Abstract: A thermal activator has a heating device that heats a heat sensitive adhesive layer of a heat sensitive adhesive sheet to activate the adhesive layer. The adhesive sheet has a printable surface formed on one side of a sheet-like base and the heat sensitive adhesive layer formed on the other side thereof. A transporting device transports the heat sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction. A sheet material prevents a heat sensitive adhesive of the heat sensitive adhesive layer or a denatured product of the heat sensitive adhesive from adhering to the transporting device.

Abstract: A bistable display having one or more permanent hideable mark, and a method of forming the permanent hideable mark, are described. The permanent hideable mark can be hidden and revealed numerous times without loss of information.

Abstract: Provided is a thermal activation device capable of preventing a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet from being partially excessively heated, keeping a short distance between a contact between a thermal head and a platen roller, and a discharge port, and preventing a structure of the thermal activation device from being complicated and a size thereof from increasing. While a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet (2) is transported along a transport path (15) through rotations of insertion rollers (3) and a platen roller (5), a heat-generating portion (4a) of the thermal head (4) is caused to generate heat, thereby thermally activating a heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet (2). When a trailing edge of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet (2) reaches a position where the trailing edge thereof is not in contact with the platen roller (5), a transporting force is not transmitted to the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet (2), thereby stopping transportation thereof.

Abstract: A ribbon supply shaft drive motor (8) and a ribbon take-up shaft drive motor (10) are drivingly controlled separately. If the state of a ribbon is not changed after a control cycle is repeated for a set time, the rotational speed of the drive motors (8, 10) is increased step by step.

Abstract: A thermal paper sheet having heat-sensitive layers on a first surface and a second surface having a front-and-rear relationship is prepared. A first thermal head which comes into contact with a front surface of this thermal paper sheet and a second thermal head which comes into contact with a rear surface 1b of the same are provided. Further, printing data input from the outside is divided into first printing data and second printing data. The thermal heads are driven in accordance with the printing data.

Abstract: A dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element is provided. In one embodiment, the dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element comprises a first substrate having a first side and a second side, and a second substrate having a first side and a second side, wherein both the first substrate and the second substrate include a thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof, and wherein the second side of the first substrate is releasably attached to the second side of the second substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a dual-sided printer including a direct thermal print head positioned proximate to a first platen and an inkjet print head positioned proximate to a second platen. The direct thermal print head is in a substantially opposed relation to the second platen and the inkjet print head is in a substantially opposed relation to the first platen to facilitate thermal printing on a first side of installed media and inkjet printing on a second side of the installed media.

Abstract: A curable printing fluid composition for a thermal fluid ejection device is disclosed, wherein the printing fluid composition comprises a curable liquid-phase monomer, a volatile driver fluid capable of being vaporized by a thermal fluid ejection printhead, and a resistor protectant.

Abstract: A method of forming an image, containing superposing a heat-sensitive transfer sheet on a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet, and applying thermal energy from a side of a heat-resistant lubricating layer described below of the heat-sensitive transfer sheet, to form a thermally transferred image, in which the heat-sensitive transfer sheet comprises a substrate, a thermal transfer layer containing a thermally transferable dye and a resin on one face of the substrate, and the heat-resistant lubricating layer on the other face of the substrate; the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet comprise a support, and a heat insulation layer and a receptor layer on the support in this order; the thermal transfer layer contains a polymer compound having fluorine atom-substituted aliphatic groups on its side chains; and the receptor layer contains a latex polymer having a glass transition temperature of from 20° C. to 60° C.

Abstract: A disclosed information recording apparatus includes an erasing unit configured to erase prerecorded information on recording media capable of being colored and decolored by heat; a recording unit configured to record information on the recording media from which the prerecorded information is erased; and a control unit configured, when a recording request is received, to cause the recording unit to start recording information on a first one of the recording media and to cause the erasing unit to start erasing prerecorded information on a second one of the recording media.

