Esselte N.v.

Esselte Corporation

Robert Charles Lewis Day

Michel Woodman

Charles Robert Sims

Adrian Michael Woodward

Geert Heyse

Jonathan Kemp

Lawrence Archard

Martin Gibbs

Chris McCleve

Mathew Richard Palmer

Andrew Buchanan Halket

Chris McCleave

Robert Charles Sims

Sam Cockerill

Clive Lawrence Ayling

Costa Panayi

Mathew Palmer

Andrew Richard Buchanan Halket

Charles Roberts Sims

A method of printing an image on a composite medium is described. A composite medium comprises a thermally sensitive image receiving layer and a protective layer. The image receiving layer is activated through the protective layer whereby to generate an image in the image receiving layer which is protected by the already present protective layer. A tape and cassette comprising the composite medium are also described, as it is a printing device for use with the composite medium, and a method of producing a printed label from the composite medium.

Method and apparatus for producing laminated labels

A tape printing apparatus having a thermal print head for printing an image on an image receiving tape, the print head having a first mode of operation for printing on an image receiving tape with an ink ribbon, and a second mode of operation for printing on thermally sensitive image receiving tape. A detector detects whether ink ribbon is present or absent in a receiving mechanism and provides a signal to a control mechanism indicative of the presence or absence of ink ribbon, the control mechanism being arranged to control the print head to have the first mode of operation when ink ribbon is present and the second mode of operation when no ink ribbon is present. When the ink ribbon is mounted on a rotatable member, the detector may detect the ink ribbon movement, or detect the location of the rotatable member where the location is different whether an ink ribbon is present or absent, or detect the speed of rotation of the rotatable support member where the rotatable member rotates at different speeds depending on whether ink ribbon is present or absent.

Tape printing apparatus

A printer with a housing arranged to be manually positioned on an image receiving medium. In order to allow easy alignment, a window is provided such that the print face is visible through the window. A controller of the printer is operable to detect markings on an image receiving medium, the markings being scanned by means of a scanner. An indicator referring to a direction in which the printer is to be moved and the detected markings are displayed in order to obtain alignment between the print face and the detected markings. The printer uses a medium with alignment marks, or alternately prints alignment marks onto a medium. Finally, a base station with an adjustable stop for positioning a print medium is included.

Manually positioned printer with an alignment means

The invention relates to a printer including a scanning mechanism provided in a housing, a mounting mechanism for releasably mounting a print head to the scanning mechanism, and an aperture. The scanning mechanism is arranged to move within the housing. The aperture is provided within the housing and arranged to be placed on, or adjacent to, an image receiving medium such that the print head, when mounted, is operable to print onto the image receiving medium through the aperture. In order to engrave an image into the image receiving medium, it is proposed that the mounting mechanism is arranged to accommodate a holding mechanism which holds a machining device for machining a medium. The printer may be provided with an ink supply containing a security ink, especially for printing entry receipts onto the hand of as customer entering a discotheque, concert, or other event.

Multi-functional printer

A portable printer which can print on a variety of surfaces is disclosed. The printer has a number of failsafe features which improve its operation and the quality of print. In particular, printing is inhibited in a certain number of situations. Alternatively or additionally, a maintenance sequence can be implemented when the printing unit is removed from a base location. A set of absorbent strips additionally or alternatively allow for the ink jet nozzles to be discharged within the print area.

Printer with failsafe features

The invention relates to a tape printing apparatus for printing an image on an image receiving tape. In order to detect characteristics of the tape thus avoiding representation means on a tape cassette, it is proposed to have detecting means for detecting-markings provided on the image receiving tape, which provide information on a characteristic of the tape; and the tape printing apparatus is controlled in accordance with the detected characteristics. Alternatively, it is proposed to have monitoring means for monitoring the speed of the image receiving tape, which detect marking on the image receiving tape whereby the printing means is controlled in dependence on the detected speed. Consequently, the exact tape speed is considered for printing purposes, even when slippage between driving means and tape occurs.

A portable printer is provided which provides active cooperation between a computer and the portable printer unit. A number of different features are introduced into the printing unit which allow greater responsiveness from the computer responsive to actions taken at the printer unit.

Printer system

The invention relates to a tape holding case housing a supply of image receiving tape and includes an angled surface to bend the surface of the tape approximately 90&deg;, the angled surface being provided upstream of the printing position of the tape. The tape holding case also includes a casing that is designed to attach the tape holding case to an identically shaped tape holding case.

Growing community of inventors

Nr Royston, United Kingdom

Robert Charles Lewis Day