Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for labeling containers, especially specimen containers for medical specimens. The apparatus comprises a printing device; a supply and removal device for supplying and removing at least one container to and from the printing device. The printing device is designed such that it can be moved into at least one first position and into a second position. In the first position, the container is automatically supplied to and removed from the printing device with the aid of the supply and removal device. The container can be manually supplied and removed from the printing device when it is in the second position.

Abstract: A printer includes a print head moving in printing and shifting regions, a carriage connecting the print head and the print head transport mechanism, and a ribbon cassette mounting mechanism that drives a multicolor ribbon cassette to swing. A ribbon cassette supporting mechanism in the shifting region correspondingly supports the ribbon cassette mounting mechanism to different levels to shift color of the ink ribbon while the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism rotates. A ribbon cassette shifting mechanism fixed on the carriage is used, in the shifting region, to lift the ribbon cassette mounting mechanism to a position disengaged from the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism and move the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism to rotate. A resetting mechanism fixed on the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism resets the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism when the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism no longer contacts the ribbon cassette mounting mechanism and the ribbon cassette shifting mechanism.

Abstract: An inkjet printer with a print head carriage is disposed above the printing bed for displacing a print head unit in a transverse feed direction, a print head unit with at least one print head being provided for every color to be printed and having at least one nozzle row oriented in the forward feed direction of the print medium. Another print head unit is provided for applying white ink, whereby the row length of the color print head unit and the row length of the other print head unit at least partially overlap with one another, and whereby of the nozzles of the nozzle row of the color print head unit, only those nozzles lying outside of the overlap region between the row length of the color print head unit and the row length of the other print head unit activated for applying white ink are activated.

Abstract: A marking press device having a pair of type arms that face each other to interpose a workpiece to be marked therebetween, a type fixed on each of said type arms for making a mark thereof, a circular type assembling member around which a plurality of said type arms are attached radially, a device for rotatably supporting said type assembling member around a rotary shaft and for pressing a selected type from said type assembling member onto said workpiece, a driver for rotating said type assembling member, a ribbon guiding mechanism that guides an inked ribbon for coloring marked characters, a ribbon supplying spool for supplying said inked ribbon, a ribbon winding spool for winding said inked ribbon, a ribbon frame to which said ribbon guiding mechanism, said ribbon supplying spool and said ribbon winding spool are mounted, and ribbon frame turning device for rotatably supporting said ribbon frame and turning said ribbon frame to a horizontal position above said type arms when said inked ribbon is replaced.

Abstract: In a multi-color changing apparatus of a small-sized printer, a ribbon color of the printer can be changed by a novel structure highly suitable as a ribbon-cartridge converting apparatus for two colors not for four colors because of its simple structure to enhance productivity and lower manufacturing cost without a high-priced stepping motor.

Abstract: The printer such that when characters are printed, a carriage is moved in a printing direction. Corresponding to the direction of the movement of the carriage, a printing hammer driving mechanism is selected through a pivotal lever, a pendulum member, and a selecting member. In this state a solenoid is energized to make the printing hammer driving mechanism operate. When misprinted characters are to be corrected, the carriage is first moved in a character correcting direction and, corresponding to the direction of the movement of the carriage, a ribbon lift mechanism is selected through the pivotal lever, the pendulum member, and the selecting member. In this state the solenoid is energized to make the ribbon lift mechanism operate.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is capable of recording an image on a recording medium and of erasing an image recorded on the recording medium. The apparatus has a recording device such as a print hammer and a drive motor therefor; an erasure tape for erasing the image recorded on the recording medium by the recording device; a shift mechanism for shifting the erasure tape upwardly or downwardly; a circuit for causing the erasure tape to execute a plurality of image erasing operations; a recognition device for recognizing an erasure condition such as the kind of erasure ribbon, the kind of character and the size of a character; and a control circuit for controlling the shift mechanism so that the amount of shift of the erasure tape varies in accordance with the erasure conditions recognized by the recognition device. It is accordingly possible to improve the image erasure function of the apparatus.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cassette which is adapted to be demountably loaded on a recording apparatus having a recording head capable of recording information on a recording medium supported by a platen, the ink ribbon cassette has the following parts: a substantially box-shaped casing constituted by an upper case and a lower case which are connected to each other at their vertical walls, the casing having a first side wall facing the platen and a second side wall opposing the first side wall, a recessed portion formed in one end of the first side wall and capable of receiving the recording head, engaging portion provided on the second side wall and adapted for engagement with retaining member on the recording apparatus, a pair of through holes constituted by pairs of apertures formed in the portions of the upper and lower cases adjacent to the first side wall, the through holes being adapted for receiving locating members on the recording apparatus so as to locate the ink ribbon cassette, and a path of an ink ribbon ext

