Abstract: A ribbon cartridge having a pair of movable arms extending outwardly from the body, over which the ribbon passes on its transit from an internal ribbon supply to an internal used ribbon storage. Each of the arms is supported for movement about an oblique axis which moves the active marking portion of the ribbon so that the path traversed by one edge is equal in length to the path traversed by the opposite edge.

Abstract: An end-of-ribbon sensing system which is equally compatible with various arrangements of light emitters and light detectors as utilized in different models of serial impact printers, the sensing system including a unique compound reflector, having a first reflective portion for use in cooperation with one sensing device and having a second reflective portion for use in cooperation with another sensing device. A clear transparent tape segment located near the end of the ribbon is provided to allow light to pass from a light source on the sensors to the reflective portions and back to a photodetector on the sensors.

Abstract: A soldering iron can be constructed using a heating element structure or first part connected to a handle structure or second part through the use of connectors on these parts which are adapted to be secured together through the use of a rotary or twisting type motion. The handle structure includes a spring biased sleeve which projects from it toward the heating element structure. The heating element structure includes a metal flange which is resiliently engaged by the sleeve when the parts are connected together. This flange in effect forms a part of a tubular, metal housing used to connect a body disposed in proximity to the heating element so as to conduct heat away from the heating element and the connector on the heating element structure. The housing serves to protect the heating element structure against physical damage and is grounded through the flange and the sleeve to an appropriate grounding wire leading from the handle structure.