Ribbon control system for multiple color impact printer
US4401390A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1980 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J35/18
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printer/plotter system for producing a multiple color hard copy output in response to digital input data. The system includes one or more impact hammers, each capable of printing a single dot with the hammers being arranged to selectively print dots along a defined print line. The system further includes an ink ribbon having multiple zones of different colors carrying encoded identifying indicia. In response to input data defining a dot pattern and the color in which it is to be printed, the ribbon is searched to position the first identified ribbon color zone in front of the impact hammers. After the pattern for that color is printed, the ribbon is again searched and the next identified color zone is moved into print station, i.e. in front of the impact hammers, and the pattern associated therewith is printed. A paper control system is provided to move the paper to be printed upon in a forward direction as information is printed in each color. The paper control system is also operable to move the paper in a reverse direction to reposition the paper for subsequent movement in a forward direction as information is printed in a different color.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.