Patent Publication Number: US-9403375-B1

Title: Credential production device transfer ribbon accumulator

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Credentials include identification cards, driver&#39;s licenses, passports, and other documents. Such credentials are formed from credential or card substrates including paper substrates, plastic substrates, cards, and other materials. Such credentials generally include printed information, such as a photo, account numbers, identification numbers, and other personal information. Credentials can also include data that is encoded in a smartcard chip, a magnetic stripe, or a barcode, for example. 
     Credential production devices include processing devices that process credential substrates by performing at least one processing step in forming a final credential product. Such processes generally include a printing process, a laminating or transfer process, a data reading process, a data writing process, and/or other process used to form the desired credential. 
     In a transfer or reverse-image printing process, a printing device, such as a thermal or ink jet print head, is used to perform a print operation, in which an image is printed to a surface of a print intermediate. The print intermediate is commonly supported on a backing or carrier layer to form a transfer ribbon. The print intermediate is typically one of two types: a patch laminate, or a fracturable laminate or transfer layer often referred to as a “thin film laminate.” The patch laminate is generally a pre-cut polyester film that has been coated with a thermal adhesive on one side. Thin film laminates or transfer layers are fracturable laminates that are generally formed of a continuous resinous material that is coated onto the polyester carrier or backing layer. The side of the resin material that is not attached to the continuous carrier layer is generally coated with a thermal adhesive which is used to create a bond between the resin and a surface of a substrate. 
     After the image is printed to the print intermediate, the printed image is registered with the substrate. Next, a laminating device is used to perform a lamination operation, during which the imaged print intermediate is transferred to the surface of the substrate. Typical laminating devices include a heated laminating or transfer roller that activates and presses the adhesive of the print intermediate against the surface of the substrate to bond the print intermediate to the surface. The carrier or backing layer is then removed to complete the transfer printing process leaving the imaged print intermediate attached to the substrate. 
     During conventional print and transfer operations in a credential production device, it is necessary to move the transfer ribbon relative to the printing device and the laminating device, respectively. This requires transfer and print operations to be performed in series. That is, a print operation cannot be performed during a transfer operation, and a transfer operation cannot be performed during a print operation. This limits the speed at which the printer can complete the transfer printing processes. 
     SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a credential production device that is configured to perform a transfer of printing process on a substrate to form a credential product. In some embodiments, the device includes a transfer ribbon, a printing device, a laminating device, and a transfer ribbon accumulator. The printing device is configured to print an image to the transfer ribbon. The laminating device is configured to transfer printed images from the transfer ribbon to a substrate. The transfer ribbon accumulator includes first, second, and third ribbon-engaging members (REM&#39;s), and a drive system. The first and second REM&#39;s have fixed positions relative to each other and are separated by a gap. The third REM is configured to move relative to the first and second REM&#39;s along an axis that extends through the gap. The drive system is configured to generate a force that drives movement of the third REM relative to the first and second REM&#39;s along the axis. Movement of the third REM relative to the first and second REM&#39;s along the axis changes a length of a path along which a portion of the transfer ribbon travels through the accumulator. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary credential production device in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary transfer ribbon that includes a print intermediate in the form of a transfer layer, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified top view of a portion of an exemplary transfer ribbon that includes print intermediates in the form of overlaminate patches, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified top view of a credential production device in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified diagram of an exemplary credential production device in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an exemplary processing assembly in a loading position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a credential production device with the exemplary processing assembly of  FIG. 6  in an operating position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are isometric views illustrating the support of components of an accumulator, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of components of an accumulator in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a simplified side view of an exemplary credential production device in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the device of  FIG. 11  having exemplary processing assemblies in operating positions, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the device with a processing assembly in a loading position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate a processing assembly in a loading position and an exemplary accumulator in an extended position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 16-18  are isometric views of an exemplary accumulator, or portions thereof, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of a portion of an exemplary accumulator in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements that are identified using the same or similar reference characters refer to the same or similar elements. Some elements may be referred generally by a reference number and more specifically by the reference number followed by a letter and/or other reference character. The various embodiments of the invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, frames, supports, connectors, motors, processors, and other components may not be shown, or shown in block diagram form in order to not obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, if an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present invention. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     As will further be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the present invention may be embodied as methods, systems, devices, and/or computer program products, for example. The computer program or software aspect of the present invention may comprise computer readable instructions or code stored in a computer readable medium or memory. Execution of the program instructions by one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit) results in the one or more processors performing one or more functions or method steps described herein. Any suitable patent subject matter eligible computer readable media or memory may be utilized including, for example, hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices. Such computer readable media or memory do not include transitory waves or signals. 
