Patent · US Expired

Thermal transfer printer with controlled ribbon feed

US5372439A · kind A · utility

46Cited by
15References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 18, 1992
Grant dateDec 13, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 18, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J17/12
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A thermal transfer printer includes an arrangement for continuously and automatically varying the rate of advance of the thermal transfer ribbon during printing, the rate of advance being correlated with the nature of the image being printed, and the variable advance rate being provided by a driven friction feed roller and a pair of ribbon guides which cooperate with the friction feed roller and are so positioned that the transfer ribbon is held tightly against the friction feed roller, contacting the circumference of the friction feed roller over more than 90.degree. its circumference and preferably at least 180.degree. of its circumference.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.