Abstract: A printing system includes a printing machine and media cartridge. The printing machine has a housing, a printing mechanism and a processing unit connected to the housing, a media cartridge interface connecting the media cartridge to the printing machine, and a look-up table for storing media cartridge parameters. The media cartridge has a media support for a media source, and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit has a plurality of conductive traces with fusible links connected together in a circuit pattern on at least one of its sides. The circuit pattern includes an encoding of at least one media cartridge parameter that may be stored in the look-up table of the printing machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film transfer tool that allows a transfer head to be disposed in any of the spaces between letters of normally used word processors for implementation of a smooth transfer operation of film. The film transfer tool includes a feed reel and a take-up reel, which are adapted to interlock with each other. The reels are disposed within a case, and a film transfer tape is fed out from the feed reel to be moved along a surface while being pressed thereagainst by a transfer head protruding from the case. The transfer tape is then taken up by the take-up reel. The film transfer tool also includes a support frame and a transfer roller to rotatably extend between facing side pieces of the support frame and having an outside diameter ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm.

Abstract: The invention provides a carrier device for a thermal transfer medium comprising a spool for winding and supporting a thermal transfer sheet or a thermal transfer receiving sheet, wherein a mark containing a coloring material which absorbs an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined wavelength ?1 and emitting an electromagnetic wave of a wavelength ?2 different from the wavelength ?1 is provided on a region in a surface of the carrier device capable of being irradiated with an electromagnetic wave. The invention provides a discrimination method and a printer each of which utilizes such a carrier device capable of executing at least one process among the kind identification, the fake goods determination and the use amount calculation for the thermal transfer sheet or the thermal transfer receiving sheet based on a detection of the mark.

Abstract: A method of assembling an ink ribbon cartridge comprises inserting a leaf spring having a mounting frame and a flat spring finger that longitudinally extends from the mounting frame, beginning at an opening in the mounting frame, and at an acute angle from the opening, into a housing-half to position the spring finger pointing at the acute angle into the housing-half, and inserting an ink ribbon spool having opposite hub ends and a rotation axis into the housing-half, laterally relative to the rotation axis, to cause one of the hub ends to depress the spring finger at least partially into the opening, whereby the spring finger will urge the spool in one direction along the rotation axis.

Abstract: There is provided a holding component for housing or holding a consumption article, which, in use, is detachably mounted in a printing apparatus, can be produced by a relatively simple method, can solve problems of tag separation and deteriorated positional accuracy, and can realize information communication in a stable and highly accurate manner. The in-mold molded component includes a holding component for housing or holding a consumption article, which, in use, is detachably mounted in a printing apparatus. Noncontact information storage means has been in-mold molded onto a part of the holding component so that the noncontact information storage means is bonded integrally to a substrate constituting the holding component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ribbon wiper that is disposed within a ribbon cartridge. The ribbon cartridge can contain a ribbon and be employed by a thermal printer. The ribbon wiper is capable of removing debris and other contaminants from a printhead surface of the ribbon. The printhead surface of the ribbon is that surface that faces the printhead, and opposes the ink surface of the ribbon, during printing. Debris disposed on the printhead surface of the ribbon can hinder or obstruct thermal contact between one or more thermal elements on the thermal printhead. In such cases, the thermal element can lack the ability to properly produce a dot on a media as instructed by the thermal printer. Further, debris disposed on the printhead surface of the ribbon can accumulate on the printhead proximate thermal elements and prevent generation of multiple or consecutive dots.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge for a thermal transfer printer is configured to provide a retractable feed for a donor ribbon. The ribbon cartridge includes a housing, a roll of donor ribbon wound on a core within the housing, and a clutch operatively coupled to the core. A resilient structure is coupled to the clutch and to the cartridge housing such that the release of energy stored in the resilient structure by advance of the donor ribbon produces retraction of ribbon slack, if the donor ribbon is released or backfed. Alternatively, a ribbon roll having a self-contained clutching and slack take-up capability includes a hollow core configured to receive a roll of ribbon and a clutch having a friction component configured to induce frictional engagement with the core. At least one end of the clutch is adapted to be externally constrained, and a resilient component is located between the friction component and at least one end of the clutch.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printing machine and media cartridge. The printing machine has a housing, a printing mechanism and a processing unit connected to the housing, a media cartridge interface connecting the media cartridge to the printing machine, and a look-up table for storing media cartridge parameters. The media cartridge has a media support for a media source, and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit has a plurality of conductive traces with fusible links connected together in a circuit pattern on at least one of its sides. The circuit pattern includes an encoding of at least one media cartridge parameter that may be stored in the look-up table of the printing machine.

