Abstract: Provided is a UV curable coating composition, and more particularly, to a UV curable coating composition including: at least one polyfunctional epoxy oligomer; at least one epoxy compound; at least one non-hydrolyzed epoxy silane; at least one polyfunctional acrylic compound; at least two photoinitiators; and at least one surfactant. The UV curable coating composition according to the present invention can be coated on various substrates and provide excellent adhesion and scratch resistance to the coating layer regardless of a substrate type unlike conventional coating compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and an apparatus for cutting planar substrates charged with pharmaceutically active agents. In particular, the planar substrates comprise transdermal systems or orally dissolvable films.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a platen roller, a thermal head, a head support plate, a frame including a platen roller support portion, a turn support portion configured to support the head support plate, and an urging member configured to urge the head support plate in a direction in which the thermal head approaches the platen roller. The thermal head is fixed to an opposed surface of the head support plate, which is in a first region located on one side with respect to the turn support portion, and is opposed to the platen roller in the first direction. The urging member is interposed between the opposed surface of the head support plate in a second region, which is located on another side with respect to the turn support portion and an urging member support portion of the frame.

Abstract: A headache rack system for a truck includes a truck bed and a removable and vertically adjustable headache rack. The truck bed is adapted to be attached to a truck frame and includes a floor and a side panel connected to the floor. The side panel includes a first flange and a second flange. The removable headache rack includes a first side support, a second side support, a top support connected to an upper end of the first side support and an upper end of the second side support, and a panel connected to a lower end of the first side support and a lower end of the second side support. The first and second flanges, respectively, may extend beyond a leading edge of the floor and wrap around a portion of the front of the truck bed to define a slot configured for receiving the lower ends of the first and second side supports.

Abstract: A method for operating a thermal transfer printer includes providing a ribbon, providing at least one spool configured to take up the ribbon, and providing a printhead. The substrate is moved relative to the printhead at a speed. The ribbon is moved relative to the printhead at a speed that is less than the speed of the substrate while using the printhead to selectively transfer ink from the ribbon to the substrate to print an image on the substrate. Data is captured from the ribbon after ink has been transferred to the substrate. The data is processed to control at least one property of the printer.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer, including first and second spool supports each being configured to support a spool of ribbon; a ribbon drive configured to cause movement of ribbon from the first support to the second spool support; a printhead for selectively transferring ink from the ribbon to a substrate; an electromagnetic sensor arranged to sense electromagnetic radiation and to generate data indicative of a property of the ribbon based upon sensed electromagnetic radiation; and a controller for processing data generated by the electromagnetic sensor.

Abstract: A sheet feeder for transporting a sheet unreeled from a roll includes a feed roller to unreel the sheet from the roll, a registration roller to transport the sheet unreeled by the feed roller to the image forming unit, a pressure roller pressing against the registration roller, forming a registration nip together with the registration roller, a movable sheet guide to guide the sheet to the registration roller, disposed between the feed roller and the registration roller in a sheet conveyance path, a support member to movably support the movable sheet guide relative to an apparatus body in which the sheet feeder is disposed, and a bias member to bias the sheet guide toward the sheet. The movable sheet guide wraps more of the sheet around the registration roller as a degree of tension of the sheet increases by moving against a bias force exerted by the bias member.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge including a cartridge frame, take-up shaft connecting members, and supply shaft connecting members is provided. The take-up shaft connecting members support and rotatably connect ends of a take-up shaft to the cartridge frame and the supply shaft connecting members support and rotatably connect ends of a supply shaft to the cartridge frame. At least one of the supply shaft connecting members includes a rotation member, an intermediate body, an urging member, and a spool portion, the spool portion is arranged substantially inside the supply shaft. The intermediate body is arranged between a portion of an inner surface of the rotation member and a portion of an outer surface of the cartridge frame, and the urging member is arranged substantially inside at least one of the spool portion and the rotation member and urges the inner surface of the rotation member closer to the outer surface of the cartridge frame.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge including a cartridge frame, take-up shaft connecting members, and supply shaft connecting members is provided. The take-up shaft connecting members support and rotatably connect ends of a take-up shaft to the cartridge frame and the supply shaft connecting members support and rotatably connect ends of a supply shaft to the cartridge frame. At least one of the supply shaft connecting members includes a rotation member, an intermediate body, an urging member, and a spool portion, the spool portion is arranged substantially inside the supply shaft. The intermediate body is arranged between a portion of an inner surface of the rotation member and a portion of an outer surface of the cartridge frame, and the urging member is arranged substantially inside at least one of the spool portion and the rotation member and urges the inner surface of the rotation member closer to the outer surface of the cartridge frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for permitting the laser transfer of organic material from a donor onto a substrate to form a layer of organic material on one or more OLED devices, wherein the donor includes a laser light-absorbing layer, and a layer with heat transferable organic material.

