Abstract: An algorithm to control a printer wherein the separation set that is created for each print job is stored and managed in a storage unit within either the printer of the device that transmits the print job to the printer. The stored image separations are ranked or prioritized based on the frequency with which a particular job is printed. When the printer goes into an idle mode, such as between print jobs, the algorithm executes a re-separation or recalculates of each of the stored separation sets in descending order of the popularity of the separation set. The recalculation then accounts for changes or updates in the printing conditions thereby making it likely that the most popular separation set has been refreshed with current density compensation data.

Abstract: An improved back tensioning system for a roll fed printer is provided. A spring loaded arm keeps a roller in direct contact with the outer diameter of the unwind roll. The roller is coupled to a slip clutch that exerts a constant force against the roll of media. Since this system does not apply a torque about the axis of rotation, as was the case in the prior art, the back tension does not vary with unwind roll size. As a result, linear back tension is provided in a manner that critically improves web handling and the printing process. As a result the problem is eliminated by applying resistance directly to the outer diameter of the roll of media.

Abstract: An algorithm for modulating printer half-tone screening based on the tonal values of the region being reproduced is provided. The algorithm determines the tonal values for a particular region and assigns real number constants to that region. As the clustering screen is applied, the threshold values in the clustering screen are reduced (divided) by the real number constants thereby modulating the effect of the application of the clustering screen. For deep tonal regions, the clustering screen is applied at full strength, while in light tonal regions no clustering effect is applied. The algorithm results in a an image that has a greater dynamic range without the appearance of stair stepping while eliminating clustering artifacts from the lighter regions.

Abstract: A thermal printing apparatus and a method of controlling a thermal printing apparatus is provided wherein the duration of the strobe pulse utilized to transfer the ink from the carrier to the media is controlled and adjusted by a correction factor. The correction factor is calculated by the printer controller based directly on feedback regarding the actual transport time required to advance the media between encoder steps. Generally, the present invention controls a thermal printer in a manner that accounts for the transport speed between each encoder step and applies the correction factor to the strobe signal duration in a manner that maintains a uniform print density.

Abstract: An assembly for feeding, printing, and cutting a continuous web of material is provided. The web is fed from a roll supported in a roll feeding unit to a printer unit. The web can carry distinct image-receiving media items or can be a plain continuous web material. The assembly is particularly useful for feeding a web carrying pressure-sensitive adhesive labels to a laser printer. The printer produces printed images on each label as the web is fed through the printer. Then, the web can be cut to produce a finished roll of printed labels ready for application. The assembly includes a roll feeding unit, a printer, a controller for the roll feeding unit, and a controller for the printer which communicate with each other. The controller is responsive to sensors and signals received from the printer controller, and the printer controller is responsive to the sensors and signals received from the roll feeding unit controller. In this manner, the feeding, printing, and cutting of the web are controlled precisely.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printing device, i.e. thermal printer, includes a printing film saving system wherein the print head is lifted during media advancement so that the print film is not advanced during media advancement, and further includes an associated arrangement for tensioning of the print media during printing and print head lifting operations so that the print media maintains print registration and the printing film does not pull upwardly when the print head is lifted. Single print station (monochrome) and multiple print station (color) embodiments are disclosed. Forward tensioning is accomplished by the use of a feed drive positioned forwardly of the single print station in the monochrome embodiment, or forwardly of the last print station in the color embodiment. The feed drive comprises a nip that pulls the print media through the print stations. In the color embodiment, rearward tensioning is accomplished by the print media supply roll, or further upstream by adjacent print stations.

Abstract: A printing assembly for use with a printing device as provided. The printing assembly includes an adjustable platen assembly including a platen having a jack member constructed and arranged to adjustably maintain the platen in parallel relation to a print head when the print head is in a first position, so as to prevent deformities in the printed image as an article passes through the printing assembly.