Abstract: Method and systems are provided for decorating product packaging. A substrate suitable for product packaging to a thermal printer, such as a thermal transfer printer. A decoration is selected for printing on the substrate. The thermal printer is operated to print at least a portion of the decoration on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming an extended tab label is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a paper supply to a printer, the paper supply having an adhesive covering at least a portion thereof. Inputting patient-specific information through a computer to the printer. Printing the patient-specific information on the paper supply, where the paper supply containing patient-specific information thereon forms a label having a length greater than a circumference of a container accepting the label.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer having simpler structure, occupying less installation space, and enhancing the user convenience. The thermal transfer printer includes a cartridge having print paper wound in a roll, a capstan roller for conveying the print paper by applying frictional force on the print paper, a printing head for printing images on the print paper, and a platen roller for selectively pressing the print paper against the printing head. The housing of the cartridge has a first opening penetrating the housing and extending laterally. A paper roll case is rotatably installed in the housing and has a second opening penetrating the paper roll case and extending laterally. Inside the paper roll case, a paper roll is stuck on the inner surface of the paper roll case, and print paper is wound from the inner surface of the paper roll case to inward direction, while a first end of the print paper is exposed through the second opening.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an image, such as a chevron or other irregularly shaped image on a media. The method includes operating an imaging head to direct imaging beams to form a first portion of the image on the media while scanning over the media along a first scan path during a first scan and operating the imaging head to direct imaging beams to form a second portion of the image on the media while scanning over the receiver element along a second scan path during a second scan where the first scan path is not parallel to the second scan path.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for providing two sensing operations within a thermal printer includes a densitometer with at least one light source that discriminates color and that is positioned in a first position for sensing donor patches within the thermal printer; the densitometer while in a second position provides signals from printed receiver media for internal color calibration of the thermal printer. At least one reflector directs light from the light source to the densitometer through a donor web when the densitometer is in the first position; and a switchable device repositions the densitometer from either the first position or the second position.

Abstract: Accumulation of foreign matter on the surface of the thermal head that can cause printing defects can be reliably prevented. The downstream edge 54a of the surface 52 of the thermal head 5 is substantially flush with the downstream end of the paper nipping area C of the thermal head 5 and the platen roller 8 in the thermal printer 1. The downstream end 54 extending from the downstream edge 54a in a direction perpendicular to the back side is connected to a through-hole 66 (foreign matter receptacle) formed in the heat sink 6. Foreign matter on liner-less label paper 11 clings to the downstream end 54 of the thermal head 5 after passing the paper nipping area C, and is then fed along the downstream end 54 into the through-hole 66 on the back. Foreign matter does not accumulate on the surface 52 of the thermal head 5, and problems such as streaking and other printing defects caused by foreign matter on the surface 52 of the thermal head 5 do not occur.

Abstract: A cutter actuation mechanism for cutting printing media in handheld printer is disclosed. The cutter actuation mechanism includes a cutting mechanism having an open position and a cut position. The cutter actuation mechanism further includes a pair of buttons operatively connected to the blade to move the blade from the open position to the cut position. Depressing at least one of the pair of buttons moves the blade from the open position to the cut position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for two-sided direct thermal printing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dual-sided direct thermal printer comprising a first thermal print head and a second thermal print head is provided wherein a surface of the first thermal print head acts as a platen for the second thermal print head.

Abstract: A print head cleaning member allowing simplification of the structure and downsizing is obtained. This print head cleaning member comprises a spent ink cartridge and a cleaning component including a mounting portion of resin for mounting the cleaning component on the ink cartridge and a cleaning portion. The ink cartridge is used as a guide portion for bringing the cleaning component into contact with the print head.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a compact, portable POS terminal through the use of a compact printer that utilizes a thermal printer with fan-folded paper. The POS terminal also accommodates contactless instrument readers and optionally includes features for electronic signature capture, user display interaction, multi-tasking capabilities, check reading and age and identity verification.

Abstract: Driving of a pulse motor is controlled in such a manner that a rotating body driven by the pulse motor rotates at a uniform angular velocity. Angular displacement of the rotating body is detected, a difference between a detection value of the angular displacement and a target value of angular displacement set in advance is calculated, and a drive pulse frequency of a drive pulse signal to be used for driving the pulse motor is calculated based on the difference and a reference drive pulse frequency. Whether the difference is added to the reference drive pulse can be selected.

Abstract: A receiver medium transport system for a thermal printer, a method for operating a receiver medium transport system and a thermal printer are provided that enable the recording of at least a portion of a second superimposed image on a second receiver medium during the recording of a first superimposed image on a first receiver medium.

Abstract: A thermal printer has a first thermal head, a second thermal head, and a feeding mechanism. The feeding mechanism feeds one of thermal papers which include a double-sided thermal paper having thermosensitive layers formed on both sides thereof and a single-sided thermal paper having a thermosensitive layer formed on one side thereof. The first thermal head is so provided as to be brought into contact with a first side of the thermal paper fed by the feeding mechanism. The second thermal head is so provided as to be brought into contact with a second side of the thermal paper fed by the feeding mechanism. The thermal printer determines whether a mark has been printed at least one of the first and second sides of the thermal paper and controls print operation based on a determination result.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for forming an image by determining a thermal print head type and generating driving signals for driving the thermal print head according to the thermal print head type. The apparatus includes a data input unit which receives data regarding an image to be printed, a controller which determines the thermal print head type and generates driving signals for driving the thermal print head according to the thermal print head type, and the thermal print head which prints the image by heating a medium.

