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.