Patent ID: 6145976
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: B41J,H04N

Abstract:
An ink transfer printer comprising:a thermal line head comprising a plurality of heating elements arranged in a predetermined direction;a film with through-holes formed therein in predetermined positions, said film facing the thermal line head;a pushing device for contacting a recording sheet to a surface of said film facing said thermal line head;a space formed between said thermal line head and said film for holding the ink therein; anda feeding device for feeding said recording sheet,wherein said heating elements on said thermal line head selectively heat said ink in said space and said film so that pressure in said ink is increased and the ink permeates through said through-holes in the film and is transferred to said recording sheet, said through-holes in said film being small enough to prevent transmission of said ink through said film when said ink and said film are unheated, and said through-holes in said film being widened at least by increased pressure in said ink to permit transmission of said ink through said film when said ink and said film are heated by said heating elements.