Feed rates and two-mode embodiments for thermal transfer medium conservation
US4558963A · kind A · utility
19Cited by
24References
90Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 1984 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/325
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Conservation of ribbon 40 is achieved by underfeeding ribbon 40 relative to movement of thermal printhead 16. Pressure of printhead 16 may be low enough that smearing from a typical ribbon 40 does not occur. Gears 208, 210, 212, 214 and 216 may be positioned in one of two settings by action of bellcrank 230. One position provides a 1.04 to 1 underfeed ratio and the other provides a 5 to 1 underfeed ratio. Control 232 lowers print current for the 5 to 1 ratio. A printer having a single ratio of 1.04 to 1 provides printing of unimpaired quality with significant saving of ribbon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.