Abstract: An XML system is configured to print bar code labels, tags, tickets, cards, or other media, and/or encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The XML system includes a computer system having a memory subsystem, a communication interface operatively coupled to a network, an XML processor configured to receive and process the XML input data stream, and an extensible stylesheet language transformation (XSLT) processor configured to either obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream or obtain the stylesheet from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained.

Abstract: A system having a UHF RFID transceiver is adapted to communicate exclusively with a single electro-magnetically coupled transponder located in a predetermined confined transponder operating region. The system includes a near field coupling device comprising a plurality of lines connected in parallel with an unmatched load. The near field coupling device may be formed, for example on a printed circuit board with a plurality of electrically interconnected traces and a ground plane. The system establishes, at predetermined transceiver power levels, a mutual electro-magnetic coupling which is selective exclusively for a single transponder located in a defined transponder operating region. Also included are methods for selective communication with the transponder in an apparatus such as a printer-encoder.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for a portable printer are provided. Personnel utilize features of the printer to manage products, store information on labels, and aid in shipping. A low battery shut-off feature shuts down the printer at a set battery power percentage; a battery charge control feature controls battery charging to stay within a set range of state of charge values to ensure longer battery life; a ribbon cartridge insertion feature allows for easy replacement of the ribbon cartridge; ribbon cartridge locating features lock the ribbon cartridge into place for printing; a ribbon guiding feature adjusts the ribbon during printing to reduce wrinkles; an RFID coupler mounting feature mounts and shields an RFID coupler inside the printer; a media guide locking feature fixes the media position to prevent misalignment; and a media alignment feature allows the user to properly align the media with the printhead during installation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer readable media and other means for generating a profile for a particular type of media are provided. The profile represents a set of preferred printing parameters to be used to achieve a target print quality for a reference printing device. The profile may be used by other non-reference printing devices in order to optimize printing for that type of media. For each non-reference printing device, an offset may be established that represents the differences between the non-reference and the reference printing devices. A processor of the non-reference printing device may identify the type of media and the profile for that media and then adjust the printing parameters for the non-reference printing device based on the profile and the offset in order to optimize the print quality. The profile may also include a parameter that is based on a temperature coefficient associated with the type of printer.

Abstract: A Main Logic Board having an electrically configurable option board interface (ECOBI) to facilitate connection of option boards into apparatus for providing optional functions. Once connected to the host, an Option board provides identification (ID) data to the main logic board host processor. The host processor determines the interface configuration necessary to enable communication between the host and the option board based on the option board ID, then configures electrically configurable interface circuitry for operational compatibility. The option board may provide an interface driver directly to the host for configuration of the interface. The interface may comprise a standard interface protocol such as PCI or USB that the host configures through the same connection to the option board.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for leveraging near field communications (NFC) in conjunction with printer devices. Examples of the disclosure provide for novel methods of interfacing with printers configured to use near field communications using NFC enabled readers and output media. Examples include using a smart phone to access data stored on an NFC tag associated with the printer. The data provided by the NFC tag may include printer status information, printer configuration information, network information, or other data relating to operation and maintenance of the printer. The printer may also encode the NFC tag dynamically, including encoding data to NFC tags included on print media. The printer may encode an NFC tag associated with media with a variety of information in support of various use cases.

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 transport path that passes between the first roller and the second roller. There may also be a third collection roller that at least partially engages the second roller. The third collection roller may also engage a drive assembly that may be used to drive a media substrate along the transport path. In one embodiment, the second roller defines a surface adherence that is greater than a surface adherence of the first roller and the third collection roller defines a surface adherence that is greater than the surface adherence of the second roller and the drive assembly. As a result, the present invention provides a cleaning assembly capable of cleaning the drive assembly and opposed surfaces of a media substrate in a single pass.

Abstract: An RFID system for selectively communicating with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders is provided. The RFID system may include a transponder conveyance system adapted to transport at least one targeted transponder from a group of multiple adjacent transponders through a transponder encoding area along a feeding direction and an antenna having a resonant inductor and a ferrite material, wherein the ferrite material at least partially covers the resonant inductor and defines an exposed portion of the resonant inductor. In one antenna-transponder alignment, the exposed portion extends substantially parallel to the feeding direction.

Abstract: An XML system is configured to encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive and process a format template, associate the XML data contained in the XML input data stream and the format template, a formatting engine configured to format the associated XML data according to a format governed by the format template, and/or generate encoding information for an RFID device.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, methods and various means, including those related to printer systems and, more particularly, relate to methods, apparatuses, systems and other means for monitoring a printer ribbon. Some embodiments use a multi-element detector, which is configured to detect a particular type of light emitted from a light emitter. The multi-state detector can include two sensors, one of which includes a polarizer filter that blocks polarized light. Embodiments can be used to determine, among other things, whether or not a printer ribbon is installed in a printer without the use of a snap plate.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a code output device and a processor configured to detect a first apparatus condition indication, generate a first dynamic identifier code representative of a first apparatus condition in response to detecting the first apparatus condition indication, output the first dynamic identifier code to the code output device, detect a second apparatus condition indication, generate a second dynamic identifier code representative of a second apparatus condition in response to detecting the second apparatus condition indication, wherein the second dynamic identifier code is different than the first dynamic identifier code, and output the second dynamic identifier code to the code output device. Associated methods, computer program products, and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system having a multi-coupler array is provided. Each coupler is configured to communicate with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The couplers may each include one or more conductive strips, at least one terminating load, a dielectric material, a first ground plane, and a second ground plane. Each of the conductive strips can extend between the first and second ground planes and the dielectric material from an input end connected to a transceiver to a loaded end connected to the terminating load. The conductive strips may be configured to propagate electromagnetic fields concentrated in a near field region of the conductive strips in a direction generally perpendicular to the conductive strips to couple with a targeted transponder. The coupler may include an enclosure for directing the electromagnetic fields. The conductive strip may have a tapered or non-linear profile such as a modified bow-tie profile.

Abstract: A device for processing media may include a printhead pressure adjustment assembly including a barrel and a biasing element configured to apply a biasing force to the printhead, where the biasing force may be adjustable in response to the barrel being rotated about its axis. The printhead pressure adjustment assembly may further include a threaded insert received within the barrel and configured to move axially within the barrel in response to the barrel being rotated. The printhead pressure adjustment assembly may further include a cup received within the barrel and attached to the biasing element. The adjustment assembly may include a spring disposed between the threaded insert and the cup, where the spring is compressed in response to the barrel being rotated in a first direction and the spring is decompressed in response to the spring being rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: A device for printing on media disposed on a backing may include a printer with a housing including a media cover, a media cover release actuator, and a peeler assembly actuator. The media cover release actuator and the peeler assembly actuator may each be accessible for actuation by a user when the media cover is in a closed position. The media cover release actuator may be configured to release the media cover from the closed position in response to actuation by a user. The peeler assembly may at least partially be enclosed by the housing and it may be engagable between a peeling position, where the printer is configured to peel the media from the backing, and a non-peeling position, where the printer is not configured to peel the media from the backing.

Abstract: Metallization layer structures for reduced changes in radio frequency characteristics due to registration error and associated methods are provided herein. An example resonator includes a first conductive layer defining an error limiting feature and a second conductive layer. The resonator further includes at least one communication feature configured to electrically couple the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer at a communication position. The error limiting feature is configured to reduce changes in radio frequency characteristics of the resonator due to registration error. Methods of manufacturing resonators are also provided herein.