Abstract: A method of printing on a print face of a linerless media with the printing face of a printhead without a platen member opposite the printing face. The method comprises the steps of, guiding the print face of the media to a point close adjacent and slightly above the printing face; routing the print face across the printing face; pulling the media across the printing face from a point slightly above the printing face; and, creating a drag force on the media to hold the print face against the printing face during printing. A guide member guides the media to a point close adjacent the printing face. The drag can be created by putting a drag clutch on the supply roll, routing the media between drag rollers, or having a high friction surface on the guide member.

Abstract: A spur gear ratchet mechanism is provided to enable simplified replacement of a ribbon roll for a thermal transfer printer. The spur gear ratchet mechanism is intended for use with a printer comprising a fixed base portion and a pivotal cage portion in which the cage portion can be selectively moved between a closed operational position and an open non-operational position. A transporting mechanism controls the movement of the thermal transfer ribbon, and is attached to the pivotal cage portion so that it moves in association therewith. The transporting mechanism comprises at least one rotatable hub that is driven by an associated drive gear. When the cage portion moves from the closed operational position to the open non-operational position, the drive gear disengages from the pinion of a drive motor that is fixed within the base portion of the printer. Concurrently, the spur gear ratchet mechanism engages the drive gear and impedes undesirable rotation of the hub.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a thermal printer for printing bar code symbols onto a paper substrate material is provided which utilizes a ribbon having a multi-transfer ink layer. The thermal printer enables the ink ribbon to be transported at a rate that is selectively lower than the transporting rate of the paper substrate. The thermal printer comprises a platen and a thermal head disposed adjacent to the platen having a region defined therebetween through which the paper substrate material is transported at a first rate. Images or symbols are imprinted onto the paper substrate material by operation of the thermal head in cooperation with ink from the multi-transfer ink ribbon advanced to the region. A supply hub carries a supply of the ribbon, and a first motor is mechanically linked to the supply hub. The first motor rotates the hub in a direction opposite to a direction of advancement of the ribbon.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically adjusting operating parameters of a printer using bar code images to achieve optimal print quality. A reader operates in conjunction with a bar code printer and scans the output images printed by the printer. A verifier analyzes the scanned image to determine the quality of the output image. The system adjusts printer operating parameters, such as print speed, print head pressure, and burn duration to optimize the quality of the output image for a selected quality grade of output image. Adjustments are made in a closed-loop fashion without the need for user intervention.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for a printer is provided which rapidly decelerates and stops a rotating roll of print media in between printing operations, and allows the roll to rotate freely during printing operations. The printer includes a print head mechanism that draws a print media to a print region from a roll of the print media. A roller supports the roll of print media and permits the roll to rotate freely upon application of a drawing force from the print head mechanism. A brake drum is axially coupled to the roller. A lever arm is affixed at a first end thereof to a support structure of the printer and is pivotal between a first position and a second position. A second end of the lever arm has a pedal disposed at a portion of a path along which the print media follows toward the print region.

Abstract: A system and method for the automatic selection printer operating parameters using a preprinted bar code image on a portion of a selected print medium or a separate sheet of bar code parameters and commands. The bar code image specified characteristics of the selected print medium. A bar code scanner operates in conjunction with a bar code printer and scans the bar code image. The system automatically selects printer operating parameters, such as print speed, print head pressure, and burn duration to configure the printer for optimal operation with the selected print medium. The bar codes can also be used for test and service, label design, data entry, or work in process.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for determining edges of tags/labels carried by a backing strip over a fixed surface. The method comprises the steps of, disposing a sensor above the fixed surface measuring the distance to a surface passing beneath it and outputting a first signal reflecting the distance; receiving and amplifying the first signal to a usable level second signal and outputting the second signal; and, receiving and comparing changes in the second signal to a pre-established threshold amount and outputting a third signal indicating an edge has been found when the second signal changes more than the pre-established threshold amount. Contacting and non-contacting approaches to accomplishing the measurement are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing gaps between labels adhered to a backing material in longitudinally spaced-apart positions as the backing material travels along the print path of a thermal printer. An array of light-emitting diodes oriented transverse to the print path illuminates the backing material. A fiber optic detects the light transmitted through the backing material and passes the light to a photodiode. The photodiode produces an analog electrical signal indicative of the amount of light transmitted, which varies depending on whether the light has passed through only the backing material or through both the backing material and the print media it carries. The analog signal is converted to a digital signal which is processed by a microprocessor to monitor and control the advancement of the print media and backing material through the printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the contact pressure of a thermal printhead against a platen roller. In response to the receipt of a control signal, a spring mechanism is activated to apply a torque against an arm attached to a shaft. Rotation of the shaft first brings the printhead into contact with a thermal medium which passes between the printhead and the platen roller. After the printhead contacts the thermal medium, further force applied through the spring selectively increases the torque which, in turn, increases the pressure of the printhead against the thermal medium. The pressure is adjustable as a function of the thermal medium, print speed, user darkness preference and other variables.