Abstract: This invention relates to a re-inking device for multi-pass fabric ribbons or tapes wound on a spool. The device is for a fabric ribbon wound on a first spool, with means to mount the first spool to one side of a base and means to mount a second spool to the same side of the base at a position spaced from the first spool, means to connect the ribbon free end to the second spool to provide an unsupported ribbon length extending between the first and second spools, an ink reservoir mounted on the base and engageable by at least part of the unsupported ribbon length, and means to rotate the second spool relative to the base to effect winding of the ribbon from the first spool onto the second spool with concurrent ink transfer from the reservoir onto the ribbon. The invention also relates to a method of using the device for re-inking a fabric ribbon.

Abstract: A re-inking device for a fabric ribbon carried in a cassette with a free run section of ribbon exposed for re-inking, in which the cassette support and location means, the rotational drive means and the combined ink reservoir and dispenser are all mounted to one side of a base member and are all movable relatively thereto. The invention also includes a method of re-inking a cassette fabric ribbon.