Abstract: Techniques for changing temperature of a platen are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for changing temperature of a platen comprising a platen and one or more movable thermal pads comprising one or more thermal fluid channels to carry a thermal fluid configured to affect a temperature of the platen.

Abstract: A duplex printer, in which when a first thermal head prints information on a front side as an information printing side of a printing medium, a second thermal head repeatedly prints a previously registered and selected fixed pattern or notice information on a back side as an information non-printing side of a printing medium at regular cycle or at an optional timing.

Abstract: A method is provided for marking a key top made of a translucent material with a character, a symbol, or the like, and a process is provided for quickly producing an illumination key unit. The inside of a transparent plastic key top is irradiated intermittently with focused laser light having a wavelength belonging to near infrared region of 1064 nm or less, visible region or near ultraviolet region to form an aggregation of multiple fine carbonization black points and an aggregation of points whitened by fine cracks or bubbling representing a character, a symbol, or the like. After a process capable of being carried out without determining a destination has ended, production is interrupted temporarily or ended and marking is performed by irradiating the top surface of the key top with laser light upon determination of a character, a symbol, or the like, related with the destination.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a roller includes a platen roller and a cleaning roller brought into contact with the platen roller to clean a surface of the platen roller, where the cleaning roller is configured such that SP values (dissolution parameter) of the cleaning roller and of all additives added in the cleaning roller have differences of at least 2.0 from an SP value of the platen roller.

Abstract: A system (799) and method for continuous web sublimate dye transfer printing uses platens (800, 805) which also act as air bearings. The platens are heated by resistive heating elements ( 825 ) or other means. A sandwich of air-impermeable dye-image donor tissue (1100), the medium to be printed (1140), and air-impermeable backup tissue (1115) are fed through the heated air bearing where the dye transfer step occurs. The tissues and medium are supplied on supply rolls (1105, 1120, and 1145) which are restrained by braking mechanisms (not shown). Take-up rolls (1110, 1160, and 1135) are driven by motor-and-clutch mechanisms (not shown) so that the tissues and medium to be printed move through the heated region between the platens without sliding past one-another. The platens are forced together on either side of the tissue-medium sandwich with sufficient pressure to prevent the sublimate dye gas from migrating sideways through the medium being printed.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal that is capable of printing on a roll of paper is provided with a compartment defining an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, a left side and a right side between the upper and lower surfaces, and a rear surface between the upper and lower surfaces. The terminal also includes a display and a keypad disposed on the upper surface, and a printer with a paper roller and a printing mechanism for receiving and printing on the roll of paper. The printer is disposed within the compartment, and a door is provided in the lower surface of the compartment for insertion of the roll of paper. The compartment is provided with an exit for the paper adjacent the rear surface.

Abstract: Dual-sided direct thermal printing of a thermal imaging element having thermally sensitive coatings on opposite sides of a substrate is described, where the thermal imaging element is provided along a feed path of a thermal printer having print heads disposed on opposite sides of the feed path. Printing on both sides of the thermal imaging element is achieved by applying variable energy heat pulses from the opposed print heads.

Abstract: A thermal activation device has a thermal activation head that thermally activates a heat-sensitive adhesive layer of a sheet material having a printing layer on one surface of a sheet-like base material and the heat-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the other surface thereof. A platen roller conveys the sheet material and is disposed in pressure contact with the thermal activation head so that the platen roller and the thermal activation head apply a holding force on the sheet material. A pair of conveyor rollers hold and convey the sheet material and are disposed on a downstream side of the thermal activation head in a conveying direction of the sheet material. A holding force applied on the sheet material by the pair of conveyor rollers being larger than a holding force applied on the sheet material by the platen roller and the thermal activation head.

Abstract: A device (1) suitable for marking a laboratory sample cassette (2) has a platen (6) with an aperture (7) and a cassette (2) is positioned so that a marking surface (3) of the cassette is aligned with the aperture (7). The device (1) also has a plurality of wires (9) with each wire (9) connected to a solenoid (11). An end (10) of each of the wires (9) is heated by a ceramic guide (12a) and selected ones of the heated wires (9) are oscillated once in a first direction (25) by their respective solenoids (11) to and from the aperture (7) to mark the marking surface (3). All the wires are then moved in a second direction transversely relative to the first direction (25) and selected wires are then oscillated once to mark the marking surface (3). This process is repeated until the required marking of the cassette marking surface (3) is completed.

