Abstract: A support for a roll of paper or similar material. The support comprises a shaft divided into two portions (10 and 11). The inner end of the portion (11) is internally threaded to receive an externally threaded boss (1) on the portion (10) The boss (14) carries a rubber ring (17) located between two washers (16 and 18). When the two portions (10 and 11) are assembled, the ring (17) is squeezed between the washers (16 and 18) so that its diameter expands until it grips the interior of the paper roll.

Abstract: A printer is provided with a band 44 attached to the printhead 54 to move to-and-fro across the line of printing, and around rollers (98,110) allowing it to pass beneath a printing support bed 12 so that introduced documents and documents being printed are restrained from excessive separation from the printing support bed 12. The band 44 is supported in association with the printhead 54 by non-return cylinders 58,64 capable only of uni-directional rotation. Each cylinder 58,64 is provided with a rotary spring 76 which takes up any excess length developing in the band 44. Spring loaded rollers 98,110 at either end of the printing path support the band 44. Electrical indication is provided when one, the other or both of the cylinders 58,64 cease to take up excess length and when one, the other or both of the spring loaded rollers 98,110 also cease to take up excess length in the band 44.

Abstract: An endless ink ribbon cassette wherein a ribbon is drawn from a storage void for printing and reintroduced into the storage void after printing. The cassette includes a first driven induction wheel having first and second rim portions spaced apart on an axle. A second idler induction wheel, also mounted on an axle, is urged against the rim portions, the first and second induction wheels cooperating to draw the ribbon onto the first induction wheel and between the first and second induction wheels, whereby the ribbon is introduced into the storage void. A fixed insert maintained between the first and second rim portions prevents entry of the ribbon between the first and second rim portions.