Abstract: A transport apparatus and method for transporting labels along a printing path of a printing device is disclosed. The transport apparatus includes a label transfer station including a first peeling device for deflecting the web supplied by the payoff roller to a take-up roller, the deflection of the web being at such an angle that a label mounted on the web is peeled from the web as the web passes over the first peeling device, a discrete carrier for receiving the peeled label from the web and transporting the label along the printing path and through the printing assembly and a second peeling device for deflecting the discrete carrier, the deflection of the discrete carrier being at such an angle that the label mounted on the discrete carrier is peeled from the discrete carrier as it passes over the second peeling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying images to a strip of print media is disclosed. The apparatus includes a printing mechanism having a platen and a thermal print head mounted on a mounting bar, for biased engagement with the platen, the strip passing intermediate the thermal print head and the platen, a thermal printing film passing intermediate the strip and the thermal print head and a print head lifting mechanism which is movable between a first position, in which the print head lifting mechanism is disengaged from the mounting bar, thereby allowing the print head to be biased into engagement with the platen, and a second position, in which the head lifting mechanism engages the mounting bar, thereby lifting the print head out of engagement with the platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying images to opposite first and second sides of a continuous strip includes a back plate, and first, second, and third printing stations each being cooperatively actuatable for applying first, second, and third images to a continuous strip. The first, second, and third printing stations have a predetermined equal distance therebetween. The third printing station is positioned at a slightly higher elevation on the back plate than the second printing station and the second printing station is positioned at a slightly higher elevation on the back plate than the first printing station.

Abstract: Thermal printing apparatus is operable for applying images to opposite first and second sides of a continuous strip. The apparatus includes first, second, third and fourth thermal printing assemblies actuatable for applying first, second, third and fourth images to the continuous strip at first, second, third and fourth printing stations. The first and third thermal printing assemblies are mounted on reversible mounting assemblies capable of mounting the respective thermal printing assembly in a first position wherein the printing assembly is actuable for applying an image to a first side of the strip, and a second position wherein the printing assembly is actuable for applying an image to a second side of the strip.

Abstract: A thermal chart recorder which is operative for simultaneously generating a plurality of wave form images on a thermally responsive chart in response to input signals utilizing a stationary thermal print head, includes a sound generation circuit for generating audible sounds which simulate the sounds generated by the styli of a traditional stylus-type recorder. The volume levels of the sound produced by the sound generation circuit correspond to the sum of the approximate absolute values of the rates of change of the input signals and can be utilized for allerting operators to rapid changes in recorded parameters.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is operative for applying images to the opposite sides of continuous strips at first and second printing stations. The apparatus includes a feed assembly driven by a stepping motor for advancing a continuous strip from the first reprinting station to the second printing station and a controller which is responsive to a predetermined number of stepped rotational increments of the stepping motor for coordinating the printing operation at the second printing station with the printing operation at the first printing station. The preferred form of the apparatus is operative with thermal print heads, and it includes head mounting assemblies which are operative with toggle-like actions between actuated and unactuated positions.

Abstract: A chart recorder includes a chart drive assembly including a drive platen, first and second print heads, a slave controller for energizing the second print head, a master controller for energizing the first print head and for actuating the slave controller and a host computer for controlling the master and slave controllers and for supplying data thereto. The master controller controls the chart drive assembly to coordinate it with the energizations of the print heads, and it actuates the slave controller to synchronize the energizations of the print heads. The print heads are independently mounted in end-to-end relation and independently biased toward the chart and the platen at a printing station to enable them to compensate for deflections in the print head and/or the platen, as well as distortions in the heads due to thermal expansion.

Abstract: An instant-game-type lottery ticket comprises a card having a coating on the front side thereof which includes a first metallic layer and an outwardly facing layer of thermally responsive chemicals, a removable opaque layer over at least a portion of the thermally responsive chemical layer and a second metallic layer on the back side of the card. The metallic layers preferably comprise vacuum deposited silver-colored metallized layers having protective transparent plastic films thereon. Game-playing indicia can be imprinted on the lottery ticket at the point of sale without damaging the removable opaque layer by selectively activating the thermally responsive chemicals under the removable opaque layer with a thermal printhead. The transparent plastic films allow the card to be thermally imprinted with a thermal printhead without damaging the printhead and the metallized layers add opacity to the lottery ticket.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for controlling the energization of thermal print head elements on a thermal print head. The circuit is responsive to the overall temperature of a thermal print head for varying the amounts of energy supplied the print head elements thereof so that markings of substantially uniform darkness can be produced on thermally sensitive sheets regardless of the overall head temperature. The circuit is operative in response to a start signal for producing a predetermined number of sequential pulses of substantially uniform duration during a printing cycle to sequentially energize different groups of print head elements at different times during the cycle. The voltage level of the pulses in the cycles is maintained substantially constant, whereas the duration of the pulses in different cycles is varied to vary the amounts of energy supplied to the print head elements.