing, and matably engageable with at least a portion thereof to form a seal therebetween, and a cassette assembly mountable onto the main plate assembly and matably engagable with a cassette access opening of the housing to form a seal therebetween. A back-up plate is adjustably alignable relative to a print head by moving it into engagement with a print head access opening of a housing, fixing the alignment thereof, and then moving the aligned back-up plate away from the housing for printing operations.

Abstract: A thermal demand printer for printing on media is a novel system which includes a case structure including a hinged cover panel, easily removable guide structures and media hanger, and a single central support wall to which the various components are attached. The printer includes a power supply circuit for receiving power from an external source and conditioning it for operation of the printer. An input device is provided for receiving command signals related to the operation of the printer. A control circuit for processing the command signals and generating corresponding control signals for controlling the operation of the printer and a printhead assembly for processing the control signals and generating corresponding control signals for controlling the operation of the printer are mounted in the case structure and coupled to the input device and the power supply circuit. The printhead assembly includes a printhead support structure which controls the printhead.

Abstract: A device for uncurling thermal sensitive recording paper includes a paper container having first and second arcuate portions that are rotatably connected to form a cylindrical body. The paper container accommodates installation of a roll of the thermal sensitive recording paper. A projection is formed on a first end of the first arcuate portion for engaging and applying a predetermined pressure upon the thermal sensitive recording paper. A groove is formed between the projection and a first end of the second arcuate portion to provide a path through which the thermal sensitive recording paper travels. A locking member is positioned at the first end of the first arcuate portion and provides a slot to accommodate the connection between the first and second arcuate portions. A pole extends outwardly from the first end of the second arcuate portion and is inserted into the slot to establish the connection between the first and second arcuate portions.

Abstract: A printer for printing on an outer layer of a print medium on a print medium roll. The printer may use thermal or inkjet printing. The printer is used without a mechanical paper drive mechanism. The printer monitors movement of an outer wrap of the print medium as the print medium roll rotates in response to a user pulling print medium from the print medium roll. In one embodiment, the printer detects movement of the print medium with a metering roller and an optical rotation sensor. In another embodiment, the printer monitors movement of the print medium by detecting movement of index marks on the print medium. From the monitored movement of the print medium, the printer identifies a portion of the print medium aligned to the printhead and selects image portions to print in the identified portion. The printer then activates the printhead to print the selected image portions in the corresponding identified portion.

Abstract: A printer comprises a frame having a pair of side walls spaced apart a given distance according to a given width size of a recording medium. A platen is supported between the pair of side walls and has a surface for supporting the recording medium. A printhead, operable in a printing position thereof to perform a printing operation on the recording medium, is supported between the side walls for tilting movement and displacement in forward/backward and rightward/leftward directions. A pressing body is supported by the frame for pressing the printhead into contact with the surface of the platen. When the printhead is in the printing position, the printhead is freely pivotable to permit automatic angular adjustment thereof following the surface of the platen so that the printhead can contact the surface of the platen with a uniform surface pressure.

Abstract: In a thermal printer having a printer frame to which the thermal print head is swingable attached and supported on a print head holder, the orientation of the print head with reference to a platen roller is set and the print head is permitted to move with reference to the platen roller without changing their orientations. An engagement pin on the printer frame receives a fourth engaging member on the end of the thermal print head holder. A positioning pin on the print head holder is received in a positioning hole in the print head holder mounting plate. Fixing pins at each side of the first positioning pin are received in fixing holes in the mounting plate and are held there by fixing elements. The engaging pin and engaging member permit the print head holder to move with reference to the platen roller to accommodate different thickness papers.

Abstract: A thermal line printer with a page-width print head includes a page-width ink film ribbon that feeds in the same direction as paper inserted in the printer. The thermal line printer may print on ordinary untreated paper, and the ink film ribbon may be stored in a cassette.

Abstract: A thermal printer for printing on paper (26), the printer comprising a thermal print head (2) that co-operates with a paper drive roll (15) by bearing thereagainst, in which the print head is carried resiliently by a fixed chassis portion (1) while the drive roll (15) is carried by a moving chassis portion (13) hinged to the fixed chassis (1) and forming a cover giving access to the compartment in the printer for containing the roll (12) of paper, characterized in that, when the cover is closed, the zone of contact between the paper drive roll (15) and the row (4) of heating points of the print head (2) is situated above the diameter (14) of said roll that passes through the hinge between the moving chassis (13) and the fixed chassis (1).

