Dye donor ribbon cartridge having a shield and method for use in a printer
US5885015A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J35/26
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A dye donor cartridge and method for use in a printer. The cartridge comprises a dye donor ribbon formed into a roll. The dye donor ribbon has an end portion. A shield is attached to the end portion of the dye donor ribbon and surrounds the dye donor ribbon as the dye donor ribbon forms the roll. In this manner, the shield shields the dye donor ribbon from damage during handling of the ribbon roll. The dye donor ribbon roll including its shield is mountable on a supply spool, so that the dye donor ribbon unrolls from about the supply spool as the supply spool rotates. The shield preferably has a plurality of sprocket holes for engaging the sprockets of a take-up spool, so that the dye donor ribbon is precisely taken-up onto the take-up spool without "jamming" as the take-up spool rotates. An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises an encasement surrounding the shield as the shield surrounds the dye donor ribbon for enhancing protection of the dye donor ribbon roll during handling. The encasement has a slit for passage of the shield and the dye donor ribbon therethrough. Moreover, the encasement includes an integrally attached lip of predetermined shape and extending along…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.