Abstract: A label printing apparatus for printing characters on a label. The apparatus includes a controller operable to perform various functions, such as (1) recalling stored common font data for each character selected and being operable to apply a scaling factor to the font data to produce print pixel data for printing the character; (2) deriving characters from the font data to determine sequentially intersections of lines and/or curves of the character with a print line extending heightwise to generate therefrom a set of pixel data for directly printing a column of dots corresponding to the set of pixel data defined at that print line; and/or (3) implementing a preview function which enables all characters of an entire label to be displayed at one time on a display even when the length of the label is greater than the size of the display.

Abstract: A label printing apparatus having an input device for determining a predetermined label length and selecting one or more of plurality of characters for composing a label having one or more lines of characters in the length; a memory for storing font data defining the plurality of characters; a display for displaying the characters selected at the input device; a printer for printing the selected characters on an image receiving tape to produce a label; and a controller operable to determine an appropriate character size such that the number of characters selected by a user can be accommodated on the predetermined length of tape, wherein the controller is operable to apply a scaling factor to the font data according to the appropriate character size to optimize the size of the characters within the predetermined label length.

Abstract: A label printing device is disclosed in which font data for a plurality of characters is stored. Characters are derived from the font data for displaying and printing in sizes determined by appropriate scaling factors. In this way, characters derived for printing have the same proportion and appearance as characters derived for displaying. Moreover, a large variety of character sizes can be produced both for printing and displaying.

Abstract: A thermal printing device is capable of printing labels in a plurality of colours. When printing in a particular colour has been completed, further movement of image receiving tape is prevented so that an image transfer ribbon of a different colour can be exchanged for the first image transfer ribbon. In this way, multiple colour labels can be printed in a simple and efficient manner.

Abstract: A tape cutting apparatus which provides for cutting a multi-layered tape through only one layer of the tape. The apparatus includes a cutting device with a cutting blade wherein the cutting device is actuated by a drive mechanism and the position of the cutting device is controlled by a position controller. The apparatus further provides a braking mechanism to ensure that the cut is terminated at the proper position.

Abstract: An automatic tape detecting and tape width identifying printing apparatus or tape holder wherein the printing apparatus and tape holder include an optical sensing arrangement having at least first and second optical sensing assemblies. The first and second optical sensing assemblies each, preferably, include a photo transistor and a light emitting diode. The photo transistor is located to receive and detect light from the light emitting diode. The first and second optical sensing assemblies are located to automatically detect the presence or absence of tape within the tape holder. In a preferred embodiment, the first optical sensing assembly is located to automatically discriminate the presence of a particular width, w2, of tape within the tape holder. In addition, the second optical sensing assembly is located to automatically discriminate the presence of a different width, w1, of tape within the tape holder.

Abstract: A label printing device is disclosed in which font data for a plurality of characters is stored. Characters are derived from the font data for displaying and printing in sizes determined by appropriate scaling factors. In this way, characters derived for printing have the same proportion and appearance as characters derived for displaying. Moreover, a large variety of character sizes can be produced both for printing and displaying.

Abstract: A tape printing device is described which has cutting means capable of providing a tab cut and a multiple strip of labels. The printing device also enables label lengths to be controlled and to control the cutting process in response to these label lengths.

Abstract: A printing device comprises a zone for receiving tape for printing so that said tape passes along a predetermined path in the printing device; and an optical sensing arrangement comprising first and second optical sensing assemblies which enable an end of tape state to be detected and also allow discrimination between tapes of different widths.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is described which enables a cassette to be removed more easily. This is done by tightening the tape within the cassette automatically in response to movement of a printing mechanism from its operative to its inoperative position.