Abstract: Methods of forming a nozzle plate include forming a first reverse imageable positive photoresist layer on the substrate and protecting an area thereof adjacent an ink ejection element from ultraviolet energy while exposing other than the protected area to such energy. Thereafter, the non-protected area is rendered insoluble by heating. Thereafter, the protected area is exposed to ultraviolet energy to weaken its structure for later removal. A second reverse imageable positive resist layer gets formed on the first layer and exposed to ultraviolet energy in a region directly above the ink ejection element. In a single step, both the protected area of the first layer and the non-protected region of the second layer are removed to form an ink flow feature, a bubble chamber or an orifice of the nozzle plate. The remainders of the first and second layers become blanket exposed to ultraviolet energy and cured in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curing epoxy resin composition permitting water repellent and ink repellent surface treatment. The epoxy resin composition contains (A) an alkylsiloxane-containing epoxy resin, (B) a cationic polymerization catalyst, and (C) a polyfunctional epoxy compound having a molecular weight of 300 or more, and a static viscosity of 1,000 cps or more at 25° C.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring organic material from a donor web onto a substrate to form a layer of organic material on one or more OLED devices including a web of donor material; first and second fixtures and a structure for applying fluid to a chamber to containing the fixtures to apply pressure to the non-transfer surface of the donor web so as to ensure the position of the donor web relative to the substrate; the first fixture including a transparent portion located in relationship to the non-transfer surface of the donor web to permit transmission of radiation through such transparent portion to the non-transfer surface of the donor web so that heat will be produced and the organic material will transfer from the donor web to the substrate.

Abstract: In a facsimile machine, when a received image data having resolution of standard mode is stored in a reception data memory, the image data is decoded and then converted to image data of two fine or four super fine lines and stored in a first recording data memory. The image data stored in the first recording data memory is subjected to a thin-out processing at a set reduction ratio, then stored in a second recording data memory and finally recorded on a recording sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a print head assembly for use in an ultrasonic printer. The print head assembly comprises at least one print head which is slidably mounted in a block which is slidably secured in the ultrasonic printer. Each print head comprises an ultrasonic vibrator, a horn coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator for amplifying energy generated by the ultrasonic vibrator, and a print head wire coupled to the horn. The print head wire has a tip which forces an ink ribbon into engagement with a print medium and against a platen in the ultrasonic printer in order to print a pixel thereon. A pressurizing mechanism contacts the block and forces the tip of the at least one print head against the ink ribbon and the print medium and against the platen with a predetermined force in order to print at least one pixel on the print medium.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus having application means for applying thermal energy to a recording portion of thermoplastic magnetic ink and generation means for simultaneously generating magnetic attraction force in the ink is provided. The recording portion of the ink is transferred to a transfer medium by the magnetic attraction force while the application of thermal energy is controlled. The ink and the transfer medium do not come into contact with each other in a non-recording portion of the ink. An ink medium having a support layer and a thermoplastic magnetic ink layer for use with the imprinting apparatus of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal transfer color recording method of and an apparatus for recording a color image on a transfer paper by successively transferring inks of different colors from an ink film to the transfer paper at a recording station. A ink of one color is transferred from the ink film to the transfer paper by a thermal head based on an image to be recorded while the ink film and the transfer paper are moved through the recording station in a forward direction in intimate contact with each other. After the transfer of the ink of one color, the transfer paper in intimate contact with the ink film is transported in the forward direction with the ink film not taken up to thereby slacken the ink film. Then, the transfer paper is transported in the reverse direction to position the leading end of the recorded area of the transfer paper at the recording station to transfer an ink of another color from the ink film to the transfer paper from the leading end of the recorded area thereof.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus having application means for applying thermal energy to a recording portion of thermoplastic magnetic ink and generation means for simultaneously generating magnetic attraction force in the ink is provided. The recording portion of the ink is transferred to a transfer medium by the magnetic attraction force while the application of thermal energy is controlled. The ink and the transfer medium do not come into contact with each other in a non-recording portion of the ink. An ink medium having a support layer and a thermoplastic magnetic ink layer for use with the imprinting apparatus of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal printer including a thermal printer and a thermal head wherein a clearance between the platen and the thermal head is not less than a maximum diameter of one roll of an ink filled ribbon set by a thermal head driving motor. A ribbon cassette is moved to a printing position and, after a printing operation has been completed to another ribbon cassette. A guiding arrangement for positioning the ribbon cassettes in predetermined positions is adapted to be rotatably driven by a ribbon cassette motor and a plate for supplying the ribbon cassette and receiving the ribbon cassetts. The plate is joined to a take-up end portion of the ribbon cassette and the guiding arrangement is adapted to be moved in the forward and rearward direction for supplying the ribbon cassette and receiving the ribbon cassette by a transfer belt which can be moved by a cassette-moving motor.

