Abstract: A tape cartridge, to be installed in a tape printing apparatus having a cartridge installation portion, includes a tape-shaped member having a plurality of label portions provided along a length direction of the tape-shaped member and a plurality of detection target portions provided along the length direction of the tape-shaped member so as to correspond to the plurality of label portions on one side thereof in a tape width direction projecting in the tape width direction. The tape cartridge further includes a cartridge case in which the tape-shaped member is accommodated so as to be capable of being paid out. The cartridge case has a slit-shaped delivery port. A detection target passage of the tape delivery port, through which the respective detection target portions pass, has a chamfering portion at a corner on an inner surface side of the cartridge case of an edge thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a tape printer that includes a cartridge holder, a cartridge sensor, a feeding device, a printing device, a communication device, and a controller. The controller is configured to detect attribute information of a tape cartridge, identify a model of the mounted tape cartridge, and acquire corresponding current model information, acquire latest model information of the tape cartridge, from an information providing device related to the tape cartridge, generate purchase support information based on the acquired current model information and the acquired latest model information, when the tape cartridge of a model indicated by the current model information or the latest model information is newly purchased, and control the printing device so that the generated purchase support information is formed into print on a print-receiving tape.

Abstract: A double-sided adhesive tape rolled on a cylindrical roll core includes a polyethylene terephthalate film having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first adhesive layer applied on the first surface of the polyethylene terephthalate film, a release sheet laminated on the first surface of the polyethylene terephthalate film through the first adhesive layer, the release sheet being laminated so as to turn exterior to the polyethylene terephthalate film, and a second adhesive layer applied on the second surface of the polyethylene terephthalate film. In the double-sided adhesive tape, 100 N/m or larger of tensile force is applied to the polyethylene terephthalate film when the release sheet is laminated onto the first adhesive layer applied on the first surface of the polyethylene terephthalate film.

Abstract: A method relating to ascertaining and adjusting friction between media pages in a document feeder. The method includes: detecting slipping of a media page when traversing from a stack of media pages to passing through a path defined by the document feeder; and sending a signal to a fluid-containing cartridge to spray small drops of fluid onto the slipping media page soon after the slipping is detected while the media page passes through the document feeder. A system and apparatus are also associated with the above method.

Abstract: A tape route maintaining mechanism for maintaining a predetermined position of a feeding route of a tape-shaped material in a tape processing unit provided to perform predetermined processing for the tape-shaped material, along which route the tape-shaped material drawn from a tape body that contains the tape-shaped material being wound around a tape core, includes: a tape case which is configured to accommodate the tape body such that the tape body can freely rotate; and a route change member provided on the tape case and being configured to change the route of the tape-shaped material drawn from the tape body and to guide the tape-shaped material toward the tape processing unit.

Abstract: A tape route maintaining mechanism which maintains a predetermined position of a transfer route of a tape-shaped material with respect to a tape processing unit provided to perform a predetermined process for the tape-shaped material, along which route the tape-shaped material drawn from a tape body wound around a tape core, including: a bearing which is configured to extend along the normal of the tape body at a draw-out start point of the tape-shaped material to support the tape core such that the tape core can freely rotate and to allow shift of the tape body along the normal; and a draw-out start point maintaining unit which is configured to maintain a predetermined position of the draw-out start point when the tape body shifts along the normal of the tape body whose diameter decreases in accordance with the draw out of the tape-shaped material.

Abstract: A tape cassette that includes a housing, at least one tape, and a color indicator portion disposed between the tape housing area and the periphery, and in a specified area adjacent to the tape housing area on a rear edge side of the bottom wall, the color indicator portion indicating color information relating to the at least one tape and including a plurality of lateral information sections that are a plurality of strip-shaped sections extending along the left-and-right direction of the housing and aligned in a front-rear direction of the housing, wherein, of the plurality of lateral information sections, whether an aperture is formed in a first lateral information section indicates a base material color of the at least one tape, and whether an aperture is formed in a second lateral information section indicates a print color of the at least one tape.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge includes an ink replenishing configuration. An ink ribbon is housed in a housing. An ink replenishing member replenishes ink into the ink ribbon. An ink storing member holds a supply of the ink, the ink storing member being movable either to a first position where the ink storing member contacts the ink replenishing member and supplies the ink to the ink replenishing member or a second position where the ink storing member does not contact the ink replenishing member and does not supply the ink to the ink replenishing member.

