Thermal transfer recording is carried out through the steps of: applying a heat or electric energy in a pattern to a peripheral surface of an ink roll having the peripheral surface composed of a heat-transferable ink, thereby to form a melted or softened pattern of the heat-transferable ink; causing...http://www.google.fr/patents/US4743920?utm_source=gb-gplus-shareBrevet US4743920 - Thermal transfer recording method and apparatus
