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 printer device is disclosed. The printer device includes: a base chassis that accepts therein and ejects therefrom the printing medium; a top chassis that is disposed to be able to freely open and close in a direction vertical to the basis chassis; an ink ribbon cartridge holder that is disposed between the top chassis and the base chassis, and is attached with an ink ribbon cartridge including therein the ink ribbon; and a thermal head that prints an image to the printing medium by heating the ink ribbon in the ink ribbon cartridge attached to the ink ribbon cartridge holder.

Abstract: A scratch layer transfer sheet comprising a substrate film and a transferable scratch layer disposed on one surface of the substrate film, the transferable scratch layer comprising a hiding layer, being able to be thermally transferred to the print surface of a transfer-receiving material and being able to be removed from the print surface by scratching it after it is transferred. The scratch layer transfer sheet is overlapped on a transfer-receiving material such that the transferable scratch layer faces the print surface of the transfer-receiving material to transfer said transferable scratch layer to the print surface by heating.

Abstract: A content applicator for selectively processing media received by the content applicator. The content applicator includes a print station having a print station protector subsystem. When the print station is in a print offline mode, the print station protector subsystem protects at least one component of the print station from degradation caused by media being received by the print station while the print station is in print offline mode.

Abstract: A scratch layer transfer sheet comprising a substrate film and a transferable scratch layer disposed on one surface of the substrate film, the transferable scratch layer comprising a hiding layer, being able to be thermally transferred to the print surface of a transfer-receiving material and being able to be removed from the print surface by scratching it after it is transferred. The scratch layer transfer sheet is overlapped on a transfer-receiving material such that the transferable scratch layer faces the print surface of the transfer-receiving material to transfer said transferable scratch layer to the print surface by heating.

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 heat-activated linerless label comprises a heat-activated adhesive coating. Portions of the heat-activated adhesive coating are selectively activated by a thermal printer.

Abstract: A method of printing utilizing a printing apparatus having a base, a printing station where a print head is mounted, the print head including a plurality of printing elements which are selectively energisable to generate an image on a substrate upon there being relative movement between the substrate and the print head, the print head being moveable relative to the base, and the apparatus including a sensor device to sense the speed of the substrate as the substrate moves relative to the base adjacent to the printing station, and a controller to receive input signals from the sensor device and to control print head movement relative to the base to achieve a desired relative speed between the print head and the substrate, and wherein the method includes predicting when the speed of the substrate relative to the base, as the substrate advances, will be less than a predetermined speed, and in response, moving the print head at the printing station to a downstream extreme position of print head travel, and during

Abstract: A thermal activation device includes a platen lock mechanism for locking a platen roller of a platen unit and a heating unit or printing unit into press contact with each other. The platen lock mechanism has a lock arm mounted to undergo rotation about a rotational axis, a shaft member provided in one of the platen unit and the lock arm, an engagement recess for engagingly receiving the shaft member and provided in the other of the platen unit and the lock arm, and an urging member for urging the lock arm in a direction for bringing the shaft member into engagement with the engagement recess. In a state in which the heating unit or printing unit is in press contact with the platen roller, a distance between the rotational axis of the lock arm and an axis of the shaft member is greater than a distance between the rotational axis of the lock arm and the rotational axis of the platen roller.

Abstract: In a photo printer, with a translating cam at a horizontal displacement, a platen roller can be lifted up/down vertically to/from a print head. On the profile of the translating cam, there is plurality of concave surfaces and a convex surface as a follower's path. A platen roller frame is used for supporting the platen roller. As the translating cam moves in the track, the roller installed on the platen roller frame rotates on the translating cam's profile. Following the variation of the translating cam's profile, the platen roller frame carries the platen roller to move vertically, so that the platen roller can move to/from the print head in straight line.

Abstract: A disclosed printer includes a frame; a thermal head attached to the frame; a platen roller drive motor attached to the frame; a reduction gear train attached to the frame and configured to reduce the speed of rotation generated by the platen roller drive motor; and a platen roller detachably attached to the frame and configured to be driven by the platen roller drive motor via the reduction gear train and to feed paper while pressing the paper against the thermal head. The frame is produced by press-forming sheet metal and includes a horizontal plate part, a backboard part rising vertically from a back edge of the horizontal plate part, sideboard parts rising vertically from corresponding side edges of the horizontal plate part, and a projecting part protruding outward from an edge of one of the sideboard parts and forming a surrounding part of a gearbox.