Abstract: A printer device is disclosed. The printer device includes: a base chassis that accepts therein and ejects therefrom the printing medium; a top chassis that is disposed to be able to freely open and close in a direction vertical to the basis chassis; an ink ribbon cartridge holder that is disposed between the top chassis and the base chassis, and is attached with an ink ribbon cartridge including therein the ink ribbon; and a thermal head that prints an image to the printing medium by heating the ink ribbon in the ink ribbon cartridge attached to the ink ribbon cartridge holder.

Abstract: In a ribbon cassette of the invention, a driving mechanism that circulates an endless ink ribbon to move to and from a print portion is accommodated in a main body portion of a case. The case has a pair of arm portions serving as an inbound path and an outbound path of a circular movement. The interior of the main body portion of the case is divided by a virtual straight line linking an inlet portion of the ink ribbon from the arm portion serving as the outbound path and an outer circumferential surface of the driving roller over which the ink ribbon is stretched, and a roller-shaped ink tank impregnated with ink is provided on one of the divided sides. The ink tank is disposed in a positional relation that an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical column is in close proximity to the virtual straight line, and an outer circumferential surface of a transfer roller is brought into contact with an outer circumferential surface on a side closer to the virtual straight line.

Abstract: A disposable ink ribbon cartridge for use in a shorthand machine. The cartridge includes an endless loop ribbon threaded through an advancing mechanism in contact with a movable ink reservoir. The advancing mechanism advances the ribbon and also transfers ink from the ink reservoir to the ribbon. The ink reservoir is made from a reticulated foam which provides an even supply of ink over a long period of time. The movable ink reservoir and the advancing mechanism interact to minimize friction between the moving parts of the cartridge. The ink reservoir and advancing mechanism deliver consistent and even doses of ink to the ribbon throughout the life of the cartridge.

Abstract: The invention concerns a replaceable cassette comprising first and second rotary rollers (BO1 and BO2) on each of which is wound a tape (RE) from one of its ends, each roller (BO1 and BO2), being capable of being locked on a receiving apparatus spindle drive. The cassette comprises a mechanism tensioning the tape, capable, when the cassette is outside the receiving apparatus, of maintaining said tape constantly stretched even if an impact, a change in temperature, a mechanical stress or the like occurs.

Abstract: A disposable ink ribbon cartridge for use in a shorthand machine. The cartridge includes an endless loop ribbon threaded through an advancing mechanism in contact with a movable ink reservoir. The advancing mechanism advances the ribbon and also transfers ink from the ink reservoir to the ribbon. The ink reservoir is made from a reticulated foam which provides an even supply of ink over a long period of time. The movable ink reservoir and the advancing mechanism interact to minimize friction between the moving parts of the cartridge. The ink reservoir and advancing mechanism deliver consistent and even doses of ink to the ribbon throughout the life of the cartridge.

Abstract: There are provided a tape cartridge-holding mechanism which is capable of reliably and immovably holding a tape cartridge in a cartridge compartment without spoiling the ease of mounting and removal of the tape cartridge, and a tape printing apparatus including the tape cartridge-holding mechanism. The tape cartridge-holding mechanism comprises a lid for opening/closing a cartridge compartment, at least one pair of left and right holding nails for engaging with a tape cartridge mounted in the cartridge compartment and thereby sandwiching the tape cartridge such that the holding nails press the tape cartridge against a bottom surface of the cartridge compartment, and an urging mechanism arranged in contact with at least one of the pair of holding nails, for urging the holding nail in a direction of sandwiching the tape cartridge as closing operation of the lid is carried out.

Abstract: The inking mechanism of the present invention comprises one or more free-floating inking rollers which rotate within the housing of a printer cartridge between the inking brushes and the printer ribbon. While the rotation of the inking rollers is unlimited, the inking rollers are trapped between the inking brushes, the ribbon and the housing thereby limiting their freedom of movement. The free-floating aspect of the inking rollers provides a desirable pumping action against the inking brushes and the use of the inking brush, the ribbon, and the housing to trap the inking rollers eliminates the need for additional support structure.

