Nontiltable, straight line path ribbon cartridge shifting means for multicolor ribbon including MICR ink
US4564303A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1983 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J32/00
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printer for use with a data processor and a ribbon cartridge for use in the same are disclosed. The cartridge has at least two separate ribbon supplies which may differ in the type of ink on the ribbon (MICR vs. ordinary) and/or in color of ink or otherwise. A mechanism moves the cartridge along a straight line path to index selectively an active portion of each of the ribbons to a position aligned between a printhead and a platen for printing through the selected ribbon. A ribbon drive mechanism drives at least one of the ribbon supplies only when that ribbon supply has been selectively indexed to be printed through. In one embodiment a Magnetic Ink Character Recognition ribbon supply is driven between take-up and supply reels only when it is indexed for printing, while a multi-strike ribbon with ordinary ink is driven continuously. In another embodiment only one of two or more ribbon supplies is driven at one time. In both embodiments the straight line movement of the cartridge between indexed positions engages and disengages the drive to the various ribbon supplies by movement of the cartridge along the axis of a ribbon drive shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.