International Business Machines Corporation

Patsy A Bowlds

Donald Wayne Stafford

Bruce M Cassidy

Hugh T Findlay

Rex D Fathergill

Arthur E Graham

Deh C Tao

Robert J Huljak

David P Dunn

Stafford, Donald W

A thermal ribbon having a minute coating of graphite powder on the outer side of the resistive layer. The improved electrical interface with print electrodes reduces ribbon and printhead damage. The graphite also reduces friction and loosens material which builds-up at the printhead.

Modified resistive layer in thermal transfer medium having lubricating

Disclosed is a thermal transfer medium which comprises a mixture of a thermosetting polyimide, a thermoplastic polyimide, and graphite. It has a steel support layer and an intermediate layer of silicon dioxide. An outer layer on the steel is the thermal ink. The mixture is applied as a dispersion with a precursor of the thermosetting polyimide. The ribbon may be recoated at the typing station by applying a hot-melt of the ink.

Silicon dioxide intermediate layer in thermal transfer medium

Growing community of inventors

Paris, KY, United States of America

Patsy A Bowlds