Abstract: A unitary ink sheet cartridge body has a pair of side plates, a partitioning plate, and a cover segment together defining a frame shape with an central open space. The partitioning plate has at least two recesses in an edge facing away from the open center. An ink sheet set is mounted in the ink sheet cartridge body.

Abstract: A hot-stamping foil tape cassette comprises a hot-stamping foil tape transferred by pressure application together with a value-added medium to the value-added medium and a windup reel for winding up the hot-stamping foil tape. The reel on which the hot-stamping foil tape is wound is stored in a cassette case. A shutter is included which at the time of hot-stamping transfer is in a protective position that protects the hot-stamping foil tape. The shutter at the time of hot-stamping transfer withdraws to a withdrawal position that does not interfere with action of the hot-stamping transfer. After hot-stamping, by the shutter, the hot-stamping foil tape can be peeled from the value-added medium. A foil-peeling mechanism for a hot-stamping device, a peeling method for a hot-stamping foil and a control method for a hot-stamping foil tape cassette are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for adaptively controlling printer functions of a dot matrix printer in response to sensing the type of printer ink cartridge being used. An identifying resistive value is applied to surface of the cartridge and installed within the printer. The printer includes contacts that include sensors and sensor circuitry useful to detect a presence of the resistive indicator and the resistive value thereof. The sensed resistive value is used to directly control printer functions, and/or to access stored data or printer control routines specific to the type of cartridge, or desired performance characteristics. Stored information, which may be appended by other sensed information such as printer usage data, is used to selectively regulate printer operation to achieve maximum efficiency and performance from the particular ink cartridge.

Abstract: A holding mechanism 10 for holding an ink ribbon 20 includes a transparent shell 11 and a board 12. The transparent shell 11 of the ink ribbon 20 is provided with wind slack preventive portions 11a to 11d which prevent rotations of a feed bobbin 21 and reel bobbin 22, and wind meandering preventive portions 11e, 11f which bears down an axial end 23a of a film 23. The ink ribbon 20 can be stably held by the holding mechanism 10 during a transportation and a loading thereof. The transparent shell 11 is provided with support portions 11g, 11f which improve a stability when loading.

Abstract: A ribbon cassette installed within a printer having a sensor for detecting the ribbon cassette. The ribbon cassette contains a front saving room, a back saving room, a take-up spool rotatably installed in the back saving room, a feed spool rotatably installed in the front saving room, a ribbon, and a monolithic protrusion set on the front side of the front saving room. If the protrusion is detected by the sensor, the printer is able to print.

Abstract: A recording medium station 53 includes sheet set portions to which rolls of toner sheets 4′ with cover films 6 stuck thereto and rolls of image receiving sheets 2′ with cover films 6 stuck thereto are set, and cover film winding-up portions located close to the sheet set portions. Those sheet set portions and the cover film winding-up portions are disposed along the circumferential outer surface of the recording medium station 53. An end of the cover film 6 slightly stripped off the recording medium is fixed to the wind-up shafts 12, and the cover film 6 stripped off the recording medium set to the medium setting shafts 10 is wound up with a wind-up shaft 12. The stripped cover film 6 is wound up with the wind-up shafts 12.

