Abstract: A system and method for sensing the positioning the printhead in one or more of a standby position, a wipe position, and a printing position uses electrical signals from a drive motor as an indicator of whether the printhead has properly moved to a desired position. As the printhead is tilted to a print position, a first position electrical signal is detected by sampling a resistance on the torque motor at a first time. A second position electrical signal is determined by sampling another resistance on the motor at a second time. A slope is calculated between the first position sample and the second position sample. The calculated slope is analyzed to determine whether the printhead is operating properly. Thus, the need for standalone sensors to determine the positioning of the printhead is eliminated.

Abstract: A system and method for determining proper positioning of the printhead as it travels between first and second positions by sampling an electrical resistance signal of a motor during tilting of the printhead, calculating an average of specified samples at a time, and comparing the calculated average to a predetermined threshold to determine whether the printhead is operating properly. Thus, the need for sensors to determine the positioning of the printhead is eliminated.

Abstract: A thermal printer is adapted to prevent crease formation in a dye transfer area of a dye donor web that can cause line artifacts to be printed on a dye receiver during a dye transfer from the dye transfer area to the dye receiver in a dye transfer printer.

Abstract: A network-attached peripheral appliance (NAPA), including a powered peripheral node (PPN), enabling connection of peripheral devices to a network without a computer at the node. The PPN further comprises a data connection enabling data communication between the appliance and a network, and is configured to accommodate data connection of a plurality of peripheral devices at the appliance, and a power supply configured to provide power to said plurality of peripheral devices. The appliance can include a case which can carry two or more peripheral devices, which are shareable between clients on the network via the NAPA.

Abstract: A printer/powered peripheral node system, wherein a printer and at least one other peripheral device connectable thereto share a footprint and a power supply and a data bus connection, whereby one or more additional peripheral devices can be located at the location of the printer.

Abstract: There is described a device for mounting a thermal print head. The device comprises a frame including a reference member and a multiplicity of adjustable datum points oriented orthogonally around a mounting location for a thermal print head. The datum points are adapted for adjustment to precisely position a thermal print head in the mounting location with respect to the reference member.

Abstract: A device and method for the alignment, in up to six degrees of freedom, of printheads in a printer is disclosed. The device has a support, wherein the printhead is secured to a substantially center location of the support. The device further has a fixed plate biased against the support by plurality of first screws extending substantially in a Z direction, a plurality of a second screws extending substantially in a Y direction, and a third screw extending substantially in an X direction. The fixed plate, and thus the printhead, may be translated in each of the X, Y and Z directions and may be rotated about each of the X, Y, and Z axes by manipulation of the screws to achieve possible alignment in all six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: In a printer, in which printing is performed on a recording medium which is transported in a first direction, a carriage is reciprocately moved in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. A print head is mounted on the carriage, and provided with a head face. A frame is placed in a first side of the print head. A guide plate extends in the second direction. The guide plate includes a first portion provided as a part of the frame so as to extend in a third direction which is orthogonal to both of the first direction and the second direction, a second portion continued from the first portion so as to extend in the first direction. The second portion supports the carriage so as to define a distance between the head face and the recording medium. The guide plate further includes a third portion continued from the second portion so as to extend in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction.

Abstract: A printhead pressure relief mechanism using a non-mechanical media thickness monitoring apparatus. An increase in media thickness is monitored by an emitter/detector pair, a piezo-electric pressure sensor mounted on the print head, a metal detector or a RFID read/write assembly.

Abstract: A thermal head is swingably supported by a shaft. Arm members are swingably attached to the shaft. The arm member presses a head base of the thermal head via a pressure spring. Above the arm members, cam disks are rotatably arranged. The cam disk presses the arm member toward the thermal head. When printing is performed on a color thermosensitive recording paper having a narrow width, the inside cam disks press the arm members to press the thermal head against the recording paper. When printing is performed on another recording paper having a broad width, all the cam disks press the arm members to press the thermal head against the recording paper.

Abstract: A heating element array is cleaned in case foreign matters are adhered or deposited to a thermal head, such as after printing. A color thermal recording paper is fed in a state that the thermal head is heated not so as to develop a cyan thermosensitive coloring layer. After that, a cleaning portion and the heating element array are in slidable contact with each other, so that the heating element array is cleaned. The cleaning portion used for the cleaning treatment is cut away and discharged through a delivery opening.

Abstract: Printing head structure of large-size drafting machine, including a printing box movably retained on rails. The printing box has a receptacle in which a reel-type color cartridge is positioned. The box body is formed with a window at a printing position. A printing head is disposed in the box body. Two sides of the printing head are equipped with linear bearings. A shaft fitted in a spring is fitted in and supported by the bearing. Multiple electric heaters as printing points and heat-radiators are disposed under the printing head. A vertically movable cam driving mechanism is disposed above the printing head. According to received drafting signals, the color belts are rolled for selecting points and heating the points so as to print a picture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording an image on an image recording medium employs an imaging member in pressure engagement with the medium. The imaging member may comprise a thermal printer in pressure engagement with the medium wherein a donor sheet is between the printhead and the recording medium. In response to sensing an operating parameter of a recording operation, such as pressure, temperature, recording medium type or donor medium type, the position and/or amount of pressure is adjusted.

Abstract: Printing head structure of large-size drafting machine, including a printing box movably retained on rails. The printing box has a receptacle in which a reel-type color cartridge is positioned. The box body is formed with a window at a printing position. A printing head is disposed in the box body. Two sides of the printing head are equipped with linear bearings. A shaft fitted in a spring is fitted in and supported by the bearing. Multiple electric heaters as printing points and heat-radiators are disposed under the printing head. A vertically movable cam driving mechanism is disposed above the printing head. According to received drafting signals, the color belts are rolled for selecting points and heating the points so as to print a picture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording an image on an image recording medium employs an imaging member in pressure engagement with the medium. The imaging member may comprise a thermal printer in pressure engagement with the medium wherein a donor sheet is between the printhead and the recording medium. In response to sensing an operating parameter of a recording operation, such as pressure, temperature, recording medium type or donor medium type, the position and/or amount of pressure is adjusted.

Abstract: This image forming apparatus (10) for sheet print media includes an imaging drum (300) for holding print media (32) and colorant donor sheet material (36) in registration on the imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the imaging drum (300) as the imaging drum (300) rotates. The printhead (500) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the colorant donor sheet material (36) to the print media (32). A linear translation subsystem (240) for moving the printhead (500) has at least one translation bearing rod (206/208) that is adjustable to minimize misalignment error between the linear translation subsystem (240) and the imaging drum (300).

Abstract: A shaft assembly for a thermal printer system for applying loads in an adjustable manner along the length of a thermal print head of the thermal printer system. The shaft assembly includes a shaft, and a plurality of cam mechanisms rotatably mounted on the shaft and adapted to apply respective loads to the thermal print head at respective locations along the length of the thermal print head. Each cam mechanism is rotationally coupled with an adjacent cam mechanism, and is adapted to be rotated from a non-load-applying position to load-applying position and from the load-applying position to subsequent load applying positions. Each cam mechanism is adapted to apply a respective load to structure associated with the thermal print head when the cam mechanism is in any of its load-applying positions.

Abstract: A transaction device comprises a terminal module and printer module mechanically secured in an angled configuration. This angled configuration orientates a touch screen input and display device at an angle to the horizontal to reduce reflected light problems. In addition, the angle orientation of the printer improves space efficiency. A lower surface of the terminal module is easily accessible for connecting the device to other modules or to remote computers.