Abstract: Selectively printing full and fractional sized images with a donor ribbon. A first print order and indicia are printed while the donor ribbon is advanced through the printer. Printing is performed using donor material on a first fraction of the patch set when the print order requests a fractional sized image, or on a full patch when the print order requests a full sized image. When a second print order requests a fractional sized image, a determination is made whether the second fraction of the patch set is available for printing. An image based upon the second print order is printed using donor material from the second fraction of the patch set when it is available, or the donor ribbon is advanced to the next patch set when it is determined that the second fraction of the patch set is not available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fluorescent image formation which can form a highly scratch-resistant fluorescent full-color image using a colorless fluorescent agent and can freely regulate the tone of color mixture of a combination of two or more fluorescent colors in order to impart, to articles, a higher level of forgery preventive function than a prior art technique and a print having a high level of forgery preventive function. The invention characterized in that fluorescent inks are provided that are substantially colorless upon visible light irradiation and contain organic fluorescent agents which, upon ultraviolet light irradiation, emit fluorescences in a visible region, and that two or more fluorescent inks, which emit fluorescences having mutually different color tones, are deposited on a printing face in its image formation region according to information on an image to be printed in a dot matrix manner so that dots of one color do not overlap with dots of another color.

Abstract: A thermal printer is disclosed which includes a plurality of thermal print heads, each of the plurality of thermal print heads being operable to print a distinct one of a plurality of colors. The plurality of thermal print heads may print output at a plurality of spatial resolutions. The thermal printer may include dot size varying means for varying perceived levels of color printed by the thermal printer by varying sizes of dots printed by the plurality of thermal print heads. The printer may perform various image processing steps on an image to be printed, such as tone scale adjustment, thermal history control, and common mode voltage correction, to improve the perceived quality of the printed image. The thermal printer may be incorporated into a digital photo-printing vending machine for printing images provided by a customer.

Abstract: In order to simultaneously deal with a plurality of roll sheets each having a different width, achieve increases in functionality and performance, and achieve reduction in cost so as to alleviate a burden on a user, provided is a thermal printer 1 including: a support member 13 for supporting a plurality of roll sheets P each having a different width; conveyor mechanisms 14 each including a conveyor roller 14a for drawing out or drawing back a recording sheet P1 from each of the roll sheets; a guide member for guiding the recording sheet drawn out thereof so as to be converged on a carry-out port; a thermal head including heating elements; a platen roller; a cutting member for cutting the recording sheet; a sensor for detecting whether or not the recording sheet has reached the platen roller; and a control portion 17 for controlling, based on a detection result from the sensor, rotational directions of the conveyor roller and the platen roller so that only a desired recording sheet is sent out from the guide

