Patent ID: 6724411
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method of operating a thermal printer to produce at least one output sheet with a multiple color image thereon, the method comprising:providing in a printing zone a donor sheet material having a first substance having a first distinct colorant and a second substance having a second distinct colorant, the donor sheet material being supported between a single supply roll and a single take-up roll and the donor sheet extending for a full width dimension of the output sheet; providing first and second printing heads, the first and second printing heads having recording elements adapted to engage the donor sheet material to selectively transfer colorant as an image to the output sheet; and operating the first and second printing heads to provide linear movement to each of said first and second printing heads while in engagement with the donor sheet material so that each printing head transfers colorant to said output sheet to transfer a multiple color image to the output sheet without removing the output sheet to a position remote from the printing zone until after the multiple color image is transferred thereto.