US5239926A — Card printer apparatus and method

Claim 1

Independent Claim 104 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head for printing the card, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card surface means for self-adhering the card on the transport belt without requiring any additional retaining structure, said card surface means including an outer layer of the transport belt having different elasticity from an inner layer of the transport belt; and carriage means for supporting the print head adjacent the transport belt whereby the card is disposed between the print head and the belt while printing on the card.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 104 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head for printing the card, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card surface means for self-adhering the card on the transport belt without requiring any additional retaining structure, said card surface means including an outer layer of the transport belt having different elasticity from an inner layer of the transport belt; and carriage means for supporting the print head adjacent the transport belt whereby the card is disposed between the print head and the belt while printing on the card.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 27 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, the print head carriage means including means for moving the print head relative to the card while printing on the card.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 11 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising multiple print heads.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 30 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising card cleaning roller means for cleaning the surface of the card, to be printed and pressing the card onto the transport belt.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 37 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure roller, the pressure roller being positioned opposite the print head such that a portion of the transport belt passes between the print head and the pressure roller.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising card transport carriage means for moving the card transport belt relative to the print head while printing on the card.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 14 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport belt is an endless loop.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 45 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport belt is retained in horizontal alignment with the print head by two sets of horizontal ribs on the inner surface of the transport belt which conform to corresponding grooves in pulleys which drive the transport belt.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 17 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport belt is composed of a soft elastomer material.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 14 words

An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the transport belt is composed of urethane.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 30 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer layer of the transport belt is composed of 10 to 20 durometer shore A urethane elastomer with a 5 percent plasticizer.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 30 words

An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the inner layer of the transport belt is composed of 70 to 90 durometer shore A urethane elastomer reinforced with a fiber layer.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 26 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising ribbon supply means for supplying a thermal transfer multi-color printing ribbon between the print head and the card.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 18 words

An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the thermal transfer color printing ribbon includes tonal CYMB-subtractive color dyes.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 16 words

An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the therma transfer color printing ribbon includes color pigments.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 47 words

An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print head carriage means comprises: bearing shaft means for supporting and guiding the carriage block; carriage supports at either end of the bearing shaft means; means for driving a carriage in a linear motion along the bearing shaft means.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 53 words

An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the print carriage driving means includes a lead screw assembly, the lead screw assembly including a lead screw shaft interconnected at an output end to an input end of a drive shaft by constant velocity coupling means for moving the print head at a constant rate.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 46 words

An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the constant velocity coupling means includes a coupling shaft with a hex bore, the hex bore loosely accommodating spherical hex ends on the output end of the drive shaft and on the input end of the lead screw shaft.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 27 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, further including pivotal support means for pivotally supporting the carriage whereby the carriage can be pivoted away from the card path.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 167 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a print head controller means for interfacing between at last one microprocessor and at least one continuous tone print head, the number of print intensities either fixed or selected by the microprocessor, the print head controller means comprising: (a) memory means for storing digital image data to be sent to the print head, the memory means connected to the microprocessor via a first data bus; (b) comparator means for comparing two multi-bit digital inputs and outputting a one-bit value to the print head if a pixel is to e printed, the comparator means connected to the memory means via a second data bus; and (c) state machine means for reading the digital image data from the memory means and comparing a pixel value to a level value generated by the state machine means for a number of iterations equal to the number of print intensities, the state machine means connected to the comparator means via a third data bus.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 17 words

An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the memory means comprises at least two identical FIFO memories.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 31 words

An apparatus according of claim 21, wherein the apparatus further comprises multiplexer means for selecting between the FIFO memories, the multiplexer means connected to an controlled by the state machine means.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 26 words

An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the state machine means comprises a programmable gate array means connected to the microprocessor via a fourth data bus.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 120 words

A method of conveying a workpiece such as a plastic card through a printer apparatus, including a print head, comprising the steps of: feeding a card along a card pathway into the printer apparatus; depositing and self-adhering the cad on a transport belt for transport through the printer apparatus without requiring any additional retaining structure, said transport belt including an outer layer of the transport belt having different elasticity from an inner layer of the transport belt; conveying the card into a printing position; conveying the card away from the printing position; releasing the card form the transport belt by differentially stretching the outer and inner layers of the transport belt; and transporting the card away from the printer apparatus.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 120 words

