Ribbon feed system for a matrix printer
US4408908A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1980 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J33/38
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ribbon feed system for a matrix printer utilizes metering rollers located on the printhead carrier to maintain a substantially zero ribbon velocity relative to the receiving medium with an on-carrier ribbon feed. By coordinating roller rotation with carrier motion, relative motion that would tend to cause smearing during mark formation is avoided. For printers that inject current into the ribbon to cause printing, friction drag is reduced and tension control is simplified by collecting current at the metering rollers for return to the printhead energizing circuitry. Such dual use of the metering rollers takes advantage of the firm intimate contact that exists for metering to establish a high quality electrical connection. A tension controlled brake at the ribbon supply serves to assure tensions are held within a narrow range at the printhead with such a ribbon metering system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.