Abstract: An asymmetric peel plate for a label-dispensing apparatus for separating labels from a liner as the liner travels along a liner path extending in a longitudinal direction through the label-dispensing apparatus. The asymmetric peel plate includes one or more liner support surfaces defining a portion of the liner path and further includes a peel edge disposed at a longitudinally forward end of the liner support surface(s) in which the peel edge extends forwardly along the longitudinal direction to a peel edge apex. No plane exists perpendicular to the liner path if the liner was unbent that is collinear with a bending line in which the peel edge is reflectionally symmetrical about the plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods include an assembly for a label wrapper to adhere a label to an elongated object, such as a wire. The assembly can include a roller having a roller axis and a compliant block with a notch. The notch can be parallel with the roller axis. The compliant block and the roller can be biased toward each other, and when the elongate object is received between the roller and the compliant block, a pressure can be applied to the elongate object whereby the compliant block at least in part conforms to the elongate object.

Abstract: Systems and methods include an assembly for a label wrapper to adhere a label to an elongated object, such as a wire. The assembly can include a roller having a roller axis and a compliant block with a notch. The notch can be parallel with the roller axis. The compliant block and the roller can be biased toward each other, and when the elongate object is received between the roller and the compliant block, a pressure can be applied to the elongate object whereby the compliant block at least in part conforms to the elongate object.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a label wrapper assembly that can retain elongate objects while adhering a label thereto. The assembly can include a wrapping subassembly with a wrapping subassembly axis that can be configured to apply a label to an elongate object by rotating around the elongate object about the wrapping subassembly axis. A set of clamp assemblies can be axially spaced apart along the wrapping subassembly axis on both sides of the wrapping subassembly. Each of the clamp assemblies can have a set of clamp members slidably movable relative to each other between an open position and a clamping position, and the clamp members can provide a clamping force in the clamping position. Each of the clamp members can have a retention element to retain the elongate object therebetween when in the clamping position, and the retention elements can be elastomeric.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a printer that includes a cutting frame that has opposing side walls is provided. The cutting assembly further includes a blade housing slidably mounted in the cutting frame for slidable movement along the side walls and a blade fixed in the blade housing that includes a cutting edge. The cutting assembly further includes a plurality of ejector posts that extends from the blade housing in a direction of blade housing slidable movement and past the cutting edge to engage media being cut by the cuffing edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a media guide system for guiding media unwound from a roll of a roll assembly along a direction of roll feeding in a printer. The guide system includes a guide base including a datum edge guide surface and a plurality of edge guide receivers. The datum edge guide surface is aligned along a direction of roll feeding. The plurality of edge guide receivers is formed in the guide base and extends along the direction of roll feeding. When the roll assembly is loaded into the guide base by engaging an edge guide of the roll assembly into at least one of the plurality of edge guide receivers, the datum edge guide surface of the guide base and the edge guide of the roll assembly serve as edge guides to guide the roll through the printer during a printing operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge providing ribbon tension. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing having walls. A first spool and a second spool are contained in at least in part in the cartridge and have a ribbon extending therebetween. The first spool and the second spool extend between a pair of ends with at least one of the pair of ends having a driving portion. At least one resistance-applying part extends around a portion of each of the first spool and the second spool. The first spool and the second spool have a loaded and an unloaded position. In the loaded position, at least one of the resistance applying part is disengaged from the walls of the cartridge. In the unloaded position, at least one resistance-applying part engages the walls of the cartridge.

Abstract: A drive train for a printer is disclosed that provides and maintains a desired tension in the ribbon during transfer of the ribbon between a supply spool and a take-up spool. The drive train is configured to pre-tension the ribbon proximate the driven spool prior to driving the drive roller. During operation, the drive train provides and maintains the requisite tension in the ribbon proximate the driven spool with use of a slip-overdrive assembly. Additionally, the drive train induces a drag on the spool from which ribbon is being unwound with the use of a drag-overrun assembly.

