US4558963A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Feed rates and two-mode embodiments for thermal transfer medium conservation
Assignee: IBM Information Products Corp
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Filing: 1984-08-10
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Granted: 1985-12-17
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Expires: 2004-08-10
Abstract
Abstract Conservation of ribbon 40 is achieved by underfeeding ribbon 40 relative to movement of thermal printhead 16. Pressure of printhead 16 may be low enough that smearing from a typical ribbon 40 does not occur. Gears 208, 210, 212, 214 and 216 may be positioned in one of two settings by action of bellcrank 230. One position provides a 1.04 to 1 underfeed ratio and the other provides a 5 to 1 underfeed ratio. Control 232 lowers print current for the 5 to 1 ratio. A printer having a single ratio of 1.04 to 1 provides printing of unimpaired quality with significant saving of ribbon.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven L. Applegate
- 👤 James J. Molloy
- 👤 Clayton V. Wilbur
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 21:53
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J33/00; B41J33/14; B41J33/36; B41J2/00; B41J2/315; B41J2/32; B41J2/325
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 101
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, means to move said printhead relative to a print-receiving location, and means to feed a transfer medium past said printhead for printing from said transfer medium from areas heated by said printhead, said means to move said printhead being for moving said printhead an amount which is in a ratio greater than about 5 to 1 with respect to the amount of feed by said means to feed a transfer medium to conserve a transfer medium being fed by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, means to move said printhead relative to a print-receiving location, and means to feed a transfer medium past said printhead for printing from said transfer medium from areas heated by said printhead, said means to move said printhead being for moving said printhead an amount which is in a ratio greater than about 5 to 1 with respect to the amount of feed by said means to feed a transfer medium to conserve a transfer medium being fed by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal printer as in claim 1 in which said ratio is at least 5 to 1.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The thermal printer as in claim 2 in which said ratio is in the range of 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal printer as in claim 3 in which said ratio is substantially 5 to 1.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
The thermal printer as in claim 1 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said means to feed a transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
76 words
The thermal printer as in claim 2 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said means to feed a transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
76 words
The thermal printer as in claim 3 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said means to feed a transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
76 words
The thermal printer as in claim 4 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said means to feed a transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer separated from said printhead by said resistive layer of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
131 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead having a line of elements for providing heat for thermal printing, means to move said printhead longitudinally while printing images by heat provided by said elements to a transfer medium, said longitudinal movement being directed to move said line of elements over an area corresponding to symbols to be printed, and means to feed said transfer medium longitudinally past said printhead during said printing, said means to move said printhead being for moving said printhead an amount which is in a ratio greater than about 5 to 1 with respect to the amount of feed by said means to feed said transfer medium to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
131 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead having a line of elements for providing heat for thermal printing, means to move said printhead longitudinally while printing images by heat provided by said elements to a transfer medium, said longitudinal movement being directed to move said line of elements over an area corresponding to symbols to be printed, and means to feed said transfer medium longitudinally past said printhead during said printing, said means to move said printhead being for moving said printhead an amount which is in a ratio greater than about 5 to 1 with respect to the amount of feed by said means to feed said transfer medium to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal printer as in claim 9 in which said ratio is at least 5 to 1.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The thermal printer as in claim 10 in which said ratio is in the range of is 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal printer as in claim 11 in which said ratio is substantially 5 to 1.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
63 words
The thermal printer as in claim 9 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
63 words
The thermal printer as in claim 10 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
63 words
The thermal printer as in claim 11 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
63 words
The thermal printer as in claim 12 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
175 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, a transfer medium having a supporting substrate carrying a marking material flowable to print symbols in patterns defined by heat from said substrate, means to mount print-receiving medium adjacent said marking material, means to press said printhead into said transfer medium and said transfer medium into said print-receiving medium, means to move said printhead across said print-receiving medium during printing from said transfer medium with heat provided by said printhead, and means to feed unused transfer medium to said printhead during said printing at a velocity relative to the printhead about one-fifth of the velocity of movement of said printhead relative to the print-receiving medium to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement, said means to press said marking material being selected so as not to smear on said print-receiving medium from rubbing on said print-receiving medium during said feeding of said transfer medium.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
