Abstract: According to one embodiment, in a barcode printer (printer device), if a sleep mode transition detection unit (first state transition detection unit) detects that a barcode printer transitions to a sleep mode (first state), or if a power state control unit detects an instruction to turn off the power of the barcode printer, a head position control unit pulls the thermal head (print head) away from the platen roller and holds the thermal head in the state of being pulled away from the platen roller.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a liquid ejection head having nozzles, a controller, and a signal input part through which a user inputs, to the controller, a setting signal indicating settings related to a grade of a barcode or two-dimensional code. The controller drives the liquid ejection head based on the setting signal input through the signal input part to cause the nozzles to eject liquid to record a barcode or two-dimensional code on a recording medium in the grade corresponding to the setting signal.

Abstract: The compact thermal printing mechanism according to the invention is applicable for handheld payment terminals. The invention provides a printer chassis (1) with reinforced flat area (20) by at least one reinforcing element comprising a fold of the printer chassis (1). This folded portion of the printer chassis strengthens the chassis and provides a very strong resistance to bending forces of the lateral pressure means (18) of the platen roller (6). The stable and uniform pressure distribution across the paper width ensures uniform print quality.

Abstract: An assembly comprises at least first and second transmission links. Each transmission link controls movement of a respective element coupled to a first side of the transmission link, under control of a common drive source coupled to a second side of the transmission link. A synchronizing unit is interposed between the first side and the second side of each transmission link, to synchronize movement of the respective elements by the common drive source.

Abstract: A main printed circuit board, called a motherboard, of a payment terminal is provided on which a plurality of components is assembled. The components are assembled on the motherboard according to the height of the components so that the components of greater height are situated at a first end of the board and the components of smaller height are situated at a second end of the board.

Abstract: A thermosensitive printing device includes a print roller, a printhead module, a printhead pressure adjusting mechanism and a casing. The printhead pressure adjusting mechanism is supported by the casing. When a print medium is transferred through a region between the printhead module and the print roller, the print medium is printed by the printhead module. The printhead pressure adjusting mechanism is located over the printhead module and contacted with the printhead At least a portion of the printhead pressure adjusting mechanism is penetrated through the casing groove and movable within the casing groove according to a width of the print medium. The printhead pressure adjusting mechanism includes an adjusting knob and an identification pattern. When an adjusting knob is rotated, a pressure of the printhead pressure adjusting mechanism applied to the printhead module is adjusted and the pressure is recognized according to the identification pattern.

Abstract: A printer with a single motor system to match torques between ribbon supply and ribbon take-up is provided. The printer comprises a ribbon supply spindle, a take-up ribbon spindle, sensors to output ribbon width and diameter at ribbon supply, and a sensor which outputs ribbon diameter at ribbon take-up. The printer is provided with a drive system providing rotation to the ribbon supply via tension on the ribbon loaded on the ribbon supply spindle and taken-up on the take-up ribbon spindle. Firmware, communicatively linked to the sensors and the drive system, is configured to calculate ribbon tension at the ribbon supply spindle, to calculate the torque required on the ribbon on the ribbon take-up spindle to match the ribbon tension at the take-up spindle to the ribbon tension at the ribbon supply spindle, and to adjust the drive system to match these torques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism that improves accuracy for positioning a head relative to a carriage, and easily performs positional adjustment for the head. A carriage unit includes a first carriage structure and a second carriage structure. The first carriage structure includes a first sliding face that can slide along a guide shaft, and a head can be mounted on the first carriage structure. The second carriage structure includes a second sliding face that can slide along the guide shaft, and can hold the first carriage structure to allow positional adjustment for the first carriage structure in a predetermined direction in which a position where the first sliding face contacts the guide shaft is to be shifted.

