Abstract: A printing device for printing labels comprises a memory for storing one or more character sets, each character set including at least a principle character and an additional character which is associated with the principle character; user input means having character selection keys for selecting a character set to define an image to be printed by the printing device; and a controller for accessing characters from the memory to be displayed and printed which correspond to characters selected at the user input means. The first actuation of a character selection key selects the principle character in the selected character set and a subsequent activation of the character selection key in a predetermined time frame selects the associated additional character.

Abstract: A method of printing an image on a composite medium is described. A composite medium comprises a thermally sensitive image receiving layer and a protective layer. The image receiving layer is activated through the protective layer whereby to generate an image in the image receiving layer which is protected by the already present protective layer. A tape and cassette comprising the composite medium are also described, as it is a printing device for use with the composite medium, and a method of producing a printed label from the composite medium.

Abstract: A printing device for printing labels comprises a memory for storing one or more character sets, each character set including at least a principle character and an additional character which is associated with the principle character; user input means having character selection keys for selecting a character set to define an image to be printed by the printing device; and a controller for accessing characters from the memory to be displayed and printed which correspond to characters selected at the user input means. The first actuation of a character selection key selects the principle character in the selected character set and a subsequent activation of the character selection key in a predetermined time frame selects the associated additional character.

Abstract: A printing device for printing labels comprises a memory for storing one or more character sets, each character set including at least a principle character and an additional character which is associated with the principle character; user input means having character selection keys for selecting a character set to define an image to be printed by the printing device; and a controller for accessing characters from the memory to be displayed and printed which correspond to characters selected at the user input means. The first actuation of a character selection key selects the principle character in the selected character set and a subsequent activation of the character selection key in a predetermined time frame selects the associated additional character.

Abstract: A printing device is described, predominantly for printing labels on a tape. The printing device has a display and input means for inputting characters to be printed by the printing device. Using the input means, a cursor on the display can be controlled. The printing device has a label memory which comprises a storage portion having a plurality of storage sections. The display is operable to display a plurality of label access elements each of which represents a respective storage section in the storage portion of the memory. The cursor is used to access a selected storage section of the memory associated with the label access element identified by the cursor position. A method of storage label data in a label memory using this principle is also described.

Abstract: A method of printing an image on a composite medium is described. A composite medium comprises a thermally sensitive image receiving layer and a protective layer. The image receiving layer is activated through the protective layer whereby to generate an image in the image receiving layer which is protected by the already present protective layer. A tape and cassette comprising the composite medium are also described, as it is a printing device for use with the composite medium, and a method of producing a printed label from the composite medium.

Abstract: A printer comprises a printing mechanism arranged to print an image on an image receiving medium, wireless receiver means for receiving image data for printing on said image receiving medium. The wireless receiver means is arranged to receive signals having a frequency of the order of Gigahertz.

Abstract: A printer with a housing arranged to be manually positioned on an image receiving medium. In order to allow easy alignment, a window is provided such that the print face is visible through the window. A controller of the printer is operable to detect markings on an image receiving medium, the markings being scanned by means of a scanner. An indicator referring to a direction in which the printer is to be moved and the detected markings are displayed in order to obtain alignment between the print face and the detected markings. The printer uses a medium with alignment marks, or alternately prints alignment marks onto a medium. Finally, a base station with an adjustable stop for positioning a print medium is included.

Abstract: A printing device for printing labels comprises a memory for storing one or more character sets, each character set including at least a principle character and an additional character which is associated with the principle character; user input means having character selection keys for selecting a character set to define an image to be printed by the printing device; and a controller for accessing characters from the memory to be displayed and printed which correspond to characters selected at the user input means, The first actuation of a character selection key selects the principle character in the selected character set and a subsequent activation of the character selection key in a predetermined time frame selects the associated additional character.

Abstract: A tape printer comprising a tape receiving portion for receiving a supply of tape on which an image is to be printed; printing means for printing an image on said tape; cutting means for cutting at least partially said tape; and a cutter operation arrangement for manually operating said cutting means, said cutter operation arrangement comprising a first operating portion and a second operating portion, at least one of said first and second operating portions being movable toward the other, said operating portions being such that in use a user contacts both of said portions in order to move the at least one moveable portion towards the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printer including a scanning mechanism provided in a housing, a mounting mechanism for releasably mounting a print head to the scanning mechanism, and an aperture. The scanning mechanism is arranged to move within the housing. The aperture is provided within the housing and arranged to be placed on, or adjacent to, an image receiving medium such that the print head, when mounted, is operable to print onto the image receiving medium through the aperture. In order to engrave an image into the image receiving medium, it is proposed that the mounting mechanism is arranged to accommodate a holding mechanism which holds a machining device for machining a medium. The printer may be provided with an ink supply containing a security ink, especially for printing entry receipts onto the hand of as customer entering a discotheque, concert, or other event.