Abstract: A mounting slider bracket for a card printer thermal printhead is supported between a spring and the printhead, and can be adjusted laterally relative to the printhead to shift the center of force that loads the printhead against the ribbon and a card that is being printed. The ability to change the location of the application of force on the printhead permits centering the force when a card of different width is fed from a supply through the printhead. Uniform printing will occur on cards regardless of the width, when properly adjusted by the operator.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer wherein labeling media and thermal transfer ink ribbon advances past a print head and a platen. The platen urges the ribbon and the labeling media in close cooperation with the print head. The print head exerts a pressure on the platen to provide a platen pressure when the print head thermally transfers ink from the ink ribbon to the labeling media. The print head is pivotally mounted, such that pivoting the print head applies a continuously variable pressure against the platen.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printing device, i.e. thermal printer, includes a printing film saving system wherein the print head is lifted during media advancement so that the print film is not advanced during media advancement, and further includes an associated arrangement for tensioning of the print media during printing and print head lifting operations so that the print media maintains print registration and the printing film does not pull upwardly when the print head is lifted. Single print station (monochrome) and multiple print station (color) embodiments are disclosed. Forward tensioning is accomplished by the use of a feed drive positioned forwardly of the single print station in the monochrome embodiment, or forwardly of the last print station in the color embodiment. The feed drive comprises a nip that pulls the print media through the print stations. In the color embodiment, rearward tensioning is accomplished by the print media supply roll, or further upstream by adjacent print stations.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) comprises an imaging drum (300) for holding print media (32) and donor material (36) in registration on the imaging drum (300). A print head (500), driven by a lead screw (250) and stepper motor, moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the imaging drum (300) as the imaging drum (300) rotates. The print head (500) is brought repeatably to a mechanical registration position using sensors. For coarse positioning, the print head (500) is moved to a first linear sensor position, with the drive motor operated in full-step mode. For fine positioning, the drive motor is then operated in microstepping mode, during which a second sensor detects rotational orientation by detecting a rotational indicator mounted on the lead screw (250). The rotational indicator permits straightforward adjustment for fine-tuning, being adjustable to any one of a number of fixed positions relative to lead screw rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printhead assembly having an adjustable printhead, preferably a thermal printhead, to permit precise positioning of the printhead. The printhead assembly includes a support base upon which a slide assembly is slideably disposed. The slide assembly is slideable along a linear path that is generally parallel to the support base, with movement of the slide assembly along the linear path being controlled by an actuating means. A printhead is mounted on the slide assembly and is moveable therewith along the linear path. The printhead is mounted so as to be adjustable in at least three directions relative to the slide assembly. Preferably, the printhead is: a) pivotable about a first horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the linear path; b) pivotable about a second horizontal axis extending perpendicular to first horizontal axis and parallel to the linear path; and c) moveable in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second horizontal axes.

Abstract: A printing apparatus employs a nearly linear conveying path P2 for printing paper P from a position confronting the platen roller 6 and thermal head 7 for composing the printing unit 3 to the paper discharge unit 2. The capstan roller 4, pinch roller 5, and discharge rollers 10, 10 are disposed opposedly to the conveying path P2, and at an intermediate position of the conveying path P2 intersects the conveying path P1 from the paper supply unit 1 to the printing unit 3. A paper supply port is disposed at the bottom of the paper cassette forming the paper supply unit 1, so that the conveying path P1 from the paper supply port to the printing unit 3 is shortened, and accordingly the paper conveying path is shortened. The printer construction simplified and downsized, while the precision of positioning of the printing paper and positioning of the printing head is enhanced, so that the printing quality may be improved.

Abstract: A thermal print head has thermal print elements located along an edge of a substrate between two faces thereof. An impression roller resiliently urges a print receiving medium, for example a mail item in a postage meter, into ink transfer engagement with an ink layer of a thermal transfer ink ribbon and urges the ink ribbon into heat transfer engagement with the thermal print elements. The print head is mounted to be adjustable as to location of the line of print elements relative to the impression roller and the angular disposition of the print head. The resiliently pressure exerted by the impression is adjustable. Adjustment of the print head and of the pressure may be effected automatically in response to sensing of compressibility of the print receiving medium.