Abstract: Printing systems and methods are described for multicolored thermal printing simultaneously using a plurality of thermal printing technologies to achieve multicolored output. In one configuration, a dual thermal technology thermal printer includes a single thermal media ribbon printing subsystem using a multi-temperature thermal print head capable of producing grayscale or varying intensity marking on a multi-intensity direct contact thermal media such as a grayscale media.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printhead is disclosed. The printhead includes a backplane having one or more one connector receptacles. The printhead also includes one or more modules each of which includes a connector adapted to interface with the connector receptacles. The modules also include a laser diode array having laser diodes. The module interfaces with the backplane at a predetermined angle with respect to a printing direction and pitch to achieve a desired printhead density.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus and a laser induced thermal imaging method capable of uniformly adhering a donor film to an acceptor substrate by use of a magnetic force to achieve an effective laser induced thermal imaging method; and a method for fabricating an organic light-emitting diode using the same. The laser induced thermal imaging apparatus includes: a chamber in which a contact frame having a magnetic substance is located, to press toward an acceptor substrate containing a magnet located on a substrate stage with an imaging layer of a donor film located between the acceptor substrate and the contact frame; and a laser oscillator to irradiate the donor film through openings in the contact frame. Accordingly, the laser induced thermal imaging apparatus applies an improved adhesion between the donor film and the substrate, producing an organic light-emitting diode having an improved life span, yield and reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for multichannel sequence transmission and control comprises a DMA generator, a bus interface, a data generator, a control unit, and a strobe signal generator. The DMA generator is coupled to the bus interface and the data generator to operate with the control unit and the strobe signal generator. A step of initial setting is an external microcontroller generates a TPH shift clock and a TPH latch signal needed by a print head. A step of transmitting data is the DMA generator transmits a printing data to the data generator for being buffered and moved to a latch register in the print head and then the strobe signal generator provides the signal period of the respective strobe signal and the time spacing between the respective strobe signal to allow a multiplexer outputting the actual strobe signals, which are combined from the virtual strobe signals, to the print head. A step of heating the print head is the print head prints the assigned data until the strobe signals ending.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus capable of easily determining the direction of setting printing paper in a paper feed cartridge with an extremely simple structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disk label printer that includes a slot-in type optical disk driving mechanism and a printing mechanism integrated with each other, has a small size, and prints a high-quality image on the label surface of an optical disk. The disclosed disk label printer includes: a case that has a slot through which an optical disk is inserted or ejected formed therein; an optical disk driving mechanism that is provided in the case and writes and/or reads signals to and/or from the optical disk mounted to a disk mounting portion; and a printing mechanism that is provided in the case and includes a thermal head printing a desired image on a label surface of the optical disk. The printing mechanism is provided on a transfer path of the optical disk toward the optical disk driving mechanism between the slot an optical disk driving mechanism.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting the alignment of a thermal print image forming apparatus for printing an image by applying heat to a medium using two thermal print heads is provided. The method includes printing first and second patterns by applying heat to the medium using the first and second thermal print heads simultaneously. The first and second patterns are sensed using a sensor, and the distance between the first and second thermal print heads is calculated by using the difference between the print positions of the sensed first and second patterns. The alignment between the print positions of the first and second thermal print heads is adjusted using the calculated distance. Accordingly, the distance between the two thermal print heads is accurately measured using the two simultaneously printed patterns, and the alignment of the image forming apparatus is conveniently and precisely adjusted using the measured distance between the thermal print heads. Thus, optimum print quality can be achieved.

Abstract: The thermal printhead (A1) performs printing on RFID tag (T) as a print target that includes a coil antenna and a memory. The thermal printhead includes a coil antenna (3) as a part of a data transmitter-receiver for the transmitting and receiving of data with respect to the RFID tag (T) by wireless communication.

Abstract: A method for setting color thermal paper parameters including: printing a first color at one or more printing speeds, wherein one or more first color images are produced; selecting the first color image with a desired quality; printing a second color at one or more energy levels at the printing speed corresponding to the selected first color image, wherein one or more second color images are produce; selecting the second color image with the desired quality; and storing a printer parameter corresponding to the selected first and second color images.

Abstract: A printing device that includes a platen for supporting an imaging member during a printing operation and at least one print head subassembly for direct thermal printing on the imaging member. The print head subassembly is configured to be movable independently of the platen for printing on a first surface of the imaging member in a first transport path and on a second surface of the imaging member in a second transport path. The printing device also includes at least one driving roller for driving the imaging member during the printing operation that is configured to drive the imaging member through a driving nip created by the driving roller with a substantially constant degree of wrap wherein the distance of transport of said imaging member for a given angular rotation of said driving roller is substantially the same for the first transport path and the second transport path.

Abstract: This invention provides an image printing apparatus, an image printing method, a program for an image printing method and a program having a program for an image printing method recorded thereon wherein disagreement in size between a scale and a photograph in scrap booking can be eliminated simply and with certainty. An image printing apparatus for printing an image to be used for scrap booking, comprising an image data acquisition section, a template retaining section, a template selection section, an image display section, an operation section and a printing section. Also it is demanded to provide an image printing apparatus, an image printing method, a program for an image printing method and a program having a program for an image printing method recorded thereon wherein otherwise possible deterioration of the finish arising from a line for cutting can be prevented.

Abstract: A printer capable of correctly sensing the internal ambient temperature of a printer body with no influence by an electronic component such as a power supply component reaching a high temperature is obtained. This printer comprises a temperature sensor chip for sensing the internal ambient temperature of the printer body, the electronic component and a ground pattern formed on a wiring board for grounding the temperature sensor chip and the electronic component. A portion of the ground pattern connected to the temperature sensor chip is partially formed narrower than another portion of the ground pattern connected to the electronic component.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus allowing reduction of the thickness of a heat radiation member and allowing strong mounting of a holding member also when a print head is arranged on the forward end of a screw member is obtained. This image generating apparatus comprises a print head, a heat radiation member, arranged on the upper surface of the print head, including a mounting portion protruding toward the head of a screw member and having a threaded hole meshing with the screw member and a holding member, mounted on the upper surface of the heat radiation member with the screw member, having a mounting portion receiving hole capable of receiving the mounting portion of the heat radiation member and holding a prescribed member.