Abstract: An edge guide is described that is adapted to restrict lateral movement of a flexible web as the web advances past the guide, the web comprising top and bottom face surfaces and two lateral edge surfaces, the guide comprising (i) a multi-sided body, and (ii) a cavity in one side of the body, the cavity comprising (a) a curved support surface adapted to receive a first lateral edge and to support a portion of the bottom face surface of the web as the web moves laterally into the cavity of and advances past the guide, and (b) a hard stop above, and in one embodiment, continuous with the curved support surface, the stop adapted to engage the first lateral edge of the web and block any further lateral movement of the web over the curved support surface.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for print media back-feed control for a printer. The invention incorporates use of a downstream sensor to detect at least one of a leading edge of a print media or an indicia correlated to parameters of the print media. The print media can then be back-fed by a controller to accurately position a print line of the print media proximate to a print head of the printer without losing sufficient nip pressure.

Abstract: An improved print head assembly is disclosed that provides even pressure over the width of a print face across a platen roller. Accordingly, the print head assembly can perform edge-justified printing operations without portions of the print being faint or skewing due to uneven pressure across the print head.

Abstract: A drive train for a printer is disclosed that provides and maintains a desired tension in the ribbon during transfer of the ribbon between a supply spool and a take-up spool. The drive train is configured to pre-tension the ribbon proximate the driven spool prior to driving the drive roller. During operation, the drive train provides and maintains the requisite tension in the ribbon proximate the driven spool with use of a slip-overdrive assembly. Additionally, the drive train induces a drag on the spool from which ribbon is being unwound with the use of a drag-overrun assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge providing ribbon tension. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing having walls. A first spool and a second spool are contained in at least in part in the cartridge and have a ribbon extending therebetween. The first spool and the second spool extend between a pair of ends with at least one of the pair of ends having a driving portion. At least one resistance-applying part extends around a portion of each of the first spool and the second spool. The first spool and the second spool have a loaded and an unloaded position. In the loaded position, at least one of the resistance applying part is disengaged from the walls of the cartridge. In the unloaded position, at least one resistance-applying part engages the walls of the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a media guide system for guiding media unwound from a roll of a roll assembly along a direction of roll feeding in a printer. The guide system includes a guide base including a datum edge guide surface and a plurality of edge guide receivers. The datum edge guide surface is aligned along a direction of roll feeding. The plurality of edge guide receivers is formed in the guide base and extends along the direction of roll feeding. When the roll assembly is loaded into the guide base by engaging an edge guide of the roll assembly into at least one of the plurality of edge guide receivers, the datum edge guide surface of the guide base and the edge guide of the roll assembly serve as edge guides to guide the roll through the printer during a printing operation.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a printer that includes a cutting frame that has opposing side walls is provided. The cutting assembly further includes a blade housing slidably mounted in the cutting frame for slidable movement along the side walls and a blade fixed in the blade housing that includes a cutting edge. The cutting assembly further includes a plurality of ejector posts that extends from the blade housing in a direction of blade housing slidable movement and past the cutting edge to engage media being cut by the cuffing edge.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for monitoring and determining the amount of ribbon on a supply spool used in a printer. The system and method monitor the rotation of a drive motor to determine a change in useful life that is then used to update the ribbon cartridge useful life that is stored on a ribbon cartridge memory device of the ribbon cartridge. Rotation of the supply spool or take-up spool may be used to estimate the ribbon cartridge useful life when the stored ribbon cartridge useful life is undefined or inaccurate.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for print media back-feed control for a printer. The invention incorporates use of a downstream sensor to detect at least one of a leading edge of a print media or an indicia correlated to parameters of the print media. The print media can then be back-fed by a controller to accurately position a print line of the print media proximate to a print head of the printer without losing sufficient nip pressure.

Abstract: An improved print head assembly is disclosed that provides even pressure over the width of a print face across a platen roller. Accordingly, the print head assembly can perform edge-justified printing operations without portions of the print being faint or skewing due to uneven pressure across the print head.

Abstract: An edge guide is described that is adapted to restrict lateral movement of a flexible web as the web advances past the guide, the web comprising top and bottom face surfaces and two lateral edge surfaces, the guide comprising (i) a multi-sided body, and (ii) a cavity in one side of the body, the cavity comprising (a) a curved support surface adapted to receive a first lateral edge and to support a portion of the bottom face surface of the web as the web moves laterally into the cavity of and advances past the guide, and (b) a hard stop above, and in one embodiment, continuous with the curved support surface, the stop adapted to engage the first lateral edge of the web and block any further lateral movement of the web over the curved support surface.