175 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, a transfer medium having a supporting substrate carrying a marking material flowable to print symbols in patterns defined by heat from said substrate, means to mount print-receiving medium adjacent said marking material, means to press said printhead into said transfer medium and said transfer medium into said print-receiving medium, means to move said printhead across said print-receiving medium during printing from said transfer medium with heat provided by said printhead, and means to feed unused transfer medium to said printhead during said printing at a velocity relative to the printhead about one-fifth of the velocity of movement of said printhead relative to the print-receiving medium to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement, said means to press said marking material being selected so as not to smear on said print-receiving medium from rubbing on said print-receiving medium during said feeding of said transfer medium.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
The thermal printer as in claim 17 in which said velocity of movement of said printhead is faster than said velocity of feed of said transfer medium by a ratio of at least 5 to 1.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The thermal printer as in claim 18 in which said ratio is in the range of 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal printer as in claim 19 in which said ratio is substantially 5 to 1.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
62 words
The thermal printer as in claim 17 comprising nip rolls to pull said transfer medium across said printhead as part of said means to feed unused transfer medium and in which said means to move said printhead comprises a carrier for moving across said print-receiving medium, and said printhead, said means to press, and said nip rolls are mounted on said carrier.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
62 words
The thermal printer as in claim 18 comprising nip rolls to pull said transfer medium across said printhead as part of said means to feed unused transfer medium and in which said means to move said printhead comprises a carrier for moving across said print-receiving medium, and said printhead, said means to press, and said nip rolls are mounted on said carrier.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
62 words
The thermal printer as in claim 19 comprising nip rolls to pull said transfer medium across said printhead as part of said means to feed unused transfer medium and in which said means to move said printhead comprises a carrier for moving across said print-receiving medium, and said printhead, said means to press, and said nip rolls are mounted on said carrier.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
62 words
The thermal printer as in claim 20 comprising nip rolls to pull said transfer medium across said printhead as part of said means to feed unused transfer medium and in which said means to move said printhead comprises a carrier for moving across said print-receiving medium, and said printhead, said means to press, and said nip rolls are mounted on said carrier.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
142 words
A two-mode thermal printer having at least one mode which conserves transfer medium comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, means to move said printhead relative to a print-receiving location while feeding a transfer medium past said printhead for printing from said transfer medium from areas heated by said printhead, said means to move having a first mode in which said printhead and said transfer medium are moved at least substantially near the same velocity and a second mode in which said printhead is moved with at least twice the velocity of said transfer medium relative to the printhead to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement, and externally controlled selection means to select either said first mode or said second mode.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
142 words
A two-mode thermal printer having at least one mode which conserves transfer medium comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, means to move said printhead relative to a print-receiving location while feeding a transfer medium past said printhead for printing from said transfer medium from areas heated by said printhead, said means to move having a first mode in which said printhead and said transfer medium are moved at least substantially near the same velocity and a second mode in which said printhead is moved with at least twice the velocity of said transfer medium relative to the printhead to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement, and externally controlled selection means to select either said first mode or said second mode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
54 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 25 in which said first mode has printhead to transfer medium movement velocity ration in the range of 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 to 1 to also conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 25 in which said second mode has a printhead to transfer medium movement velocity ratio in the range of 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
33 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 26 in which said second mode has a printhead to transfer medium movement velocity ratio in the range of 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 26 in which said first mode has a ratio of substantially 1.04 to 1.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 27 in which said first mode has a ratio of substantially 1.04 to 1.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 30 in which said second mode has a ratio of substantially 5 to 1.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
72 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 25 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said transfer medium is a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
72 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 26 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said transfer medium is a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
72 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 27 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said transfer medium is a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
72 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 28 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said transfer medium is a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
72 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 29 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said transfer medium is a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
72 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 30 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said transfer medium is a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
72 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 31 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said transfer medium is a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 25 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 26 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 27 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 28 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 29 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