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a method of switching ribbon tracks of an ink ribbon. The printer uses an ink ribbon having a plurality of ribbon tracks of the same color and properly switches the ribbon tracks from one to another in a printing operation. This ribbon-track switching method switches the ribbon tracks from one to another when a printing page is changed or an equivalent operation is executed. It is therefore possible to suppress a decrease in printing density to thereby prolong the service life of the ink-ribbon cartridge. Since the ribbon tracks are switched from one to another when a printing page is changed or an equivalent operation is executed, thus inhibiting the switching of the ribbon tracks on the same page, the printing density on the same page becomes even and the printing quality can be improved.

Abstract: An improvement in movement of the recording section in a recording apparatus such as a typewriter, a printer or the like is provided. This recording apparatus comprises: a print ribbon cassette having a recording material; a carriage having a solenoid or a cam for moving the cassette; a detector for detecting the vertical or horizontal moving amount of the cassette; and a controller for controlling the moving condition of the cassette moved by the carriage on the basis of an output from the detector. The moving time of the ribbon cassette is changed in accordance with the typing speed of the operator or the size of character to be recorded. Thus, the whole printing time can be shortened and the noise generated in association with the typing operation can be reduced.

Abstract: A feed wheel 10 provided at front and rear sides thereof with an intermittent gear 10b and a notched gear 10d, is formed on one end portion of a cylindrical cam shaft 5 for moving a printer, with a mesh-prevention side 10c left at its center. A switch cam 11 for moving a ribbon cassette upwardly and downwardly is integrally formed on one end portion of a guide shaft 4 of the printer. A notched pinion 9 having a feed gear 9a and an intermittent feed gear 9b arranged alternately on its peripherals surface is also slidably mounted on the end portion of the guide shaft 4. When the printer is moved to a two-color shifting position in accordance with a program, the printer pushes the notched pinion 9 for movement against a compression spring 8, so that the intermittent feed gear 9b and the feed gear 9a of the notched pinion 9 is brought into mesh with the intermittent gear 10b and the notched gear 10d of the feed wheel 10, respectively, to rotate the notched pinion 9 in order to pivot a switch cam 11.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanism for correcting the printing position of an electronic typewriter comprising a working pin attached to a ribbon bracket, the working pin cooperating with a ribbon cam so as to move the ribbon bracket to a printing or correction position, a coil spring for resiliently supporting the working pin, a printing track groove and correction track groove formed in one side of the ribbon cam and connected to each other, a correction angle formed between the starting points of the printing and correction grooves, and two slopes respectively formed in the starting points of the grooves. The lower ends of a push pawl and pawl locker are connected to carriage body respectively by means of a push pawl coil spring and pawl locker coil spring. A push cam is rotated by the turning force of a motor transmitted via an idle gear and following gear, and the pawl locker contacts the push pawl locker of the push pawl.

Abstract: A recording device in which an ink ribbon is used and recording is performed shifting the ribbon in the direction of the width of the ribbon and having a sensor for detecting the end of an effective portion of the ribbon. Using the end sensor, the vertical position of the region of the ribbon used for recording is detected.

