A print module includes: a printhead having ink ports and a row of printhead contacts; and a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead. The supply assembly includes: ink couplings positioned for fluidic connection to the ink ports; and a PCB having a row of PCB contacts for electrical connection to the printhead contacts. A single actuator handle is configured for sequentially actuating electrical connection or disconnection in a first motion and actuating fluidic connection or disconnection in a second motion.

There is provided a thermal transfer sheet capable of being identified by a thermal transfer printing apparatus, as well as being capable of preventing color property changes in high-resolution printing and reducing production cost. The thermal transfer sheet 5 of an embodiment includes a dye layer 52 and a protective layer 54 on one surface of a substrate 50. The protective layer 54 contains an invisible light absorbing material and is provided with an identification mark 55 having at least one of a recessed portion and a protruding portion.

There is provided a thermal transfer sheet capable of being identified by a thermal transfer printing apparatus, as well as being capable of preventing color property changes in high-resolution printing and reducing production cost. The thermal transfer sheet 5 of an embodiment includes a dye layer 52 and a protective layer 54 on one surface of a substrate 50. The protective layer 54 contains an invisible light absorbing material and is provided with an identification mark 55 having at least one of a recessed portion and a protruding portion.

A print module includes: a cradle having a longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead assembly positioned in the longitudinal cavity; a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead assembly, the supply assembly including a PCB fastened to a PCB mounting plate having a resilient flange configured for clamping engagement with a portion of the PCB containing PCB contacts; and a slide plate slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the printhead assembly. The slide plate is configured for camming engagement with the resilient flange and sliding movement of the slide plate urges the resilient flange into clamping engagement with the portion of the PCB containing PCB contacts, thereby electrically connecting the PCB contacts with the printhead.

A print module includes: a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead received in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead having a row of printhead contacts; a PCB slidably movable relative to the cradle along a first axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead; and an actuator handle. The actuator handle is configured for reciprocally lowering and raising the PCB and urging the PCB contacts into engagement with the printhead contacts, thereby forming electrical connections between the PCB and the printhead. The PCB electrical contacts are urged along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the longitudinal axis of the printhead.

A print module includes: a cradle having a nest for receiving a printhead; an elongate printhead received in the nest, the printhead having first and second ink ports at opposite longitudinal ends thereof; and a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead. The supply assembly includes first and second ink couplings positioned for complementary engagement with the first and second ink ports of the printhead and a depressor positioned between the first and second ink couplings. The printhead has a portion configured for complementary engagement with the depressor, such that lowering of the supply assembly urges the printhead towards the nest via engagement of the depressor with the printhead.

A print module includes: a cradle having a nest for receiving a printhead; an elongate printhead received in the nest, the printhead having first and second ink ports at opposite longitudinal ends thereof; and a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead. The supply assembly includes first and second ink couplings positioned for complementary engagement with the first and second ink ports of the printhead and a depressor positioned between the first and second ink couplings. The printhead has a portion configured for complementary engagement with the depressor, such that lowering of the supply assembly urges the printhead towards the nest via engagement of the depressor with the printhead.

A print module includes: a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier being pivotable about a pivot axis at a second end of the cradle opposite the first end; and an elongate printhead longitudinally slidably engaged with the printhead carrier. The printhead is removable from the cradle via pivoting of the printhead carrier and longitudinally sliding the printhead relative to the printhead carrier through the access opening.

A print module includes: a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity; a printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier comprising a longitudinal rail; and an elongate printhead having a longitudinal overhead hanger for complementary longitudinal sliding engagement with the rail. The printhead is removable from the cradle via longitudinal sliding movement of the printhead relative to the printhead carrier through the access opening.

A print module includes: a cradle having a nest for receiving a printhead; an elongate printhead received in the nest; a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead; and a lift mechanism for reciprocally lowering and raising the supply assembly towards and away from the printhead, the lift mechanism having a single actuator handle positioned at the first end of the cradle. Movement of the actuator handle causes engagement or disengagement between the printhead and the supply assembly via sliding movement of the supply module relative to the cradle.