Thermal transfer printing apparatus including means for controlling printing on irregularly-shaped letters
US4855756A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J25/312
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In apparatus for thermally transferring ink from a ribbon, having backing and ink donor layers, to a letter, wherein the apparatus includes a frame, a thermal printhead, structure connected to the frame for controlling the printhead, and a roller, wherein the printhead is disposable in a non-printing position permitting a ribbon to be located between the printhead and roller and in a printing position in which the printhead is in engagement with the backing layer of a ribbon, and wherein the roller is adapted for rotation when in engagement with a letter fed between the roller and a ribbon, an improvement for urging a ribbon and letter into engagement with one another, the improvement comprising: the printhead controlling structure including structure for resiliently supporting the printhead for urging the ink donor layer of a ribbon into contact with a letter when the printhead is disposed in the printing position; and the roller including a body portion adapted to flex when engaging a letter for urging a letter into contact with the ink donor layer of a ribbon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.