89 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 30 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 31 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 32 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 33 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 34 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 35 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 36 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 37 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
90 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 38 also comprising means to control the level of the heat of said pattern of heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and means responsive to said externally controlled selection means to cause said means to control to select said high level during said first mode and said low level during said second mode.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
287 words
A two-mode thermal printer comprising: a printhead having a line of elements for providing heat for thermal printing, means to move said printhead longitudinally while printing images by heat provided by said elements to a transfer medium, said longitudinal movement being directed to move said line of elements over an area corresponding to symbols to be printed, means to feed said transfer medium longitudinally past said printhead during said printing, selectable means having a first mode and a second mode, said first mode setting said means to move said printhead relative to said means to feed said transfer medium to a first status and said second mode setting said means to move said printhead relative to said means to feed said transfer medium to a second status, said first status being a velocity of said longitudinal movement of said printhead to velocity of said longitudinal feed of transfer medium ratio of near 1 to 1, said second status being a velocity of longitudinal movement of said print head to velocity of said longitudinal feed of transfer medium ratio of at least 2 to 1 to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement, means to control the level of said heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and selectable means to select either said first mode or said second mode and to cause said means to control to select said high level with said first mode and to select said low level with said second mode.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
287 words
A two-mode thermal printer comprising: a printhead having a line of elements for providing heat for thermal printing, means to move said printhead longitudinally while printing images by heat provided by said elements to a transfer medium, said longitudinal movement being directed to move said line of elements over an area corresponding to symbols to be printed, means to feed said transfer medium longitudinally past said printhead during said printing, selectable means having a first mode and a second mode, said first mode setting said means to move said printhead relative to said means to feed said transfer medium to a first status and said second mode setting said means to move said printhead relative to said means to feed said transfer medium to a second status, said first status being a velocity of said longitudinal movement of said printhead to velocity of said longitudinal feed of transfer medium ratio of near 1 to 1, said second status being a velocity of longitudinal movement of said print head to velocity of said longitudinal feed of transfer medium ratio of at least 2 to 1 to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement, means to control the level of said heat to select a high level and to select a low level, said high level being suited for high-quality printing in said first mode, said low level being suited to adequate printing in said second mode, and selectable means to select either said first mode or said second mode and to cause said means to control to select said high level with said first mode and to select said low level with said second mode.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
49 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 53 in which said first status has a ratio in the range of 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 to 1 to also conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
27 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 53 in which said second status has a ratio in the range of 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
27 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 54 in which said second status has a ratio in the range of 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 54 in which said first status has a ratio of substantially 1.04 to 1.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 55 in which said first status has a ratio of substantially 1.04 to 1.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 58 in which said second status has a ratio of substantially 5 to 1.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
64 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 53 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said tranfer medium will feed a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
64 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 54 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said tranfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
64 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 55 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said tranfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
64 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 56 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said transfer medium will feed a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
64 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 57 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said transfer medium will feed a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
64 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 58 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said transfer medium will feed a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
64 words
The two-mode thermal printer as in claim 59 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said heat and said means to feed said transfer medium will feed a thermal ribbon having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said heat.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
111 words
A transfer-medium-conserving process of printing from a thermal transfer medium from which marking material flows after being softened by heat with a printhead which provides heat in a pattern comprising the steps of, moving said printhead to different printing locations while in heat-applying relationship to said transfer medium, and underfeeding said transfer medium relative to the movement of said printhead at least about one-fifth said relative movement of said printhead so that said pattern is applied to said transfer medium over an area less than the area of said pattern to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