Abstract: A thermal time date stamp including a printing apparatus, system and method for recording the date and time on a flat paper sheet includes a paper guide for transporting the paper beneath a thermal print head and thermal transfer ribbon, a display for confirming the time and date that is synchronized to the print, and a microprocessor for inputting a graphic image of the time and date displayed to the print head.

Abstract: A main body has a receiving section, which contains an ink ribbon cassette holding an ink ribbon, together with an optical disk. The ink ribbon and the optical disk are fed by a platen roller, and printing is performed on the optical disk through a thermal head. The optical disk is inserted from an insertion port at a side of the main body parallel to the feed direction of the ink ribbon. When the optical disk is inserted from an ejection port in a direction orthogonal to the fed direction of the ink ribbon, an insertion-prevention member prevents the insertion of the optical disk.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having shorter length in the longitudinal direction and a dust-protecting feature is disclosed. The printer includes a main frame, a subframe assembly, first and second pulse motors each have a reduction gear drive mechanism, a thermal head, a platen roller, a rotary blade, and a stationary blade. The first motor for driving the platen roller and the second motor for driving the rotary blade are disposed between two side plates provided one on each end of the main frame. The reduction gear drive mechanisms are substantially sealed and disposed inside the corresponding side plates. Two pulleys and a timing belt are provided outside each of the side plates.

Abstract: A ductile media for receiving an image thereon is disclosed and comprises a ductile mesh and an elastomeric membrane fixed to at least a top side of the mesh. The ductile mesh is preferably an expanded metal material. The elastomeric membrane has a substantially flat top surface that is adapted to receive the image thereon. A printable coating may be further applied to the top surface of the membrane. In one embodiment of the invention, a selectively removable liner is temporarily fixed with adhesive to a bottom surface of the mesh or to a bottom surface of the elastomeric membrane to prevent printer feeding rollers of a printing device, for example, from deforming or stretching the media as the media advances through the printing process. Alternately the image may be applied to the ductile media through a heat transfer or dye-sublimation process. Once the image is printed on the media, the user may form the media into a desired shape by applying pressure thereto.

Abstract: A thermal printer head and print control device capable of controlling what is printed onto a voucher, which includes a printer head and an image control sensor placed in an upper part of the printer head, and including an electronic card on a control unit and cables for connecting the image control sensor to the electronic card and the control unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a chassis, a head portion, a platen roller a plurality of elastically deformable support rods, a U-shaped rotary member and a drive mechanism. The head portion is pivotally supported on the chassis. The platen roller is rotatably supported on the chassis opposite the head portion. The support rods are supported on the chassis. The rotary member is pivotally supported to the chassis by unrotatably engaging the support rods. A second side arm of the rotary member is configured to press the head portion against the platen roller with an urging force of the support rods. The drive mechanism is engaged with a first side arm of the rotary member to pivot the rotary member around the support rods. With the image forming apparatus. the head portion can be pressed on with a sufficient amount of pressure.

Abstract: A tape cassette includes an ink ribbon provided with a base film coated with an ink layer thereon and a film tape provided with a transparent film with an adhesive layer formed on one surface thereof. When an adhesive layer of the film tape and the ink layer of the ink ribbon of the tape cassette into contact at a print position, the ink layer is adhered onto the adhesive layer on condition that the adhesive layer is heated to exhibit self-adhesive properties, and characters and the like are printed on the film tape. At a tape printing apparatus with the tape cassette mounted thereon, by arranging a cutter unit immediately downstream the thermal head, a post-printing tape is cut promptly after printing.

