Abstract:
A printer and method of combining inkjet printing with thermal printing which optimizes use of both. The printer includes a thermal print head, an inkjet print head, and control circuitry for activating the thermal print head to print in a first area of a print medium and for activating the inkjet print head to print in a second area of the print medium.
Abstract:
Two-sided thermal media comprising thermal transfer receptive and/or direct thermal thermally sensitive coatings on one or both of a first and a second side thereof are provided. In one embodiment, two-sided thermal media comprising a substrate having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, and a first and a second thermal transfer receptive coating supported on the respective first and second substrate sides is provided. In another embodiment, two-sided thermal media comprising a substrate having a thermal transfer receptive coating on a first side thereof, and a direct thermal thermally sensitive coating on a second side thereof, is provided. In some embodiments, a direct thermal thermally sensitive coating provided on one or both sides of two-sided thermal media is adapted to image at a temperature different than a temperature at which thermal transfer printing has or can occur.
Abstract:
Thermal printers and methods of operating thereof are provided. In one embodiment, a thermal printer comprising a thermal print head, thermal media including a direct thermal thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof, and a thermal transfer ribbon installed between the thermal print head and the first side of the thermal media is provided, wherein the thermal print head is adapted to apply heat at a first temperature to image the direct thermal thermally sensitive coating without transferring a thermal transfer coating associated with the thermal transfer ribbon and a second temperature to image the direct thermal thermally sensitive coating and transfer the thermal transfer coating associated with the thermal transfer ribbon.
Abstract:
A fluorescent security system for retail transactions which maximizes the printed character or image life of a combination visible/fluorescent inked printing ribbon while ensuring that the fluorescent security life of the combination visible/fluorescent inked printing ribbon will outlast the visible life for printed characters or images under normal lighting conditions. This fluorescent security system for transaction records consists of a fabric ribbon, a dual-roll foam reinker and an optical filter. The fabric ribbon is initially inked with fluorescent ink richer in visible color dye than a normal fluorescent ink to enhance the printed character or image life of the combination visible/fluorescent inked printing ribbon. A dual-roll foam reinker consisting of an inner roll and an outer roll positioned concentric to the inner roll is used to replenish ink depleted from the fabric ribbon during the printing process. The inner roll and the outer roll can have the same or different pore sizes.
Abstract:
Two-sided thermal media comprising thermal transfer receptive and/or direct thermal thermally sensitive coatings on one or both of a first and a second side thereof are provided. In one embodiment, two-sided thermal media comprising a substrate having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, and a first and a second thermal transfer receptive coating supported on the respective first and second substrate sides is provided. In another embodiment, two-sided thermal media comprising a substrate having a thermal transfer receptive coating on a first side thereof, and a direct thermal thermally sensitive coating on a second side thereof, is provided. In some embodiments, a direct thermal thermally sensitive coating provided on one or both sides of two-sided thermal media is adapted to image at a temperature different than a temperature at which thermal transfer printing has or can occur.
Abstract:
A tunable radio frequency identification device and a method for customizing a radio frequency identification device are disclosed. The method for customizing the radio frequency identification device includes: providing a radio frequency identification device having a tunable antenna; and modifying the tunable antenna. As a result of modifying the antenna the inlay is tuned to operate within one of several frequencies bands.
Abstract:
A water-based security printing ink is provided with two means of security. The use of a variable light absorbing and/or transmitting pigment or dye is a first security and a water repelling agent is provided as a second security. Visible images can be generated from the printed ink upon exposure to UV or infrared light. The water repelling agent renders the image waterproof and differentiates the printed image from the substrate, which allows the image to be detected upon exposure to water or other aqueous mixture. Suitable inks can be used in conventional printing methods, such as jet printing, lithography, offset printing and impact printing. Also provided are substrates imaged with these security printing inks.
Abstract:
Thermal printers and methods of operating thereof are provided. In one embodiment, a thermal printer comprising a thermal print head, thermal media including a direct thermal thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof, and a thermal transfer ribbon installed between the thermal print head and the first side of the thermal media is provided, wherein the thermal print head is adapted to apply heat at a first temperature to image the direct thermal thermally sensitive coating without transferring a thermal transfer coating associated with the thermal transfer ribbon and a second temperature to image the direct thermal thermally sensitive coating and transfer the thermal transfer coating associated with the thermal transfer ribbon.
Abstract:
Thermal transfer ribbons with large wax or thermoplastic resin particles within the thermal transfer layer provide a profiled surface which resists transfer of the layer to reverse side of the ribbon when wound onto itself and stored. The large particles preferably have an average diameter in the range of 5 to 20 microns and the thermal transfer layers preferably have an average thickness of less than the average diameter of these large particles. Where the large particles have higher softening temperatures in the range of 50° to 150° C., the energy needed to transfer the thermal transfer layer is reduced.
Abstract:
There is provided by the present invention methods for preparing coating formulations and thermal transfer ribbons which provide images of high resolution by thermal transfer printing. The formulations contain an incompatible resin or wax component for reduced cohesiveness between the components of the thermal transfer layer. These methods employ thermoplastic resins and waxes with distinct solubility in the absence of solvent to reduce cohesion but are sufficiently compatible as to exhibit film forming properties. A method for modifying a coating formulation is also provided where an incompatible resin or wax components is added thereto.