Patent ID: 6460975
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An ink transfer printer comprising:an electrically-insulated base member; a plurality of electric resistance elements linearly formed on a surface of said base member; a frame member, having an opening, securely provided on the surface of said base member such that said plurality of electric resistance elements are encompassed by said opening of said frame member; a sheet of film, having a linear perimeter side, adhered and sealed to said frame member, except for said linear perimeter side, such that said opening of said frame member is defined as an ink space that stores ink, said linear perimeter side of said film sheet extending along the linear formation of said plurality of electric resistance elements, and contacting a surface of said frame member; and a platen roller rotatably provided above and in contact with said film sheet such that a rotational axis of said platen roller is in parallel with the linear formation of said plurality of electric resistance elements, the linear perimeter side of said film sheet being pressed against the surface of said frame member so as to form a closed slit therebetween, wherein, when each of said electric resistance elements is electrically energized to generate thermal energy, a part of the ink penetrates said closed slit, due to the generation of the thermal energy, and then exits said closed slit as a fine ink drop.