Abstract: There is disclosed a thermal printer having a print head and a pressure roller cooperable with a platen roll, with one manually operable member for substantially simultaneously separating the print head and the pressure roll for threading the printer and another member for separating the print head widely from the platen roll for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A thermal printer that facilitates thermal print head replacement as well as paper setting and removal. One paper guide for the paper to be printed is fixed to the main frame. Another paper guide is attached by a spring link to the frame for the print head, so that they may rotate together. The other paper guide and the head frame together rotate open to provide access between the paper guides. The head frame is rotatable open further beyond the rotation of the other paper guide to provide access to the print head. A stop on the other paper guide engages the main frame to prevent the further opening rotation of the other paper guide.

Abstract: A portable image processing apparatus includes a sheet holding section formed so as to have a substantially cylindrical shape, a holding roller for cylindrically holding a sheet along a side of the sheet holding section, a sheet carrying section with a doughnut-like shape, a printing section fixed in an opposite position to the side of the sheet holding section, a stepping motor for scanning for rotating the sheet holding section which holds a sheet on an axis of a cylinder, and a stepping motor for carrying for rotating the sheet carrying section from its inner circumference towards its outer circumference in order to transfer the sheet parallel to the axis of the sheet holding section. As a result, the apparatus is miniaturized, thereby making it possible to improve its portability.

Abstract: A high resolution thermal printer capable of printing both directly on a thermally responsive media and indirectly through a thermally responsive donor media is disclosed. The printer has a printing media guide mounted as an intermediate clamshell structure to accurately position the printing media immediately adjacent the print head and platen. The printing media guide includes a nip roller and guide bar independently suspended on a spring biased, pivot plate arrangement. The printing media is centered on the supply spool, and the printer includes a read/write circuit to communicate with a profiler chip centrally mounted in the printing media roll. The printer may also include a read/write circuit to communicate with a donor profiler chip centrally mounted in the donor media roll. A constant pressure brake with a friction belt is used directly against the printing media. A spring arm latch/channel block arrangement is used to secure the printing media supply spool.

Abstract: To be able to set up and operate a printer with a control panel in any position, the printer housing or similar structure of the printer contains a panel receptacle for holding a removable control panel, whereby the latter is connected to the control components of the printer by means of a cable, or at least a wireless infrared transmitter, and that the control panel is fixed at least in the direction of withdrawal in the panel receptacle by means of at least one magnet.

Abstract: A thermal printer is provided which can operate at high speeds either as a direct thermal printer or a thermal transfer printer. The thermal printer includes a frame, a front door assembly pivotally connected to the frame and having a thermal head secured thereto. The front door assembly positions the thermal head to facilitate recording of information on a recording medium when the door is closed as well as dissipating heat generated by the thermal print head. A platen roller is positioned within the frame which conveys the recording medium between the thermal head and the platen roller. The thermal printer also provides interference shielding which maintains security of printed data. The thermal printer is also configured to allow operation in a rigorous environment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable printer for printing on either tags or labels. Its print head assembly includes a thermal print head, a platen roll. The printer has a housing with front, rear and top portions, a single horizontal printed circuit board, and a vertically extending battery pack which is releasably attached to the rear portion and is directly plug-connectable to the circuit board. The print head assembly, a peel roller and a releasable presser roll are located at the front portion of the housing. The print head assembly includes a spring arrangement for urging the print head into pressure contact with the platen roll. The spring arrangement has main springs and an auxiliary spring. The auxiliary spring bears against the housing and the print head assembly.

Abstract: A printer comprises a cassette bay (8) having a lid (16), a printing mechanism comprising a thermal print head (26) and a platen (32) and a linkage (38,50) coupled between the lid and the printing mechanism. On opening the lid, the linkage causes the print head to adopt an inoperative position in which a cassette can be loaded into or removed from the cassette receiving portion and, on closing the lid, the linkage causes the print head to take up its operative position reading for printing. The invention also provides a cassette for the printer.

Abstract: A direct thermal printer is provided having a lamp cover member which is attached to an open end of an optical fixing device, for protecting a thermosensitive recording medium from contacting a lamp of the optical fixing device. The lamp cover member is formed with a plurality of openings for reducing the absorption of light into the lamp cover member. All edges of the openings are not parallel to the recording medium transporting direction.