Abstract: An automatic, thermal print on demand labeler is provided. The thermal print head is placed above the axis of rotation of the rotary head, with a cylindrical platen mounted horizontally opposite the print head. A stripper pin is mounted below the platen; the pin is positioned very close to the print region of the print head. This positioning of components results in a label being printed and dispensed onto a bellow in one index of the multi-bellow rotary head. Independent direct gear drive trains are provided for the rotary head and label tape drive.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a printbar beam member, a printhead, and a first eccentric pin. The printbar beam member includes a beam surface and a first cavity disposed through the beam surface. The printhead includes a printhead surface and a second cavity disposed through the printhead surface. The first eccentric pin may be inserted into the first cavity and the second cavity to couple the printhead to the printbar beam member. The first eccentric pin may rotate to adjust a position of the printhead relative to the printbar beam member along a first axis along the beam surface.

Abstract: A printer includes an ejection portion configured to eject liquid, a flat plate-shaped platen arranged at a distance from the ejection portion, a support portion configured to support the platen, a pair of rails extending in a first direction, a movement portion configured to move in the first direction along the pair of rails, a connection portion configured to connect the support portion and the movement portion, and an adjustment mechanism configured to connect the support portion and the movement portion via the connection portion, allowing adjustment of an arrangement of the support portion with respect to the pair of rails. The adjustment mechanism includes at least three sets of adjustment portions, each of the at least three sets of adjustment portions including a penetration portion, a screw hole and a screw.

Abstract: A thermal printer and control method for a thermal printer is provided. The thermal printer includes a print head and a paper feed mechanism for conveying a print medium past the print head at a controlled print speed based on predetermined print speed control factors. Operations include determining the print speed of the print medium based on the print speed control factors; determining a change, if any, in the print speed; determining if the change in print speed exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and controlling the paper feed mechanism to limit the change in the print speed if the change in the print speed is determined to have exceeded the threshold value. The change of the print speed is decreased for at least one predetermined time when the change in the print speed is determined to have exceeded the threshold value.

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: The invention provides a method of controlling the pressure applied to a substrate being printed by a thermal transfer printing head. The head displacement facility includes a resilient member such as a spring which undergoes deflection as the print head engages the substrate. The method comprises monitoring both print head position and spring deflection to control the pressure applied by the print head.

Abstract: A method of printing with an inkjet printer including a printhead, a star wheel located downstream from the printhead, and an adjustable biaser coupled to the star wheel. The method comprises analyzing print data to identify an area of printing to be printed on a sheet of print media that aligns with the star wheel; calculating the density of the printing in the identified area of printing; printing the identified area of printing; determining whether the calculated density exceeds a density criteria, and if so then using the adjustable biaser to lift the star wheel off of the sheet before the printed area of printing reaches the star wheel; advancing the printed area of printing past the star wheel; and using the adjustable biaser lowering the star wheel onto the sheet after the printed area of printing has advanced past the star wheel.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a casing, a thermal head module and a guiding component. The thermal head module is detachably installed inside the casing, and the thermal head module includes a bracket, a thermal head and a pivoting component. The thermal head is installed on the bracket, and the pivoting component is disposed on an end of the bracket. The pivoting component is pivotally engaged with the casing. The guiding component is rotatably installed inside the casing and for guiding a printing medium. The guiding component includes a holding portion for holding the pivoting component of the thermal head module as the guiding component rotates in a first rotating direction relative to the casing, so as to drive the pivoting component to separate from the casing, so that the thermal head module is detached from the casing.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