A method of conveying a workpiece such as a plastic card through a printer apparatus, including a print head, comprising the steps of: feeding a card along a card pathway into the printer apparatus; depositing and self-adhering the cad on a transport belt for transport through the printer apparatus without requiring any additional retaining structure, said transport belt including an outer layer of the transport belt having different elasticity from an inner layer of the transport belt; conveying the card into a printing position; conveying the card away from the printing position; releasing the card form the transport belt by differentially stretching the outer and inner layers of the transport belt; and transporting the card away from the printer apparatus.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 29 words

A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein the step of retaining the card on the transport belt includes self adhering the card to a surface of the belt.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 29 words

A method in accordance with claim 24, further including the step of cleaning the surface of the card by engaging the surface of the card with a cleaning ribbon.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method in accordance with claim 24, further including the step of cleaning a surface of the transport belt.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 39 words

A method in accordance with claim 24, further including the step of printing on the card including moving a print head of the printer apparatus along the surface of the card while maintaining the card in a stationary position.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method in accordance with claim 24, including the step of moving the transport belt in an endless loop.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 138 words

A method according to claim 24, further comprises a step of controlling at least one continuous tone print head by printing a digital continuous tone image values with at least one microprocessor, at least one digital memory, a comparator and a state machine, the site of controlling comprising the step of: (a) loading the image value form the microprocessor into the memory; (b) transmitting the image values from the memory to the comparator; (c) transmitting level values generated by the state machine to the comparator; (d) comparing the image values with the level values; (e) performing a one's complement subtraction to convert RGB values to CYM values, if required; (f) outputting the appropriate one-bit values to the print head; and (g) returning control to step (a) if there are more rows in the image remaining to be printed.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 156 words

A print head controller apparatus for interacting between at least one microprocessor and at least one continuous tone print head, the number of print intensities either fixed or selected by the microprocessor, the apparatus comprising: (a) memory means for storing digital image data to be sent to the print head, the memory means connected to the microprocessor via a first data bus; (b) comparator means for comparing tow multi-bit digital inputs and outputting a one-bit value to the print head if a pixel is to be printed, the comparator means connected to the memory means via a second data bus; and (c) state machine means for reading the digital image data from the memory means and comparing a pixel value to a level value generated by the state machine means for a number of iterations equal to the number of print intensities, the state machine means connected to the comparator means via a third data bus.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 156 words

A print head controller apparatus for interacting between at least one microprocessor and at least one continuous tone print head, the number of print intensities either fixed or selected by the microprocessor, the apparatus comprising: (a) memory means for storing digital image data to be sent to the print head, the memory means connected to the microprocessor via a first data bus; (b) comparator means for comparing tow multi-bit digital inputs and outputting a one-bit value to the print head if a pixel is to be printed, the comparator means connected to the memory means via a second data bus; and (c) state machine means for reading the digital image data from the memory means and comparing a pixel value to a level value generated by the state machine means for a number of iterations equal to the number of print intensities, the state machine means connected to the comparator means via a third data bus.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 19 words

The print head controller apparatus of claim 31 wherein the memory means comprises at least two identical FIFO memories.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 33 words

The print head controller apparatus of claim 32 wherein the apparatus further comprises multiplexer means for selecting between the FIFO memories, the multiplexer means connected to and controlled by the state machine means.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 28 words

The print head controller apparatus of claim 31 wherein the state machine means comprises a programmable gate array means connected to the microprocessor via a fourth data bus.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 126 words

A method of printing a digital continuous tone image values with at least one microprocessor, at least one digital memory, a comparator, a state machine, and at least one continuous tone print head, the method comprising the steps of: (a) loading the image values from the microprocessor into the memory; (b) transmitting the image values from the memory to the comparator; (c) transmitting level values generated by the state machine to the comparator; (d) comparing the image values with the level values; (e) performing a one's complement subtraction to convert RGB values to CYM values, if required; (f) outputting the appropriate one-bit values to the print head; and (g) returning control to step (a) if there are more rows in the image remaining to be printed.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 126 words

