Dye cartridge system adapted to reduce an exterior envelope of a printer and method of providing same
US5908250A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J17/32
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Dye cartridge system adapted to reduce an exterior envelope of a printer and method of providing same. The printer comprises a housing having a front sidewall that has an aperture therethrough. A platen and a print head are disposed in the housing. The print head is movable from a first position spaced-apart from the platen to a second position adjacent to the platen, such that the platen and the print head define a clearance therebetween when the print head is in the first position. A dye donor cartridge carrying a dye donor ribbon is insertable through the aperture and into the housing to a position adjacent to the print head. A rod-shaped catch-member is attached to the end portion of the dye ribbon. Moreover, a dye ribbon take-up spool, which is permanently disposed in the housing has a recess therein for receiving the catch-member. When the catch-member is received in the recess and the take-up spool is rotated, the dye ribbon winds about the take-up spool. The neck portion is sized to be received through the clearance for interference-free insertion of the cartridge. In this manner, the cartridge may be loaded through the aperture in the front sidewall rather than by opening …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.