MULTI-COLOR THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER WITH ARCUATE PRINT HEAD ARRANGEMENT AND PRINTING PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT

• Main Authors: FOWLER, GARY F, WALTER, GRAHAM D, JOHANSEN, JOHN H, MORIN, MICHAEL G
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 29.12.1993
• Edition: 5
• Subjects: CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS; i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; LINING MACHINES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PRINTING; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS; STAMPS; TRANSPORTING; TYPEWRITERS

A printing system and a method for multi-color printing is provided whereby print registration errors may be minimized. The printing system includes a series of print stations (12) and a label web (18) drive system for advancing a label web (18) through each of the print stations. Each of the print stations (12) includes a print head (16) having a printing surface for printing images and a platen against which the printing surface is applied during printing. The print stations (12) are arranged in a generally arcuate arrangement whereby the web (18) follows a substantially straight path between printing surfaces of adjacent print stations (12). Also provided is a print adjustment system and a method for adjusting the level of pressure of a print head (16) against a backup member. The adjustment system includes an elongated member (162) that is slidably displaceable with respect to an outer surface of the print head. The elongated member (162) has an inclined bearing surface on which a biasing member is positioned in order to apply a force to the elongated member (162). The elongated member (162) includes a force transfer surface for transferring the biasing force to the print head.