Abstract: A printer apparatus includes a printing medium supply unit that supplies a printing medium. An ink ribbon supply unit supplies an ink ribbon. A platen roller conveys the printing medium. A thermal head is arranged at a position opposite to the platen roller with the printing medium and the ink ribbon therebetween. The thermal head carries out printing by transferring the ink of the ink ribbon to the printing medium, A head pressing mechanism changes a distance or a pressure force between the thermal head and the platen roller. After the printing is ended, a control section controls the head pressing mechanism to raise the thermal head, the printing medium conveyance unit to convey the printing medium to a cutting position, and the head pressing mechanism to lower the thermal head immediately after the printing medium is cut.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing using an inkjet cartridge includes a fixed top portion and first and second fixed side portions coupled to the top portion. The apparatus also includes a third side portion disposed adjacent to the first fixed side portion and adapted to receive a printhead cartridge in a fixed relation thereto. The apparatus also includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of third side portion relative to the fixed side portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for determining and adjusting printhead pressure of a thermal printer. The apparatus includes a printhead support housing operable for placement in a print station of a printer. A motor housed within the printhead support housing and being operable for driving a plurality of synchronized rotating gears, the gears being mounted about posts wherein the posts are configured to cause the gears to compress or decompress a set of biasing mechanisms mounted below the gears and connected to the printhead. A sensor unit operable for monitoring the thickness of a print media and in communication with a control circuit operable for adjusting the printhead pressure being applied to the print media during a print operation, wherein the printhead pressure corresponds to a pre-defined level relative to the thickness of the print media.

Abstract: Automated print head alignment uses thermal expansion. By leveraging thermal expansion to position print heads within the carriage, the tedious manual adjustment process is eliminated. The need for costly precision references within the printer and on the print head is also reduced.

Abstract: A horizontal adjustment device of upper base of barcode printer includes a barcode printer chassis formed with at least one threaded hole. A printing-device upper base is mourned to a chassis side wall of the barcode printer, and having a through bore. At least one adjustment bolt has an end received through the through bore, and is rotatably coupled with an end of the through bore. The adjustment bolt has an opposite end forming at least one screwing engagement section. The screwing engagement section engages with the threaded hole, and another end of the adjustment bolt is rotatably received in the opposite end of the through bore. At least one adjustment threaded fastener engages the adjustment bolt so that the printing-device upper base is adjusted to move horizontally by rotating the adjustment threaded fastener and the adjustment bolt.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including a printhead for transferring ink from a ribbon to a substrate to be printed, a print roller for guiding the substrate to be printed, a peel-off roller for separating the ribbon from the substrate, downstream of the printhead, wherein a peel-off angle is subtended between a portion of ribbon which, when the printing apparatus is in use, extends between the printhead and the peel-off roller and a tangent to the print roller at a contact point on the circumference of the print roller, and a printhead angle is subtended between a part of the printhead which transfers ink from the ribbon to the substrate and a radius of the print roller at the contact point, and wherein the printhead angle is adjustable in accordance with the speed of the ribbon relative to the printing apparatus.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a first head, a first head pressurizing force adjusting device, a second head, a second head pressurizing force adjusting device, and a control unit. The first and second sensors detect a recording medium. The first head forms an image on a first surface of the recording medium and the second head forms an image on a second surface of the recording medium. The first head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the first head to the first platen and the second head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the second head to the second platen. The control unit controls the first head pressurizing force adjusting device and the second head pressurizing force adjusting device based on outputs of the first and second sensors.

Abstract: First and second sensors are disposed downstream and upstream of a conveyance path, respectively. A first head is disposed between the first sensor and the second sensor opposite to a first platen with the conveyance path interposed between the first head and the first platen. The first head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the first head to the first platen. A second head is disposed between the first head and the second sensor opposite to a second platen with the conveyance path interposed between the second head and the second platen. The second head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the second head to the second platen. The control unit controls the second head pressurizing force adjusting device to separate the second head from the second platen if a tailing end of the recording medium escapes from the second sensor.

Abstract: A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.

Abstract: A print head assembly and a printer using the same are disclosed. The print head assembly includes: a bracket, a print head and an elastic element. The bracket includes a first bracket body having a cavity and a lid covered on the opening of the cavity. A window is opened on the first bracket body. The print head is accommodated in the cavity of the first bracket body and hinged to the first bracket body via a first rotary shaft. The surface of a heating element of the print head is matched with the window and faces an outside paper pressing roller. The elastic element biases towards the print head so as to make the surface of the heating element of the print head have a tendency to extend outside the window. The print head assembly is capable of being detached as a whole, thus the requirements of performing single-sided printing and duplex printing in the same printer is achieved.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the pressure applied to a substrate being printed by a thermal transfer printing head. The head displacement facility includes a resilient member such as a spring which undergoes deflection as the print head engages the substrate. The method comprises monitoring both print head position and spring deflection to control the pressure applied by the print head.