Abstract: A film transfer apparatus includes a mechanism which is adapted to prevent a reverse rotation of a take-up reel (8) for a tape. The mechanism is formed of a check claw (29) and reverse rotation preventing teeth (30). The check claw and one of the teeth are engaged with each other firmly and reliably. When the check claw should be broken or deformed to cause the function thereof to become incomplete, only the member provided with the check claw needs to be renewed easily by a simple operation. A check pin (23) inserted from the outer side of a cartridge unit (2) into a cylindrical retainer shaft (20) on which the take-up reel is rotatably mounted is combined in one body rotationally with the take-up reel. The check pin is engaged in a reverse rotation preventing manner in a tightly winding direction with respect to the cartridge unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of loading a thermal ribbon having dye into a cassette assembly of a thermal printer apparatus includes a cassette assembly for storing a thermal ribbon having dye. The thermal ribbon includes a supply ribbon core having a supply of the thermal ribbon wound thereon as a roll and a take-up ribbon core. The cassette assembly includes a supply ribbon support for supporting the supply ribbon core and a take-up ribbon support for supporting the take-up ribbon core. The cassette assembly is removed from the apparatus and then mounted upon a loading aid. The loading aid is mounted on the apparatus and supports the cassette assembly so that the cassette assembly extends outwardly of the printer apparatus to facilitate loading of the supply ribbon core and take-up ribbon core on the cassette assembly.

Abstract: An ink cartridge has a pair of sideplates (14, 16) which connect a first portion (10) of the housing to a second portion (12). The sideplates expand to allow spindles (70, 72, 90, 92) and spools (50, 60) to be installed within openings of the housing. The sideplates are spaced apart and are generally parallel to each other. The sideplates are pulled in opposing directions from a first dimension between the sideplates to a second dimension slightly greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: A cartridge identification system for identifying a characteristic of a cartridge inserted in a printer. The cartridge identification system comprises an identification circuit which is triggered by an electrical connection between a printed circuit board coupled to the cartridge and a plurality of spring contacts in a cartridge receptacle in the printer. An electrical logic signal is read by an internal processing unit, which determines a characteristic of the cartridge based on the logic signal.

Abstract: A printer media supply spool adapted to allow the printer to sense type of media, and method of assembling same. The supply spool comprises a shaft having a supply of media ribbon wound thereabout. A transceiver unit is disposed proximate the shaft. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field. A transponder including a semi-conductor chip is integrally connected to the shaft and has encoded data stored in the chip indicative of the type of media ribbon. The chip is capable of receiving the first electromagnetic field to power the chip and then generating the second electromagnetic field as the chip is powered. The second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in the chip. The transceiver unit senses the second electromagnetic field, which second electromagnetic field has the data subsumed therein.

Abstract: An ink cassette includes a first part and a second part each of which has a first end provided with a substantially U-shaped bobbin holder and a second end provided with a similar bobbin holder. Each of the U-shaped bobbin holders has a pair of flexible arms defining a groove in which a pair of protrusions are provided. An ink ribbon set including an ink ribbon and two bobbins is stored in an ink ribbon supply container. The bobbins are supported at the same depth and spaced from each other a distance equal to a spacing between thee first and second parts. The ink cassette is overlaid on the ink ribbon set, with alignment marks aligned, and then the ink cassette is forced into the supply container. The bobbins are inserted past the protrusions into the grooves and are held around their axes by the arms.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge has first and second tubes (130, 132) for holding an ink ribbon. The tubes have slots formed in each end. Spindles (140, 142, 162, 164) are attached at the ends of the tubes. The spindles have a disk portion and an end which is received by tube slots. One of the spindles has a cantilevered member (196) which engages a slot of a tube and allows rotation of the tube in only one direction. The cantilevered member has an end having a radial edge (200) and a ramp (202) adjacent the straight side. Rotation of the spindle in one direction abuts the radial edge against a wall of the slot thus providing a positive drive and allowing rotation of the tube with the spindle. Rotation of the spindle in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the ramp side to contact and slide along a wall of the slot, thus deflecting the cantilevered member inward toward the center of the spindle.

Abstract: A tape supply cartridge for use in a printer of the type having a fixed print head, a movable platen roller and a pair of tape advancement rollers, one in the cartridge and one in the printer.

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 ribbon cassette 10 includes a cassette case 11 having a first accommodating portion 12, a second accommodating portion 13, and a connecting portion 14 connecting the first and second accommodating portions 12 and 13, a feeding core 12 and a take-up core 42 rotatably accommodated respectively in the first and second accommodating portions 12 and 13, and an ink ribbon R having a large width which can be fed from the feeding core 40 and taken up by the take-up core 42 through a connecting member 14, wherein there is provided in the first accommodating portion 12 in the vicinity of the connecting member 14 a shaft 19 extending along the direction of the width of the ink ribbon R, wherein there is provided in the connecting member 14 an edge portion 18a of a wall portion 18 opposed to the shaft 19, and wherein the ink ribbon R fed out from the feeding core 40 is bent at the shaft 19, and then bent in the opposite direction by the edge portion 18a before it is taken up by the take-up core 42, whereby it is possib