A method of printing a digital continuous tone image values with at least one microprocessor, at least one digital memory, a comparator, a state machine, and at least one continuous tone print head, the method comprising the steps of: (a) loading the image values from the microprocessor into the memory; (b) transmitting the image values from the memory to the comparator; (c) transmitting level values generated by the state machine to the comparator; (d) comparing the image values with the level values; (e) performing a one's complement subtraction to convert RGB values to CYM values, if required; (f) outputting the appropriate one-bit values to the print head; and (g) returning control to step (a) if there are more rows in the image remaining to be printed.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 73 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card retention surface means for retaining the card on the transport belt; carriage means for supporting the print head; and card cleaning roller means for cleaning the surface of the card to be printed and pressing the cad onto the transport belt.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 73 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card retention surface means for retaining the card on the transport belt; carriage means for supporting the print head; and card cleaning roller means for cleaning the surface of the card to be printed and pressing the cad onto the transport belt.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 76 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card retention surface means for retaining the card on the transport belt; carriage means for supporting the print head; an wherein the transport belt is composed of an inner layer and an outer layer, the outer layer being composed of 10 to 20 durometer elastomer.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 76 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card retention surface means for retaining the card on the transport belt; carriage means for supporting the print head; an wherein the transport belt is composed of an inner layer and an outer layer, the outer layer being composed of 10 to 20 durometer elastomer.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 211 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card retention surface means for retaining the card on the transport belt; carriage means for supporting the print head, the print head carriage means including means for moving the print head relative to the card while printing on the card; wherein the print head carriage means comprises: a carriage block onto which is mounted a thermal print head; bearing shaft means for supporting and guiding the carriage block; carriage supports at either end of the bearing shaft means; means for driving the carriage in a linear motion along the bearing shaft means, the print head carriage driving means including a lead screw assembly, the lead screw assembly including a lead screw shaft interconnected at an output end to an input end of a drive shaft by constant velocity coupling means for moving the print head at a constant date; and wherein the constant velocity coupling means includes a coupling shaft with a hex bore, the hex bore loosely accommodating spherical hex ends on the output end of the drive shaft and on the input end of the lead screw shaft.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 211 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card retention surface means for retaining the card on the transport belt; carriage means for supporting the print head, the print head carriage means including means for moving the print head relative to the card while printing on the card; wherein the print head carriage means comprises: a carriage block onto which is mounted a thermal print head; bearing shaft means for supporting and guiding the carriage block; carriage supports at either end of the bearing shaft means; means for driving the carriage in a linear motion along the bearing shaft means, the print head carriage driving means including a lead screw assembly, the lead screw assembly including a lead screw shaft interconnected at an output end to an input end of a drive shaft by constant velocity coupling means for moving the print head at a constant date; and wherein the constant velocity coupling means includes a coupling shaft with a hex bore, the hex bore loosely accommodating spherical hex ends on the output end of the drive shaft and on the input end of the lead screw shaft.

Claim 46

Independent Claim 210 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card retention surface mans for retaining the card on the transport belt; carriage means for supporting the print head; and a print head controller means for interfacing between at least one microprocessor and at least one continuous tone print head, the number of print intensities either fixed or selected by the microprocessor, the print head controller means comprising: Z(a) memory means for storing digital image data to be sent to the print head, the memory means connected to the microprocessor via a first data bus; (b) comparator means for comparing two multi-bit digital inputs and outputting a one-bit value to the print head if a pixel is to be printed, the comparator means connected to the memory mans via a second data bus; and (c) state machine means for reading the digital image data from the memory means and comparing a pixel value to a level value generated by the state machine means or a number of iterations equal to the number of print intensities, the state machine means connected to the comparator means via a third data bus.

Claim 47

Independent Claim 210 words

An apparatus for manipulating movement of a workpiece, such as a plastic card, relative to a printer apparatus including a print head, comprising: a transport belt, the transport belt including a card retention surface mans for retaining the card on the transport belt; carriage means for supporting the print head; and a print head controller means for interfacing between at least one microprocessor and at least one continuous tone print head, the number of print intensities either fixed or selected by the microprocessor, the print head controller means comprising: Z(a) memory means for storing digital image data to be sent to the print head, the memory means connected to the microprocessor via a first data bus; (b) comparator means for comparing two multi-bit digital inputs and outputting a one-bit value to the print head if a pixel is to be printed, the comparator means connected to the memory mans via a second data bus; and (c) state machine means for reading the digital image data from the memory means and comparing a pixel value to a level value generated by the state machine means or a number of iterations equal to the number of print intensities, the state machine means connected to the comparator means via a third data bus.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1996-08-30	1997-03-01	1997-08-31	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2000-08-30	2001-03-01	2001-08-31	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2004-08-30	2005-03-01	2005-08-31	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Card printer apparatus and method

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