Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge includes an ink replenishing configuration. An ink ribbon is housed in a housing. An ink replenishing member replenishes ink into the ink ribbon. An ink storing member holds a supply of the ink, the ink storing member being movable either to a first position where the ink storing member contacts the ink replenishing member and supplies the ink to the ink replenishing member or a second position where the ink storing member does not contact the ink replenishing member and does not supply the ink to the ink replenishing member.

Abstract: An ink density closed loop control system for an ink ribbon of an impact printer having a reservoir roller formed of an ink absorbent material with at least one or more channels within the reservoir roller fluidly connected to a pump and ink supply. A transfer roller can contact the reservoir roller for imparting ink to the ink ribbon. A sensor senses the relative amount of ink on the print ribbon and an electrical drive responsive to the sensor drives the pump for a flow of ink to the one or more channels. The sensor can sense ink on different segments of the ribbon and, with two or more channels in the reservoir roller can distribute ink to two or more segments of the reservoir roller depending upon the ink sensed at a particular segment of the ribbon. A further enhancement of this invention provides a multi-viscosity ink to compensate for changes in ambient temperature conditions.

Abstract: An ink density closed loop control system for an ink ribbon of an impact printer having a reservoir roller formed of an ink absorbent material with at least one or more channels within the reservoir roller fluidly connected to a pump and ink supply. A transfer roller can contact the reservoir roller for imparting ink to the ink ribbon. A sensor senses the relative amount of ink on the print ribbon and an electrical drive responsive to the sensor drives the pump for a flow of ink to the one or more channels. The sensor can sense ink on different segments of the ribbon and, with two or more channels in the reservoir roller can distribute ink to two or more segments of the reservoir roller depending upon the ink sensed at a particular segment of the ribbon. A further enhancement of this invention provides a multi-viscosity ink to compensate for changes in ambient temperature conditions.

Abstract: An impact printer such as a line printer having a base with a hammerbank mounted on the base driven for reciprocal movement. The hammerbank has a plurality of hammers with printing tips formed on frets in two longitudinally oriented rows defining an upper row and a lower row. A permanent magnet with pole pieces retains the hammers until a coil overcomes the magnetic retention. A print ribbon is impacted by the printing tips of the impact printer such as a line printer against a print media. The print ribbon has a first longitudinal high strike zone of ink of greater print yield with a low strike zone of lesser print yield on either side of the first zone. The print yield can be a factor of ink viscosity, pigment content, fabric content, fabric composition, or dye features.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing on a moveable receiver images corresponding to a digital image includes a re-inkable belt which includes a polymer support layer and an ink transfer layer having a plurality of colored patches provided over the polymer support layer wherein ink can be transferred to and from the ink transfer layer, the polymer support layer including heating elements disposed in the colored patches in the re-inkable belt which, when a potential is applied to them, heats their corresponding patch the ink transferable layer to facilitate ink transfer. The apparatus selectively applies potential to the heating elements in the re-inkable belt at an image transfer system and causes the moveable receiver to move into proximate contact with the re-inkable belt at an image transfer position.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for reinking a ribbon of a printer ribbon cartridge provides a selected reinking pattern across the width of the ribbon. A porous member in contact with a source of ink has a height equal to a distance between a first edge of the ribbon and a distal edge of a double strike zone of the ribbon. The porous member is in contact with a transfer roller, which in turn is in contact with the ribbon. The ribbon moves through the printer cartridge along a path of a Mobius loop. As the ribbon passes the transfer roller for the first time, ink is provided to a single strike zone and to the double strike zone of the ribbon. As the ribbon passes the transfer roller for the second time, the ribbon is reversed given the pattern of the Mobius loop, and ink is provided again to the double strike zone, as well as to the other single strike zone. Twice as much ink is therefore applied to the double strike zone as to each of the single strike zones.

Abstract: In a renewing apparatus, a thermal transfer recording medium is made to be used plural times by simple configuration although such a recording medium must be thrown away in the prior art, and the running cost in the printing can be significantly reduced. The apparatus has coating means for applying a thermal transfer recording material including at least one of a photopolymerizing monomer and a photopolymerizing polymer and a coloring agent to a substrate, means for sending the thermal transfer recording medium and means for irradiating light onto the recording material.