     The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary credential production device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the device  100  includes a controller  102  representing one or more processors that are configured to execute program instructions stored in memory of the device or other location. The execution of the instructions by the controller  102  controls components of the device  100  to perform functions and method steps described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  includes a processing path  104 , a transport mechanism  106 , and a substrate supply  108 . The substrate supply  108  may be in the form of a container or cartridge that is configured to contain individual substrates  110 . The substrates  110  are individually fed from the supply  108  along the processing path  104 , which is parallel to the processing path  104 , for processing using the transport mechanism  106 , which is controlled by the controller  102 . In some embodiments, the transport mechanism  106  includes one or more motorized feed rollers or feed roller pairs  112 , or other suitable mechanism. Sensors may be used to assist the controller  102  in the feeding of the substrates  110  along the processing path  104 , and aligning the substrates  110  with substrate processing devices along the processing path  104 . 
     The substrates  110  may take on many different forms, as understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the substrate  110  is a credential substrate. As used herein, the term “credential substrate” includes substrates used to form credentials, such as identification cards, membership cards, proximity cards, driver&#39;s licenses, passports, credit and debit cards, and other credentials or similar products. Exemplary card substrates include paper substrates other than traditional paper sheets used in copiers or paper sheet printers, plastic substrates, rigid and semi-rigid card substrates, and other similar substrates. 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  is configured to perform a transfer printing process or reverse-image printing process to print an image to the substrate  110 . In some embodiments, the device includes a transfer ribbon  120 , a printing device  122  and a laminating device  124 . The printing device  122  is configured to print an image to a print intermediate of the transfer ribbon  120 . The laminating device  124  is configured to transfer printed images from the print intermediate of the transfer ribbon  120  to a surface  126  of the substrate  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the transfer ribbon  120  is wound between a supply spool  125  and a take-up spool  127 , and extends through the printing device  122  and the laminating device  124 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The transfer ribbon  120  is configured to receive images that are printed using the printing device  122  and transfer the printed images to the surface  126  of the substrate  110  using the laminating device  124 . 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified side cross-sectional view of an exemplary transfer ribbon  120 A having a print intermediate in the form of a transfer layer  128 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the transfer layer  128  is attached to a backing or carrier layer  130 . In some embodiments, the transfer layer  128  is in the form of a fracturable laminate or thin film laminate. In some embodiments, the transfer layer  128  includes a thermal adhesive  132 , which is activated during a transfer lamination process using the laminating device  124  to bond a section of the transfer layer  128  to the surface  126  of the substrate  110 . In some embodiments, the transfer layer  128  includes an image receptive surface  134  on the thermal adhesive  132  that is configured to receive an image that is printed using the printing device  122  during a print operation. The transfer ribbon  120 A may also include a release layer  136  between the transfer layer  128  and the carrier layer  130  that assists in releasing the transfer layer  128  from the carrier layer  130  during a transfer lamination process. 
     In some embodiments, the transfer layer  128  includes a protective layer  138  located between the adhesive layer  132  and the carrier layer  130 . Alternatively, the protective layer  138  may be combined with the adhesive layer  132 . The protective layer  138  operates to provide protection to the surface  126  of the substrate  110  to which the transfer layer  128  is laminated. The protective layer  138  may also protect an image printed on the image receptive surface  134  when the transfer layer  128  is laminated to a surface  126  of a substrate  110 . Other conventional materials or layers may also be included in the transfer ribbon  120 A and the transfer layer  128 . 
       FIG. 3  is a simplified top view of an exemplary transfer ribbon  120 B having print intermediates in the form of overlaminate patches  140 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The overlaminate patches  140  are attached to a backing or carrier layer  130 . Each overlaminate patch  140  includes an exposed surface  142  having a layer of thermal adhesive, which is activated by the laminating device during a transfer lamination operation to bond the patch  140  to the surface  126  of a substrate. Each overlaminate patch  140  is formed of a polyester film or other suitable material that provides protection to the surface  126  of the substrate  110 . In some embodiments, the surface  142  includes an image receptive material that is adapted to receive an image printed using the printing device  122 . Other conventional materials or layers may also be included in the transfer ribbon  120 B and the patches  140 . 
     The printing device  122  is configured to print an image to the transfer ribbon  120  and, more specifically, to a print intermediate of the transfer ribbon  120 , such as the transfer layer  128  of the transfer ribbon  120 A ( FIG. 2 ) or the patch  140  of the transfer ribbon  120 B ( FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, the printing device  122  includes a print head  144 . In some embodiments, the print head  144  is a conventional thermal print head and the printing device  122  includes a thermal print ribbon  146 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the thermal print head  144  includes a plurality of heating elements that heat the print ribbon  146  and cause dye, resin, and/or other print materials to transfer to the print intermediate of the transfer ribbon  120  to form the desired image on the print intermediate, in accordance with conventional techniques. 
     In some embodiments, the print head  144  is an ink jet print head  144 , which applies ink to the print intermediate of the transfer ribbon  120  to produce a desired image on the print intermediate. In this case, the print ribbon  146  is not used. 
     In some embodiments, the printing device  122  includes a print head lift mechanism  148  that is configured to move the print head  144  relative to the transfer ribbon  120 , as indicated by arrow  149 . In some exemplary embodiments, the lift mechanism  148  moves the print head  144  between a retracted position (not shown), in which the print head  144  is disengaged from the transfer ribbon  120 , and a print position, in which the print head  144  presses the print ribbon  146  against the transfer ribbon  120  under the support of support member  150 , such as a platen roller or other suitable support member, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The laminating device  124  is configured to perform a transfer or lamination operation, during which an imaged print intermediate is transferred from the transfer ribbon  120  to the surface  126  of the substrate  110 . Some embodiments of the laminating device  124  include a laminating or transfer roller  152  that is configured to heat the print intermediate supported by the transfer ribbon  120  and press the print intermediate against the surface  126  of the substrate  110 . This heating activates the thermal adhesive of the print intermediate causing the print intermediate to bond to the surface  126  of the substrate  110 . In some embodiments, the laminating device  124  includes a platen roller  154  that provides support for the substrate  110  during the lamination operation. 
     In some embodiments, the laminating device  124  includes a lift mechanism  156  that is configured to move the transfer roller  152  relative to the processing path  104 . In some embodiments, the lift mechanism  156  is configured to move the transfer roller  152  between a retracted position (not shown), in which the transfer roller  152  is displaced from the processing path  104  and a substrate  110  in the processing path, and a laminating position, in which the transfer roller  152  presses the transfer ribbon  120  against the surface  126  of a substrate  110  supported in the processing path  104  by the platen roller  154 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  includes transfer ribbon feeding components that are configured to feed the transfer ribbon  120  through the printing device  122  and through the laminating device  124 . The transfer ribbon feeding components can take on many different forms. In some embodiments, the transfer ribbon feeding components include a motor  157  that is configured to drive rotation of the supply spool  125 , and/or a motor  158  is configured to drive rotation of the take-up spool  127 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the transfer ribbon feeding components include motorized feed rollers or other components that can control the feeding of the transfer ribbon  120  through the printing device  122  and the laminating device  124 , such as feed rollers  159 , the platen roller  150 , and/or the platen roller  154 , for example. The transfer ribbon feeding components are controlled by the controller  102  and allow for independent feeding of the transfer ribbon  120  through the printing device  122  and the laminating device  124 . Thus, during a print operation, the controller  102  controls the feeding of the transfer ribbon  120  through the printing device  122  using one or more of the transfer ribbon feeding components to facilitate the performance of a print operation using the print head  144  to print an image to the transfer ribbon  120 . 
     Similarly, the controller  102  controls the feeding of the transfer ribbon  120  through the laminating device  124  during a lamination operation using one or more of the transfer ribbon feeding components to transfer a printed image from the transfer ribbon  120  to the surface  126  of the substrate  110 . This allows the device  100  to perform printing and lamination operations independently from each other. As a result, the printing device  122  and the laminating device  124  can simultaneously perform print and lamination operations, respectively. As a result, the device  100  is capable of performing transfer printing operations more efficiently than transfer printing operations performed by conventional credential production devices. 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  includes a transfer ribbon accumulator  160 , which is configured to take-up or reduce slack in the transfer ribbon  120  that is generated in response to the independent feeding of the transfer ribbon  120  by the devices  122  and  124  during print and lamination operations. In some embodiments, the transfer ribbon accumulator  160  includes multiple ribbon-engaging members (REM&#39;s), which are generally referred to as  170 . In some embodiments, the REM&#39;s  170  are rollers having an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the axis  174 , a bar, a guide member, or other suitable component. 
     In some embodiments, the accumulator  160  includes at least REM&#39;s  170 A-C, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, a section  171  of the transfer ribbon  120  extends from the printing device  122  to the laminating device  124 , and the REM&#39;s  170 A-C engage a portion of the section  171  of the transfer ribbon, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B have fixed positions relative to each other and are separated by a gap  172 . The REM  170 C is configured to move relative to the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B along an axis  174  that extends through the gap  172 . The length of the path the transfer ribbon  120  travels through the accumulator  160  can be adjusted by adjusting the relative positions of the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B and the REM  170 C. 
     The maximum length of the transfer ribbon  120  that is accommodated by the accumulator may be increased by increasing the distance that the REM  170 C may be displaced from the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B, and/or by adding additional REM&#39;s  170 . In some embodiments the accumulator  160  includes at least REM&#39;s  170 A-C, and may include additional REM&#39;s  170 , such as exemplary REM&#39;s  170 D and  170 E shown in  FIG. 1 , as necessary to accommodate the desired length of the transfer ribbon  120  in the accumulator  160 , for example. In some embodiments, the REM&#39;s  170 D and  170 E have a fixed position relative to the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B. That is, REM&#39;s  170 D and  170 E move with movement of the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B. In some embodiments, the REM&#39;s  170 D and  170 E have a fixed position relative to the REM  170 C and, therefore, move with movement of the REM  170 C. 
     In some embodiments, the accumulator  160  includes a drive system  176  that is configured to apply a force that drives movement of at least REM  170 C, relative to the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B along the axis  174 , as indicated in phantom lines in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the drive system  176  applies the force to the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B. In some embodiments, the drive system  176  applies the force to the REM  170 C. 
     The force applied by the drive system  176  maintains a desired tension in the transfer ribbon  120  during print and/or lamination operations. The displacement between at least the REM  170 C and the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B in response to the force applied by the drive system  176  is adjusted automatically to either increase or decrease the length of the path the transfer ribbon  120  is routed through the accumulator  160 . This allows the accumulator  160  to accommodate different rates at which the accumulator  160  receives and discharges the transfer ribbon  120 . 
     When the rate at which the transfer ribbon  120  is fed into the accumulator is greater than the rate at which the transfer ribbon  120  is fed out of the accumulator  160 , the tension applied by the drive system  176  causes an increase in the displacement between the REM  170 C and the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B along the axis  174 , which increases the length of the path the transfer ribbon  120  travels through the accumulator. This increase in the path of the transfer ribbon  120  through the accumulator  160  allows the accumulator to increase the length of the transfer ribbon  120  that it accommodates to take up slack that would otherwise form in the transfer ribbon  120 . 
     When the rate at which the transfer ribbon  120  is fed into the accumulator is less than the rate at which the transfer ribbon  120  is fed out of the accumulator  160 , the force applied by the drive system  176  is overcome by an increase in tension in the transfer ribbon  120 . This causes a decrease in the displacement between the REM  170 C and the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B along the axis  174 , which decreases the length of the path the transfer ribbon  120  travels through the accumulator. This decrease in the path of the transfer ribbon  120  through the accumulator  160  accommodates the discharge of the transfer ribbon  120  at a greater rate than the rate at which the transfer ribbon  120  is fed into the accumulator  160 . 
       FIG. 4  is a simplified top view of a credential production device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the device  100  includes one or more processing assemblies, generally referred to as  180 . In some embodiments, the one or more processing assemblies  180  include an assembly  180 A and/or an assembly  180 B. While one or more embodiments described herein may refer to both processing assemblies  180 A and  180 B, it is understood that such embodiments may apply to only a single processing assembly  180  of the device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the processing assemblies  180  are configured to move relative to the main frame  181  and the processing axis  104  between an operating position (solid lines) and a loading position (phantom lines). In some embodiments, the main frame  181  is a portion of the device  100  that supports and/or houses the majority of the components of the device  100 , comprises the base of the device, and/or generally sits in a fixed position relative to the surface upon which the device  100  is placed. In some embodiments, the processing assemblies  180  also move relative to the processing axis  104  between their operating and loading positions, as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the processing assemblies  180 A are configured to move relative to the main frame  181  in a direction that is perpendicular to the processing axis  104 , as indicated by the processing assemblies  180 A and  180 B shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, at least one of the processing assemblies  180  is configured to move relative to the main frame  181  in a direction that is parallel to the processing axis  104 , as indicated by the processing assembly  180 B shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 4 . 
     In some embodiments, the movement of the processing assemblies  180  between their operating and loading positions is facilitated by at least one guide member  182 . In some embodiments, the guide members  182  facilitate linear movement of the processing assemblies  180  between their loading and operating positions. In some embodiments, each of the guide members  182  have a portion that is attached to the main frame  181  and a portion that is attached to the corresponding processing assembly  180 , such as a frame of the processing assembly  180 . 
     In some embodiments, the processing assemblies  180  include or support at least one processing device, such as the printing device  122  or the laminating device  124 , for example, or components thereof. When the processing assemblies  180  are in the operating position, their respective processing devices are configured to perform a process on the transfer ribbon  120  and/or the substrate  110 . For instance, when the processing assembly  180 A includes the printing device  122 , the printing device  122  is only configured to print an image to the transfer ribbon  120  when the processing assembly  180 A is in the operating position. Similarly, when the processing assembly  180 B includes the laminating device  124 , the laminating device  124  is configured to transfer an image from the transfer ribbon  120  to the surface  126  of the substrate  110  only when the processing assembly  180 B is in its operating position. In some embodiments, movement of the processing assemblies  180  to their loading positions allows for the loading of a consumable supply into the processing assembly  180 , and/or access to the processing device of the processing assembly  180 . For example, in some embodiments, the loading position of the processing assembly  180  facilitates the loading and unloading of the transfer ribbon  120  into the processing assembly  180 , or the loading or unloading of the print ribbon  146  into the processing assembly  180 . 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the processing assemblies  180  includes or supports the accumulator  160 , or a portion of the accumulator  160 . That is, the accumulator  160  or a portion thereof, moves relative to the main frame  181  with movement of the processing assembly  180  supporting it. Thus, the assembly  180 B may provide support for the entire accumulator  160 , such as support for the REM&#39;s  170 A-C, or the processing assembly  180 B may support only a portion of the accumulator  160 , such as the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B, or the REM  170 C, for example. In some embodiments, the portions of the accumulator  160  that are not supported by one of the processing assemblies  180  are supported by the main frame  181 , and do not move relative to the main frame with movement of the processing assembly. Rather, in some embodiments, the portions of the accumulator  160  that are not supported by the processing assemblies  180  have a fixed position relative to the main frame. 
       FIG. 5  is a simplified diagram of an exemplary credential production device  100 A in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the device  100 A includes a processing assembly  180  that is movable along an axis  189  that is parallel to the processing axis  104  to move the processing assembly  180  relative to the main frame  181  between an operating position (solid lines)  186  to a loading position (phantom lines)  188 . In some embodiments, the processing assembly  180  includes or supports one or more components of the laminating device  124 , and is configured to perform a lamination operation on a substrate  110  that is fed along the processing axis  104  when the processing assembly  180  is in the operating position  186 , as indicated in  FIG. 5 . It is understood that, in alternative embodiments, the processing assembly  180  may also include or support one or more components of the printing device  122 , and is configured to perform a print operation on the transfer ribbon  120  when in the operating position  186 . As used herein, the term “supports” means that the components are attached to a frame  190  of the processing assembly that moves relative to the main frame  181  as the processing assembly  180  moves between the operating and loading positions  186  and  188 . 
     Additional embodiments of the device  100 A will be described with reference to  FIGS. 6-10 .  FIG. 6  is isometric view of the exemplary processing assembly  180  in the loading position  188 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the credential production device  100 A with the exemplary processing assembly  180  in the operating position  186 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIGS. 8 and 9  are isometric views illustrating the support of components of the accumulator  160  by the processing assembly frame  190  and the main frame  181  when the processing assembly  180  is respectively in the loading position  188  and the operating position  186 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 10  is an isometric view of components of an accumulator  160  in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, the processing assembly  180  includes a supply spool support  191 , which supports the supply spool  125  and is driven by the motor  157 , and a take-up spool support  192  that supports the take-up spool  127  and is driven by the motor  158 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . In some exemplary embodiments, the processing assembly  180  includes a plurality of ribbon supports  194  that support the transfer ribbon  120  on the processing assembly  180 . The ribbon supports  194  may be in the form of rollers, bars, plates or other suitable ribbon supports as illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7 . When the processing assembly  180  is in the loading position  188 , a user may conveniently remove and replace the transfer ribbon  120  on the supply spool support  191 , the take-up spool support  192  and the ribbon supports  194 . 
     In some embodiments, the processing assembly  180  supports at least a portion of the accumulator  160 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . While the accumulator  160  is depicted as including three REM&#39;s  170 , it is understood that the accumulator  160  may include additional REM&#39;s  170 , as described above. 
     In some embodiments, the drive system  176  includes at least one pinion  200 , a rack  202 , and a drive force mechanism  204  that drives rotation of the pinion  200 , as best shown in  FIG. 10 . In some embodiments, the pinion  200  includes external gears  206  that intermesh with gears  208  of the rack  202 , such as the gears  208  on the rails  209 A and  209 B. In some embodiments, the rack  202  is configured to move linearly along the axis  174  in response to rotation of the pinion  200 . In some embodiments, opposing sides of the rack  202  are each supported by a guide  212  for movement along the axis  174  in response to rotation of the pinion  200 . In some embodiments the REM  170 C is attached to the rack  202  and moves along the axis  174  with movement of the rack  202 . In some embodiments, the REM  170 C is supported in slots  213  of the processing assembly frame  190  during movement of the REM  170 C along the axis  174 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     In some embodiments, the force generated by the drive force mechanism  204  is substantially continuous. In some embodiments, the drive force mechanism  204  comprises a spring mechanism, such as a power spring, a constant force spring, or other suitable spring mechanism. In some embodiments, the drive force mechanism  204  includes an electric motor. 
     In some embodiments, the REM  170 C, the pinion  200 , the rack  202 , and the drive force mechanism  204  are each supported by the main frame  181  of the credential production device  100 A, while the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B are supported by the processing assembly frame  190 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-9 . As a result, the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B move with the processing assembly  180  from the operating position  186  to the loading position  188 , while the drive system  176  and the REM  170 C remain attached to the main frame  181 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . It is understood that this arrangement of components of the accumulator  160  may be reversed such that the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B are supported by the main frame  181 , while the REM  170 C and the drive system  176  are supported by the processing assembly frame  190  and move relative to the main frame  181  with movement of the processing assembly  180  between the operating position  186  and the loading position  188 . 
     The transfer ribbon  120  may be installed on the processing assembly  180  while the processing assembly  180  is in the loading position  188 . This may involve the installation of the supply and take-up spools  125  and  127  on the corresponding supports  191  and  192 , and extending the transfer ribbon  120  over the ribbon supports  194  and the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Once the transfer ribbon  120  is loaded on the processing assembly  180 , the processing assembly  180  may be moved by hand to the operating position  186  using the guide  182 , for example. This movement along the axis  189  causes the REM  170 C to engage the transfer ribbon  120  and drive the transfer ribbon  120  between the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B along the axis  174 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . The force applied by the drive system  176  to the REM  170 C maintains the desired tension in the transfer ribbon  120  and allows the transfer ribbon  120  to enter the accumulator  160  and exit the accumulator  160  at different rates, as described above. This allows the printing device  122  to perform a print operation on the transfer ribbon  120 , while the laminating device  124  performs a lamination operation to transfer an image to the surface  126  of the substrate  110 , as indicated in  FIG. 5 . 
     Additional embodiments of the credential production device  100  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 11-19 .  FIG. 11  is a simplified side view of an exemplary credential production device  100 B in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the device  100 B with the processing assemblies  180 A and  180 B in their operating positions.  FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the device  100 B with the processing assembly  180 B in its loading position  188 .  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate the processing assembly  180 B in its loading position  188  and an exemplary accumulator  160  in an extended position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIGS. 16-18  are isometric views of the accumulator  160 , or portions thereof, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 19  is a top view of a portion of the accumulator  160  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, the device  100 B includes one or more processing assemblies  180  that are configured to move relative to the main frame  181  and the processing axis  104  in a direction that is transverse or perpendicular to the processing axis  104 . In some embodiments, the device  100 B includes a processing assembly  180 A having a processing assembly frame  190 A that supports components of the printing device  122 , and/or a processing assembly  180 B having a processing assembly frame  190 B that supports components of the laminating device  124 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Thus, components of the printing device  122  move relative to the main frame  181  in response to movement of the processing assembly  180 A and its frame  190 A between the operating and loading positions  186 ,  188 , and components of the laminating device  124  move relative to the main frame  181  in response to movement of the processing assembly  180 A and its frame  190 B between the operating and loading positions  186 ,  188 . 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the processing assemblies  180 A or  180 B includes or supports the accumulator  160 , or components thereof, and the accumulator  160 , or components thereof, move relative to the main frame  181  in response to movement of the corresponding processing assembly  180 A or  180 B between the operating and loading positions  186 ,  188 . While the exemplary embodiments of the device  100 B shown in  FIG. 11  illustrates the accumulator  160  or components of the accumulator  160  being supported by the processing assembly  180 B, it is understood that the accumulator  160  or components of the accumulator  160  may alternatively be supported by the processing assembly  180 A. 
     In some embodiments, the REM&#39;s  170 A-C and the drive system  176  are each supported by the processing assembly frame  190 B of the processing assembly  180 B. In some embodiments, the accumulator  160  includes an accumulator frame  210  that moves relative to the processing frame  190 B between an operating position  216  ( FIGS. 11-13 ) and an extended position  218  ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ). 
     In some embodiments, some of the components of the accumulator  160  are attached to the processing frame  190 B, while other components of the accumulator  160  are attached to the accumulator frame  210 . In some embodiments, the REM&#39;s  170 C,  170 E and  170 D are attached to the processing assembly frame  190 B, and the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B are attached to the accumulator frame  210 , as shown in  FIGS. 14-18 . In some embodiments, the drive system  176  is attached to the accumulator frame  210 , as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . Thus, in some embodiments, the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B, and the drive system  176  move relative to the processing assembly frame  190 B when the accumulator  160  moves from the operating position  216  to the extended position  218 . 
     The movement of the accumulator  160  from the operating position  216  to the extended position  218  allows the transfer ribbon  120  to be installed on the processing assembly  180 B, while the processing assembly  180 B is in its loading position  188 . In some embodiments, a rod or other suitable guide member  222  facilitates supporting the accumulator frame  210  and its attached components in the extended position  218 , as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In some embodiments, the guide member  222  allows the accumulator frame  210  to pivot relative to its operating orientation ( FIG. 14 ) to allow for full access to the processing assembly  180 B, as shown in  FIG. 15 . This allows for unencumbered loading of the transfer ribbon  120  on the processing assembly  180 B. 
     In some embodiments, the drive system  176  is configured to drive movement of the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B along the axis  174  relative to the accumulator frame  210  and the REM&#39;s  170 C,  170 D and  170 E supported by the processing assembly frame  190 . In some embodiments, the drive system  176  of the accumulator  160  includes at least one pinion  200 , a rack  202 , and a drive force mechanism  204 . In some embodiments, the at least one pinion  200  includes pinions  200 A and  200 B ( FIG. 16-19 ), each having external gears  206  that intermesh with gears of  208  of the rack  202  ( FIG. 16 ), such as the gears  208  on the rails  209 A and  209 B ( FIG. 17-18 ). In some embodiments, the pinion  200 A is coupled to the REM  170 A and rotates about an axis of rotation  226  ( FIG. 16-18 ) of the REM  170 A, and pinion  200 B is coupled to the REM  170 B and rotates with rotation of the REM  170 B about an axis  228  ( FIG. 16-18 ). In some embodiments, the ends of the REM  170 A and  170 B that are not shown in  FIG. 16-18  are also supported by pinions and geared rails, which allows the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B to maintain their orientation relative to the accumulator frame  210 , as the drive system  176  moves the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B relative to the accumulator frame  210 . 
     Embodiments of the drive force mechanism  204  include those described above, such as a spring or motorized mechanism. In some embodiments, the drive force mechanism  204  is coupled to a gear  230 , which intermeshes with the pinions  200 A and  200 B, as shown in  FIG. 19 . In some embodiments, the drive force mechanism  204  drives rotation of the gear  230 , which in turn drives rotation of the pinions  200 A and  200 B. In some embodiments, a plate  232  ( FIG. 17 ) maintains the relative positions of the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B, the pinions  200 A and  200 B, and the gear  230 . The rotation of the pinions  200 A and  200 B in response to the rotation of the gear  230  drives movement of the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B along the axis  174  relative to the accumulator frame  210  and the REM  170 C, when the accumulator  160  and the processing assembly  180 B are in their operating positions  216  and  186 , respectively. 
     With accumulator frame  210  of the accumulator  160  either removed or moved to the extended position  218 , an operator may load the processing assembly  180 B with the transfer ribbon  120 . As the accumulator  210  and its attached components are then dropped into the processing assembly  180 B from the position illustrated in  FIG. 14  to the operating position  216  ( FIG. 13 ), the transfer ribbon  120  engages the REM&#39;s  170 A-E, and the REM&#39;s  170 A and  170 B move relative to the REM&#39;s  170 C,  170 D and  170 E along the axis  174  to take up slack in the transfer ribbon  120  and tension the transfer ribbon  120 , as discussed above. When the processing assemblies  180 A and  180 B are moved to their operating positions  186  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ), the credential production device  100 B can begin performing print and lamination operations simultaneously, while the accumulator  160  collects and discharges the transfer ribbon  120  at different rates, as described above. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
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