111 words
A transfer-medium-conserving process of printing from a thermal transfer medium from which marking material flows after being softened by heat with a printhead which provides heat in a pattern comprising the steps of, moving said printhead to different printing locations while in heat-applying relationship to said transfer medium, and underfeeding said transfer medium relative to the movement of said printhead at least about one-fifth said relative movement of said printhead so that said pattern is applied to said transfer medium over an area less than the area of said pattern to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process as in claim 67 in which the ratio of said underfeed is the range of 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process as in claim 68 in which said ratio is substantially 5 to 1.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
193 words
A transfer-medium-conserving process for producing an adequate draft copy and then a high-quality final copy based on said draft copy from a thermal transfer medium from which marking material flows after being softened by heat with a printhead which provides heat in a pattern comprising the steps of, printing a draft copy by moving said printhead to different printing locations while in heat-applying relationship to said transfer medium while conserving said transfer medium by underfeeding said transfer medium relative to the movement of said printhead in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement so that said pattern is applied to said transfer medium over an area less than the area of said pattern, the ratio of said underfeed while typing said draft copy being at least 2 to 1, and then printing a high-quality final copy based on said draft copy by moving said printhead to different printing locations while in heat-applying relationship to said transfer medium while feeding said transfer medium near the same velocity as said printhead so that said pattern is applied to said transfer medium over an area nearly equal to the area of said pattern.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
193 words
A transfer-medium-conserving process for producing an adequate draft copy and then a high-quality final copy based on said draft copy from a thermal transfer medium from which marking material flows after being softened by heat with a printhead which provides heat in a pattern comprising the steps of, printing a draft copy by moving said printhead to different printing locations while in heat-applying relationship to said transfer medium while conserving said transfer medium by underfeeding said transfer medium relative to the movement of said printhead in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement so that said pattern is applied to said transfer medium over an area less than the area of said pattern, the ratio of said underfeed while typing said draft copy being at least 2 to 1, and then printing a high-quality final copy based on said draft copy by moving said printhead to different printing locations while in heat-applying relationship to said transfer medium while feeding said transfer medium near the same velocity as said printhead so that said pattern is applied to said transfer medium over an area nearly equal to the area of said pattern.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
55 words
The process as in claim 70 in which said high-quality final copy is printed while underfeeding said transfer medium in a ratio in the range of 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 to 1 to also conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process as in claim 70 in which said draft copy is printed while underfeeding said transfer medium in a ratio in the range of 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process as in claim 71 in which said draft copy is printed while underfeeding said transfer medium in a ratio in the range of 5 to 1 to 20 to 1.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process as in claim 71 in which said high-quality final copy is printed while underfeeding said transfer medium in a ratio of substantially 1.04 to 1.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process as in claim 72 in which said high-quality final copy is printed while underfeeding said transfer medium in a ratio of substantially 1.04 to 1.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process as in claim 75 in which said draft copy is printed while underfeeding said transfer medium in a ratio of substantially 5 to 1.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
118 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, means to move said printhead relative to a print-receiving location, and means to feed a transfer medium past said printhead for printing from said transfer medium from areas heated by said printhead, said means to move said printhead being for moving said printhead an amount which is in a ratio in the range of about 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 to 1 with respect to the amount of feed by said means to feed a transfer medium to conserve a transfer medium being fed by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
118 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, means to move said printhead relative to a print-receiving location, and means to feed a transfer medium past said printhead for printing from said transfer medium from areas heated by said printhead, said means to move said printhead being for moving said printhead an amount which is in a ratio in the range of about 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 to 1 with respect to the amount of feed by said means to feed a transfer medium to conserve a transfer medium being fed by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal printer as in claim 77 in which said ratio is about 1.04 to 1.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
76 words
The thermal printer as in claim 77 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said means to feed a transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
76 words
The thermal printer as in claim 78 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said means to feed a transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
137 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead having a line of elements for providing heat for thermal printing, means to move said printhead longitudinally while printing images by heat provided by said elements to a transfer medium, said longitudinal movement being directed to move said line of elements over an area corresponding to symbols to be printed, and means to feed said transfer medium longitudinally past said printhead during said printing, said means to move said printhead being for moving said printhead an amount which is in a ratio in the range of about 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 to 1 with respect to the amount of feed by said means to feed said transfer medium to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
