Tape drive and printing apparatus
US8007190B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/372
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.