Patents by Inventor Thomas Helma

Thomas Helma has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20070099462
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a printing assembly incorporating an improved double-sided image transfer station. The present disclosure also describes a product processing apparatus including a cross feed processing architecture. The single-pass double-sided image transfer station and cross feed processing architectures described herein provide numerous advantages over prior art product processing devices. In particular, the single-pass double-sided image transfer station provides for reduced print times, less shuttling of the product during printing, and a less complex, therefore, more reliable printing operation overall. The cross feed architecture provides an efficient processing path for the product through the device and facilitates processing modularization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Helma, Terrence Jones, Raymond Maynard, Richard Sadeck
  • Publication number: 20070023068
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning assembly for use in a media processing device. In various embodiments, the cleaning assembly includes a first roller that at least partially engages a second roller, and a media feed path that passes between the first roller and the second roller. There may also be a third roller that at least partially engages the second roller, and which may be replaceable. In one embodiment, the second roller defines a surface adherence that is greater than a surface adherence of the first roller and the third roller defines a surface adherence that is greater than the surface adherence of the second roller. As a result, the present invention provides a cleaning assembly capable of cleaning opposed surfaces of a media unit in a single pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Helma
  • Publication number: 20050052491
    Abstract: A card-cleaning assembly for printers is provided. The assembly can be used in any suitable card printing apparatus, particularly thermal dye printers. Such card printers are used to print driver's licenses, employee badges, student cards, and the like. The assembly includes a card-cleaning roller and an adhesive tape cartridge. The cleaning roller contacts the card and removes dust and dirt particles and other debris from the surface of the card. The tape cartridge is attached to a pivoting arm on the printer which pivots so that the adhesive tape engages the cleaning roller and removes the debris from the roller as the roller rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Helma, Terrence Jones, Raymond Maynard