Abstract: A printer cassette includes a housing containing a ribbon in a channel, and ink in a well. An ink wheel is rotatably mounted to the housing in operable engagement with the ribbon. A wick extends from the well and includes a stem elastically cantilevered from a base thereof at the well to a tip thereof between which is disposed the ink wheel in contact therewith. The wick stem converges to selectively transfer ink to the ink wheel.

Abstract: The inking mechanism of the present invention comprises one or more free-floating inking rollers which rotate within the housing of a printer cartridge between the inking brushes and the printer ribbon. While the rotation of the inking rollers is unlimited, the inking rollers are trapped between the inking brushes, the ribbon and the housing thereby limiting their freedom of movement. The free-floating aspect of the inking rollers provides a desirable pumping action against the inking brushes and the use of the inking brush, the ribbon, and the housing to trap the inking rollers eliminates the need for additional support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinking a printing ribbon which includes a tank for ink fitted with a ball which, when rotated, transfers a quantity of ink to a sheathed wheel which in turn transfers this ink to a gear through which the ribbon travels and absorbs the ink is provided. An inked printing ribbon cassette including the reinking apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: In an ink ribbon cartridge (or cartridge ribbon) in which a length of ink ribbon driven through the cartridge is re-inked by a rotatable foam cylinder or reinker saturated with ink, an improved transfer roller is provided for transferring ink from the reinker onto the surface of the ink ribbon as the ink ribbon is advanced past the transfer roller. The transfer roller is of generally cylindrical shape and is provided with a plurality of elongated raised ridges or teeth on the outer surface thereof. The teeth present a surface area which transfers a desired amount of ink from the reinker to the ink ribbon as the ink ribbon rotates the transfer roller, and thereby the reinker. At the same time, positive engagement of the transfer roller with the ink ribbon and the reinker is enhanced, for the given surface area presented by the teeth, by offsetting or staggering a lower arrangement of the teeth relative to an upper arrangement thereof on the outer surface of the transfer roller.

Abstract: Continuous or endless loop printing ribbon cassettes and reinking devices therefor which will control the start of reinking transfer flow and the reinking transfer flow rate from the reinking device to the continuous or endless loop printing ribbon fabric substrate. One preferred embodiment of the reinking device in accordance with the present invention utilizes two cylindrical ink rolls positioned concentric to each other. The inner ink roll is saturated with an ink having a normal flow rate and acts as a reservoir. The outer ink roll is saturated with an ink having a higher viscosity or other materials which delay the start of reinking transfer flow when the continuous or endless printing ribbon cassette is new and controls the ink transfer flow rate during the useful life of the continuous or endless loop printing ribbon cassette. In a second preferred embodiment, the inner ink roll is replaced by an inner ink reservoir which controls the ink transfer flow rate to the porous outer ink roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the useful life of a printing ribbon by controlling the ratio of ink used to ink applied to the ribbon, while maintaining visual clarity of printed characters. A counter accumulates the number of characters printed, and the print density, over a preset period of time. The number of characters printed is compared with predetermined triggering numbers of characters, and the print density is likewise compared with a predetermined triggering print density. As a result of this comparison, the speed of the printer ribbon is increased to allow an increase in the ratio of ink applied to ink used, when the number of characters and print density are high. Conversely, ribbon speed is decreased when the number of characters printed during the preset time period, and the print density, are low, to prevent overinking and fouling of printer hammers. This condition applies when the ribbon is relatively new.

Abstract: A fluorescent security system for retail transactions which maximizes the printed character or image life of a combination visible/fluorescent inked printing ribbon while ensuring that the fluorescent security life of the combination visible/fluorescent inked printing ribbon will outlast the visible life for printed characters or images under normal lighting conditions. This fluorescent security system for transaction records consists of a fabric ribbon, a dual-roll foam reinker and an optical filter. The fabric ribbon is initially inked with fluorescent ink richer in visible color dye than a normal fluorescent ink to enhance the printed character or image life of the combination visible/fluorescent inked printing ribbon. A dual-roll foam reinker consisting of an inner roll and an outer roll positioned concentric to the inner roll is used to replenish ink depleted from the fabric ribbon during the printing process. The inner roll and the outer roll can have the same or different pore sizes.

