Abstract: A cassette for a printer for supplying mobius loop ink ribbon to the print head which includes a means for inking the ribbon as it is returned to the cassette and a means for storing the ribbon by randomly stuffing the ribbon in convolutions therein. The cassette also includes a driving means located between the inking means and the storage means for storing the ribbon through the cassette as the print head traverses the record media. In the embodiment disclosed, this driving means includes a one-way clutch actuatable by means carried by the print head. An important aspect resides in the intallation of the cassette in the printer in that there is no direct interengaging of the driving means with the printer so that the position of the print head at the time of installation of the cassette is immaterial. The disclosure also includes new and improved pulley guides for the ribbon as it is being transported to and from the cassette.

Abstract: An ink supply means for a matrix printer with means for replenishing the ribbon ink for increased ribbon life and a ribbon transport combining high-speed reversibility and means for preventing ink depletion and for preventing ribbon destruction at the print head wires; all particularly adapted for a point-of-sale terminal.