Abstract: A printer ribbon cartridge device includes structure for maintaining tension of a printer ribbon which is supplied and contained on a supply spool having an automatic brake for preventing unwinding thereof whenever the cartridge is not installed on a printer. Ribbon guide structure is provided so that the printer ribbon will be confined to a desired path, positive capstan feed rollers are provided of intermeshing gear type for positive feed of the printer ribbon and further gearing is provided to positively drive a slipping clutch element for a take-up spool. A one-way locking pawl also engages with the gearing to prevent rewinding of the printer ribbon after use and thereby prevent the reuse of same. The slip clutch for the take-up spool employs a gear driven input hub member provided with a central recess thereacross for supporting a deformed ring in an oval shape for driving contact by portions of the other circumference thereof against the inner surface of an outer take-up spool hub member.