Abstract: A tape-ribbon supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved ribbon rewind feature driven by movement of the tape advancement means and positioned in a common plane with the ribbon supply spool.

Abstract: A lettering apparatus having an improved interface feature including a printer portion, a data input portion and an interface assembly for connecting the printer with the keyboard comprising an electrical interface, a font motor interface and an initial alignment interface. The interface assembly facilitates quick, uncomplicated and inexpensive conversion of a manual lettering system to an automated lettering system.

Abstract: A dry transfer film and a method for preparing transfer characters therefrom in which the transfer film includes a carrier layer, a photosensitized color carrying layer disposed adjacent to the carrier layer and a photosensitized adhesive layer disposed adjacent to the color carrying layer. Both the color carrying and adhesive layers are photosensitive to certain respective wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum so that when exposed to such wavelengths, they become soluble in a respective solvent or solvents. The unexposed portions of these layers remain insoluble in such solvents.

Abstract: A modular frame structure including a plurality of elongated frame side sections having means for retaining an article to be displayed, a plurality of frame corner sections for joining adjacent frame side sections to one another, alignment means for insuring alignment between the corner sections and their adjacent side sections and a threaded member extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the side sections for securing the corner sections to their respective adjacent side sections.

Abstract: A lettering apparatus adapted for receiving a replaceable tape supply cartridge comprising a pair of spaced apart, parallel frame members defining a cartridge receiving cavity and a print bar pivotally supported between the frame members. The apparatus also includes an improved force resisting arm.

Abstract: A tape supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved device for advancing and assuring alignment of the tape and an improved mechanism for interfacing and aligning the cartridge with respect to the lettering machine.

Abstract: A lettering apparatus adapted for receiving a replaceable tape supply cartridge comprising a pair of spaced apart, parallel frame members defining a cartridge receiving cavity and a print bar pivotally supported between the frame members. The apparatus also includes an improved linkage for generating the lettering force, an improved tape cut-off mechanism and improved means for driving the tape advancement mechanism in the cartridge. The cartridge also includes a device for sensing the amount of tape remaining and means for aligning the tape and characters to be lettered.

Abstract: A laminated tape for manufacturing figures of desired shape comprising a first film layer of a relatively soft and flexible material capable of being cut by an elongated cutting ridge of a cutting die and a second film layer disposed in face-to-face relationship with respect to the first film layer for supporting the first film layer. The first film layer is constructed of a material having tensile strength of no greater than about 1000 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A laminated tape for manufacturing figures of desired shape comprising a first film layer of a relatively soft and flexible material capable of being cut by an elongated cutting ridge of a cutting die and a second film layer disposed in face-to-face relationship with respect to the first film layer for supporting the first film layer. The first film layer is constructed of a material having tensile strength of no greater than about 1000 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A tape supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved device for advancing and assuring alignment of the tape. The cartridge also includes a mechanism for preventing the ribbon supply spool from free wheeling and improved structure for interfacing with the lettering machine to advance the tape.

Abstract: An improved dry lettering printing machine of the type having a printing station, a rotatable disc or type font having embossed characters on the disc and a means for causing the machine to execute a print cycle which includes providing a color carrying ribbon and image carrying tape at the print station, precisely aligning a selected raised character on the disc for printing, exerting a printing force at the printing station, and reciprocating the tape cartridge to advance the tape and ribbon to print the next character at the printing station. The improvement includes an input keyboard for typing the information which is to appear on the tape interfaced with the printing machine with a programmed microcomputer which stores the input data and, with control signals, sequentially causes the printing machine to print a tape according to the information typed on the keyboard.

Abstract: A device for laminating a piece of adhesive coated laminating tape onto a section of lettered tape comprising a housing having a first roller rotatably mounted between the side walls of the housing, a second roller rotatably mounted between the side walls of the housing, a supply of adhesive coated tape rotatably mounted within the housing and rearwardly of the first and second rollers, a guide for guiding a section of the lettered tape toward the laminating station and a cut-off edge for severing the adhesive coated tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a printing or cutting force to an elongated strip of tape comprising a base, a printing station, a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the base and each including a tape receiving opening, a printing or cutting member and a force exerting element. The force exerting element includes a curved force exerting surface with the axis of its center of curvature being parallel to the path of travel of tape through the apparatus and a structure for supporting and guiding the force exerting element in movement between a first and second position.

Abstract: An improved printing apparatus and tape-ribbon cartridge for use in a dry lettering printing process. The printing apparatus includes a printing station, a mechanism for generating a printing force at the printing station, a rotatable font element having a plurality of raised characters on its underside, an improved mechanism, in cooperation with the printing cartridge, for advancing the tape and ribbon into printing alignment with the printing station and means for aligning the printing font. The printing cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a supply of tape and ribbon within the cartridge and a reciprocally movable shuttle assembly for advancing the tape and ribbon toward the printing station. The cartridge also includes a mechanism for rewinding used ribbon onto a rewind spool within the cartridge.

Abstract: A printing cartridge for supplying image carrying tape and printing ribbon in a printing apparatus including a cartridge housing comprising a tape and ribbon supply section and an elongated guide section rigidly and integrally joined with the supply section, a spool of image carrying tape rotatably supported within the tape and ribbon supply section and a supply of printing ribbon disposed within the tape and ribbon supply section. The printing cartridge also includes a wall section for retaining the spool of image carrying tape in a generally circular configuration, a device for limiting the movement of the image carrying tape from the tape and ribbon supply section in a forward direction only, an improved guide structure for guiding the tape and ribbon through the elongated guide section and an improved structure for aligning the cartridge with respect to a cartridge carrier.

Abstract: A printing apparatus of the type having a printing station, a printing force exerting and resisting means, an image carrier and a font element with a raised character and a tape-ribbon cartridge therefor. The improvement of the present invention relates to an improved device for exerting a printing force and an improved tape-ribbon cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to the printing station and for guiding and supporting the font element into printing alignment.