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. 01, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 23, 1997
Ronald L Sattler, Bloomington, MN (US);
Datacard Corporation, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a printhead assembly having an adjustable printhead, preferably a thermal printhead, to permit precise positioning of the printhead. The printhead assembly includes a support base upon which a slide assembly is slideably disposed. The slide assembly is slideable along a linear path that is generally parallel to the support base, with movement of the slide assembly along the linear path being controlled by an actuating means. A printhead is mounted on the slide assembly and is moveable therewith along the linear path. The printhead is mounted so as to be adjustable in at least three directions relative to the slide assembly. Preferably, the printhead is: a) pivotable about a first horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the linear path; b) pivotable about a second horizontal axis extending perpendicular to first horizontal axis and parallel to the linear path; and c) moveable in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second horizontal axes.