Capacitive metering means for uniform ribbon feed and take-up mechanism
US4475829A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1981 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J33/36
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for feeding ribbon in an impact printer or typewriter is provided in which the ribbon metering means are very simple and minimize the potential for damage to the ribbon. Ribbon is fed from a supply reel to a take-up reel each of which is adapted to support a portion of an inventory of ribbon running from the supply reel to the take-up reel. The apparatus includes a drive mechanism which drives the take-up reel at a selected one of a plurality of different rotational velocities, apparatus for sensing the portion of the inventory of ribbon on one of the reels and for producing an electrical signal representative of the radius of said portion, and apparatus for selecting one of said rotational velocities in response to said signal. The sensing apparatus used to sense the portion of the ribbon inventory which remains on the supply reel is capacitive sensing apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.