THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER AND TRANSFER MEDIUM FEEDING

摘要

Conservation of ribbon (40) is achieved by underfeeding ribbon (40) relative to movement of a thermal printhead. Pressure of the printhead 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 setting 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 of unimpaired quality with significant saving of ribbon.