Abstract: A thermal printing mechanism comprises a frame accommodating a motor for driving a print tape, a thermal printing head, a carrying roller and electronic control means. The frame is provided with a metal stiffening plate substantially extending along the length thereof, acting as a support for the motor, on which plate it is fixed by means of welding in order to form means for dissipating the heat. Said plate is also used as a support for pushing the spring for the printing head towards the carrying roller. The mechanism is electronically controlled by means of a flexible connector which is connected to remote control means for said mechanism and which is used to evacuate electrostatic charges.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus includes a print portion printing a paper, a platen roller arranged so as to be opposed to the print portion, a heat radiating member mounted on the print portion, radiating heat generated in the print portion, integrally provided with a plate-like support shaft as an axis of rotation and rotatable in a direction for coming into pressure contact with or separating from the platen roller, a regulating member regulating movement of the print portion in a printing direction of the paper, a chassis having a hole-shaped bearing receiving the plate-like support shaft, and a side plate mounted on the chassis.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer having a configuration in which a drive power of one motor is transmitted to a platen roller and a ribbon conveying mechanism can be easily assembled. The printer has: (a) a printing medium feed reel, (b) a ribbon feed reel, (c) a platen roller, (d) a thermal head, (e) a ribbon conveying roller, (f) a ribbon take-up reel, (g) a motor that drives the platen roller, (h) a rotary drive mechanism that transmits a drive power of the motor to the ribbon conveying roller via a first belt and transmits a drive power of the motor to the ribbon take-up reel via the first belt and a second belt, and (i) a tension unit comprising a plurality of pulleys that are in contact with the first and second belts and rotate following the movement thereof, a plurality of elastic members that adjust positions of the plurality of pulleys so as to apply tension to the first and second belts, and a plurality of fixing members that fix the positions of the plurality of pulleys.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer includes a thermal head, a platen roller which allows the thermal head to be in the head up/down state, an ink ribbon which is drawn between the thermal head and the platen roller, a paper feed roller which can convey a recording paper. A peeling member is disposed on the downstream side of the thermal head in a conveyance direction of the recording paper and can peel the ink ribbon adhered onto the recording paper during printing, and an optical ribbon detecting sensor, which can detect a color discernment marker corresponding to an ink surface of a desired color formed on the surface of the ink ribbon, is disposed between the thermal head and the peeling member.

Abstract: A printer having a desktop unit and a portable unit that can be interconnected to the desktop unit is provided. The desktop unit provides a media supply. However, the desktop unit does not provide a print head. The portable unit provides a media supply and a print head. When the portable unit is interconnected to the desktop unit, the print head may be supplied with media from either the media supply of the desktop unit or the media supply of the portable unit.

Abstract: An identification card printer includes a card input, a card transport, a printhead, and a card output. The card transport is configured to feed a card from the card input along a print path. The printhead is positioned below the print path and is configured to print an image on a surface of the card. The card can then be discharged through the card output.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes the print unit pivotably supported by the chassis, and the pivoting member rotatably supported by the support rod. The print unit has arm portions and the print head element. One of the arm portions has a downward facing portion. The pivoting member has a first side part configured to receive driving force from the motor in first and second rotational directions, and a second side part relatively unrotatably coupled to the first side part. The first side part is integrally provided with a lifting projection, which is configured to engage the downward facing portion of the print unit from below and move the print unit in a direction away from the platen roller while the pivoting member is pivoted in the first rotational direction. It is possible to reduce the number of members for moving the print unit away from the platen roller.

Abstract: A printing system according to the present invention includes a media terminal box which may be installed on a street. In the box, there are disposed a measuring device that measures the temperature or humidity in the box, a device such as a CPU, and a storage device. The storage device stores correction data including a correction value based on a combination of the temperature and humidity, and history data relating to the temperature and humidity measured by the measuring device. The control device corrects a color tone of image data which is read out from the storage device based on the temperature/humidity history data and the correction data so as to generate corrected image data. The corrected image data is sent to a printer, and then the printer is operated based on the corrected image data.

Abstract: A thermal transfer-type label printer and an optical disc apparatus are integrated to miniaturize a multi-function label printing apparatus. An information recording/reproducing unit that carries out recording or reproduction of information on a recording surface of an optical disc is incorporated within a disc tray unit of a label printing apparatus that presses a thermal transfer film ribbon, on which printing information has been formed, onto a label surface of an optical disc mounted on a disc mounting part of the disc tray unit, and transfers the printing information onto the label surface using a heat roller. The recording or reproduction of information on the recording surface of the optical disc and the transferring of the printing information on the label surface of the optical disc are carried out on the disc tray unit.

