Abstract: A thermal printer has a thermal printhead mounted on a pivot frame which is movable from a working position where the printhead is in position to print from a thermal ribbon onto a substrate, to an open position which permits access to ribbon take-up and supply rolls. The printhead is pivotally mounted to the pivot frame, and its pivoting is controlled by a cam so that the sensitive thermal print element of the thermal printhead remain at a position that permits access to the ribbon and other printer working components, without exposing the print elements so they can easily be contacted by a person servicing the printer. Cooperating guide members are used for controlling the orientation of the printhead as the pivot frame moves between a working position and an open position.

Abstract: A printer positions the platen and print head in separate frames, and a stationary blade and movable blade in the separate frames, and aligns the two pair of elements independently from inaccuracy in alignment of the two separate frames to maintain the print quality of the printing mechanism and the cutting performance of the paper cutting mechanism. A support mechanism 50 has an installation frame 51 fixed to the cover 3, a support frame 52 for supporting a platen roller 12 and stationary blade 41, and a compression spring 53 attached to the installation frame 51 and support frame 52. The support frame 52 can move relative to the installation frame 51 pivotally around engaging pin 52c of the support frame 52, and slidably relative to the pivot of the cover 3.

Abstract: An improved a label application apparatus comprises a main housing having a print roller mounted thereto for rotation about a print roller axis. A supply reel is mounted to the main housing and has an indefinite length web with label material thereon. A printer including a printer housing and a print head is positioned in abutting relationship to the print roller, the printer housing being mounted to the main housing for pivotal movement about a printer axis. A spring is preferably mounted between the printer and the main housing and biasing the print head against the print roller. An improvement thereto that facilitates more reliable contact between the print head and the print roller comprises a pivot mounting between the print head and the printer housing for mounting the print head for pivotal movement with respect to the printer housing about a print head axis, the print head axis being generally transverse to the printer axis.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with a platen roller, a head capable of being pressed against the platen roller and forming an image onto a recording medium, a first impelling member impelling so as to press the head against the platen roller, an impelling roller capable of being pressed against the platen roller, and a second impelling member impelling so as to press the impelling roller against the platen roller. Here, while the head is pressed against the platen roller by use of the first impelling member and the recording medium supplied between the head and the platen roller is pressed, and while the impelling roller is pressed against the platen roller by use of the second impelling member, the recording medium is transported as the image is formed on the recording medium.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer having a print head and a media support platform that is displaced relative to the print head, the media support platform having a rigid support surface for a media item having a non-rectangular configuration such as a compact disk, the support platform having a mask with a cutout substantially in the shape of the non-rectangular disk, the mask and media item combining to form a contact surface for the print head to uniformly distribute a constant force of the print head in a uniform pressure across the mask and media item during printing, the mask providing, in addition, a holding apparatus for the media item which is contacted by a displaceable retainer pin urging the media item against the edge of the mask with the print head avoiding contact with the retainer pins on the printing area, the printer having a mechanism to displace the retainer pin and sense whether a media item is properly placed in the cutout and retained by the retaining apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated ribbon mechanism comprises a support frame having a bottom plate and two side plates integrated to the bottom plate at opposite sides, a print head assembly rigidly mounted on the bottom surface of a bottom plate, first and second pivotal holes positioned on opposite side plates of the support frame, and a pair of locators positioned at opposite side ends of the print head assembly, each locator having an extrusion portion positioned within a respective slot of the drive mechanism during operation wherein the extrusion portions are smaller than the slots of the drive mechanism to allow the integrated ribbon mechanism to slide against a drive mechanism, the integrated ribbon mechanism being pivotally and adjustably coupled to the drive mechanism by a pair of pivot pins that are smaller than the first and second pivotal holes to allow the integrated ribbon mechanism to slide against the drive mechanism wherein a ribbon strip mounted on the integrated ribbon mechanism will be pulled by a platen of

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 printer is provided. The thermal printer includes a thermal head module, a platen module, and a gear module. The platen module and the gear module are connected to the thermal head module. When setting a recording sheet to the printer, the operator lifts up a knob provided to the platen module, so that the platen module is rotated counterclockwise around a pin provided to the thermal head module. In this manner, the platen separates from the thermal head, and setting a recording sheet becomes easier.

Abstract: A device for controlling the head pressure in a miniature printer is disclosed. A pair of hinge parts with an elongate shaft retaining slot in each of them are installed on the bottom of the head frame so as for a printer head to be closely contacted to the surface of a platen roller. Elastic members are fixed to the head frame, and a supporting bracket is installed in rear of the head frame across the elastic members so as to be pivoted together with the head frame, so that a stable running of the printer paper is ensured, and that the printing state is made clear. A shaft passes through the shaft retaining elongate slots, and thus, the head frame and a supporting bracket are secured on a base plate. A locking piece is installed in contact with the supporting bracket.

Abstract: A tape cassette includes a generally rectangular cassette housing having top and bottom sides and four walls that are sized such that the cassette housing can be mounted within a tape printer. A head recess is located in the cassette housing for receiving the print head of the tape printer when the cassette housing is mounted within the tape printer. A support hole downstream of the head recess receives the drive shaft of the tape printer, and is located adjacent a corner of the cassette housing defined by a first wall that is generally parallel to the tape feed path and a second wall of the four walls that is generally perpendicular to the feed path. The second wall includes a recess spaced inwardly toward the head recess, and a discharge opening downstream of the support hole is located in the recess for discharging tape from the cassette housing.