Abstract: A printer with a plurality of ink ribbon cassettes is capable of printing characters or designs with a selected one of these ink ribbon cassettes. The printer includes a vertically movable cassette table on which the plurality of ink ribbon cassettes are mounted in a stacked relationship, a stepping motor, and a rotary cam mechanism for moving the cassette table up and down when the stepping motor drives to rotate the rotary cam mechanism. There is further provided a memory for pre-storing the rotational speed data for each rotational angle of the rotary cam mechanism according to a variation pattern of load applied to the stepping motor together with the rotation of the rotary cam mechanism. The rotational speed of the stepping motor is controlled accoding to the rotational speed data corresponding toe ach rotational angle of the rotary cam mechanism read out of the memory.

Abstract: A printer employs an ink ribbon in the form of a tape and is provided with a control system for judging proper printing positions of characters to be printed within respective printing ranges and for determining the relative position of the ink ribbon with respect to a printing head and a stepping motor for shifting the ink ribbon in a direction widthwise of the ink ribbon in response to signals from the control system so that printing is performed utilizing only the center portion of the ink ribbon regardless of the character or symbol being printed.

Abstract: In a printing device, a stationary element and a contact element for detecting an original position are respectively provided on a frame and on a gear pivotally rotating through a stepping motor. By employing an above arrangement, it is possible to easier assemble and adjust for a uniform printing quality, which is guaranteed even with a smaller size of the stepping motor.

Abstract: A printing device that detects misspelled words which contains a counter for counting a period of time after a detection of misspelling of the character string executed by a spelling check and a print controller for controlling a print head member so as to execute print operations in case that a value counted by the counter reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A printing apparatus employing a print ribbon provided with at least two print zones divided in width direction thereof wherein the print zones are cyclically located opposedly to a print position on a platen.A single drive power source is used to drive a ribbon holder rocking mechanism and a ribbon winding mechanism. The drive force of the drive power source to rock the ribbon holder is transmitted to the ribbon winding mechanism through a gear train. The gear train is arranged such that the drive force is transmitted therethrough only during a predetermined range of the stroke of the rocking motion of the ribbon holder.The rocking motion of the ribbon holder is controlled to vary the amount thereof depending upon the width of characater or symbol to be printed so as to vary the winding volume of the ribbon.

Abstract: A multicolor ink ribbon switching system for a printer includes at least one discrimination switch, a controller, a cassette swinging mechanism, and a ribbon feed mechanism. The discrimination switch discriminates whether a ribbon cassette mounted on a base is a multicolor or monochromatic ink ribbon cassette. The controller receives an output from the discrimation switch. If the output represents the multicolor ribbon cassette, the controller outputs a swinging signal in the color switching mode and a ribbon feed signal in the printing mode. However, if the output represents a monochromatic ribbon cassette, the controller outputs a ribbon feed signal. The cassette swinging mechanism causes the ribbon cassette to swing in response to the cassette swinging signal to switch ribbon colors. The ribbon feed mechanism winds the ribbon in response to the ribbon feed signal from the controller.

Abstract: A serial impact printer and including a single cam member for properly establishing and maintaining the throat gap distance between a character imprinting surface and the platen at a print point and for raising and lowering a selected ribbon, of a composite marking correcting ribbon pack assembly, to and from the print point. A short throat gap distance is needed for commercially acceptable printing speeds in this hammer mass printer, and is needed for high quality printing; conversely, a long throat gap distance is needed for print point visibility at all other times. The cam member has plural camming surfaces which coordinate ribbon position with throat gap distance.

Abstract: A printing apparatus in which a cam member is connected to a type wheel by means of a rotating shaft so that the cam member rotates in a body with the wheel. The wheel is rotated by means of a motor for type selection. A pair of ribbon vibrators for supporting a correction ribbon are connected to the cam member by means of an operating plate attached to one of the vibrators. As the cam member rotates, a cam follower pin at the distal end portion of the operating plate alternatively engages one of first, second, and third cam portions formed on the cam member. In a normal printing operation, the correction ribbon is held in a nonprinting position, with the cam follower pin in the third cam portion, while the cam member is rotating in one direction. When the cam member rotates in the other direction, the pin is moved to the second cam portion via the first cam portion, so that the correction ribbon is held in a printing position. In this state, type selection and print correction are performed.

