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:
Jun. 23, 2015
Filed:
Mar. 16, 2006
Marc R. Obenshain, Cumming, GA (US);
Marc R. Obenshain, Cumming, GA (US);
Panduit Corp., Tinley Park, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for printing labels with reduced waste. The method includes printing a label on an end-portion of a label roll and advancing the label roll such that the end-portion passes a cutter mechanism. The cutter mechanism cuts the end-portion, thereby defining a new end-portion. The method further includes reversing the label roll to align the new end-portion with a printer head. The apparatus may be a drive mechanism that includes a roller for feeding label material in a forward feed mode and in a reverse feed mode. The drive mechanism has a drive clutch configured to engage with a take-up printer ribbon spool. The drive clutch may be operated to (i) transfer a driving force to the take-up printer ribbon spool in a forward feed mode and (ii) allow a release of printer ribbon in a reverse feed mode. The drive mechanism further includes a reverse clutch having a return spring. The reverse clutch may engage with a payout printer ribbon spool and may be operated to (i) prime the return spring of the in the forward feed mode and (ii) transfer a driving force from the return spring to the payout printer ribbon spool in the reverse feed mode. The drive mechanism may be incorporated into a hand-held printer, and therein interact with a removable label cassette to reduce waste of the label material and/or ink ribbon.