Abstract: A printing device for printing labels that includes a display; a user input means for inputting an image to be printed by the printing device and for selecting a required label length; and a control means operable to determine the length of the image input via the user input means, and if 10 the length of the image input is greater than the required label length, the control means is arranged to cause the display to display an error message indicating the difference between the length of the image and the required label length, which may be the minimum length of the inputted image, the difference between a preselected length and the minimum length of the inputted image, or both.

Abstract: A portable printer which can print on a variety of surfaces is disclosed. The printer has a number of failsafe features which improve its operation and the quality of print. In particular, printing is inhibited in a certain number of situations. Alternatively or additionally, a maintenance sequence can be implemented when the printing unit is removed from a base location. A set of absorbent strips additionally or alternatively allow for the ink jet nozzles to be discharged within the print area.

Abstract: A tape printer comprising a tape receiving portion for receiving a supply of tape on which an image is to be printed; printing means for printing an image on said tape; cutting means for cutting at least partially said tape; and a cutter operation arrangement for manually operating said cutting means, said cutter operation arrangement comprising a first operating portion and a second operating portion, at least one of said first and second operating portions being movable toward the other, said operating portions being such that in use a user contacts both of said portions in order to move the at least one moveable portion towards the other.

Abstract: A portable printer which can print on a variety of surfaces is disclosed. The printer has a number of failsafe features which improve its operation and the quality of print. In particular, printing is inhibited in a certain number of situations. Alternatively or additionally, a maintenance sequence can be implemented when the printing unit is removed from a base location. A set of absorbent strips additionally or alternatively allow for the ink jet nozzles to be discharged within the print area.

Abstract: A portable printer is provided which provides active cooperation between a computer and the portable printer unit. A number of different features are introduced into the printing unit which allow greater responsiveness from the computer responsive to actions taken at the printer unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printer with a housing arranged to be manually positioned on an image receiving medium. In order to allow easy alignment, a window is provided such that the print face is visible through the window. A controller of the printer is operable to detect markings on an image receiving medium, the markings being scanned by means of a scanner. An information referring to a direction in which the printer is to be moved and the detected markings are displayed in order to obtain alignment between the print face and the detected markings. The invention also relates to using a medium with alignment marks, or to printing alignment marks onto a medium. Finally, a base station with an adjustable stop for positioning a print medium is disclosed.

Abstract: A printing device comprising user input means having function setting means for selectively instigating a background text state and an edit state and character selection means for selecting characters or symbols to be printed, a label memory for holding label data in the form of characters or symbols selected as background text and characters or symbols selected as foreground text, a printing mechanism for printing images based on said label data and a controller responsive to the user input means and the label data to control the printing mechanism, wherein the controller is operable to generate print data for the printing mechanism to print said selected background characters or symbols as grey shaded background.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printer comprising a scanning mechanism provided in a housing, a mounting mechanism for releasably mounting a print head to the scanning mechanism, and an aperture. The scanning mechanism is arranged to move within the housing. The aperture is provided within the housing and arranged to be placed on, or adjacent to, an image receiving medium such that the print head, when mounted, is operable to print onto the image receiving medium through the aperture. In order to engrave an image into the image receiving medium, it is proposed that the mounting mechanism is arranged to accommodate a holding mechanism which holds a machining device for machining a medium. The printer may be provided with an ink supply containing a security ink, especially for printing entry receipts onto the hand of a customer entering a discotheque, concert, or other event.

Abstract: A printing device for printing labels that includes a display; a user input means for inputting an image to be printed by the printing device and for selecting a required label length; and a control means operable to determine the length of the image input via the user input means, and if the length of the image input is greater than the required label length, the control means is arranged to cause the display to display an error message indicating the difference between the length of the image and the required label length, which may be the minimum length of the inputted image, the difference between a preselected length and the minimum length of the inputted image, or both.