Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a drum printer in which the loading and unloading of printing medium onto and off a drum of the printer is performed without interrupting or decelerating the drum rotation and the printing process.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprises a plurality of drums for holding a recording medium on their perimeter faces and for being able to rotate the recording medium, and printing unit, which are arranged as opposed to the perimeter faces of the drums, for being able to make printing on the recording medium. A tension generating unit for applying a tension to the recording medium is arranged in the upstream and the downstream of the drums on the conveyance path of the recording medium. A drum in the downmost stream side of the conveyance path is used as a driving drum, and the other drums are used as driven drums.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprises a rotary drum for attracting a recording medium to the surface thereof on which a plurality of through holes are formed, the rotary drum for attracting the recording medium via the plural holes by reducing pressure therein, a laser head for emitting a laser beam toward the recording medium on the rotary drum to record an image thereon; and a dummy sheet having an attracting area in which a plurality of through holes are formed, the area having a size substantially equal to the recording medium, the dummy sheet placed between the recording medium and the surface of the rotary drum such that the recording medium is placed on the attracting area and such that the plural through holes of the attracting area and the plural through holes of the rotary drum are superposed.

Abstract: A holder device for holding a recording paper roll includes a pair of holders. A first holder has a first fitting portion with an anti-slip device and a first engagement portion. The anti-slip device has two claw members for forward rotation symmetrically disposed each other with respect to a center of rotation of the recording paper roll, two claw members for backward rotation disposed likewise, and springs biasing each claw member to an engagement position. When the first holder rotates in a forward or backward direction, the claw members for forward rotation or for backward rotation move to the engagement positions, respectively, in order to prevent a slip of the recording paper roll. An edge of each claw member is tapered along an attachment direction of the recording paper for easy attachment.

Abstract: An improved replaceable liquid application system for applying a liquid intermediate transfer surface to a support surface in a printer is provided. The liquid application system is contained in a removable cassette and utilizes a liquid impregnated arcuate surface that engages the support surface by rolling contact. The liquid impregnated arcuate surface and a reclamation assembly are contained in a removable cartridge in the cassette. A cartridge life status assembly determines when the useful life of the cartridge has been exhausted. Push tabs on the cartridge and finger wells on the cassette allow for easy and convenient removal of a used cartridge and insertion of a replacement cartridge.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a printer or other imaging system to accurately place an image on a final receiving substrate is provided. A test image is printed and the margins between the image and the edges of the media are measured. These measured margin values are then utilized to adjust stored calibration factors that calibrate the printer to accurately place the image on the final receiving substrate.

Abstract: In a thermal printer having a small diameter drum, a sensor having an emitter and detector detects the lead edge of a receiver sheet just prior to its entry into the nip between the drum and a print head.

Abstract: Apparatus for clamping receiver sheets to the print drum of a thermal transfer printer. The apparatus includes a clamp assembly mounted for radial movement and having a clamp strip extending over the drum periphery and an interior longitudinal body coupled to that strip at a plurality of axially spaced locations. A longitudinal lever member extends axially within the drum from a pivot point at one drum end to an actuation arm at the other drum end and has a pivot arm coupled to a central portion of the clamp body. Springs urge the clamp assembly radially inwardly and an actuator mounted on the other drum end selectively moves the lever member radially outwardly.