Abstract: An impact printer has a print ribbon that is divided into horizontal colored strips to enable color printing. A printhead is mounted on a moving carriage that moves across the width of a printing medium upon which the printing is to be deposited. The print ribbon also moves relative to the carriage. A ribbon shift mechanism is configured to include a print ribbon guide, the ribbon shift mechanism being slideably mounted in the carriage to move in a vertical direction relative thereto. A wire matrix printhead is connected to the carriage and has a printing end adjacent the print ribbon. A gear shaft is positioned to engage the gear sections of a pair of racks that are connected to the ribbon shift mechanism and which pass through the carriage. When the gear shaft is turned, the racks are engaged which cause the ribbon shift mechanism, and the print ribbon, to move either up or down thereby presenting a desired color to the printing end of the printhead.

Abstract: A coloring system for a printing apparatus, wherein a color ribbon is mounted within a cartridge which may be inserted within the printing apparatus so that the color ribbon is operable in cooperation with a print head to effect color printing on a recording carrier, with the print head operating from above the recording carrier and with the color ribbon being wound about a pair of spools having parallel axes arranged to extend horizontally when the cartridge is mounted in a housing of the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus including a guide and stop mechanism operable to hold the cartridge within the housing in operative position with the cartridge projecting above the housing to a degree in accordance with the dimensions of the spools upon which the color ribbon is mounted.

Abstract: A printer having a ribbon lift mechanism for lifting a ribbon from a rest position to a printing position. The printer operates in two different modes, that is, a printer mode in which characters are printed according to the data in a memory and a typewriter mode in which characters are printed according to the data from a keyboard. The ribbon is returned from the printing position to the rest position when no subsequent data comes from the memory within a first preset time interval in the printer mode or when no subsequent data comes from the keyboard within a second preset time interval in the typewriter mode. The second time interval is preset shorter than the first time inteval in order to print successively in the printer mode and to put back the ribbon to the rest position quickly when an operator needs to check the print on a printing paper in the typewriter mode.

Abstract: The correction device is applied to an electronic typewriter with a daisywheel and comprising an electric selector motor which selectively rotates the character-carrying daisywheel in the clockwise and the anti-clockwise directions for selecting the characters to be typed and/or corrected, a carrier for a correcting ribbon and a control member for lifting the carrier and permitting correction of the typed characters. A small correcting solenoid can be activated to couple the control member of the correcting ribbon to the selector motor. The control unit controls the motor and the solenoid in such a way that the selector motor can also actuate the control member in each correction cycle for positioning the correcting ribbon in front of the typing point. In the illustrated form, the solenoid unlatches a lever which drops to bring the control member into mesh with a gear on the motor shaft. The control gear is eccentrically mounted on the lever and a first 180.degree. revolution, corresponding to 360.degree.

Abstract: There is provided an ink ribbon cassette detachably mounted on a carriage of a recording apparatus, housing an ink ribbon supplied from a casing and taken up therein after passing through a recording section and including first positioning means for positioning the ink ribbon cassette in a first direction when the ink ribbon cassette is mounted on the carriage, and second positioning means for positioning the ink ribbon cassette in a second direction when the ink ribbon cassette is mounted on the carriage, wherein at least one of the first and second positioning means is elastically engaged with positioning means of the carriage, and inclined portions are formed at ink ribbon exit and entrance portions in the widthwise direction of the ink ribbon. A tension spring is included to prevent slackening of the ink ribbon in the cassette.

Abstract: A ribbon control apparatus for a color printer has a cartridge holder to be installed with a ribbon cartridge supporting a color ribbon which has four color bands aligned to the lateral direction of the color ribbon, a carriage for supporting the holder movably in the lateral direction of the ribbon, and a drive section for driving the holder. The control apparatus further has a first detecting switch for detecting that the cartridge is disposed at an initial position, and a second detecting switch for detecting that the cartridge is exchanged. The drive section responds to a detection signal from the second switch to move the cartridge toward the initial position when the cartridge is exchanged, and responds to a detection signal from the first switch to tilt the cartridge to locate a previously selected color band of the ribbon relative to the printing head consistent with the location of the previous cartridge prior to its replacement.

