Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate a thermal printer apparatus that includes a media sensor. The sensor generates an input signal indicative of a measure of a media transmissivity/reflectivity. Further, the thermal printer includes a processor that is configured to receive the input signal from the sensor, while the media is stationary with respect to a print head. The processor further determines one or more characteristics of the input signal. Thereafter, a first transmissivity/reflectivity threshold is determined based on the one or more characteristics in the input signal. Further, the processor receives the input signal from the sensor, while the media traverses with respect to the print head. Subsequently, the processor determines one or more current characteristics of the input signal while the media traverses with respect to the print head. A media jam condition is detected based on the one or more current characteristics and the first transmissivity/reflectivity threshold.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a method and apparatus for an efficient and economical print quality setup for thermal printers. A thermal printhead of a thermal printer constitutes multiple printhead banks. The printhead banks may be controlled by strobe signals. While configuring print quality, each of the strobe signals may operate separately with different power causing the printhead banks to operate in different configurations while printing an identical pattern. As each the banks are operating in different configuration, they each print the identical pattern with a different print quality. One print quality may be selected from the different quality patterns printed by each printhead bank on a single printed label or media. The selected quality pattern corresponds to a quality factor. The method may reduce the time to select a configuration and may reduce the amount of usage of media or labels.

Abstract: Provided herein is system and method for enhancing throughput of a thermal printer cutter. The system operates in a first printing mode in an instance in which a designated safe zone is detected. A second print media portion is traversed in downstream direction for printing after printing of a first print media until a designated safe zone is detected under a print head. The printing is suspended at a first point on the second print media portion. A first movement of the print media is caused in one of the downstream or upstream direction until a first cut point of the first print media portion is detected under cutter blade for cutting operation. A second movement of the print media is caused in one of the downstream or upstream direction until a third point is detected under print head. The printing resumes from the first point on the second print media portion.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate a thermal printer apparatus that includes a media sensor. The sensor generates an input signal indicative of a measure of a media transmissivity/reflectivity. Further, the thermal printer includes a processor that is configured to receive the input signal from the sensor, while the media is stationary with respect to a print head. The processor further determines one or more characteristics of the input signal. Thereafter, a first transmissivity/reflectivity threshold is determined based on the one or more characteristics in the input signal. Further, the processor receives the input signal from the sensor, while the media traverses with respect to the print head. Subsequently, the processor determines one or more current characteristics of the input signal while the media traverses with respect to the print head. A media jam condition is detected based on the one or more current characteristics and the first transmissivity/reflectivity threshold.

Abstract: Provided herein is system and method for enhancing throughput of a thermal printer cutter. The system operates in a first printing mode in an instance in which a designated safe zone is detected. A second print media portion is traversed in downstream direction for printing after printing of a first print media until a designated safe zone is detected under a print head. The printing is suspended at a first point on the second print media portion. A first movement of the print media is caused in one of the downstream or upstream direction until a first cut point of the first print media portion is detected under cutter blade for cutting operation. A second movement of the print media is caused in one of the downstream or upstream direction until a third point is detected under print head. The printing resumes from the first point on the second print media portion.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate a thermal printer apparatus that includes a media sensor. The sensor generates an input signal indicative of a measure of a media transmissivity/reflectivity. Further, the thermal printer includes a processor that is configured to receive the input signal from the sensor, while the media is stationary with respect to a print head. The processor further determines one or more characteristics of the input signal. Thereafter, a first transmissivity/reflectivity threshold is determined based on the one or more characteristics in the input signal. Further, the processor receives the input signal from the sensor, while the media traverses with respect to the print head. Subsequently, the processor determines one or more current characteristics of the input signal while the media traverses with respect to the print head. A media jam condition is detected based on the one or more current characteristics and the first transmissivity/reflectivity threshold.

Abstract: A media feeding system comprises a driver configured to rotate a media roll in a first direction; a vacuum roller positioned in a media feed path and configured to rotate in the first direction; and a media end detecting sensor positioned in the media feed path, the media end detecting sensor being configured to detect a leading edge of the media; wherein the driver rotates the media roll in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to the sensor detecting the leading end of the media.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a method and apparatus for an efficient and economical print quality setup for thermal printers. A thermal printhead of a thermal printer constitutes multiple printhead banks. The printhead banks may be controlled by strobe signals. While configuring print quality, each of the strobe signals may operate separately with different power causing the printhead banks to operate in different configurations while printing an identical pattern. As each the banks are operating in different configuration, they each print the identical pattern with a different print quality. One print quality may be selected from the different quality patterns printed by each printhead bank on a single printed label or media. The selected quality pattern corresponds to a quality factor. The method may reduce the time to select a configuration and may reduce the amount of usage of media or labels.

Abstract: Printers and methods are provided for determining an amount of remaining print media in an operating printer. Waveform signal is received from encoder wheel having number (n) of sectors and proximate optical sensor. Waveform signal represents number of sectors (m) that, during measurement time (t), pass by optical sensor as encoder wheel rotates. If media encoder wheel, in response to receiving waveform signal, processor calculates length of remaining print media in media roll at instant time t2. If ribbon encoder wheel, in response to receiving waveform signal, processor at least one of calculates length of remaining ribbon in ribbon roll at instant time t2 or extrapolates the length of the remaining print media from a plurality of data points defining an interpolation equation.

