Abstract: A motion detector comprising a rotator member having at least one radially positioned member and being mounted for rotation from at least a first position to at least a second position; a detector member, preferably a Hall Effect sensor; and a magnet producing a magnetic field; wherein, the radially positioned member is characterized by altering the magnetic flux of the magnetic field when it moves into and out of proximity to the magnet; and wherein the detector member detects the alteration of the magnetic flux. The motion detector is preferably used to detect the speed, type, position, presence, and absence of a printer ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: A motion detector comprising a rotator member having at least one radially positioned member and being mounted for rotation from at least a first position to at least a second position; a detector member, preferably a Hall Effect sensor; and a magnet producing a magnetic field; wherein, the radially positioned member is characterized by altering the magnetic flux of the magnetic field when it moves into and out of proximity to the magnet; and wherein the detector member detects the alteration of the magnetic flux. The motion detector is preferably used to detect the speed, type, position, presence, and absence of a printer ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: The ribbon cartridge includes a re-inker assembly having a pair of idler rollers defining a nip therebetween through which the print ribbon is advanced. The idler rollers have teeth intermeshing one with the other and with the print ribbon therebetween such that the idler rollers are positively driven when the ribbon is advanced. One of the idler rollers lies in contact with a re-inker roller or wick for transferring ink from the re-inker roller or wick to the print ribbon as the ribbon passes through the nip of the idler rollers.

Abstract: Electrostatographic cartridges having a cartridge base, a toner hopper having a toner fill hole attached to the cartridge base, and a gear housing assembly which blocks access to the toner fill hole and which includes an interior gear housing component integral with the cartridge base are remanufactured by severing the interior gear housing component and then reattaching it to the cartridge base through the exterior gear housing component. Specifically, the one-piece interior gear housing component is severed so that it can be removed thereby providing unobstructed access to the original toner fill hole. Most preferably, the interior part of the gear housing is cut at a five degree angle relative to the cartridge base. The angular cut thereby ensures that the attachment bosses on the cartridge base which serve to couple the base to the toner cartridge cover are not damaged to an extent that would defeat their coupling function.

Abstract: A printer cartridge includes exit and entrance arms for receiving and exiting ribbon from the cartridge in response to a drive mechanism whereby the ribbon passes from the exit arm to an entrance arm past a printhead. An oscillator is coupled to the ribbon drive mechanism and includes a cam carried by the cartridge engaging a cam lever pivotally carried by the cartridge. The lever bears against a printer support when the cartridge is disposed in the printer. When the drive mechanism advances the ribbon, the oscillator is also driven to pivot the cartridge about a longitudinal axis, thereby gradually locating upper and lower portions of the ribbon in registration with the printhead as the ribbon advances.

Abstract: The ribbon cartridge includes a storage chamber for the print ribbon, openings through its top and bottom walls adjacent the storage chamber, and a stripper for maintaining the ribbon in the storage chamber likewise adjacent the openings. A ribbon drive mechanism is mounted on the printer deck and includes a drive gear, and an idler gear mounted on a pivoted lever, also pivotally carrying a cam. The lever is pivotable between positions opening and closing the rollers. A stripper actuating member is movable in response to rotation of the cam and displaces the stripper, when the cartridge is disposed on the printer, toward and away from the drive mechanism. The cam also enables opening and closing movement of the rollers to disengage and engage the ribbon, respectively.

Abstract: A ribbon movement controlling cartridge includes a smudge guard/ribbon guide which contains exposed ribbon in a fixed stationary position during cartridge transportation and storage. When the guide is engaged with a printhead, it releases ribbon passage therethrough and acts as a smudge guard/ribbon guide during normal cartridge usage. A Mobius loop forming structure (along a first path for fabric ribbons) includes a central aperture therethrough so as to alternately permit direct non-inverting ribbon passage through the same structure along a second path intersecting the first path, for carbon film-type ribbons. A limited usage metering and self-stopping mechanism insures against over-extended usage of the cartridge. A unique key locking tab arrangement permits a proper cartridge to be positively engaged with a printer while also permitting easy disengagement for cartridge removal and replacement.

Abstract: An inked ribbon winding device and an inked ribbon cartridge for use in a printing apparatus. A dispensing and a takeup spool, located closely together and at different elevations in the cartridge, establish a skewed angle of the ribbon traversing the exterior of the cartridge. The ribbon wound about the takeup spool engages a rotatable member fixedly rotatably mounted on a support structure for rotating the takeup spool and drawing the ribbon across a printing position at a substantially constant average rate of movement. The cartridge is longitudinally slidably mounted on the support structure and is urged toward the rotatable member by a biasing means.

Abstract: In a printer, an arrangement for transferring ink from a container carrying ink through an exposed wick to an inked ribbon movable on a roller and housed in a replaceable cartridge. Engaging means are provided on the container, which when the container is inserted into a slot in the wall of the cartridge causes the engaging means to lock on to the cartridge wall by the pressure of a spring. The spring action locks the container to the cartridge as well as moving an exposed wick carried by the container against the ink ribbon for inking purposes.