Abstract: An ink ribbon is formed form a belt shaped sheet body, and is wound around a pair of tubes. Spools are detachably mounted at each end of the tube bodies. An ink ribbon cartridge includes side plates formed with supporting openings for supporting corresponding spools. Each supporting opening is formed with a cutout portion defined by edges. When the ink ribbon cartridge is mounted in a facsimile machine, the spools are freely rotatable within the supporting openings. On the other hand, when the ink ribbon cartridge is dismounted from the facsimile machine, engagement protrusions formed to the spools catch on the edges defining the cutout portions, thereby preventing the spools form rotating. As a result, the ink ribbon will not unintentionally greatly loosen.

Abstract: An ink sheet cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body has a pair of side plates, a partitioning plate, and a cover segment together defining a frame shape with an central open space. When the ink sheet cartridge is accommodated to a facsimile device, a thermal head and a platen are positioned at the central open space. Also, the partitioning plate serves as a lower transport chute defining a transport path with an upper chute members, so that a recording sheet is transported along the transport path.

Abstract: An ink ribbon is formed form a belt shaped sheet body, and is wound around a pair of tubes. Spools are detachably mounted at each end of the tube bodies. An ink ribbon cartridge includes side plates formed with supporting openings for supporting corresponding spools. Each supporting opening is formed with a cutout portion defined by edges. When the ink ribbon cartridge is mounted in a facsimile machine, the spools are freely rotatable within the supporting openings. On the other hand, when the ink ribbon cartridge is dismounted from the facsimile machine, engagement protrusions formed to the spools catch on the edges defining the cutout portions, thereby preventing the spools form rotating. As a result, the ink ribbon will not unintentionally greatly loosen.

Abstract: A cassette accommodating portion having an upper open structure is provided on a rear side of a body case in a label tape forming device. A first pressing member and a second pressing member protrude downward from right and left of the inner surface of a cover having a center of rotation at the rear side of the body case. A fin-shaped first detector portion and a fin-shaped second detector portion are formed on right and left of the rear side of a cassette to be installed. When the cassette is installed in the cassette accommodating portion in a proper posture and the cover is closed, the first detector portion and the second detector portion are pressed by the first pressing member and the second pressing member, respectively, and thus the cover is completely closed.

Abstract: A holding mechanism 10 for holding an ink ribbon 20 includes a transparent shell 11 and a board 12. The transparent shell 11 of the ink ribbon 20 is provided with wind slack preventive portions 11a to 11d which prevent rotations of a feed bobbin 21 and reel bobbin 22, and wind meandering preventive portions 11e, 11f which bears down an axial end 23a of a film 23. The ink ribbon 20 can be stably held by the holding mechanism 10 during a transportation and a loading thereof. The transparent shell 11 is provided with support portions 11g, 11f which improve a stability when loading.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge structure for a printing head of a large printer, the structure has a ribbon cartridge, an external and an inner clamping piece, the ribbon cartridge is provided with an “L” shaped sheet member of which the two ends are respectively extended to connect with two cylinders. Each cylinder has a rotation axle, and has on the periphery thereof an opening for extending of a color ribbon therethrough. The “L” shaped sheet member is provided on both sides thereof with at least an engaging portion to respectively connect with the corresponding protruding portion on one side of and the corresponding hooking portion on the other side of each of the clamping pieces. The color ribbon is extended between the external and the inner clamping pieces. Thereby, the whole printer have the effects of firm connecting and convenient assembling, improved tidiness of the color ribbon and easiness of reeling the color ribbon.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording apparatus, which has a detachable ink film cassette with an ink film, transfers an ink applied to the ink film to a recording paper by means of a thermal head and forms an image on the recording paper. The ink film cassette holds a supply reel wound around the shaft with the ink film and a take-up reel for taking up the ink film of the supply reel around the shaft. The thermal transfer recording apparatus has a detecting unit for detecting the supply reel mounted in the cassette, and a control unit for detecting the ink film based on a signal from the detecting unit. The detecting unit has a lever, which advances through an opening formed in the cassette from the direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis of the supply reel and comes in contact with the supply reel, and a photosensor for detecting the supply reel through of the lever. This thermal transfer recording apparatus can detect missing of the ink film in advance of the start of a printing operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of packaging for a roll of a web which is attached to a take-up core. The web is arranged so that it packages the roll together with the core, ready for shipment without the need for additional packaging. The web can include an ink ribbon and a leader connected to the ink ribbon.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable thermal printer having a printer housing, a printing mechanism and an ink ribbon cartridge containing an ink ribbon cartridge containing an ink ribbon. The cartridge has a cartridge housing and an improved brake for applying a slight braking force on a core of an ink ribbon supply roll in the housing. The cartridge is easy to load onto the printer. The cartridge forms part of the printer housing and is latched thereto. The cartridge is slid onto the printer and the cartridge housing detents into position.