Abstract: A photosensitive recording medium is exposed to light through mask members produced from color image information thereby to form a color image. A color image recording apparatus includes an inlet for receiving a monochromatic image recording sheet from a monochromatic image recording apparatus capable of producing the mask members, a discharge path for discharging the monochromatic image recording sheet which has been received through the inlet, a supply path for receiving and supplying the monochromatic image recording sheet to an image generator in the color image recording apparatus, and a path selector for selecting one, at a time, of the discharge path and the supply path.

Abstract: The digital printing apparatus of this invention including ink retaining member of which the surface has a multiplicity of minute ink-wettable dot surfaces being formed as arranged with a fixed pitch in the direction of width of the recording paper. These dot surfaces are enclosed with ink-repellent surfaces. When ink is applied to the entire surface of the ink retaining member, the ink is raised only on the dot surfaces. The digital printing apparatus of this invention is provided with a multiplicity of control electrodes arranged in at least one line as spaced with a fixed pitch equalling the pitch with which the dot surfaces are spaced in the aforementioned direction. When an electrostatic force is applied between selected ones of the control electrodes and the corresponding dot surfaces, the prominences of ink held on the dot surfaces are caused to fly toward the control electrodes and land on the recording paper held between the control electrodes and the ink retaining member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ribbon feed mechanism for use in a heat transfer printer. The ribbon feed mechanism includes first, second, and third ribbon feed components fitted on a shaft, a friction plate mounted between the first and second ribbon feed components, a spring mounted between the second and third ribbon feed components, a cylinder which is in contact with the third ribbon feed component at one end thereof, and a ribbon feed presser for pressing the other end of the cylinder toward the third ribbon feed component. The rotational torque is always kept constant, and therefore no unmatching of colors occurs when the mechanism is applied to a printer.

Abstract: A print protecting member comprising a transfer layer laminated peelably on a substrate is provided in which the transfer layer comprises at least a surface layer and an under layer. The surface layer has a lower softening point than that of the under layer.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus having application means for applying thermal energy to a recording portion of thermoplastic magnetic ink and generation means for simultaneously generating magnetic attraction force in the ink is provided. The recording portion of the ink is transferred to a transfer medium by the magnetic attraction force while the application of thermal energy is controlled. The ink and the transfer medium do not come into contact with each other in a non-recording portion of the ink. An ink medium having a support layer and a thermoplastic magnetic ink layer for use with the imprinting apparatus of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printer comprises a charger for uniformly charging a photoconductor, a unit for irradiating a light beam modulated based on image signals representing a continuous tone image onto the uniformly charged photoconductor, thereby to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor, and a wet developing unit for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image by use of a liquid toner. An adhesive transfer unit is provided for heating a transfer sheet provided with a thermally-sensitive adhesive layer, which softens at a softening temperature lower than the melting temperature of the toner contained in the liquid toner, at a temperature which is not lower than the softening temperature of the adhesives and is lower than the melting temperature of the toner, and pushing the transfer sheet against the photoconductor to transfer the toner image to the softened adhesive layer.

