Abstract: A supporting cover for a porous rubber ink roll used, for example, on a printing machine. The cover is formed of first and second sections or halves which are joined together by an integrally-formed hinge which enables the cover to be formed of a one-piece construction from polypropylene plastic. The cover incorporates locking features to prevent the cover from being readily opened when the ink roll is stored and shipped therein. Each of the halves of the cover has a portion which is removed therefrom to enable the ink roll to be exposed from the cover when the ink roll and cover are installed on a utilization device such as a printing machine. The cover has projections on a side thereof which coact with the printer to prevent the cover from being rotated while it is installed on the printer.

Abstract: An apparatus for equalizing the tension of a ribbon in a cassette having an exit area and an entrance area between which a first portion of the ribbon is exposed. The apparatus includes a frame for mounting the cassette thereon and a clamp for clamping the first portion to prevent the ribbon from being pulled out of the entrance area. Fingers are employed to grasp the ribbon and pull out a length of the ribbon from the exit area of the cassette, and the internal drive mechanism of the cassette is used to return the length of ribbon back into the cassette through the entrance area upon the release of the clamp. The apparatus is automatically operated for controlling the number of cycles of pulling out the ribbon and returning it to the cassette.

Abstract: A method which includes loading a length of uninked ribbon into a ribbon cartridge having a support area where a portion of the ribbon is supported and exposed; positioning an inking member and the portion of the ribbon exposed at said support area in operative proximity with each other; and driving said ribbon while in operative proximity with the inking member so as to transfer ink from said inking member to the length of ribbon.