Abstract: There is disclosed a thermal printer having a print head and a pressure roller cooperable with a platen roll, with one manually operable member for substantially simultaneously separating the print head and the pressure roll for threading the printer and another member for separating the print head widely from the platen roll for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A thermal head, rotatably supported by a supporting shaft parallel to the shaft of a platen, is resiliently pressed by an elastic member, such as a sheet spring, and comes into contact with the platen. A pair of arm members are provided on either side of the platen, the arms having through holes which allow for rotatably fitting and supporting therein the platen shaft. A bar member for receiving a resilient force of the elastic member is linked to other ends of the arm members, passing across the space between the arm members. The bar member is relieved from contact with the elastic member by rotating at least one of the arm members around the platen shaft or by moving at least one end of the bar member in a direction away from the platen. In the latter case, a crank mechanism is used for changing the effective length of one of the arm members. The thermal printer is compact and light, has high printing reliability, and facilitates ease in maintenance and replacement of the thermal head.

Abstract: Thermal printer with a thermal head including an array of juxtaposed heating elements for line-wise heating a sheet to produce an image, and a rotatable printing drum for conveying the sheet past the thermal head while the thermal head is biased towards the printing drum, which is provided with a rotatable cam and a reference face for adjusting the position of the thermal head with respect to the printing drum.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with a head pressing mechanism for pressing a thermal head against a platen, a paper feeding mechanism for feeding print paper between the thermal head and the platen in a secondary scanning direction, a ribbon transporting mechanism for transporting an ink ribbon between the thermal head and the platen in the secondary scanning direction, and a press releasing mechanism for causing the thermal head to move away from the platen against a pressing force of the head pressing mechanism. The press releasing mechanism slides a rod of a solenoid, elongated in the secondary scanning direction, at the position opposing to the rear surface of the thermal head in the secondary scanning direction. A lever link transforms this sliding action into the departing action of the thermal head from the platen.

Abstract: A thermal printer that prints on a recording sheet by holding the recording sheet between a thermal print head and a platen, driving the thermal print head to generate heat and driving the platen to feed the recording sheet comprises an approach limiting means that limits the approach of the thermal print head to the platen and determines a minimum distance between the thermal print head and the platen. The approach limiting means is provided with a stopping member for stopping the thermal print head or a print head holding member holding the thermal print head moving toward the platen to limit the approach of the thermal print head to the platen and to determine a minimum distance between the thermal print head and the platen. The thermal printer reduces the bias of distribution of the pressure of the thermal print head on the recording sheet along the width of the same and is capable of printing characters and the like clearly over the entire width of the recording sheet.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved label printing apparatus comprising, in a first aspect, a printer head for printing information on a plurality of labels carried on a backing sheet, the printer head being mounted on a carrier plate which is hingedly mounted along one edge thereof so as to be displaceable between a first printing position and a second non-printing position, the apparatus being provided with means to cause such displacement comprising first magnetic means arranged to hold the carrier plated in the second position against a force exerted by a spring which is compressed in this position, the means further including second magnetic means having a reversible polarity such that the carrier plated may be attracted or repelled thereto or repelled therefrom.

Abstract: A thermal demand printer for printing on media is a novel system which includes a case structure including a hinged cover panel, easily removable guide structures and media hanger, and a single central support wall to which the various components are attached. The printer includes a power supply circuit for receiving power from an external source and conditioning it for operation of the printer. An input device is provided for receiving command signals related to the operation of the printer. A control circuit for processing the command signals and generating corresponding control signals for controlling the operation of the printer and a printhead assembly for processing the control signals and generating corresponding control signals for controlling the operation of the printer are mounted in the case structure and coupled to the input device and the power supply circuit. The printhead assembly includes a printhead support structure which controls the printhead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a printhead. The position of a thermal printhead for printing on a print medium that passes between the printhead and a print medium support member can be adjusted relative to the print medium support member. The adjustment is accomplished by adjusting the position of a shaft, attached to a printhead heat sink and passing through a printhead support member, relative to the printhead support member. The adjustment mechanism, placed at the end of the shaft passing through the printhead support member, includes a lever that can be adjusted rotationally with respect to the axis of the shaft. In one embodiment, the lever has a series of wedging surfaces of differing longitudinal thickness which engage a fastener near the end of the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal transfer printer which makes it possible to perform both recording using an ink ribbon coated with a hot melt ink and recording using an ink ribbon coated with a hot sublimation ink. In the thermal transfer printer, a thermal head mounted on a carriage is driven to thereby effect printing on printing paper while moving the carriage with the thermal head being held in press contact with a platen through the intermediation of an ink ribbon and printing paper, wherein the thermal transfer printer further comprises a control section which makes it possible to selectively switch, in accordance with a mode signal, between a first recording mode in which printing by hot melt transfer is effected on the printing paper by using a hot melt type ink ribbon as the ink ribbon and a second recording mode in which printing by hot sublimation transfer is effected on the printing paper by using a hot sublimation type ink ribbon as the ink ribbon.

