Patent ID: 7116343
Filing Date: 2006-10-03
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A printer for transferring images to media sheets using a direct thermal process, comprising: a print station including a printhead, the printhead thermally transferring images to the media sheets; a capstan and pinch roller combination for translating the media sheets in a forward direction through the print station in response to a torque applied to the capstan and pinch roller combination; a platen roller for translating the media sheets in both a backward direction and a forward direction; and a clutch to drive the platen roller to translate the media in the backward direction, to then drive the platen roller to translate the media sheets in a forward direction as the printhead thermally transfers a blackened border on the leading edge of the media sheets, and to stop driving the clutch once the media sheets are translated back to the capstan and pinch roller combination.