Abstract: A laminator comprises a laminating head and a processor. The laminating head comprises a plurality of heating elements. Each heating element has an activated state, in which the heating element is powered by a current, and a deactivated state, in which the heating element is not powered by a current. The processor selectively places the individual heating elements in the activated or deactivated state. The selective activation and deactivation of the heating elements is used to bond at least a portion of an overlaminate material to a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a dual hopper assembly (104) for use in a credential processing device (100), a credential processing device (100) that includes a dual hopper assembly (104), and methods of feeding substrates in a credential processing device (100). One embodiment of the dual hopper assembly (104) comprises an upper hopper (106) configured to support one or more card substrates (102), a lower hopper (108) configured to support one or more card substrates and an input feed roller (140). The input feed roller is positioned between the upper and lower hoppers and is movable between a first position (132), in which the input feed roller engages a bottom substrate (102A) supported in the upper hopper, and a second position (134), in which the input feed roller is displaced from the bottom substrate.

Abstract: A card substrate rotator comprises a substrate support, a rotator mechanism and a lift mechanism. The substrate support is configured to receive a card substrate and comprises a feed roller. The rotator mechanism is configured to rotate the substrate support about an axis. The lift mechanism is configured to move the substrate support and the axis in a vertical plane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to credential processing devices and methods of feeding credential substrates in a credential processing device. One exemplary embodiment of the credential processing device includes a processing path, a print head, a transport mechanism, a first motor, a substrate input and an input feed mechanism. The print head is configured to print to a surface of a credential substrate that is fed along the processing path. The transport mechanism comprises one or more transport feed rollers that are configured to feed individual credential substrates along the processing path. The first motor is configured to drive the one or more transport feed rollers. The substrate input comprises an input feed roller configured to feed individual substrates from a supply to the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A credential production system and methods for securely processing a credential substrate and tracking quantities of consumable material using a credentials production system and secured consumable supplies. The system includes a consumable supply and a memory that contains a state identifier that defines a state of the supply. A supply manager is configured to access the memory and set the state identifier to one of a production disabled state and a production enabled state. The system also includes a credential production device that is configured to receive the state of the supply. The credential production device is authorized to process a credential substrate using the consumable supply when the state identifier is set to the production enabled state, and the credential production device is prevented form processing the credential substrate using the supply when the state identifier is set to the production disabled state.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge for use in a credential production device is disclosed. The ribbon cartridge includes a take-up spool, a supply spool and a ribbon wound on the supply and take-up spools. The supply spool includes a loaded condition, in which a majority of the ribbon is wound on the supply spool and a minority of the ribbon is wound on the take-up spool. The take-up spool includes a loaded condition, in which a majority of the ribbon is wound on the take-up spool and a minority of the ribbon is wound on the supply spool. The ribbon wound on the supply spool in the loaded condition extends into the space occupied by the ribbon wound on the take-up spool when the take-up spool is in the loaded condition.

Abstract: A credential substrate rotator includes a substrate support, a substrate feeder and a substrate sensor. The substrate support is configured to support a substrate in a substrate support plane and rotate about a central axis. The substrate feeder is configured to feed a substrate along the substrate support plane. The substrate sensor includes a substrate position indicator that is aligned with the central axis and has first and second positions. The first position indicates an absence of a substrate from a predetermined location of the substrate support. The second position indicates a presence of a substrate in the predetermined location of the substrate support. Also disclosed, is a credential substrate processing module that includes a credential substrate rotator, a first data encoder and a module controller. The credential substrate rotator includes a substrate support configured to support a substrate in a substrate support plane and rotate about a central axis, and a substrate feeder.

Abstract: In a method of authorizing a supply for use with a printing system, a supply is provided having a memory containing a first and second codes and supply-specific data, which uniquely identifies the supply. The first code, the second code and the supply-specific data are retrieved from the memory of the supply. The first and second codes are translated using the supply-specific data. The translated first code is compared to a third code and the translated second code is compared to a fourth code. Use of the supply with the printing system is authorized when the translated first code corresponds to the third code and the translated second code corresponds to the fourth code. Use of the supply with the printing system is prevented when either the translated first code does not correspond to the third code, or the translated second code does not correspond to the fourth code.

Abstract: A laminating roller assembly comprises a frame, a movable support supported by the frame, a laminating roller and a lift mechanism. The laminating roller is attached to the movable support. The lift mechanism is attached to the frame and is configured to move the movable support and the attached laminating roller relative to the frame. Additional embodiments of the invention are directed to a credential substrate laminator and a method of laminating a credential substrate using a credential substrate laminator.

Abstract: A card printer comprises a print platen, a first support, a printhead, and a biasing component. The first support is moveable, relative to the platen, between print and withdrawn positions. The printhead is moveably mounted to the first support for movement between a forward position and a floating position relative to the first support. The biasing component is configured to apply a biasing force to bias the printhead toward the forward position.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring a group of credential processing devices, credential substrates are processed using the credential processing devices of the group. Next, event outputs are received. Each event output relates to an occurrence of a process event during the processing of the substrate by one of the devices. Finally, a relative condition score is calculated for a subject device of the group based on the event outputs corresponding to the subject device and the event outputs corresponding to the other devices in the group. The relative condition score of the subject device is a measure of a condition of the subject device relative to the conditions of the other devices in the group. Also disclosed is a system configured to perform the above-described method.