Abstract: Automated print head alignment uses thermal expansion. By leveraging thermal expansion to position print heads within the carriage, the tedious manual adjustment process is eliminated. The need for costly precision references within the printer and on the print head is also reduced.

Abstract: A pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting pressure applied on a thermal print head includes a pressing plate, a plurality of resilient members and a pressure adjusting member. The pressing plate is disposed above the thermal print head and comprising a first pressed section and a second pressed section connected to the first pressed section. The plurality of resilient members is connected to the first pressed section of the pressing plate and the thermal print head and to the second pressed section of the pressing plate and the thermal print head, respectively. The pressure adjusting member is pivoted to the pressing plate for driving the pressing plate to move relative to the thermal print head, so as to press the plurality of resilient members for providing the thermal print head with pressure, such that the plurality of resilient members drives the pressing plate to equilibrate the pressing plate.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a tag tape roll around which a tag tape is wound, said tag tape having a plurality of RFID circuit elements aligned in a safety area, which is located at an end on one side in the width direction of said tag tape, and including a print area on the other side in the width direction with respect to said RFID circuit elements. A tag label producing device performs predetermined printing on said print area by a print head while paying out said tag tape from said tag tape roll, and produces a tag label by using said tag tape on which printing has been performed.

Abstract: A printer includes a conveying path for conveying a printing medium therealong. The printer also includes a thickness detecting unit configured to detect change in thickness of the printing medium along the conveying direction, which is conveyed along the conveying path. The printer also includes a first print unit configured to print information on one surface of the printing medium whose thickness change is detected by the thickness detecting unit, and a second print unit configured to print information on another surface of the printing medium. The printer also includes a pressure mechanism configured to press the print head against the platen of each of the first and second print units, and a control unit configured to reduce pressure applied to the print head by the pressure mechanism if the thickness of the printing medium detected by the thickness detecting unit is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a thermal print head module is disclosed. The thermal print head module is pivoted to a casing. The fixing mechanism includes a base, a linkage member and a plurality of positioning structures. The base is disposed on the casing. The linkage member is pivoted to the base and the thermal print head module. The linkage member is driven by the thermal print head module when the thermal print head module is rotated relative to the casing, such that the linkage member is pivoted to different positions relative to the base. The plurality of the positioning structures is disposed on the linkage member for fixing the linkage member, so as to position the thermal print head module in corresponding positions.

Abstract: A pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting pressure applied on a thermal print head includes a pressing plate, a plurality of resilient members and a pressure adjusting member. The pressing plate is disposed above the thermal print head and comprising a first pressed section and a second pressed section connected to the first pressed section. The plurality of resilient members is connected to the first pressed section of the pressing plate and the thermal print head and to the second pressed section of the pressing plate and the thermal print head, respectively. The pressure adjusting member is pivoted to the pressing plate for driving the pressing plate to move relative to the thermal print head, so as to press the plurality of resilient members for providing the thermal print head with pressure, such that the plurality of resilient members drives the pressing plate to equilibrate the pressing plate.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are related to a printer including a thermal head, a platen roller, a plurality of biasing members, and an urging force adjustment mechanism. The urging force adjustment mechanism includes a base member, an action member movable in the widthwise direction with respect to the base member and configured to expand or compress the plurality of biasing members, and a plurality of contact members configured to contact the action member and supported by the base member such that contact positions of the contact members on the action member can be varied in the expansion or compression direction of the biasing members, wherein the amount of expansion or compression of the biasing members varies according to the variation of the contact positions.