Abstract: A printer including a print unit, a supply unit for holding a web of receiving material wound into a roll, a system for unwinding the web and transporting it for printing to the print unit, which supply unit is adapted to carry an elongate member on which the roll is fixed, substantially concentrically, the elongated member being provided at its peripheral edge with a pattern of sensorially perceptible discrete transitions, which pattern is substantially symmetrical with respect to a reference position on the elongated member and extends from this position to the vicinity of the ends of the elongated member.

Abstract: A thermal activation apparatus comprises a housing having an insertion slot for insertion therethrough of a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet. A sensor detects the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet inserted through the insertion slot and outputs a corresponding detection signal for determining a start time of the thermal activation apparatus. A transfer unit transfers the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet and a thermal activation unit thermally activates a heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet. An ejection unit ejects the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet after thermal activation. A control unit disposed within the housing controls operation of the thermal activation apparatus and includes a printer communication unit for communicating the thermal activation apparatus with a printer for printing on a printable surface of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet before or after thermal activation of the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a first module having a motor and a thermal head support member to fix a thermal head, the thermal head support member having a fixed blade part working as a blade and an a second module being detachably coupled with the first module, the second module having a platen roller, a movable blade member and a movable blade member movement mechanism to move the movable blade member, wherein the movable blade member is disposed to face the fixed blade part and driving force of the motor is conveyed to the movable blade member movement mechanism, and thereby a cutter part is formed.

Abstract: Provided are a thermal head printing method and device carrying out printing on a place to be printed of a moving object by a thermal head arranged not to move in a moving direction of the printing object. In the thermal head printing device carrying out printing on the place to be printed of a packaging film (10) as the moving object supplied between a thermal head (8), arranged not to move in the moving direction of the moving object, and a platen (9), the printing device comprises moving rolls (15, 16) arranged on both sides of the platen (9) to change a stagnation quantity of the packaging film (10) on a side of the platen (9). The printing is carried out by the moving rolls (15, 16) being displaced to change a moving velocity of the place to be printed. The place to be printed of the packaging film (10) is moved at a predetermined velocity held within a velocity range within which a clear printing can be carried out by the thermal head.

Abstract: In a sticky note printer, a sticky note is peeled off and fed one by one from a bundle of notes set in position. In empty-feed motion, the sticky note is fed in a normal direction from a peel-off position through a sticky note ejecting slot to a pull-out position in which the sticky note protrudes outside the sticky note printer. In feed-back motion, the sticky note is fed in a reverse direction from the pull-out position to a retracted position in which printing can be performed. In feed-again motion, the sticky note is fed in the normal direction from the retracted position to the pull-out position. The empty-feed motion is made when the sticky note has been pulled away from the pull-out position. The feed-back motion or the feed-again motion is made, when an instruction for printing is given, in a manner synchronized with the printing operation.

Abstract: In a case (101) with the shorter side at the top, a tray (121) is placed substantially vertically, an optical disk (170) is substantially vertically supported on the tray (121), and a printer section (135) is provided to be opposite to the tray (121). In the printer section (135), a carriage (141) equipped with a thermal head (142) is structured to be movable vertically along the tray (121). When the carriage (141) moved vertically downward, the thermal head (142) is driven to provide thermal transfer printing of a title and the like, which indicate the contents of data recorded on the optical disk (170), to the surface thereof through an ink ribbon (162).

