The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 06, 1991
Filed:
Sep. 23, 1988
Richard C Nubson, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Glenn R Carney, Eagan, MN (US);
Luc DeBleeckere, Crystal, MN (US);
Ronald B Howes, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Milo B Squires, Minneapolis, MN (US);
David E Wickstrom, St. Louis Park, MN (US);
Dennis J Warwick, Richfield, MN (US);
Benjamin H Sannel, St. Louis Park, MN (US);
Gretchen J Moeller, Plymouth, MN (US);
Paul R Caron, Tiverton, RI (US);
Harold D Schofield, Naragansett, RI (US);
DataCard Corporation, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for printing a graphic design on a hard plastic workpiece such as a credit card blank includes a thermal printing element which is supported by a head assembly that has been designed a single link, to have low mechanical compliance in a horizontal plane and yet to allow the print head to align with a print roller. A cleaning assembly is further provided which includes a pair of cleaning rollers having an adhesive coating; and a novel arrangement for stripping particulate matter away from the cleaning rollers after a predetermined number of cards have been cleaned. A number of stepper motors are provided to perform the cleaning and printing functions. The stepper motors are controlled by a local control system which monitors a number of sensors provided on the cleaning and printing stations and is subservient to an overall system controller. The invention further includes a novel method of operation, a cassette for use with the printing station and a novel thermal printing foil.