Ribbon loading system for a typewriter or the like using a sidemounted ribbon cartridge having a detachable ribbon guide
US4350452A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1980 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J32/00
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ribbon loading system for a printer of the kind having a moveable printhead carrier establishes a ribbon loading position for the carrier at one end of the carrier travel axis. In response to an operator initiation, the printhead carrier is driven to the loading position where the ribbon cartridge is operator mounted at a fixture adjacent the printhead. The cartridge includes a path defining section that extends to arrange a loop of ribbon around the distal side of the printhead, effectively threading the ribbon. Subsequent carrier movement is selectively coupled to the ribbon to provide ribbon drive motion. For a preferred cartridge implementation, the path defining section is detachable to travel with the printhead carrier and includes ribbon guides for defining at least a portion of the ribbon path around the printhead during printing. The preferred detachable section is held to a bulk ribbon supply section of the cartridge by a catch which is automatically released by mounting the cartridge. For the mounting and removal operations, which involve the operator, the preferred two section cartridge is connected for convenient handling as a unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.