Patent · US Expired

Thermal printing cartridge

US4982202A · kind A · utility

9Cited by
9References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 27, 1988
Grant dateJan 1, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 27, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J13/12
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A printing cartridge adapted for use with thermal transfer printing apparatus. The cartridge includes a frame defining first and second printing stations, a ribbon supply spool, and a ribbon take-up spool, both of the spools being rotatably mounted on the frame. The ribbon has a backing layer and an ink donor layer and is guided in a feed path extending from the supply spool through the first and second printing stations, again through the first station, then to the take-up spool. The frame of the cartridge is adapted to receive a thermal printing head for engaging the ribbon at each of the first and second printing stations. The feed path has a first leg extending from the supply spool, through the first printing station, to the second printing station; a second leg extending through the second printing station to the first printing station; and a third leg extending through the first printing station to the take-up spool. A ribbon backing roller rotatably mounted on the frame engages the ribbon in the third leg of the feed path at the first printing station such that ink from the ribbon in the first leg of the feed path at the first printing station is transferred to the ribbon i…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.