Eastman-kodak Company

William D Goodwin

Stanley W Stephenson

Thomas W Martin

Marcello D Fiscella

A method for controlling the curl of high density images on transparent media is provided for thermal dye transfer printers. The method includes wrapping the transparent receiver media around the print drum a preselected amount during printing. For a mechanical drive printer, the amount of wrapping is about 210 degrees. For capstan drive systems, the degree of wrapping is about 90 to about 160 degrees.

Method for minimizing curl of transparent media during printing of high

A printing mechanism such as a thermal printer includes an elastomer coated platen having a circumference smaller than the printing length of an image to be reproduced on a print medium. The platen has a width which is wider than the width of the print medium. The platen includes a rigid central longitudinally-disposed shaft, and opposing end sections. Each end section extends under the nearest edge of the print medium from an associated end of the platen, and includes means for coupling a contacting print medium to a rotation of the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling means is formed of a non-elastomeric thin-walled cup either disposed near the surface of the platen within the elastomer coating or at the surface of the platen with a thin layer of fine grit particles formed thereon. Each thin-walled cup is fixedly connected to the shaft by a rigid torsion coupling member.

Capstan bodies in printer rollers

A printing mechanism such as a thermal printer includes a rotatable cylindrical platen having a circumference which is smaller than the printing length of a complete image to be reproduced on a print medium, and at least one pinch roller. The platen has a width which is wider than a width of the print medium. The platen includes a rigid central longitudinally-disposed shaft, a cylindrical elastomeric layer formed around a central logitudinal section of the shaft, and first and second opposing cyclindrical registration members. The first and second registration members are fixedly coupled to the shaft and engage a first and a second end of the elastomeric layer, respectively, so that the shaft, layer, and members rotate together. Each pinch roller is formed of a rigid material and is disposed longitudinally to the platen. Each pinch roller is forced radially towards the platen by a suitable forcing means to engage (a) the registration members in the absence of a print medium between the pinch roller and the elastomeric layer, and (b) just engage the surface of the print medium opposite the elastomeric layer during a printing process.

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Rochester, NY, United States of America

William D Goodwin