Abstract: A printing ribbon positioning apparatus and method of operation thereof advances a ribbon in connection with the printing of a character with one of a plurality of print rows across the width of the ribbon by an amount that takes into consideration the past advancement of the ribbon in connection with the last characters printed with each of the other rows of the ribbon and the widths of the character to be printed and the last character printed with the same print row of the ribbon as the character to be printed.

Abstract: In a printer having a platen, a printhead carriage moving along the platen, the mounting of a multicolor band ribbon with ribbon case and of a ribbon guide is improved by pivoting one end of the ribbon casing to the frame, and one end of the guide to the carriage; two cams are mounted axially immobile on a shaft and against the ribbon case such that different portions of these cams depending upon the rotational position of the shaft determines the pivot position of the case to thereby place different color bands in between said print heads and said platen; the frame for the ribbon guide is held by another cam mounted for axial movement with said carriage but rotating with the shaft so that all cams rotate in synchronism.

Abstract: A printer having extended ribbon capacity is provided with a vacuum buffering system which stores ribbon on either side of a ribbon utilization mechanism, illustratively an impact print head. In a preferred embodiment, the ribbon is stored in a pair of vacuum chambers which are arranged to pivot about a common axis as a carriage which bears the print head is translated along a carriage path. The vacuum chambers are each provided with telescopically extendable members which compensate for variations in the distance between the pivot of the vacuum chambers and the print carriage, as the print carriage is translated. A ribbon lift system for multitrack embodiments utilizes off-carriage drive and a direction-determining clutch toggle system.

Abstract: An improved solenoid wherein the volume of a secondary air gap is increased during the plunger stroke, in order to reduce the increased plunger force that would otherwise occur during the plunger stroke.

Abstract: A single solenoid is connected to a ribbon feed mechanism which is selectively operable either to feed a print ribbon or to lift and feed an error correction tape. A print hammer solenoid is operable to condition the ribbon feed mechanism either for feeding the print ribbon or lifting and feeding the error correction tape. To feed the print ribbon, an electronic circuit energizes the print hammer solenoid before energizing the ribbon feed solenoid in response to depressing a character key. To lift and feed the error correction tape, the electronic circuit energizes the print hammer solenoid after energizing the ribbon feed solenoid in response to depressing a correction key.

Abstract: This application discloses an inked ribbon operation device in a printer in which a carriage having printing means is moved in parallel to the platen to perform printing, a reversible motor is supported on the carriage, a pair of spaced ribbon shafts are rotatably supported on the carriage for re-winding the ribbon from one ribbon shaft to the other ribbon shaft, a guide member is supported for holding the inked ribbon between the pair of ribbon shafts for moving the ribbon between the printing position and printed area viewing position, ribbon feed means is disposed between the motor and the ribbon shafts for rotating the ribbon shafts in response to the rotation of the motor in the forward direction, first connection means is disposed between the motor and guide member for moving the guide member to the raised position in response to the rotation of the motor in the forward direction, second connection means is disposed between the motor and guide member for moving the guide member to the lowered position i

Abstract: A ribbon lifting mechanism usable for a typewriter including a holder turnably supported in a frame, a motor driven ribbon lifting cam and at least a cam follower operatively connected to the holder. Printing ribbon and correction tape are accommodated in the holder and either of them is located at the printing position by means of the ribbon lifting cam which is formed with a plurality of cam sections. The cam follower is actuated in accordance with cam sections on the ribbon lifting cam. The mechanism further includes a stopper member which serves to locate the printing ribbon at the printing position while it is engaged to the holder. The stopper member also serves to locate the correction tape at the printing position while it is disengaged from the holder.