Abstract: An ink transfer medium for toner is disclosed, comprising the following layers, in this order: a heat-generating resistive layer heated by input of electrical signal, a conductive layer, and an ink release layer having a toner layer on it, an adhesion from 0.2 g/mm to 40 g/mm as measured by the 90.degree. peeling off method and consisting of a viscoelastomer having a critical surface tension of 35 dyne/cm or less. It can be re-inked by attaching toner to the portions of the ink transfer medium from which the ink has been removed, using toner held in a toner holding means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cartridge 11 for a printing ribbon 13 comprising a container 12 which houses an inked ribbon 12, a ribbon feeding roller 18 and a ribbon inking element 14. The inking element 14 is selectively actuated from a rest condition in which, during the cartridge utilization initial phase, the inking element does not supply the ribbon 13 with ink, to a work condition in which the inking element 14 supplies the ribbon with ink. A reducing unit 34 and a cam 33,42 are provided for automatically actuating the inking element 14 and guide it from the rest to the work condition, when a predetermined number of turns is reached by the feeding roller 18 for advancing the ribbon.

Abstract: Apparatus for reinking ribbons that can accept ribbon cartridges of different kinds and shapes, and can be modified easily to reink reel to reel type ribbons. The apparatus includes a soft surfaced clamp for contacting cartridges of varying external shape. A tapered varying width drive head can engage within drive connection apertures of different diameters on different cartridges. The location of the inker is varied depending upon whether there is a right hand or left hand drive for the ribbon.

Abstract: An ink transfer roller for transferring ink from a re-inking roller to an endless ribbon in ink ribbon cartridges for, for instance, impact printers being contoured on the outer surface. The roller is a cylinder having a central ridge raised in the middle of the outer surface of the roller and a plurality of branch ridges extending from both edges of the central ridge so as to be equally spaced from each other in the circumferential direction for inking the ribbon in proportion to the ratio as the ink is used.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cassette repeatedly usable for an extended period of time by replenishment of ink to an ink ribbon after each printing operation. The cassette includes a cassette casing, an ink-storing member disposed within the cassette casing and storing ink liquid as absorbed therein, an ink-absorbing member disposed within the cassette casing for absorbing the ink liquid from the ink-storing member through contact thereof with the ink-storing member. A wall member is disposed within the cassette casing and encasing the ink-storing member and the ink-absorbing member, the wall member defining an opening for allowing a portion of the ink-absorbing member to be exposed therethrough to the outside. A replenishing roll is provided to be rotatable while elastically contacting the ink-absorbing member through the opening so as to replenish the ink liquid to an ink ribbon being moved.

Abstract: A printer ribbon cartridge (10) containing an internal re-inking mechanism (12) for re-inking the ribbon (14) housed in the cartridge is provided. The internal re-inking mechanism (12) comprises a drive assembly (30), pump (24), an eccentric (26), an ink reservoir (22), an ink feeding tube (34), a re-inking ring (30) and a transfer roller (38). As the ribbon (14) is threaded and propelled through the drive assembly (30), the drive assembly drives the pump (24) via the eccentric (26). The pump (24) pumps ink from the ink reservoir (22) to the re-inking ring (36) through the ink feeding tube (34). The ink is transferred from the re-inking ring (36) to the ribbon (14) via the transfer roller (38).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is ribbon inking apparatus for inking such ribbon comprising an ink supply in the form of an ink cartridge with a motor actuated piston forcing the ink onto a porous inking wheel which is also the main ribbon drive. A cartridge with ribbon to be inked has an adapter placed thereon to suit the type of cartridge and is inserted into the inking apparatus where it is held in engagement with a friction drive. Puller arms actuated from the main gear box have puller fingers which grasp the ribbon from the cartridge and place a portion thereof against the porous inking wheel for inking. A pinch roller, ink sensor, unit is pivoted into a position where the pinch roller forces the ribbon against the inking wheel and the ink sensors straddle the ribbon to detect the presence of ink and to control the application of ink to the inking wheel.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge for an impact printer includes a liquid ink container, a metering/transfer device such as a peristaltic pump, an ink reservoir pad, and an ink transfer roller. The metering/transfer device and a drive roller for the ribbon preferably receive motive power from a common source. With this arrangement, the cartridge carries a large quantity of ink and applies it to the fabric in a controlled manner, thus extending service life and improving operability of the cartridge.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge reloader apparatus which removes spent ribbon from a cartridge and inserts replacement ribbon into the cartridge. The ribbon cartridge reloader includes a discharge motor to pull spent ribbon from a cartridge, at least one infeed motor, interchangeable bits driven by the infeed motor, at least one clamp capable of releasably fastening a ribbon cartridge into the apparatus and urging an external ribbon advance knob of the ribbon cartridge against the interchangeable drive bits, a footage counter, a ribbon tensioner, and a sensor capable of disabling the apparatus when a pre-selected amount of replacement ribbon has been fed into the cartridge.