Abstract: An endless ink ribbon cartridge with protected splice of the endless ribbon, wherein a reactance detector element housed in the cartridge at a location close to a predetermined travel path of the ink ribbon increases its reactance as a conductive strip disposed on the ribbon at a predetermined location relative to the splice moves close past the detector element, the reactance increase being detected by a protection arrangement external of the cartridge to prevent printing operations from being carried out through said splice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ribbon cartridge comprising a housing with an upper and a lower half, a ribbon received in said housing, a driving means comprising two driving gears for driving said ribbon, said driving gears rotatably supported in the housing and in engagement with each other for transporting the ribbon inbetween the driving gears. Specifically, the housing is provided with a bearing means for supporting a first one of said driving gears at a circumferential surface thereof in the middle of the height of said driving gear, so as to allow self-alignment of the driving gears with each other by adjustment movements other than a rotation around the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A thermal printing device comprises a label tape printer and tape and ink ribbon cartridge for horizontal insertion into the printer. The cartridge housing includes an upper cover and a base which are joined by telescoping hubs and posts. The cartridge contains a supply of tape and ink ribbon wound on supply spools, a ribbon or rewind spool and a roller platen all supported for rotation. The platen and the rewind spool are formed with gears which engage one another. The platen gear is disposed proximate the cartridge tape port and an opening for admitting the printer print head. When the cartridge is horizontally inserted :into a printer openings the print head bears against the tape and ink ribbon which abuts the platen for controlled printing and advancement of the tape and ribbon. The platen gear partially extends from the front of the cartridge for driving engagement with a printer motor drive gear. In an alternate embodiment the rewind spool gear engages the printer motor drive gear.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cassette containing an endless ink ribbon (1) and replenishing ink to be supplied to said ink ribbon (1), and intends to stabilize PCS at an early stage of printing. For attaining the purpose, provided is an auxiliary ink supplying member (16, 32 and 42) to be brought into contact with the forward end of an ink supplier (10) for supplying ink in an ink occluding body (11) to a follower gear (7). The auxiliary ink supplying member (16, 32 and 42) is impregnated beforehand with ink to be supplied to the follower gear (7) at an early stage of printing.

Abstract: Assembly fixtures for assembling and stuffing a ribbon into a ribbon cartridge for use with a typewriter, or a printer, comprises a base plate, stops on the base plate forming a space for receiving a ribbon cartridge, and an instruction card mounted on the base plate for instructing the operator how to assemble and stuff a ribbon cartridge. The instruction card may include three-dimensional drawings of the ribbon cartridge and its parts. A method of assembling and stuffing a ribbon cartridge includes the steps of providing an assembly fixture having a base plate and a ribbon cartridge space providing instruction cards mounted on the base plate for instructing an operator, guiding the ribbon cartridge into the cartridge space on the base plate, and following the instructions mounted on the base plate to assemble and stuff the ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cassette in which at least one of both side walls of a chamber in which an ink ribbon is accommodated is inclined as viewed in plan view relative to a ribbon portion exposed from openings formed in corresponding two arms, one extending from each end of the chamber.

Abstract: A transfer cartridge is provided for a thermal printer that has a first printer sidewall defining an opening and a second printer sidewall spaced from the first printer sidewall. The cartridge is positioned between the first and second sidewalls and includes members, engageable with the first sidewall, for releasably locking the cartridge in position between the first and second sidewalls.

Abstract: A reinking color ribbon cassette for a printer is described. The cassette has plural, independent ink ribbons of different colors - such as the primary colors and a black color - and a ribbon feeder for driving only the ink ribbon of a selected color to perform printing through the ink ribbon of the selected color. The ink ribbons can be used repeatedly by feeding their corresponding inks by a color ink feeder. The color ink feeder is constructed of ink tanks, in which inks of the different colors are contained respectively, and ink feeding members. These plural ink ribbons, color ink feeder and ribbon feeder are enclosed within a cassette casing constructed of a lower cover and an upper cover.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for a ribbon cassette for mounting the ribbon cassette on a carrier of a printer having a pair of resiliently deformable arms which are formed in such a manner as to extend forwardly along the opposite side walls from a rear end of the ribbon cassette, and a pin is formed in an integrated relationship on each of the arms. A pair of holes for receiving the pins are formed on the carrier side of the printer, and the ribbon cassette is mounted onto the carrier by resiliently deforming the arms to fit the pins into the holes of the carrier.