Abstract: A recording medium package for use on a heat transfer printer.

Abstract: A thermal printer comprising a transfer section where an ink film is pressed into tight contact with recording paper for transferring ink from the ink film to the recording paper by means of a thermal head, thereby to form an image on the recording paper. When the printer is switched on, the ink film and the recording paper located at the transfer section are moved onward to a recording paper separating device. The ink film and the recording paper remain in tight contact with each other when the power is cut in a printing operation. However, when the power supply for the printer is resumed, the ink film and the recording paper are moved to the separating means to release the ink film and recording paper from the mutual tight contact, thereby facilitating ink film takeup.

Abstract: A printer and method of printing on a transfer medium utilizing thermoplastic magnetic ink. A thermal head selectively applies thermal energy to melt selected portions of the thermoplastic magnetic ink. A magnetic head substantially spatially fixed relative to the thermal head applies the magnetic force to the thermoplastic ink which causes the melted portions to be ejected onto the transfer medium. A strip of thermoplastic magnetic ink medium is positioned to slide between the thermal head and the transfer medium. The strip includes a base layer facing the thermal head and a magnetic thermoplastic ink layer facing the transfer medium. A first movement mechanism moves either the transfer medium or the thermal and magnetic heads relative to the other at a first speed. A second movement mechanism moves the magnetic thermoplastic ink medium strip relative to the magnetic and thermal heads at a second speed. The first and second speeds are unequal.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printing method which is performed by the use of a thermal printer including a platen, a thermal print head having at least one heating element and a length of ink carrier ribbon with the recording medium positioned between the thermal print head and the length of ink carrier ribbon, which ink carrier ribbon having a base film and an ink layer, which method includes the steps of pressing the ink carrier ribbon against the platen by the thermal print head with the ink layer brought in contact with the recording medium, heating the heating element to cause that portion of the ink layer, which is aligned with the heating element, to fuse, and causing that portion of the ink layer so fused to partially transfer onto the recording medium when a cohesive force acting internally of the ink layer becomes smaller than an adhesive force acting between the ink layer and the recording medium and, at the same time, smaller than a adhesive force acting between the ink layer and the base film, whereby the

Abstract: An electrostatic printer uses a dielectric film (10) as an intermediate recording medium for an electrostatic latent image which is to be printed on a final recording medium (1) such as sheets of paper. The latent image is first developed by inking, and the inked image is then fixed on the final medium by pressure using a transfer unit having pressure rolls (11A, 11B) between which the intermediate medium and the final medium are passed while pressed against each other. Two portions of the same dielectric film are pressed against opposite faces of the final medium as it passes between the pressure rolls of the transfer unit with each portion being suitable for receiving an electrostatic latent image from a corresponding write head (8) with images being inked by corresponding inking devices (9), and with each inking device being associated with a corresponding different one of the rolls of the transfer unit.

Abstract: A current activated thermal transfer film especially suitable as a non-impact printing ribbon is provided. The film has a thin uniform support layer with a resistance layer disposed on one surface and an ink layer is disposed on the opposed surface of the support layer. The resistance layer primarily includes conductive particles dispersed uniformly in a durable thermoplastic polyester copolymer resin.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording system comprising a supply cartridge including a case and an image forming sheet and an ink sheet housed in the case, taking-out means for taking out the image forming sheet and the ink sheet from the supply cartridge and print means including a thermal head for printing on the taken-out image forming sheet by the taken-out ink sheet.

Abstract: A thermal printer for transferring ink from an inked film onto paper using a thermal head includes an inked film feeding mechanism for feeding the inked film, a paper feeding mechanism for feeding the paper, and a platen located opposite the thermal head. For printing the thermal head is brought to the platen with a paper positioned between the thermal head and the platen by the paper feeding mechanism. A release mechanism for releasing the thermal head from the platen is provided. Also provided is a control apparatus which responds to the activation of the release mechanism to disable the film feeding mechanism, thereby stopping the feeding of the inked film at the time the thermal head is released from the platen. The control apparatus also operates to enable the paper feeding mechanism to feed the paper between the thermal head and platen when the thermal head is released from the platen.