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: There is provided a tape printing apparatus in which a cartridge-ejecting function by an ejection mechanism and a cartridge-holding function by a cartridge compartment are separated from each other based on a simple construction. In the tape printing apparatus including a cartridge compartment for removably mounting a tape cartridge therein, and an ejection mechanism for lifting the tape cartridge mounted, from the cartridge compartment, the cartridge compartment has a bottom thereof formed with a seat portion for seating thereon the tape cartridge in a mounted state, and a lift plate of the ejection mechanism for lifting a tape cartridge is positioned away from the tape cartridge seated on the seat portion when the lift plate is in a standby state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tape holding case housing a supply of image receiving tape and includes an angled surface to bend the surface of the tape approximately 90°, the angled surface being provided upstream of the printing position of the tape. The tape holding case also includes a casing that is designed to attach the tape holding case to an identically shaped tape holding case.

Abstract: An ink cassette includes a first part and a second part each of which has a first end provided with a substantially U-shaped bobbin holder and a second end provided with a similar bobbin holder. Each of the U-shaped bobbin holders has a pair of flexible arms defining a groove in which a pair of protrusions are provided. An ink ribbon set including an ink ribbon and two bobbins is stored in an ink ribbon supply container. The bobbins are supported at the same depth and spaced from each other a distance equal to a spacing between thee first and second parts. The ink cassette is overlaid on the ink ribbon set, with alignment marks aligned, and then the ink cassette is forced into the supply container. The bobbins are inserted past the protrusions into the grooves and are held around their axes by the arms.

Abstract: A cassette, particularly for a printing mechanism provided with a thermal printing head, with a ribbon reel and a ribbon take-up reel, includes a housing composed of two wall portions which are spaced apart from each other, wherein the wall portions have grooves, integrally formed indentations or slots, wherein outer portions of the ribbon reel or take-up reel are supported in the grooves or indentations or slots so as to be slidable essentially transversely of the axis of the respective reel.

Abstract: A printer apparatus (10) includes a removable print ribbon cartridge (18). The print cartridge includes a ribbon (20) which is movable by a transmission mechanism (49). A ribbon drive member (65) in said transmission mechanism includes frangible tabs (101). The frangible tabs break responsive to encountering a resistance to movement of said ribbon above a predetermined level.

Abstract: A tape cassette is set in a cassette accommodating section of a tape printer. A magnetically affixable printing tape is fed out from a holding reel along with an ink ribbon having a non-magnetic ink layer formed thereon across a cut in the tape cassette and conveyed through between a thermal head and a platen roller while being pressed by those elements. The printing tape comprises a printing layer and a magnetic layer pasted to the printing layer. The magnetic layer is magnetized such that S and N poles are alternately arranged longitudinally of the tape to thereby prevent turns of the tape roll from shifting widthwise. The magnetic layer has a coated fluorine layer formed thereon or has wrinkles formed thereon to thereby prevent blocking from occurring on a printing face of the tape due to its winding. Thus, the printing tape is conveyed in a correct attitude to enable a high quality image to be printed thereon.

Abstract: An ink sheet cartridge 20 includes a cartridge body 30. The cartridge body 30 has a pair of side plates 31a, 31b, a partitioning plate 24, and a cover segment 32 together defining a flame shape with an central open space. When the ink sheet cartridge 20 is accommodated to a facsimile device 1, a thermal head 22 and a platen 17 are positioned at the central open space. Also, the partitioning plate 21 serves as a lower transport chute defining a transport path with an upper chute members 27, so that a recording sheet 4 is transported along the transport path.

