Abstract: A thermal transfer system includes a winding portion that winds an ink ribbon that includes a support layer and an ink layer after ink in the ink layer is transferred to a transfer receiver, and a heating element that transfers the ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon to the support layer of the ink ribbon that is located inside the ink ribbon that is wound around the winding portion in a stripe-shaped disturbing pattern DP1 that extends in a direction in which the ink ribbon is conveyed in a manner in which the ink ribbon that is wound around the winding portion is heated from the support layer. The heating element includes a contact portion including multiple projecting portions that come into contact with the ink ribbon and multiple recessed portions that do not come into contact with the ink ribbon.

Abstract: There is provided a compact simplex and duplex printer which can be produced easily at a low cost. The simplex and duplex printer includes: a thermal head for performing printing on a substrate; a rolled substrate supply section for supplying a continuous substrate, which is to be printed on one side, to the thermal head; and a sheet-like substrate supply section, provided below the rolled substrate supply section, for sequentially supplying sheet-like substrates, which are to be printed on both sides, to the thermal head. A reversing mechanism for reversing a sheet-like substrate which has been returned from the thermal head is disposed between the thermal head and the sheet-like substrate supply section. The reversing mechanism is disposed just below the rolled substrate supply section.

Abstract: A compact simplex and duplex printer which can be produced easily at a low cost. The simplex and duplex printer includes: a thermal head for performing printing on a substrate; a rolled substrate supply section for supplying a continuous substrate, which is to be printed on one side, to the thermal head; and a sheet-like substrate supply section, provided below the rolled substrate supply section, for sequentially supplying sheet-like substrates, which are to be printed on both sides, to the thermal head. A guide transport path for guiding a sheet-like substrate from the sheet-like substrate supply section to the thermal head is provided between the thermal head and the sheet-like substrate supply section. To the guide transport path is connected a reversing mechanism for reversing the sheet-like substrate which has been returned from the thermal head to the guide transport path. The reversing mechanism includes a rotatable housing shell.

Abstract: There is provided a compact simplex and duplex printer which can be produced easily at a low cost. The simplex and duplex printer includes: a thermal head for performing printing on a substrate; a rolled substrate supply section for supplying a continuous substrate, which is to be printed on one side, to the thermal head; and a sheet-like substrate supply section, provided below the rolled substrate supply section, for sequentially supplying sheet-like substrates, which are to be printed on both sides, to the thermal head. A reversing mechanism for reversing a sheet-like substrate which has been returned from the thermal head is disposed between the thermal head and the sheet-like substrate supply section. The reversing mechanism is disposed just below the rolled substrate supply section.

Abstract: A compact simplex and duplex printer which can be produced easily at a low cost. The simplex and duplex printer includes: a thermal head for performing printing on a substrate; a rolled substrate supply section for supplying a continuous substrate, which is to be printed on one side, to the thermal head; and a sheet-like substrate supply section, provided below the rolled substrate supply section, for sequentially supplying sheet-like substrates, which are to be printed on both sides, to the thermal head. A guide transport path for guiding a sheet-like substrate from the sheet-like substrate supply section to the thermal head is provided between the thermal head and the sheet-like substrate supply section. To the guide transport path is connected a reversing mechanism for reversing the sheet-like substrate which has been returned from the thermal head to the guide transport path. The reversing mechanism includes a rotatable housing shell.

Abstract: A head moving mechanism includes a printhead configured to form an image and movable between a printing position where an image is formed, a standby position away from the printing position, and a retracted position across from the printing position relative to the standby position; a cam mechanism configured to move the printhead between the printing position and the standby position; and a rack-and-pinion mechanism configured to move the printhead between the standby position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A holder for roll-type print media and a roll-type print media cassette, for easing replacement of a roll, including a printing apparatus capable of detecting the presence of a roll-type print media. The holder and cassette include supporting means for supporting the roll-type print media rotatively and regulating means for regulating the unwinding of the print media. The printing apparatus includes print media supporting means for supporting the roll-type print media rotatively such that the position of the axis of rotation is fixed. A contact sensor for detecting the presence of roll-type print media is also provided.