137 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead having a line of elements for providing heat for thermal printing, means to move said printhead longitudinally while printing images by heat provided by said elements to a transfer medium, said longitudinal movement being directed to move said line of elements over an area corresponding to symbols to be printed, and means to feed said transfer medium longitudinally past said printhead during said printing, said means to move said printhead being for moving said printhead an amount which is in a ratio in the range of about 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 to 1 with respect to the amount of feed by said means to feed said transfer medium to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal printer as in claim 81 in which said ratio is about 1.04 to 1.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
76 words
The thermal printer as in claim 81 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said means to feed a transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
76 words
The thermal printer as in claim 82 in which said printhead will provide electric current to a resistive layer of said transfer medium to provide said pattern of heat and said means to feed a transfer medium will feed a transfer medium having said resistive layer and a layer, separated from said printhead by said resistive layer, of marking material rendered flowable by said pattern of heat in a pattern defined by said pattern of heat.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
186 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, a transfer medium having a supporting substrate carrying a marking material flowable to print symbols in patterns defined by heat from said substrate, means to mount print-receiving medium adjacent said marking material, means to press said printhead into said transfer medium and said transfer medium into said print-receiving medium, means to move said printhead across said print-receiving medium during printing from said transfer medium with heat provided by said printhead, and means to feed unused transfer medium to said printhead during said printing at a velocity relative to the printhead in the range of about 1 to 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 of the velocity of movement of said printhead relative to the print-receiving medium to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement, said means to press and said marking material being selected so as not to smear on said print-receiving medium from rubbing on said print-receiving medium during said feeding of said transfer medium.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
186 words
A transfer-medium-conserving thermal printer comprising: a printhead for providing a pattern of heat for thermal printing of images, a transfer medium having a supporting substrate carrying a marking material flowable to print symbols in patterns defined by heat from said substrate, means to mount print-receiving medium adjacent said marking material, means to press said printhead into said transfer medium and said transfer medium into said print-receiving medium, means to move said printhead across said print-receiving medium during printing from said transfer medium with heat provided by said printhead, and means to feed unused transfer medium to said printhead during said printing at a velocity relative to the printhead in the range of about 1 to 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 of the velocity of movement of said printhead relative to the print-receiving medium to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium at a velocity significantly less than the velocity of printhead movement, said means to press and said marking material being selected so as not to smear on said print-receiving medium from rubbing on said print-receiving medium during said feeding of said transfer medium.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal printer as in claim 85 in which said ratio is about 1 to 1.04.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
62 words
The thermal printer as in claim 85 comprising nip rolls to pull said transfer medium across said printhead as part of said means to feed unused transfer medium and in which said means to move said printhead comprises a carrier for moving across said print-receiving medium, and said printhead, said means to press, and said nip rolls are mounted on said carrier.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
62 words
The thermal printer as in claim 86 comprising nip rolls to pull said transfer medium across said printhead as part of said means to feed unused transfer medium and in which said means to move said printhead comprises a carrier for moving across said print-receiving medium, and said printhead, said means to press, and said nip rolls are mounted on said carrier.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
120 words
A transfer-medium-conserving process of printing from a thermal transfer medium from which marking material flows after being softened by heat with a printhead which provides heat in a pattern comprising the steps of, moving said printhead to different printing locations while in heat-applying relationship to said transfer medium, and underfeeding said transfer medium relative to the movement of said printhead in a range of about 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 to 1 of said relative movement of said printhead so that said pattern is applied to said transfer medium over an area less than the area of said pattern to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
120 words
A transfer-medium-conserving process of printing from a thermal transfer medium from which marking material flows after being softened by heat with a printhead which provides heat in a pattern comprising the steps of, moving said printhead to different printing locations while in heat-applying relationship to said transfer medium, and underfeeding said transfer medium relative to the movement of said printhead in a range of about 1.02 to 1 to 1.04 to 1 of said relative movement of said printhead so that said pattern is applied to said transfer medium over an area less than the area of said pattern to conserve said transfer medium by feeding said transfer medium in an amount significantly less than the amount of printhead movement.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process as in claim 89 in which said ratio is about 1.04 to 1.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-16 | 1989-06-17 | 1989-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-16 | 1993-06-17 | 1993-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-16 | 1997-06-17 | 1997-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |