Importance

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Abstract

A multicolor thermal transfer ribbon having black ink and at least two other color inks besides black and white is used with a thermal transfer printer and a label in a method of labeling packages. Variable black ink indicia is imaged, using the thermal transfer printer and ribbon, on a first face of the label, and color indicia from at least one of the at least two other color inks on the ribbon is also imaged on the first face of the label. Then the pressure sensitive adhesive of the second face of the label is pressed onto a package (such as an envelope, carton, etc.). The black variable indicia preferably includes variable bar code and text indicia including address indicia, and the color indicia is preferably just one color, indicating a particular type of express delivery service. In one embodiment the ribbon is about four inches wide, three inches of that being the black portion and the other inch the multicolored portion, and the multicolored portion preferably comprises three or four different colors repeating about every six inches along the length of the ribbon. Sense marks are provided on the back of the ribbon which are sensed to effect control of the ribbon drive for the thermal printer to make sure that the ribbon is in proper registry with the label during printing.

First Claim