| 摘要 |
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. |