Abstract: A re-inkable ribbon cartridge for use in a printing device for printing on a sheet of paper and obtaining a consistent darkness of print. The ribbon cartridge has a base member with an exit arm and an entrance arm extending from the base member with a print space between ends of the arms. A ribbon storage chamber is formed in the base member, and an ink ribbon extends from the ribbon storage chamber and through the exit arm, the print space, and the entrance arm to return to the ribbon storage chamber. A drive wheel is mounted in the cartridge for moving the ribbon out of the storage chamber with a press wheel that presses the ribbon against the drive wheel and meters ink onto the ribbon. An ink reservoir chamber is formed in the cartridge, and a foam pad containing ink is positioned in the ink reservoir chamber. A wick extends from the foam pad and contacts the press wheel to transfer ink by capillary action from the foam pad to the press wheel which meters the ink onto the ribbon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a re-inking device for multi-pass fabric ribbons or tapes wound on a spool. The device is for a fabric ribbon wound on a first spool, with means to mount the first spool to one side of a base and means to mount a second spool to the same side of the base at a position spaced from the first spool, means to connect the ribbon free end to the second spool to provide an unsupported ribbon length extending between the first and second spools, an ink reservoir mounted on the base and engageable by at least part of the unsupported ribbon length, and means to rotate the second spool relative to the base to effect winding of the ribbon from the first spool onto the second spool with concurrent ink transfer from the reservoir onto the ribbon. The invention also relates to a method of using the device for re-inking a fabric ribbon.

Abstract: A system for re-inking ribbons in ribbon cartridges includes a base, a securing shelf for securing a ribbon cartridge to the base, and a motor for turning the ribbon driver of the ribbon cartridge. There is a variable-diameter coupler for coupling the motor and the ribbon driver, the coupler being capable of receiving ribbon drivers of various diameters. An ink-dispenser for dispensing ink onto the ribbon in the ribbon cartridge is movable relative to the ribbon cartridge to allow it to be brought above and into contact with the ribbon in the ribbon cartridge. An ink cartridge having a ribbon to be re-inked is secured to the base such that the exposed portion of the ribbon faces upward, the ink dispenser is placed above and in contact with the exposed portion of ribbon, and a pre-determined quantity of ink is placed in the ink dispenser. The motor is coupled to the ribbon driver and the ink is dispensed from the ink dispenser as the motor turns the ribbon driver.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cassette containing an endless ink ribbon (1) and replenishing ink to be supplied to said ink ribbon (1), and intends to stabilize PCS at an early stage of printing. For attaining the purpose, provided is an auxiliary ink supplying member (16, 32 and 42) to be brought into contact with the forward end of an ink supplier (10) for supplying ink in an ink occluding body (11) to a follower gear (7). The auxiliary ink supplying member (16, 32 and 42) is impregnated beforehand with ink to be supplied to the follower gear (7) at an early stage of printing.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer capable of quickly starting after being turned on and reproducing high quality color images, includes a photosensitive roller forming a charge pattern according to an ink transferred portion on an ink sheet at a time that the photosensitive roller is exposed to light from a light source through ink transferred portion of the ink sheet while the ink sheet is superimposed on the photosensitive roller. Nonconductive, charged ink powder is applied only to the ink transferred portion by electrostatic force produced in correspondence with the charge pattern. The ink powder filled in the ink transferred portion is then fused by a heating roller to form a uniform thickness of the ink layer of the ink sheet, and the ink sheet is used again for the thermal head of the printer.

