Print ribbon cartridge with vacuum buffer chambers
US4974977A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J32/00
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A replacement cartridge for replacing spent ink ribbon on a continuous printer. The cartridge interfaces with the printer including a print head past which a document is advanced, a drive for feeding the ribbon tape, and a source of vacuum for effecting vacuum zones in which the feeding tape is buffered against acceleration shock. Included in the cartridge are a supply and takeup reel for the ribbon and between which the ribbon extends in a defined feed path through a pair of tape buffering vacuum chambers upstream and downstream of the print head. Magnets secure the cartridge to the printer at a guided interface in registry with the operative components of the printer. Pre-loading the ribbon in the cartridge entirely threaded throughout its feed path, enables replacement to be performed in a minimum of time requiring only the removal of the spent cartridge and immediately replacing it with the cartridge containing the reload of fresh ribbon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.