Abstract: An improved rotary trimmer having a blade biasing member is shown and described. The biasing member biases the blade in an inoperative position in which the blade is retracted inside a housing when not in use. A manual actuating means is used to overcome the bias provided by the biasing member and to move the blade into an operative position in which at least the cutting edge of the blade projects from the housing.

Abstract: A ribbon cassette has an endless ribbon contained in the cavity of the cassette and the ribbon is directed by guide arms in a path past a printing station. A ribbon drive roller and a driven roller are positioned within the cavity and the drive roller has a shaft connected with a first bevel gear which engages a second bevel gear for driving the ribbon.

Abstract: A ribbon cassette has a first tension spring located at an exit port of a cavity of the cassette and a second tension spring located at one corner of the cassette which provides a correct tautness of the ribbon as it travels past the line of printing. The cassette also has a ribbon shield which is positioned relative to printing elements to maintain the ribbon in a straight plane along the line of printing.

Abstract: A reuseable ink ribbon cassette which is capable of accommodating ink ribbons having different widths. The ink ribbon cassette comprises a first cover member, a second cover member and a plurality of support shafts for adjustably and detachably securing the first and second cover members together. The first and second cover members each have a plurality of seats for rotatably supporting an ink ribbon supply spool and an ink ribbon take-up spool between the first and second cover members when the first cover member is detachably secured to the second cover member. The support shafts have a plurality of detents thereon which permit the first cover member to be adjustably and detachably secured a preselected distance away from the second cover member, thereby enabling the ribbon cassette to accommodate ink ribbons having different widths.

Abstract: A printer ribbon cassette mounting apparatus includes a pair of aligning posts and a pair of resilient latch members mounted on the lower surface of the cassette housing. The posts and latch members engage complementary openings in wall portions of the printer with which the cassette engages. Two restrainers extend from the lower surface of the cassette in parallel spaced relation to the latch members, and prevent excessive bending of said latch members.