Abstract: A thermal transfer type printer having an ink sheet rejuvenation system and method for rejuvenation of an ink sheet used in the printer wherein the printer has a transport path for transporting the ink sheet past an ink deposition station for selective transfer of powder ink from a powder ink supply to an ink sheet surface when a bias is applied at the station; ink fixing station having fixing applicator for selective engagement with the ink sheet surface for fixing the powder ink to the ink sheet; and a printing station having a thermal print head for engagement of the print head with the ink sheet onto a surface of an output medium for forming images on the output medium by selective thermal transfer of ink to the output medium surface in imagewise formation.

Abstract: Apparatus for re-inking a ribbon utilized in a typewriter computer printer, cash register, or other printing device. The apparatus incorporates design features which make the apparatus universally adjustable to accommodate ribbon cartridges or spools of varying design. The apparatus includes a drive motor and a take-up motor with independently variable speeds to adjust the rate of re-inking apart from the cartridge advancement mechanism to maximize the volume of ribbons which may be re-inked.

Abstract: A method and device is shown for converting a conventional printer cartridge into a self-contained re-inking cartridge. A conventional printer cartridge is modified by providing an access hole in its top panel and a re-inking insert is positioned within the access hole. The re-inking insert includes a slit formation allowing passage of the ribbon therethrough. The insert further includes a source of ink and a roller assembly for delivering ink in metered fashion to the ribbon. Thus, under the present invention a wide variety of conventional printer cartridges may be converted, for example by a value-added intermediate manufacturer, into self-inking cartridges having a life span determined by the durability of the ribbon, rather than the ribbon length and ink saturation thereof.

Abstract: A method for of connects cut edges of a thermosensitive transfer film having a plurality of color frame units each comprising at least a yellow frame, a magenta frame and a cyan frame arranged in a straight line in the order of the yellow frame, the magenta frame, and the cyan frame where a frame includes a defective part. Each frame has a transfer starting mark. The method includes the steps of cutting the film at a position of the yellow frame precedent to the magenta frame so that the transfer starting mark of the yellow frame is broken, cutting the film at a position rearward of the cyan frame and forward of the transfer starting mark of a succeeding yellow frame so as to remove the magenta and cyan frames from the film, and connecting both cut edges of the film with each other with the transfer starting mark of the yellow frame precedent to the magenta frame maintained.

Abstract: A re-inker mechanism is described for replenishing ink in a ribbon by increasing the contact force between an ink supply roller and a transfer roller as the weight of the ink supply roller decreases. This is accomplished by locating the transfer roller rotatably in a fixed position and locating the ink supply roller somewhat beneath the transfer roller on a support that is movable. A biasing force is attached to the ink supply roller to urge the ink supply roller against the transfer roller with a force sufficient to overcome the weight of the ink supply roller and to provide a predetermined contact force between the ink supply roller and the transfer roller, so that as the ink is used, the weight of the ink supply roller decreases and the contact force with the transfer roller increases.

Abstract: A ribbon inker is disclosed including a transmission gear driven by a motor drive to rotate two spindles and a inking reel through a driven gear and a belt for permitting the ribbon of a ribbon cartridge to be moved by the inking reel over an inking pen, a reverse reel coupled to a reverse gear meshed with a gear on the inking reel for moving the ribbon of a ribbon cartridge in the reverse direction, two pitch adjusting devices and two elevation adjusting devices adjusted to hold down the ribbon cartridge to be inked according to its thickness and width.

