Multicolor thermal printing apparatus
US6262755A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J13/12
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for multi-color printing on plastic cards, such as credit cards, identification cards, and the like. The printing apparatus includes a rotatably driven cylinder having a smooth, high friction outer surface, and a plurality of color print stations spaced circumferentially about the cylinder. A receptor web supply roll is mounted adjacent to the cylinder and supplies an uninterrupted length of a receptor web to the outer surface of the cylinder. The receptor web is frictionally engaged with the outer surface of the cylinder such that the web rotates therewith when the cylinder is rotated. A stepper motor and gearing assembly is connected to the cylinder for rotating the cylinder, and therefore the receptor web that is disposed on the outer surface thereof, to position the receptor web relative to the color print stations. The stepper motor and gearing assembly allow precise positioning of the cylinder and the receptor web relative to each print head, to ensure precise print registration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.