Abstract: An ink container opener having a first member having an opening formed therein; and, a second member received within the opening of the first member. The second member further has an opening for receiving an ink container for separating a top portion from a bottom portion of the ink container.

Abstract: An ink container opener has a base member having an opening for receiving a cap of an ink container and a holder member which is inserted over a body of the ink container. The holder and base member each has a first arm and a second arm substantially perpendicular to said first arm. The holder member first arm has an opening for receiving a second portion of the ink container. The base member opening and the holder member opening are substantially parallel to each other when the ink container is mounted within the opener. Force is applied to the holder member to separate the cap from the ink container body.

Abstract: An ink container opener has a first portion and a second portion which are approximately perpendicular to each other. Each portion has an opening for receiving an ink container cap. The opening of the first portion comprises a plurality of ridges extending along at least one side of the opening. The first and second portions are formed of a unitary construction and form an L-shaped configuration. Force is applied to the container body to separate the cap from the body as the cap is supported by the opener.

Abstract: An ink container opener has first and second portions approximately perpendicular to each other to form an L-shaped opener. The first portion has an opening having a plurality of ridges extending along opposite sides of the opening. An ink container is received within the opening and force is applied to the ink container to remove a cap from a body of the ink container.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge has a take-up spool (130) with an opening having a plurality of drive surfaces (200) and slip surfaces (202). The take up spool is preferably of a one-piece construction. A first spindle with a cantilever member (196) and a tab (198) extending therefrom is mounted on the take-up spool. When the drive surface engages a tab of the spindle, rotation of the spindle rotates the take-up spool. When one of the slip surfaces engages the tab of the spindle, the spindle rotates relative to the take-up spool.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a housing, an ink ribbon (120), spools (50, 60) for holding the ribbon, and spindles (70, 72, 90, 92) received within openings of the spools. The housing has semi-cylindrical sections (10, 12) which receive the spools. The housing further includes c-shaped sideplates (24, 26, 34, 36) with openings for each spindle. The c-shaped sideplates selectively expand to receive the spindles and retain the spindles in position.

Abstract: An ink cartridge has a pair of sideplates (14, 16) which connect a first portion (10) of the housing to a second portion (12). The sideplates expand to allow spindles (70, 72, 90, 92) and spools (50, 60) to be installed within openings of the housing. The sideplates are spaced apart and are generally parallel to each other. The sideplates are pulled in opposing directions from a first dimension between the sideplates to a second dimension slightly greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge has first and second tubes (130, 132) for holding an ink ribbon. The tubes have slots formed in each end. Spindles (140, 142, 162, 164) are attached at the ends of the tubes. The spindles have a disk portion and an end which is received by tube slots. One of the spindles has a cantilevered member (196) which engages a slot of a tube and allows rotation of the tube in only one direction. The cantilevered member has an end having a radial edge (200) and a ramp (202) adjacent the straight side. Rotation of the spindle in one direction abuts the radial edge against a wall of the slot thus providing a positive drive and allowing rotation of the tube with the spindle. Rotation of the spindle in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the ramp side to contact and slide along a wall of the slot, thus deflecting the cantilevered member inward toward the center of the spindle.