Abstract: In a thermal transfer recording method of the type using a strip of repeatedly usable ink ribbon wound about an ink ribbon feeding roll, recording is effected by means of a line scanning type thermal head while recording paper and ink ribbon are transported forwardly in the superimposed state. At every time when recording has been achieved both the recording paper and the ink ribbon are released from the clamped state which is caused by means of a combination of platen roller and thermal head and thereafter the ink ribbon is transported backwardly by a distance shorter than the length of a single page. A short part of the ink ribbon transported backwardly on which recording has been effected is put in use again for next recording operation.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes supply and take-up reels stored in a cassette case, a print head and a carriage. An ink ribbon housed in the cassette case can be fed from the supply reel in both the forward and reverse directions guided by means of guide rollers. The print head can be movable along print paper in a direction perpendicular to the forward and reverse directions so as to press portions of the ink ribbon fed in the forward and reverse directions against the print paper so as to perform printing. The print head and the cassette case are mounted on the carriage. Thus, since printing can be performed by driving the supply reel in a single direction, a ribbon driving system can be simplified, resulting in low cost.

Abstract: A thermal printer using a thermal transfer-printing ribbon including a thermal head movable between an operative position in which it is held in pressing engagement with a printing sheet and an inoperative position in which it is released from pressing engagement with the printing sheet. After lapse of a predetermined time following completion of a printing operation or interruption thereof, the thermal head is automatically moved from the operative position in which it has performed a printing operation to the inoperative position in which it is away from the printing sheet and performs no printing operation.

Abstract: An improved transfer material holding cassette of the type including transfer material in the form of ribbon, two cores and a case is disclosed. The case is formed with an opposing pair of guides and the inoperative position of the guides is determined offset from the operative position where two supporting members are mechanically engaged to the guides in the housing of an image building apparatus. When the support members are practically engaged to the guides, the inner wall of each of the guides is brought in uniform close contact with the outer surface of each of the support members under the effect of elastic force generated by engagement of the latter to the guides. Thus, any uneven area on the guides which is developed at a time of molding can be automatically eliminated by fitting the transfer material holding cassette to the holding of the apparatus.

Abstract: In picture image forming apparatus employing a copying paper and a transfer printing ribbon with both ends connected to take up cores, when the leading end of the copying paper is located close to a transfer printing unit, the tension of the ink ribbon is increased for preventing clogging of the paper and misalignment of printed picture images. Further, the tensions applied to the both ends of the ribbon are controlled to apply a braking force to the ribbon and then stop the same for the purpose of preventing over running of the ribbon.

Abstract: A thermal printer which includes a selectively energized thermal head that is located opposite to a platen and is capable of thermally transferring ink from an ink supply onto paper fed between the ink supply and the platen. A heater element is selectively operated, in response to a detector sensitive to the grade of paper, to heat the paper after it has had ink transferred to its surface and is fed out from between the head and the platen.

Abstract: In a thermal transfer recording method for use in a recording apparatus using a roll of recording paper of an ordinary paper material wound about a core and a strip of ink ribbon would about an ink ribbon feeding roll, recording is effected by means of a thermal head while both the recording paper and the ink ribbon are transported forwardly in the superimposed state. During transportation of the recording paper and the ink ribbon after the recording, they are parted away one from the other and only the recording paper is transported to an automatic cutter by means of which a part of the recording paper on which recording has been effected is cut off. After completion of cutting operation an unused parts of the recording paper and the ink ribbon are transported backwardly to the position where the leading end of the thus returned recording paper is located in the proximity of the thermal head.

Abstract: A recorder comprises cam means rotatably mounted on a carriage and having first and second synchronously rotated cams, head shift means for shifting up and down a record head in response to the movement of the first cam, take-up means for taking up an ink ribbon, and transmission means for transmitting the movement of the carriage to the take-up means in response to the movement of the second cam to cause the take-up means to take up the ink ribbon.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus in which a recording head transfers a color agent from a transfer material in accordance with a latent image so as to form an image on a sheet, and which has a cleaning device for cleaning the recording head. The cleaning device includes a cassette case which is detachable at a position opposing the recording head, and a cleaning member which is stored in the cassete case and, at a time of cleaning the recording head, is opposed thereto to clean the head to clean it.

