Image transfer device

An image transfer device for transferring an image from an information recording element, said device comprising:

• means for transferring an image from the information recording element to a transfer material, at an image transfer station;
• means for feeding the transfer material to said transfer means;
• symmetrically arranged transfer material guiding members extending along a transfer material path, each having a first end portion which is remote from said transfer means and a second end portion which is near said transfer means, said first end portion being pivotable to allow the setting, in accordance with the thickness of the transfer material, of the distance between the second end portion and the information recording element at the image transfer station;
• driving means, engaged with each of said guiding members adjacent the second end portion thereof, for moving only the second end portions away from the recording element, wherein each guiding member, when said feeding means is not in operation, is away from the information recording element;
• and
• biasing means for applying resilient tension to the transfer material to ensure that the transfer material is spaced apart from the information recording element when said driving means moves said guiding members away from the information recording element.