Abstract: An ink printer cartridge is provided wherein ink is stored in a foam reservoir situated within an ink chamber. The foam reservoir does not substantially fill the interior space of the ink chamber, and in particular does not contact the lid of the cartridge. The foam reservoir is retained in place by means of a clip which abuts the top of the foam reservoir. In an embodiment, the clip may compress the foam. A number of features of clip are disclosed, including particular arrangements for fitting into the cartridge, and adjustments as to height and width.

Abstract: A friction mechanism exerts a frictional force on a feed pinch roller to apply a proper tensile load to an ink ribbon when the ink ribbon is fed.

Abstract: A tape cassette is set in a cassette accommodating section of a tape printer. A magnetically affixable printing tape is fed out from a holding reel along with an ink ribbon having a non-magnetic ink layer formed thereon across a cut in the tape cassette and conveyed through between a thermal head and a platen roller while being pressed by those elements. The printing tape comprises a printing layer and a magnetic layer pasted to the printing layer. The magnetic layer is magnetized such that S and N poles are alternately arranged longitudinally of the tape to thereby prevent turns of the tape roll from shifting widthwise. The magnetic layer has a coated fluorine layer formed thereon or has wrinkles formed thereon to thereby prevent blocking from occurring on a printing face of the tape due to its winding. Thus, the printing tape is conveyed in a correct attitude to enable a high quality image to be printed thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of packaging for a roll of a web which is attached to a take-up core. The web is arranged so that it packages the roll together with the core, ready for shipment without the need for additional packaging. The web can include an ink ribbon and a leader connected to the ink ribbon.

Abstract: The reuse of an ink ribbon is prevented and the image quality and the proper paper feeding operation are secured by providing an ink ribbon damaging means to a ink ribbon cartridge of a color video printer. For example, a ring cutter is provided to the spool shaft of a spool on which an ink ribbon used for printing is wound so that the ink ribbon wound on the spool is cut.

Abstract: For printing special symbols, particularly stamps onto letters and packages, increasingly so-called thermal transfer printing methods are used. When inserting the thin transfer ribbon (4) over the printing head (10), the ribbon (4) is frequently partially damaged or even torn. The proposed printing mechanism makes it possible to reduce the time required for exchanging the ribbon (4), on the one hand, and to substantially reduce the damage to the ribbon, on the other hand. The object is met by a guide rod (7) provided on a stirrup (8).

Abstract: A dye ribbon cassette for thermal transfer printing comprising a casing containing bearing means having rotatably mounted thereon a cylindrical member having on its periphery a mark carrying information capable of being detected by a sensor on rotation of the member and means operatively engageable with a drive source which is disposed outside of the casing to cause rotation of the member. The cassette may include a pair of identical, spaced apart, shafts rigidly mounted at one end of the casing, one of the shafts forming the bearing means for the cylindrical member, the shafts forming respectively mounting points for a feed spool and a take up spool.

Abstract: A tape cassette which contains a roll of a magnetically affixable printing tape formed around a holding reel and a roll of an ink ribbon formed around a holding reel and having a non-magnetic ink layer formed on the ribbon is set in a cassette accommodating section of a tape printer. The printing tape and the ink ribbon are fed out from their holding reels within the cassette across a cut in the tape cassette and through between a thermal head and a platen roller while being pressed by those elements to thereby perform printing. The printing tape comprises a printing layer and a magnetic layer pasted to the printing layer. S and N poles which extend lengthwise of the tape are alternately arranged widthwise on the magnetic layer. Thus, two overlapping poles of any two adjacent turns of the tape have the same polarity at any peripheral position.

Abstract: A holder for roll-type print media and a roll-type print media cassette, for easing replacement of a roll, including a printing apparatus capable of detecting the presence of a roll-type print media. The holder and cassette include supporting means for supporting the roll-type print media rotatively and regulating means for regulating the unwinding of the print media. The printing apparatus includes print media supporting means for supporting the roll-type print media rotatively such that the position of the axis of rotation is fixed. A contact sensor for detecting the presence of roll-type print media is also provided.