Abstract: Systems and methods include a label wrapper assembly that can retain elongate objects while adhering a label thereto. The assembly can include a wrapping subassembly with a wrapping subassembly axis that can be configured to apply a label to an elongate object by rotating around the elongate object about the wrapping subassembly axis. A set of clamp assemblies can be axially spaced apart along the wrapping subassembly axis on both sides of the wrapping subassembly. Each of the clamp assemblies can have a set of clamp members slidably movable relative to each other between an open position and a clamping position, and the clamp members can provide a clamping force in the clamping position. Each of the clamp members can have a retention element to retain the elongate object therebetween when in the clamping position, and the retention elements can be elastomeric.

Abstract: A media cartridge is disclosed for insertion into a cartridge receptacle of a printer. The media cartridge includes a cartridge, housing having one or more shifting ribs on the cartridge housing. At a position of initial insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, the shifting ribs are configured to center a length of media and an ink ribbon of the media cartridge between a print head and a platen roller in the cartridge receptacle. As the insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle continues, the shifting ribs shift the length of media and the ink ribbon toward one of the print head and the platen roller.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed with improved protection of its media and/or ink ribbon. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge housing for receiving media. The cartridge housing includes an exit opening through which the media exits the cartridge housing along a media path. A media guide is also located on the media path and is spaced from the exit opening a predetermined distance. An edge protector extends between the exit opening and the media guide adjacent a lower edge of the media path to protect a lower edge of the media.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge housing defining an internal chamber. At least one rotatable spool is housed in the internal chamber. In the wall of the cartridge housing, a ribbon lock is formed. The ribbon lock has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the ribbon lock is biased into engagement with the rotatable spool(s) to inhibit rotation of the rotatable spool(s). In the disengaged position, the ribbon lock is urged away from the rotatable spool(s) to disengage the ribbon lock from the rotatable spool(s) to permit rotation of the spool(s).

Abstract: A media cartridge is disclosed for insertion into a cartridge receptacle of a printer. The media cartridge includes a cartridge, housing having one or more shifting ribs on the cartridge housing. At a position of initial insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, the shifting ribs are configured to center a length of media and an ink ribbon of the media cartridge between a print head and a platen roller in the cartridge receptacle. As the insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle continues, the shifting ribs shift the length of media and the ink ribbon toward one of the print head and the platen roller.

Abstract: A media cartridge is disclosed for insertion into a cartridge receptacle of a printer. The media cartridge includes a cartridge housing having one or more shifting ribs on the cartridge housing. At a position of initial insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, the shifting ribs are configured to center a length of media and an ink ribbon of the media cartridge between a print head and a platen roller in the cartridge receptacle. As the insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle continues, the shifting ribs shift the length of media and the ink ribbon toward one of the print head and the platen roller.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a core, a cartridge housing defining a cavity that receives the core, a shaft extending from the cartridge housing into the cavity and at least part way into the core, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring is helically wound to define a coiled outer surface that is received in the core and also includes at least one end that engages the shaft. When the core is rotated in a first direction about the shaft, a circumference of the coiled outer surface of the torsion spring increases thereby restricting a rotation of the core in the first direction. When the core is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the coiled outer surface provides a controlled amount of drag to resist a rotation of the core in the second direction.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed including a print frame, a print head fixed relative to the print frame, a platen drive gear rotatably mounted to the print frame, and a platen assembly pivotally mounted to the print frame. The platen assembly includes a platen rotatably driven by a platen gear that is coaxial with the platen. The platen gear meshes with the platen drive gear. The platen assembly is pivotable about an axis offset from, but parallel to, an axis of rotation of the platen drive gear.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a core, a cartridge housing defining a cavity that receives the core, a shaft extending from the cartridge housing into the cavity and at least part way into the core, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring is helically wound to define a coiled outer surface that is received in the core and also includes at least one end that engages the shaft. When the core is rotated in a first direction about the shaft, a circumference of the coiled outer surface of the torsion spring increases thereby restricting a rotation of the core in the first direction. When the core is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the coiled outer surface provides a controlled amount of drag to resist a rotation of the core in the second direction.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge housing defining an internal chamber. At least one rotatable spool is housed in the internal chamber. In the wall of the cartridge housing, a ribbon lock is formed. The ribbon lock has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the ribbon lock is biased into engagement with the rotatable spool(s) to inhibit rotation of the rotatable spool(s). In the disengaged position, the ribbon lock is urged away from the rotatable spool(s) to disengage the ribbon lock from the rotatable spool(s) to permit rotation of the spool(s).

Abstract: A printer is disclosed including a print frame, a print head fixed relative to the print frame, a platen drive gear rotatably mounted to the print frame, and a platen assembly pivotally mounted to the print frame. The platen assembly includes a platen rotatably driven by a platen gear that is coaxial with the platen. The platen gear meshes with the platen drive gear. The platen assembly is pivotable about an axis offset from, but parallel to, an axis of rotation of the platen drive gear.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed with improved protection of its media and/or ink ribbon. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge housing for receiving media. The cartridge housing includes an exit opening through which the media exits the cartridge housing along a media path. A media guide is also located on the media path and is spaced from the exit opening a predetermined distance. An edge protector extends between the exit opening and the media guide adjacent a lower edge of the media path to protect a lower edge of the media.

Abstract: A media cartridge is disclosed for insertion into a cartridge receptacle of a printer. The media cartridge includes a cartridge housing having one or more shifting ribs on the cartridge housing. At a position of initial insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, the shifting ribs are configured to center a length of media and an ink ribbon of the media cartridge between a print head and a platen roller in the cartridge receptacle. As the insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle continues, the shifting ribs shift the length of media and the ink ribbon toward one of the print head and the platen roller.