Abstract: An ink reservoir (34) capable of maintaining an even distribution of a single color of ink on a printer ribbon is provided. The ink reservoir is used in ribbon cassettes (10) for typewriters and dot matrix printers. The ink reservoir (34) includes a series of cylindrical ink-carrying elements (50) separated by a series of separating sheets (52). The separating sheets (52) restrict or prevent the flow of ink from one ink-carrying element to another element. This maintains an even distribution of ink throughout the height of the reservoir which, in turn, results in an even transfer of ink from the ink reservoir onto a transfer roller and subsequently onto a ribbon. The even distribution of ink in the ribbon results in an even distribution of ink in the characters printed using the ribbon and, thus, improves print quality.

Abstract: In a method of regenerating an ink image recording medium of a multilayered structure, after an ink image on the ink image recording medium is recorded, the surface of the heat-fusible ink layer of the ink image recording medium is uniformly charged. Then, a liquid ink for generating the ink layer, being placed under an electric field applied thereto, is supplied to the ink image recording medium. The liquid ink is prepared by dispersing heat-fusible ink powder into a liquid dispersion medium. As a result, the heat-fusible ink powder selectively sticks onto the portion on the ink release layer where the heat-fusible ink layer is absent because the ink was transferred. Finally, the ink image recording medium thus processsed is dried to remove the liquid dispersing medium.

Abstract: A device for regenerating with ink an ink ribbon which is set in an ink ribbon cassette and has consumed ink contained therein is disclosed. The device includes a housing having an upper surface for mounting the cassette thereon; a guide pin disposed on the upper surface for slidably guiding the ribbon drawn out of the cassette; a guide roller inserted into and movable along an elongated slot formed in the upper surface for guiding the ribbon under tension in cooperation with the guide pin; a rotatable ink pad disposed on the upper surface to contact with the ribbon being guided by the guide pin and the guide roller for transfer ink on the ribbon; and driving means for moving the ribbon in the cassette. In operation, the cassette is removably held on the upper surface, and the guide roller is releasably locked at its play position with a solenoid to thereby make the ribbon contacted with the ink pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replenishing depleted portions of an ink layer of an ink sheet formed with a conductive ink layer disposed on an insulating layer from which ink has been transferred, without unintentionally supplying ink to undepleted portions of the ink layer are provided. Electrically conductive replacement ink is charged and supplied onto an intermediate transfer roller having a dielectric layer disposed on an electrically conductive layer. Charge is supplied to the insulating layer side of the ink sheet and replacement ink on the intermediate roller contacting the ink sheet at depleted regions of the ink sheet is transferred from the intermediate roller to the depleted portions by electrostatic attraction and not to undepleted portions. The method and apparatus are adaptable for multi-color ink sheets and can be employed in connection with a printer or image forming device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replenishing depleted portions of an ink sheet including a conductive ink layer on a dielectric layer wherein portions of ink have been transferred to a transfer medium. Conductive replacement ink material is supplied to the ink sheet and an electric charge is induced in the replacement ink and opposite charges are induced at an electrode on the opposite side of the dielectric layer. Replacement ink contacting the dielectric layer at the voids will adhere to the ink sheet, but charges in the replacement ink contacting the non-transcribed ink regions will flow to the conductive ink layer and will not adhere to the ink sheet.

Abstract: A cartridge ribbon (2) for impact printing containing an endless ribbon (4) initially carrying ink having dye as its only coloring matter. The initial dye is in heavy enough quantity to permit infrared readability of bar codes printed by the ribbon. Re-inking reservoir (16) transfers ink through drive gear (10) only to the track (28) which is impacted during printing. The ink in the reservoir is colored with carbon black. Bar code functioning is maintained by the carbon black added by re-inking. This limited presence of carbon black does not hamper ribbon feed unacceptably, while a ribbon with a full carbon-black ink would not feed well.

Abstract: A self-linking continuous ribbon cartridge is provided with an internal self-inking reservoir having a wick positioned in spaced relationship to the ribbon. The ribbon is wrapped around a drum associated with a slip clutch to provide a slight biasing force to a lever so that as the ribbon is moved or driven by the printer mechanism a shoe on the end of the lever moves the ribbon into contact with the wick.