Abstract: The printing apparatus comprises a first detachable unit U1, a second detachable unit U2, and a main body unit U5 formed such that the first and second detachable units U1 and U2 are detachably mounted thereto. When a unit fixing means 33 provided on a head unit U3 of the main body unit rotates in a clockwise direction to be laid horizontally and then a boss 36 is fitted into a concave portion 33A, the head unit U3 and a pinch roller unit U4 are connected to each other through the unit fixing means. The first detachable unit is pressed by a left end of the unit fixing means, and the second detachable unit is pressed by a right end of the unit fixing means. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first and second detachable units from separating from the main body unit forward. In addition, when the unit fixing means is rotated in a counterclockwise direction to be upwardly constructed, the first detachable unit U1 and the second detachable unit U2 can be mounted detachably to the main body unit.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a main frame having side plates, a platen roller rotatably supported in the main frame, a print head unit supported in the main unit so as to be pivotable between an image-forming state and a non-image forming state, a sheet case adapted to accommodate a sheet, and a contact portion that is attached to the print head unit so as to pivot together with the print head unit. The print head unit is pressed against the platen roller to convey a sheet therebetween when the print head unit is in the image-forming state. The sheet case is mounted in the main frame through an insertion part formed in one of the side plates. The contact portion contacts the sheet case from a second side plate side when the print head unit is in the image-forming state. It is possible to reduce the occurrence of printing defects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forming method using a thermal transfer printing sheet which is capable of implementing a three dimensional pattern. A method of forming a protruded surface using a thermal conduction difference of each portion of the pattern by a partial deposition thermal transfer printing sheet printed on a surface of a base material of a plastic substrate, or a gold or silver thin film partially printed by an engraving roller, and then the printed surface is heated to a certain temperature, so that the surface is divided into a heat blocked portion and a heat absorbed portion. In the forming method using a partial deposition thermal transfer printing sheet, or a gold or silver thermal transfer printing sheet, a thermal transfer printing sheet is dry-printed using only a heat and pressure, and a protruded surface is easily formed through a thermal diffusion process. It is possible to form various natural protruded surfaces.

Abstract: A thermal activation method for a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet having a front end and a rear end. A heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is conveyed between a thermal head for generating heat and a platen roller by rotating the platen roller against the thermal head to thermally activate the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet. The thermal head is driven to cause the thermal head to generate heat in synchronization with conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the platen roller so that the thermal head starts generating heat before the front end of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet enters between the thermal head and the platen roller and while the platen roller rotates less than once between the point at which the thermal head starts generating heat and the point at which the front end of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet enters between the thermal head and the platen roller.

Abstract: Provided is a platen roller retaining structure which is small, of a simple construction and easily allows attachment/detachment of a platen roller and which provides a high level of reliability in terms of platen roller retention. A shaft portion (2a) of a platen roller (2) is fitted into a connecting portion (3a) of a regulating member (3), and the shaft portion (2a) and an engagement portion (3b) of the regulating member (3) are respectively inserted into a first recess (5) and a second recess (6) of a stationary frame (4), with an outer peripheral portion (2b) of the platen roller (2) being held in contact with a thermal head (1) to make recording possible. Escape of the shaft portion (2a) from the first recess (5) in direction (A) is prevented by an inner peripheral edge (5a).

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held printer for printing on linerless label webs wherein a thermal print head is maintained in pressure contact with the linerless web and a platen roll throughout successive printing cycles, but wherein the pressure is automatically relieved at or shortly after each printing cycle is completed.

Abstract: The machine (1) comprises a support structure (4, 11) in which there are: a thermal-transfer device (14) having a movable active surface (36a; 136a) facing the path of the articles; supply and guide means (5–10) suitable for advancing a flexible ribbon (N) in steps along a predetermined route which extends partly between the active surface (36a; 136a) of the thermal-transfer device (14) and the path of the articles, the flexible ribbon (N) carrying, at predetermined intervals, images formed with a thermally transferable ink; and drive devices (22) suitable for bringing about a vertical movement of the thermal-transfer device (14) towards the ribbon (N) and an article so as to press and heat the ribbon (N) against an article in order to bring about the transfer of an image carried by the ribbon (N). The supply and guide means comprise: three pairs of aligned and parallel guide rollers (R1) disposed on the route of the ribbon (N) on upstream and downstream sides of the thermal-transfer device (14).

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and configured to receive and transmit radio signals; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for electronically capturing an image; image processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to: the image sensor to receive the electronically captured image; and the radio signal processing circuitry; a receptacle for receiving a detachable printing mechanism, the receptacle including an interface enabling connection of the printing mechanism to the image processing circuitry, thereby enabling images processed by the image processing circuitry to be printed by the printing mechanism when it is operatively positioned within the receptacle.