Abstract: A printer with a printhead pressure adjusting mechanism including a thermal head, a platen drum, an adjusting mechanism, a detection device [e.g., switch(es)] and a control unit. The thermal head transfers ink of an ink ribbon onto recording paper by heat generation. The platen drum sandwiches the ink ribbon and the recording paper under pressure together with the thermal head. The adjusting mechanism adjusts the pressure being applied to the thermal head when pressing the thermal head. The detection device detects the size of the recording paper. The control unit controls the adjusting mechanism in order to adjust the pressure being applied to the thermal head in accordance with the detected size of the recording paper.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing designs, halftones, alphanumeric and other printed matter on sheet material utilizes a thermal printhead that is pressed against sheet material on a roller platen during a printing operation. A donor web bearing an ink material is interposed between the printhead and the sheet material on the roller platen. In order to improve the print quality, the printer includes a pressure regulating mechanism which not only controls the pressure between the printing head and roller platen at different pressure levels but also allows the printing head and platen to be separated and moved away from one another.

Abstract: A label printer for printing labels can typically have a pressure roller and a corresponding print head, which print head can have a support, a spring base plate, and a spring disposed between the support and the spring base plate to bias the print head into engagement with the pressure roller. The spring base plate can be rotationally mounted on a bearing shaft which is preferably parallel to the pressure roller, and the free end of the bearing shaft can be flattened over a portion of its length to form two parallel key surfaces for engaging with a locking element that adjusts the biasing force of the spring by engaging and positioning the spring base plate.

Abstract: A thermal recording apparatus for image recording by ink transfer from an ink sheet, provided with devices for regulating the peeling angle of the ink sheet from the recording sheet and for regulating electric power supplied to the thermal head, is disclosed. These devices are regulated according to the kind, particularly smoothness, of the recording sheet to achieve optimum recording in any sheet.

Abstract: A pivotable mounting assembly for a thermal print head enables the print head to spherically pivot with respect to its associated support arm. The print head is attached to a mounting head and an associated support arm is attached to a cantilever support. A spherical bearing assembly interconnects the mounting head with the support arm and enables the print head to spherically pivot with respect to the support arm. The spherical bearing connection equalizes tangential pressure when the print head is biased against a platen roller. The mounting assembly further includes sub-assemblies for adjusting the rotational and front-to-back alignment of the print head dot line with respect to the support arm, as well as the side-to-side registration of the dot line.

Abstract: A printing pressure adjustment system and a method for adjusting the pressure applied by a print head against a backup member are disclosed. The adjustment system includes an elongated member that is slidably displaceable with respect to an outer surface of the print head. The elongated member has an inclined bearing surface on which a biasing member is positioned in order to apply a force to the elongated member. The elongated member includes a load transfer surface for transferring the biasing force to the print head.

Abstract: A thermal printer print head support device allows the position of the thermal print head printing element to be shifted to the front or the rear relative to the platen axis. Thereby the printing pressure is varied and the print quality is optimized by matching the printing pressure to the different properties, such as thickness and hardness, of the printing media (tags, labels. etc.).