Abstract: Various modifications to a printer to allow the printer to print on linerless adhesive media are described. In one embodiment, a release block is attached to the printer superior to a rubber drive roller. The release block limits the linerless adhesive media from contacting and/or remaining on the rubber drive roller when the linerless adhesive media is fed past print head. The release block may be a guide label, a piece of tape, or fixture. A guide label is adhesively attached and comprises a substrate, an adhesive layer, and release layers so that the linerless adhesive media does not stick to the guide label. Tape may be adhesively attached with a release layer attached to the tape. The fixture may be mechanically attached, magnetically attached, or adhesively attached to the printer. The release block may be removed at any time to allow for standard operation of the printer.

Abstract: An image element having an imperceptible message that becomes readily apparent when the image element is exposed to an excessive amount of heat and/or UV radiation is provided. The image element may be associated with a material such that, upon becoming readily apparent, the imperceptible message provides a warning that the material has been exposed to excessive heat and/or UV radiation.

Abstract: Two-sided thermal media comprising thermal transfer receptive and/or direct thermal thermally sensitive coatings on one or both of a first and a second side thereof are provided. In one embodiment, two-sided thermal media comprising a substrate having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, and a first and a second thermal transfer receptive coating supported on the respective first and second substrate sides is provided. In another embodiment, two-sided thermal media comprising a substrate having a thermal transfer receptive coating on a first side thereof, and a direct thermal thermally sensitive coating on a second side thereof, is provided. In some embodiments, a direct thermal thermally sensitive coating provided on one or both sides of two-sided thermal media is adapted to image at a temperature different than a temperature at which thermal transfer printing has or can occur.

Abstract: Various multisided thermal media image elements, and methods of manufacture thereof, are presented. In one embodiment, a first media substrate is at least partially coated with thermally sensitive ink on one or more of its sides. A second media substrate is coated with the thermally sensitive ink on at least one of its sides. The second media substrate is at least partially integrated with the first media substrate to form a multisided thermal media image element, wherein at least a portion of the second media substrate is capable of being removed for independent use. The multisided first and second media substrates are adapted to be imaged via a thermal printer individually and together upon integration into the image element.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an image element having a thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof is provided. The image element may further include an adhesive for attaching to an object such as a pharmaceutical container. Information about the object may be thermally printed on the image element.

Abstract: A printer for printing customized security features on a medium, such as a sheet or roll of labels. The printer comprises: a first container storing a first security fluid having a first luminescence signature and a second container storing a second security fluid having a second luminescence signature different to the first luminescence signature. The printer also comprises a printer controller for receiving a printing request and for selectively controlling fluid application from the first and second containers to apply the first and second security fluids to the medium in a proportion required to produce a composite luminescence signature that fulfils the printing request.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for two-sided direct thermal printing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dual-sided direct thermal printer comprising a first thermal print head and a second thermal print head is provided wherein a surface of the first thermal print head acts as a platen for the second thermal print head.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) having a user interface (14) and a surcharge application (54) for levying a surcharge on transactions is described. The terminal may be an ATM. The surcharge application (54) is operable to vary the rate of surcharge applied according to a predetermined criterion. The predetermined criterion may be based on the time at which a transaction is executed at the terminal, or upon the usage of the terminal prior to executing a transaction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a two-sided thermal transfer ribbon comprising a substrate having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, and respective first and second thermal transfer coatings supported on the respective first and second sides is provided. In further embodiments, the first thermal transfer coating is adapted to transfer to print media when heated to a first temperature, and the second thermal transfer coating is adapted to transfer to print media when heated to a second temperature different from the first temperature.

Abstract: A method of indicating the condition of an item comprises illuminating the item to excite one or more photoluminescent markers incorporated within the item. Photoluminescent emission from the markers in response to the excitation is compared to one or more pre-defined photoluminescent signatures indicating different conditions of the item.