Abstract: A self-aligning inking roll for a printer which includes an inking roll, an ink transfer roll, a printer, and an endless ribbon mounted on the transfer roll and the printer so as to provide a fresh supply of ink thereto. The inking roll is mounted on an aligner member which is mounted on a support member, with the support member being mounted on an arm which is resiliently biased towards the transfer roll. The aligner member is mounted on the support member at the midpoint of the aligner member so as to provide a fulcrum area which enables the aligner member with the inking roll thereon to pivot and thereby establish a line contact with the transfer roll with the ribbon thereon.

Abstract: Used computer printer, W.P. or typewriter ribbons are reinked using a machine having a ribbon spool or cartridge loading station, an ink applicator and opto-electric sensors disposed one each side of the applicator along the ribbon path. Manual or automatic control inresponse to the sensor output signals representative of the density of ink (darkness), enables the application of a quantity of ink sufficient to produce a desired ink density along substantially the entire length of the ribbon.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively reinking an endless ribbon in that portion of the ribbon known as the ribbon print track. The ribbon print track is created in an endless ribbon by the repeated striking of the ribbon by a print mechanism thereby deforming the ribbon and depleting it of ink. Reinking the entire ribbon uses more ink than is necessary. Reinking only the print track extends the life of the ribbon by selectively using the available supply of ink. The apparatus achieves this result by use of an ink reservoir which supplies ink to a drive roller, which through a rotating pinching movement in cooperation with another roller, advances a ribbon into a stuffing cavity of an ink cartridge. The ink reservoir is rotatably mounted and formed to apply ink only to that portion of the drive roller which corresponds to the print track of the ribbon.

Abstract: A re-inking device for a fabric ribbon carried in a cassette with a free run section of ribbon exposed for re-inking, in which the cassette support and location means, the rotational drive means and the combined ink reservoir and dispenser are all mounted to one side of a base member and are all movable relatively thereto. The invention also includes a method of re-inking a cassette fabric ribbon.

Abstract: An endless inked ribbhon provided in a case is twisted in the form of a Mobius band. An inverting device is provided in the case for inverting the inked ribbon, and a reinking device is provided adjacent the inverting device for supplying ink to a lower half portion of the ribbon. The upper half portion of the ribbon, which has been supplied with the ink during the preceding cycle of the operation of the ribbon, is used for printing dots on paper.

Abstract: A ribbon re-inking device includes an ink reservoir having at least one outlet for dispensing ink therefrom and a drive operable to displace a ribbon past the outlet of the reservoir, thereby to permit the ink to be dispensed from the reservoir and applied to the ribbon. The reservoir is displaceable between an inoperative position wherein release of ink via the reservoir outlet is prevented, and at least one static operative dispensing position. The drive is controllably energizable to cause displacement of the ribbon past the reservoir outlet upon displacement of the reservoir to its operative dispensing position.

Abstract: The cartridge for an inked ribbon comprises a casing having a magazine for housing the ribbon of the closed loop type and disposed in randomly distributed turns, and a pair of rollers for the feed movement of the ribbon. A re-inking pad is rotatable in the casing and an ink distribution roller co-operates with the pad for re-inking the ribbon. The distribution roller comprises a shaft having its ends projecting from the ends of the roller and housed for rotary and sliding movement in slots in the casing and the cover. The slots are rectilinear and have their axes co-planar with the shaft of the pad to permit movement of the roller away from and towards the pad. The distribution roller is held in contact against the pad by the tension applied to the ribbon by the rollers. The tension of the ribbon automatically regulates the contact pressure of the distribution roller against the re-inking pad and optimizes re-inking of the ribbon.

Abstract: A non-impact printing apparatus in which an ink carrier film is formed to have a plurality of holes or recesses, the holes are filled with ink, and then the film filled at the holes with the ink is selectively heated by a thermal printing head according to image information to generate bubbles within the ink in the heated holes and thus to eject the ink onto a printing paper under influence of the pressure of the generated bubbles. The effective diameter of each of hole provided on the ink carrier film is less than the thickness thereof thus improving the image quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cassette-type printing head which comprises in combination: a cassette body for housing an ink, an ink guiding member in which one end portion thereof is immersed in the cassette body, and a film member having a plurality of holes or recesses for housing an ink which is contacted by the ink guiding member which protrudes from the cassette body.