Abstract: A thermal printer automatically varies torque of a slip clutch provided between a motor and an ink film takeup roller with movements of a thermal head such that the torque transmitted to the takeup roller is smaller when the thermal head is in a transfer position than when the thermal head is in a non-transfer position. This assures that the takeup roller is driven properly by increasing the torque transmitted to the takeup roller when the thermal head is in the non-transfer position and an ink film is taken up in a large amount. When the thermal head is in the transfer position and the ink film is taken up in a small amount, the torque transmitted to the takeup roller is reduced to avoid a great tension acting on the ink film.

Abstract: The improved image building apparatus is constructed such that recording medium, that is, recording paper, is normally introduced into the image building section with a thermal head or the like component incorporated therein while it is stretched under the effect of a certain intensity of braking force which is exerted on the recording paper from the rear side as seen in the direction of transportation thereof. This causes an occurrence of such a malfunction as skewing, loosening or the like of the recording paper to be inhibited at least in the image building section. Thus, image building can be achieved without incorrect registering, deformation or the like recognized with the printing paper on which image transference has been carried out.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus is provided with a device for detecting the presence or absence of an ink ribbon, which is characterized in that one of a one-direction recording mode and a both-direction recording mode is selected in accordance with the result of the detection of the detecting device.

Abstract: In the thermal transfer printer for printing with an ink ribbon in plural columns, a center of a flat portion formed on the platen roller of a contact portion of the thermal head and a center of the thermal head are shifted corresponding to an amount of shift of printing position as against a center of width of the ink ribbon. When the printing position is set above as against the center of width of the ink ribbon, the center of the thermal head is set above width (P) of the flat portion being formed on the platen roller of the contact portion of the thermal head. When the printing position is set below as against the center of width of the ink ribbon, the center of the thermal head is set below width of the flat portion being formed on the platen roller of the contact portion of the thermal head.

Abstract: A wear-resistant ribbon guide surface (11 or 25a, 25b) is added to a thermal printhead (1) to lower the ribbon exit angle after printing or to shift the ribbon exit position away from the printing. The angle past that surface remains large enough for visibility of prior printing. The modification of exit conditions makes the printing darker and significantly improves printhead life.

Abstract: A device associated with a thermal transfer recording apparatus for boosting a pressing force of a thermal head against a platen roller. The thermal head is mounted on one end portion of an elongate support plate which is movable in a seesaw motion about a fulcrum. Output torque of a rotary solenoid device is transmitted to the support plate by a rotary shaft which is connected to the solenoid device, so that the support plate is moved about the fulcrum to press the head against the platen. During recording, an extra drive force is derived from a tension of an ink sheet and imparted via the rotary shaft to the support plate to move the support plate, serving to further intensify the pressing force of the head against the platen.

Abstract: A thermal printer having a reciprocable carriage on which a thermal head is carried. The printer further includes a rotatable gear for winding print tape, a toothed rack that can move toward and away from the winding gear, and a driving plate for reciprocating the rack in association with the rotation of the carriage. When characters are to be printed, the carriage is rotated to the platen, and the teeth of the rack are brought into mesh with the winding gear. When no characters are printed, the carriage is angularly moved away from the platen, and the teeth of the rack are disengaged from the winding gear.

Abstract: In a thermal transfer recording method for use in a recording apparatus using a roll of recording paper of an ordinary paper material wound about a core and an ink ribbon wound about an ink ribbon feeding roll, the recording paper and the ink ribbon are transported forwardly while they are superimposed one above the other and the recording is effected by means of a thermal head during their transportation. While the recording paper and the ink ribbon are released from the clamped state by means of the platen roller and the thermal head, only the recording paper is transported to a cutter where a recorded part of the recording paper is cut off. An unused part of the recording paper is then transported to until its leading end reaches the thermal head, where the recording paper and the ink ribbon are superimposed one above the other again.