Abstract: A self-configuring printer includes a print head configured to print on a print media, and a sensor configured to sense indicia on the print media. The indicia includes a top-of-form mark and at least one data segment. The printer includes a processor in operative communication with the sensor and a memory in operative communication with the processor. The memory stores a set of instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute a method of operating the printer. The method includes receiving, from the sensor, signals corresponding to the a top-of-form mark and the at least one data segment; determining, from the signals, a top-of-form location of the print media and at least one printer operational property; moving the top-of-form location of the print media to a predetermined position with respect to the print head; and configuring the printer utilizing the at least one printer operational property.

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the setting(s) of a printer having a control circuit in communication with a sensory system and a database. The database is located in a storage medium and the data in the database includes one or more defined parameter settings corresponding to one or more media types. The sensory system is used to obtain a media identifier from media loaded into the printer. The control circuit determines the type of media from the media identifier. The media type is then compared to the database entries and used to retrieve any defined parameter setting(s) corresponding to the media type identified by the media identifier. Instructions to adjust the printer setting(s) according to the defined parameter setting(s) are determined at the control circuit. The control circuit then sends the instructions to the appropriate systems of the printer to adjusted the printer setting(s) according to the defined parameter setting(s).

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the setting(s) of a printer having a control circuit in communication with a sensory system and a database. The database is located in a storage medium and the data in the database includes one or more defined parameter settings corresponding to one or more media types. The sensory system is used to obtain a media identifier from media loaded into the printer. The control circuit determines the type of media from the media identifier. The media type is then compared to the database entries and used to retrieve any defined parameter setting(s) corresponding to the media type identified by the media identifier. Instructions to adjust the printer setting(s) according to the defined parameter setting(s) are determined at the control circuit. The control circuit then sends the instructions to the appropriate systems of the printer to adjusted the printer setting(s) according to the defined parameter setting(s).

Abstract: A system to determine the presence and width of a media within a printing system is disclosed which includes a pair of adjustable media guides is provided about a carriage and is axially spaced apart along the length of the carriage. The guides may be manipulated along a horizontal axis in a sliding, synchronized manner and such that the center line of media is maintained along the centerline of the print station. A sensor is provided and affixed to the carriage, the sensor being operable for emitting an optical signal through an aperture located in the carriage. At least one of the guides includes an obstruction which may protrude into the path of the optical signal at defined locations. As the guides move about the horizontal axis, the obstruction may block or otherwise interrupt the optical signal, thereby signaling the sensor and the printer of the media's presence and width.

Abstract: A self-configuring printer includes a print head configured to print on a print media, and a sensor configured to sense indicia on the print media. The indicia includes a top-of-form mark and at least one data segment. The printer includes a processor in operative communication with the sensor and a memory in operative communication with the processor. The memory stores a set of instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute a method of operating the printer. The method includes receiving, from the sensor, signals corresponding to the a top-of-form mark and the at least one data segment; determining, from the signals, a top-of-form location of the print media and at least one printer operational property; moving the top-of-form location of the print media to a predetermined position with respect to the print head; and configuring the printer utilizing the at least one printer operational property.

Abstract: A print station system having a chassis for housing a modular print station; a power source in communication with the print station; a controller circuit card assembly in communication with the print station; a display panel in communication with the print station; a media rewind hub; a pair of adjustable media guides connected about a base of the print station; and at least one sensor affixed to the print station base and being operable for detecting the presence and position of media passing through a media feed path of the print station system.

Abstract: A printing system having a chassis for housing a modular print station; a power source in communication with the print station; a controller circuit card assembly encoded with at least one feature module and being in communication with the print station; a display panel in communication with the print station; a media rewind hub; a pair of adjustable media guides connected about a base of the print station; and at least one sensor affixed to the print station base and being operable for detecting the presence and position of media passing through a media feed path of the printing system.

Abstract: A print station system (1) having a drive-stepper motor (2), platen rollers (3, 4) in operative communication with the drive-stepper motor (2), a pinch roller (10) in operative communication with the drive-stepper motor (2), a top-of-form sensor (11) located between the platen roller (3, 4) and the pinch roller (10), a rocker arm (12) in operative communication with the platen roller (3, 4) and the pinch roller (10), and a printhead assembly (5), a media guide (12a, 12b). A radio-frequency identification antenna (16) or a receptacle (15) for holding same may be located between the platen roller (3, 4) and the pinch roller (10).

Abstract: A modular printer having a media take-up assembly, a support block assembly, a printhead assembly, a stepper motor assembly and a display assembly is provided. A support housing having a plurality of recesses formed on an internal wall of the modular printer is also provided. Each of the recesses is configured to receive and align one of the modular printer assemblies with the other modular printer assemblies. Each of the assemblies is configured as a module which can be easily accessed and quickly secured to or detached from the support housing. The support housing is adapted to receive assembly modules for both thermal ink printers and ribbon ink printers such that the modular printer can be easily converted from one to the other.

Abstract: A printing system having a chassis for housing a modular print station; a power source in communication with the print station; a controller circuit card assembly encoded with at least one feature module and being in communication with the print station; a display panel in communication with the print station; a media rewind hub; a pair of adjustable media guides connected about a base of the print station; and at least one sensor affixed to the print station base and being operable for detecting the presence and position of media passing through a media feed path of the printing system.

Abstract: A print station system having a chassis for housing a modular print station; a power source in communication with the print station; a controller circuit card assembly in communication with the print station; a display panel in communication with the print station; a media rewind hub; a pair of adjustable media guides connected about a base of the print station; and at least one sensor affixed to the print station base and being operable for detecting the presence and position of media passing through a media feed path of the print station system.