Abstract: A printer has one or more tractor sets for continuously feeding paper along first and second paper paths. One tractor set may be pivoted between positions for feeding paper from the front or bottom of the printer along the first paper path. Where one tractor set is used, it may be removed from the first feed path and disposed along the second paper path to feed paper along the second paper path for printing. Where two tractor sets are provided, the second set is disposed along the second paper path to feed the paper along the second path for printing. The tractor sets are detachable and usable in each of the three tractor set feed positions. Other features include eccentric bearings, resilient roller assemblies, an integrally molded mainframe and a cartridge assembly having a one-way ribbon advance clutch and a tensioning device before the mobius loop.

Abstract: A re-inkable ribbon cartridge for impact computer printers featuring duel re-inking rollers of sufficiently small diameter so as to insure rapid rotational speed, ensuring that centrifugal force will cause the ink to migrate to the outer roller surface. A single re-inking port axially positioned over each of the two rollers, permitting rapid, single-point re-inking, when needed.A radially rotational plate on which the blotting rollers are positioned which by spring tension moves so as to keep the ribbon taut.A two-member parallel dam with the surface of each dam component at over-lapping elevations so as to provide two surfaces to act as an unfurling structure.

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.

Abstract: A ribbon movement controlling cartridge includes a smudge guard/ribbon guide which contains exposed ribbon in a fixed stationary position during cartridge transportation and storage. When the guide is engaged with a printhead, it releases ribbon passage therethrough and acts as a smudge guard/ribbon guide during normal cartridge usage. A Mobius loop forming structure (along a first path for fabric ribbons) includes a central aperture therethrough so as to alternately permit direct non-inverting ribbon passage through the same structure along a second path intersecting the first path, for carbon film-type ribbons. A limited usage metering and self-stopping mechanism insures against over-extended usage of the cartridge. A unique key locking tab arrangement permits a proper cartridge to be positively engaged with a printer while also permitting easy disengagement for cartridge removal and replacement.

Abstract: In a printer of the type in which printing is carried out on a recording medium with a print element through an ink ribbon interposed between the print element and a sheet or paper, a ribbon cassette accommodating therein the ink ribbon has a ribbon stopper removably provided for limiting the movement of the ink ribbon within the ribbon cassette. A switch is provided for detecting the presence of the ribbon stopper in the ribbon cassette when the ribbon cassette is mounted on the printer. If the ribbon stopper is detected by the switch, then a ribbon feed motor is not energized so that the ink ribbon is not withdrawn from the ribbon cassette. Thus, the ink ribbon will not be cut off, which may otherwise be caused if the ribbon is forcibly withdrawn without removing the ribbon stopper.

Abstract: A printing cartridge adapted for use with thermal transfer printing apparatus. The cartridge includes a frame defining first and second printing stations, a ribbon supply spool, and a ribbon take-up spool, both of the spools being rotatably mounted on the frame. The ribbon has a backing layer and an ink donor layer and is guided in a feed path extending from the supply spool through the first and second printing stations, again through the first station, then to the take-up spool. The frame of the cartridge is adapted to receive a thermal printing head for engaging the ribbon at each of the first and second printing stations. The feed path has a first leg extending from the supply spool, through the first printing station, to the second printing station; a second leg extending through the second printing station to the first printing station; and a third leg extending through the first printing station to the take-up spool.

Abstract: A pivotally journalled ink ribbon cassette and an ink ribbon fork are coupled to the carriage of a printing head and arranged so as to be displaceable transversely to the line direction, in a simple manner such that both a multi-color and a single-color mode of operation are obtained. The ink ribbon fork is arranged at its free end so as to be pivotable and longitudinally displaceable on a guide rod journalled in guide arms of the ink ribbon cassette, and in that with respect to the position of the printing roller and of the printing head both means for transverse displacement of the ink ribbon fork and means for oblique positioning of the ink ribbon cassette with ink ribbon are provided.

Abstract: A conical vent (14) for a cartridge (10) is located on an inner surface (20) of the cartridge. The conical vent includes a conical-shaped member (26) having a base (28) and an apex (30). An opening (32) extends through the center of the conical-shaped member (26) to provide an air passage for a cartridge (10). The opening (32) is adapted to create a capillary force on a small amount of liquid (59) that might enter the opening to prevent any remaining liquid from leaking through the opening. The vent also includes a groove or capillary trap (34) that encircles the base of the conical-shaped member. Also, a pair of upright walls (36) and (38) surround the conical-shaped member and cooperate with the capillary trap to divert liquid to the base of the conical-shaped member and away from its apex.

