Astro-med, Inc.

Zachery J Schartner

David M Gaskill

Michael J Natalizia

Scott J Cerullo

A thermal transfer printing device, i.e. thermal printer, includes a printing film saving system wherein the print head is lifted during media advancement so that the print film is not advanced during media advancement, and further includes an associated arrangement for tensioning of the print media during printing and print head lifting operations so that the print media maintains print registration and the printing film does not pull upwardly when the print head is lifted. Single print station (monochrome) and multiple print station (color) embodiments are disclosed. Forward tensioning is accomplished by the use of a feed drive positioned forwardly of the single print station in the monochrome embodiment, or forwardly of the last print station in the color embodiment. The feed drive comprises a nip that pulls the print media through the print stations. In the color embodiment, rearward tensioning is accomplished by the print media supply roll, or further upstream by adjacent print stations. In the monochrome embodiment, rearward tensioning is accomplished by a second rearward feed drive that is operable for retracting the print media back into the printer after forward advancement thereof.

Thermal transfer printer with print film saving system and print media tensioning system

A printing assembly for use with a printing device as provided. The printing assembly includes an adjustable platen assembly including a platen having a jack member constructed and arranged to adjustably maintain the platen in parallel relation to a print head when the print head is in a first position, so as to prevent deformities in the printed image as an article passes through the printing assembly.

Color printer having a printing film conserving mechanism

A transport apparatus and method for transporting labels along a printing path of a printing device is disclosed. The transport apparatus includes a label transfer station including a first peeling device for deflecting the web supplied by the payoff roller to a take-up roller, the deflection of the web being at such an angle that a label mounted on the web is peeled from the web as the web passes over the first peeling device, a discrete carrier for receiving the peeled label from the web and transporting the label along the printing path and through the printing assembly and a second peeling device for deflecting the discrete carrier, the deflection of the discrete carrier being at such an angle that the label mounted on the discrete carrier is peeled from the discrete carrier as it passes over the second peeling device.

Label transport shuttle for a printing device

An apparatus for applying images to a strip of print media is disclosed. The apparatus includes a printing mechanism having a platen and a thermal print head mounted on a mounting bar, for biased engagement with the platen, the strip passing intermediate the thermal print head and the platen, a thermal printing film passing intermediate the strip and the thermal print head and a print head lifting mechanism which is movable between a first position, in which the print head lifting mechanism is disengaged from the mounting bar, thereby allowing the print head to be biased into engagement with the platen, and a second position, in which the head lifting mechanism engages the mounting bar, thereby lifting the print head out of engagement with the platen.

An apparatus for applying images to opposite first and second sides of a continuous strip includes a back plate, and first, second, and third printing stations each being cooperatively actuatable for applying first, second, and third images to a continuous strip. The first, second, and third printing stations have a predetermined equal distance therebetween. The third printing station is positioned at a slightly higher elevation on the back plate than the second printing station and the second printing station is positioned at a slightly higher elevation on the back plate than the first printing station. The apparatus further includes first and second guide rollers, the first guide roller being positioned between the first and second printing stations adjacent the first printing station along a horizontal plane substantially parallel to the first printing station, and the second guide roller being positioned between the second and third printing stations adjacent the second printing station along a horizontal plane substantially parallel to the second printing station. A drive assembly having a rotatable drive roller longitudinally advances the strip so that it passes through the first, second, and third printing stations. Further embodiments of the apparatus are also contemplated.

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Narragansett, RI, United States of America

Zachery J Schartner