Abstract: A a thermal transfer media printer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the printer selectively programs RFID transponders, and then embeds them into conventional on-demand printed media between the adhesive layer and the release liner. Selective configuration of each printed media sample by addition of value-adding elements may be performed independently for each media sample, under software control during processing of each media sample format print control program. An add-on mechanism is disclosed that can be operatively attached to a conventional media printer. This allows RFID transponder labels to be selectively applied at precise locations on the printed surface of on-demand printed media in connection with existing printers.

Abstract: A printing head which outputs an output from a sensor device provided for monitoring various condition of a printing head as digital data, and a printing apparatus using the printing head. The output from the device for detecting condition of the printing head, e.g., information indicative of a substrate temperature, a resistance value of an electrothermal transducer, an ON resistance value of a power transistor which drives the electrothermal transducer and the like is digitized on the substrate, and outputted as digital information to the outside. Further, the digital information is outputted by utilizing a clock signal and a latch signal used for transferring print data to the printing head. This does not increase the number of wires and the area of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a printer apparatus, including: a thermal print head that performs printing by contacting a heat-sensitive color-developing layer of a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet that includes a printable surface made from the heat-sensitive color-developing layer on one surface of a sheet-like base material, and a heat-sensitive adhesive layer on another surface of the sheet-like base material; a thermal-activation thermal head that activates the heat-sensitive adhesive layer by heating; a cutter device that cuts the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet; a transporting unit that transports the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet; and a controlling unit that controls the thermal print head, the thermal-activation thermal head, and the cutter device.

Abstract: A tape printing apparatus uses a tape cassette having two guide holes, the tape printing apparatus has a tape cassette holder including at least first and second guide members; the first guide member having a height that is shorter than a height of the second guide member; such that the second guide member is inserted into a second guide hole on the tape cassette before the first guide member is inserted into a first guide hole of the tape cassette.

Abstract: The thermal-transfer printer includes: a pair of head attaching arms 12 having fitting holes 12c respectively inserted with support shafts 9 and having center lines inclined to axis lines of the supporting shafts 9 by a predetermined inclination angle; and supporting shaft attaching portions 12b being bent by bending lines 12d that intersects with a line connecting the fitting holes 12c and a printing position of a thermal head 11 relative to a sheet 100. The fitting hole 12c of respective supporting shaft attaching portion 12b are attached to the supporting shafts 9 in a state of being elastically bent in directions opposed to each other such that predetermined inclination angles of the supporting shafts 9 of center lines of the fitting hole 12c of the supporting shaft attaching portion 12b relative to axis lines of the supporting shafts 9 are reduced.

Abstract: The thermal printer of the invention comprises a frame, a print head tiltably mounted in the frame, and a spring carried by the frame and forming a member for urging the print head into its printing position, with a flexible sheet of conductors terminating at the print head. According to the first characteristic of the invention, the spring is made of an electrically conductive material and includes a finger for being received in a corresponding orifice of the frame, while a portion of the sheet carries a conductive eyelet through which the finger of the spring passes when the spring is received in the orifice of the frame, the spring thus pinching the eyelet against the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer printing material (20) for a printing group (10) of a printer, comprising a support layer (21) and at least one printable layer (22), self-adhesive on one face, that rests with its self-adhesive face (23) on a contact area of the support layer (21) in an adhesive manner. Said layer can be detached from the contact area and has at least one printable face (25). At least one break point (24) is provided on the support layer (21) and is adapted to substantially compensate for any differences in length caused by the difference in length of the support layer (21) relative to the printable layer (22) when the printing material (20) passes through the printing group (10). The invention further relates to the use of the inventive printing material.

Abstract: A method of printing an image on a composite medium is described. A composite medium comprises a thermally sensitive image receiving layer and a protective layer. The image receiving layer is activated through the protective layer whereby to generate an image in the image receiving layer which is protected by the already present protective layer. A tape and cassette comprising the composite medium are also described, as it is a printing device for use with the composite medium, and a method of producing a printed label from the composite medium.

Abstract: A tape print apparatus is capable of setting a weak voltage value, serving as a criterion on indicating a power weakness condition on a display, to an appropriate voltage value based on various kinds of usage conditions by considering that the degree of consumption of drive power differs depending on the usage conditions of a tape print apparatus.