Abstract: A shell-type printing apparatus is equipped with a link mechanism for loading and unloading an inksheet cassette from the printing apparatus. The link mechanism comprises a support frame which supports an inksheet cassette and two pairs of links which have one end pivotably mounted on the base of the printing apparatus and the other end pivotably connected to the support frame. The link mechanism rotates the support frame between a first and a second position. In the first position, the support frame is disposed above and to the front of the base of the printing apparatus so that an inksheet cassette can be mounted on the support frame. In the second position, the support frame is disposed inside the base and the inksheet cassette is disposed in the proper position for printing.

Abstract: A transfer-type thermal printing device transfers the non-image portions of the inked side of the ribbon to an intermediate transfer medium. The remaining image portions of the inked side are then transferred to transfer paper at an image-transfer station using high pressure to improve the transfer. The back side of the ribbon which has already been used at the main transfer station can serve as the intermediate transfer medium.

Abstract: A stationary dot matrix printer for printing both continuously variable and repetitive information on a moving substrate utilizing a continuously driven endless loop of ink absorbing web material and either a solvent laden wick to wipe the print wires or a composite web having a non ink-absorbing impact layer on the print head side of the web. A shuttle element drives the web reciprocally in a lateral direction to distribute the wear.

Abstract: A disposable ribbon carrier for use with a stenograph reporting machine having a printing station, an ink spool supporting station and a pair of laterally spaced narrow feed channels normally providing a ribbon transport path between the printing station and the supporting station. The ribbon carrier includes a pair of arm members which extend between the printing station and the supporting station. A central portion joins the end of each arm member adjacent the ink spool supporting station. Each arm member has a first portion diverging outward from the ink spool supporting station toward the printing station, and a second portion extending from the termination of the first portion to a terminating end adjacent the printing station when the ribbon carrier is installed in the reporting machine the second portions being mutually parallel and dimensioned to be received in the narrow ribbon guide channels.

Abstract: A stenographic machine having electrically powered paper advance and permitting control of key stroke length independent of the paper feed length. The print hammers are mechanically actuated by depression of the associated keys, as in a conventional mechanical stenographic machine. Operation of one or more of the keys actuates an optical switch to trigger a monostable multivibrator, the output of which energizes an actuator to rotate the platen, advancing the paper. The rest position of the keys can be controlled to control the key stroke length, without affecting the paper feed length. The paper advance is initiated on the return stroke of the keys, and so each printed word is visible to the operator immediately after the stroke for that word. In one embodiment the multivibrator energizes a solenoid to rotate the platen, while in a second embodiment the multivibrator energizes an electric motor.

Abstract: Demountable, replaceable, printer ribbon cartridge transport apparatus comprising an elongated, flat, rigid, support member provided with oppositely disposed parallel recessed areas co-extensive with the longer dimension thereof and having means intermediate the ends for adjusting the length of the member and thereafter retaining the adjusted length. An endless inked ribbon is disposed within the recessed areas with each opposite end of the ribbon looped around the end of the support member and back upon itself so as to be moveable lengthwise in opposite directions along the long dimension of the support member. Demountable end caps are secured to each opposite end of the support member to protect the ribbon as it reverses direction about the end of the support and to enable the support member to be cammed into and out of engagement with ribbon drive means.

Abstract: To simplify transport of a recording ribbon, such as an inked ribbon, making an impression record on a recording strip of a chart-type instrument recorder, the ribbon is formed as a closed, endless loop which is guided in a path adjacent the printing mechanism to impress a mark recording paper; the ribbon transport operates in one direction only to move the ribbon, in steps, thereby avoiding difficulties with respect to ribbon reversal and attendant constructional complications.

Abstract: A rotable circular disc ribbon for use with a high speed impact printer. The disc ribbon includes a central ink storage chamber enclosing ink saturated porous material. The disc ribbon also includes an outer circumferential film portion positionable between the character dies or dot matrix pins of an impact printer and an image receiving web. Capillary action between ink storage chamber and the film portion of the ribbon provides continual replenishment of the ink in the film portion as it is depleted by impact printing on the web. This replenishment is further aided by centrifugal forces propelling the ink from the storage chamber to the film portion in amounts which are related to the speed of rotation of the ribbon disc.