Abstract: Method for filtering treated water and apparatus to practice the method. The method taught herein consists of filling a first container with water, attaching a special filter apparatus thereto and finally attaching a second, empty bottle to the filter apparatus. When the conjoined containers and filter apparatus are inverted, the water in the first container, now atop the filter apparatus passes through that apparatus and into the second container under the impetus of gravity. Air displaced from the second container by the transfer of water therein is exchanged into the first container by means of a vent located in the body of the filter apparatus. The apparatus taught herein comprises a filter body having disposed within the previously discussed vent, at least one filter element and a check valve to preclude the unwanted re-filtration of previously filtered water.

Abstract: The ribbon loading container and method includes an elongated housing forming an envelope and having front and rear open ends. A ribbon dam is slidingly received within the envelope of the housing and has a slot therethrough for the passage of the ribbon. The ribbon dam further includes tension clips which frictionally engage the ribbon passing through the slot and frictionally engage the sides of the housing. A drive and driven roller are rotatably disposed adjacent the open front end of the ribbon loading apparatus for introducing ribbon into the envelope. The ribbon dam is initially positioned adjacent the open end of the ribbon loading container such that it applies a back pressure to the incoming ribbon being stuffed into the envelope by the drive and driven rollers. As the envelope is filled with inked ribbon, the ribbon dam slides within the ribbon loading container until the pre-selected length of ribbon has been loaded in the container.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for adjoining two ends of a length of impact printer ribbon to form a continuous loop of ribbon. A welding fixture, including a welding anvil, ironing anvil and ultrasonic horn are provided to join the ribbon ends. Tensioning slides are provided to grip the ribbon ends and tension the ribbon during welding operations. A microprocessor controls a series of pistons, switches and solenoids to control the welding sequence.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for adjoining two ends of a length of impact printer ribbon to form a continuous loop of ribbon. A welding fixture, including a welding anvil, ironing anvil and ultrasonic horn are provided to join the ribbon ends. Tensioning slides are provided to grip the ribbon ends and tension the ribbon during welding operations. A microprocessor controls a series of pistons, switches and solenoids to control the welding sequence.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for supplying precisely measured lengths of leader ribbon for use in the assembly of printer ribbon cartridges. The apparatus includes a supply of leader ribbon, an accumulator for retaining a length of the ribbon when it is drawn from the ribbon supply and a drive assembly for drawing a measured length into the accumulator. The drive assembly includes a fixed roller and a pivotable roller positioned on opposite sides of the ribbon path for engaging the ribbon therebetween. A stepping motor is provided for rotating the rollers a prescribed number of revolutions and thereby stuffing a measured length of the engaged ribbon into the accumulator. The apparatus also includes a cutter for severing the measured leader length from the supply ribbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of adjoining two ribbon ends to form a continuous loop of ribbon. This is done by aligning lengths of the ribbon and holding the same in taut condition. Subsequently, the aligned portions are welded to form a splice without cutting the excess portions of the ribbon. A separate cutter mechanism is employed to cut the excess ribbon portions.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for adjoining the two ends of a length of impact printer ribbon to form a continuous loop of ribbon within a ribbon cartridge. A welding fixture includes a plate, alignment guide bars defining crisscrossed alignment paths for the ribbon ends, clamps for securing the ribbon ends within the alignment paths, and a cutter mechanism for precisely cutting the ribbon. The fixture further includes mechanical means for manipulating the ribbon during the welding process. The apparatus and method of the present invention enables the ribbon welding process to be streamlined and the precision to be greatly improved.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved apparatus and method for stuffing pre-inked printer ribbon from a ribbon roll into a ribbon cartridge. The apparatus includes a drive motor for pulling the ribbon into the cartridge and a supply motor connected to a spool for automatically feeding ribbon to the cartridge. Between the drive and supply motors, the ribbon passes through a splice detection means, around a length measuring means, and through a cutter mechanism. The length measuring means includes a brake for stopping motion of the ribbon. The cartridge loading apparatus further includes a built-in ribbon welder mechanism for adjoining the end of the pre-inked ribbon to a leader ribbon assembled into the cartridge and a cartridge support means adaptable to any cartridge configuration.

Abstract: Tape unwinder wherein such tape is unwound from the center of a roll. A central cone portion includes area having a low coefficient of friction as well as other area having a high coefficient. A braking device is engageable with such unwinder on tension being relieved.