Abstract: Automated print head alignment uses thermal expansion. By leveraging thermal expansion to position print heads within the carriage, the tedious manual adjustment process is eliminated. The need for costly precision references within the printer and on the print head is also reduced.

Abstract: Automated print head alignment uses thermal expansion. By leveraging thermal expansion to position print heads within the carriage, the tedious manual adjustment process is eliminated. The need for costly precision references within the printer and on the print head is also reduced.

Abstract: A modular printer having a media take-up assembly, a support block assembly, a printhead assembly, a stepper motor assembly and a display assembly is provided. A support housing having a plurality of recesses formed on an internal wall of the modular printer is also provided. Each of the recesses is configured to receive and align one of the modular printer assemblies with the other modular printer assemblies. Each of the assemblies is configured as a module which can be easily accessed and quickly secured to or detached from the support housing. The support housing is adapted to receive assembly modules for both thermal ink printers and ribbon ink printers such that the modular printer can be easily converted from one to the other.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a platen that guides a sheet, restraining members disposed on the platen at respective side edges of the sheet to restrain the side edges of the sheet from being raised, a sheet width detector that detects the width of the sheet, and a restraining member detector that detects the positions of the restraining members. At least one of the restraining members is moved in accordance with the information obtained by the sheet width detector regarding the positions of the side edges of the sheet and the information obtained by the restraining position detector regarding the positions of the restraining members.

Abstract: A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.

Abstract: Provided is a printing apparatus including: a medium transporting unit configured to transport a printing target medium; a sheet traveling unit configured to allow a thermal transfer sheet, in which a color material layer and a protection layer are formed on a sheet in a line along a travel direction, to travel; a printing unit configured to sequentially and thermally transfer the color material layer and the protection layer onto the printing target medium by applying thermal energy to the printing target medium and the thermal transfer sheet which are sandwiched by the printing unit; and a pressure changing mechanism configured to change the sandwiching force acting on the printing target medium and the thermal transfer sheet so as to have a relationship of force P1<force P2.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a first head, a first head pressurizing force adjusting device, a second head, a second head pressurizing force adjusting device, and a control unit. The first and second sensors detect a recording medium. The first head forms an image on a first surface of the recording medium and the second head forms an image on a second surface of the recording medium. The first head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the first head to the first platen and the second head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the second head to the second platen. The control unit controls the first head pressurizing force adjusting device and the second head pressurizing force adjusting device based on outputs of the first and second sensors.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

Abstract: A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.

Abstract: A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.

Abstract: Tilt angle and tilt direction of lenticular lenses are detected precisely to correct attitude of a transported lenticular sheet with high accuracy. At least first to third lens sensors are disposed in a transport track of the lenticular sheet, aligned in a main scan direction and spaced at uneven intervals. Each lens sensor has a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element arranged to sandwich the lenticular sheet and output a detection signal corresponding to concavities and convexities of the lenticular lenses. During the transport of the lenticular sheet, the detection signals output from the first to third lens sensors are analyzed to detect the tilt direction and the tilt angle of the lenticular lenses accurately. Based on the tilt direction and the tilt angle, the attitude of the lenticular sheet is corrected in advance, preventing the lenticular sheet from skewing while stripe images are being recorded thereon.

Abstract: Printers and methods of printer operation are disclosed for detecting print line loss. Embodiments include at least one stable frame element and a print head that is moveable with respect to the stable frame element; and at least two optical elements mounted on one or more of the stable frame element and the print head, the optical elements oriented with respect to one another so as to detect motion of the print head.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming images on recording media of different sizes are provided. The image forming procedure may include reading setting information which includes the size of a substitute recording medium for each user from a memory and, when the size of the recording medium specified by the print instruction is not available, executing a print instruction by automatically changing the size of a recording medium to be used to the size of the substitute recording medium based on the setting information. Additional computer-readable storage media storing image forming procedures are also provided.