Abstract: A compact printer that includes a mechanism for maintaining tension in a print ribbon is provided. The mechanism includes a print ribbon take-up clutch that allows a print ribbon take-up gear to be driven at a rate that is faster than the rate at which print ribbon is moved through a printer assembly while a print medium is moved in a forward direction. A one-way bearing may be interposed between the print ribbon take-up gear and the print ribbon take-up roll carrier, such that a driving torque is transmitted from the take-up gear to the take-up roll carrier only when the take-up gear is driven in the forward direction. Similarly, a one-way bearing may be interposed between a print ribbon supply gear and a print ribbon supply roll carrier, such that torque is transmitted from the print ribbon supply gear to the print ribbon supply roll carrier only when the print ribbon is moved in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A compact printer that includes a sensor system for monitoring the position and/or status of media is provided. The system includes a photo source extending along a line across all or a portion of the width of a media path. The photo source can comprise a number of sources, such as a number of focused LED sources. A single detector or receiver is disposed on a side of the media path opposite the source. The location of the single receiver with respect to the width of the media path can be adjusted by a user. Information related to the intensity of light received at the receiver is passed to a controller, which can use the information to generate a media out signal or to determine the location of an index mark.

Abstract: A modular printer that can be configured to provide different printing sizes, models, and features. The modular printer has a base module that includes base printing electronics, and a drive and print mechanism. Coupled to the base module are different communication modules that provide an interface for the operator of the printer. Different battery modules are designed to interface with the other modular sections.