Abstract: A device for detecting a travel condition of an inkribbon for printers is disclosed. The device is composed of a rotary member rotatable in response to the travel of the inkribbon and a signal generation means interlocked with the rotary member. The signal generation means generates a detection signal and can not only detect trouble of the detection device but also detect a mode in operation of a carrier on which the detection device is arranged as well as detect the travel of the inkribbon.

Abstract: An inked ribbon changeover mechanism for a printing machine, in which a plurality of inked ribbons are looped over a plurality of guide members, respectively. The guide members are carried on a movable member, which is arranged to be movable to first and second positions relative to a printing head such that a selected one of the inked ribbons is placed in an operative position in which a portion of the selected one of the inked ribbons is located in a space between the printing head and a record medium when the printing head is in a printing position.

Abstract: A platen assembly for a print station apparatus, which comprises first and second indepently movable platen units for holding recording medium so as to compensate for thickness of the medium, a third platen unit interposed between the first and second platen units and independently movable from the first and second platen units, the third platen unit having a minimum length necessary for holding the centerfold of the medium, and first and second springs secured to the first and second platen units and biasing the third platen unit toward a guide of the print station apparatus.