Abstract: A color printer includes a carriage slidably movable on a printer frame. A print head is mounted on the carriage. A multiple-color ink ribbon having bands of color is stored in a cartridge which guides the multiple-color ink ribbon to the print head. A color selecting mechanism moves the cartridge and the multiple-color ink ribbon relative to the print head to select a color band for printing. An advancing mechanism winds the multiple-color ink ribbon in the storage member to tension the multiple-color ink ribbon after a color band has been selected and prior to printing.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a newly re-coated continuous ribbon to a moving printhead carrier in a printer. The present invention is particularly adaptable for use in thermal printers having multicolored ribbons. The apparatus comprises a cartridge housing which is mounted on the printer frame, and which contains the ribbons. The newly re-coated ribbons exit the cartridge housing, become coupled to the moving printhead carrier, and then reenter the cartridge housing as used ribbon. The used ribbon passes a re-coating station where it is re-inked through contact with a donor ribbon and heated pressure rollers to become newly re-coated ribbon. A lift arm on the printhead carrier selects the desired colored ribbon which has been newly re-coated for printing.

Abstract: Apparatus for adapting a common dc motor for use in a typewriter to drive the ribbon lift and advance functions. The motor is coupled by means of a set of gears to a shaft on which are mounted the ribbon advance gear and ribbon lift cams. Also mounted on the shaft is a slotted disk. As the motor and disk rotate, an optical sensor outputs a signal for each slot. A processor then computes the motor speed from the slot timing and issues modulated pulses to the motor to regulate its speed.

Abstract: A positioning device for a printer for driving a ribbon base on which a ribbon cassette is carried by means of a stepping motor to position a ribbon to any of predetermined shift positions. The device includes a stopper for defining a home position of the ribbon cassette, and a power transmitting mechanism for transmitting a power of the stepping motor to the ribbon base. The power transmitting mechanism includes therein a torque limiter which yields a slip therein when a torque lower than a pull-out torque of the stepping motor is applied thereto. Accordingly, when the ribbon cassette is abutted with the stopper, the stepping motor is allowed to continue rotation thereof without stepping out by the torque limiter, thereby preventing an out-of-phase condition of the stepping motor at a stopped position thereof. Consequently, upon subsequent operation, the ribbon cassette can be shifted accurately, and hence color mixture in printing can be eliminated.

Abstract: A ribbon supply arrangement for a printer is provided with a first ribbon supply portion having supply and take-up reels therein, the ribbon being provided to a second ribbon supply portion which is installed on a carriage of the printer. In one embodiment, the first ribbon supply portion is pivotally coupled to the second ribbon supply portion, and also pivotally coupled to a pivot coupling on the frame of the printer such that the bulk of the weight of the first ribbon supply portion, including the ribbon supply therein is borne by the frame, and not the print carriage. In a further embodiment, the first ribbon supply portion is provided with a large supply reel and a plurality of take-up reels.

Abstract: A single drive source drives a pressing cam to selectively press a thermal head against a thermal transfer tape for printing on a recording paper behind the tape. The tape is divided into three longitudinal printing regions so the thermal head can be reciprocally moved forward, back and forward again respectively over the three regions of the tape before the tape is advanced to a new section. The drive source powers the reciprocating movement of the thermal head and the tape winding as well.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) is attached to a carrier and tiltable around a tilting axis (2). The carrier is movable along platen (3) and parallel to the print line and tilting axis (2). On the rear and on the bottom of the cartridge a drive knob (4) is provided as part of the internal cartridge ribbon drive. On the carrier a ribbon feed device with wheel (6) and upright standing blades (7) is provided. Those blades (7) cooperate with walls (9) inside the knob surface and form a kind of screw driver interconnection. Both engaging parts (7) and walls (9) allow a movement perpendicular to their rotational axis and to each other. Wheel (6) with blades (7) rotates around an axis (11) and knob (4) rotates around axis (12). Intentionally the two rotational axes (11, 12) are offset to each other relative to tilting axis (2). Thus, always a moment around this tilting axis (2) is created.

Abstract: A multicolor inked ribbon cartridge for an impact serial printer comprising a ribbon housing body and two arms protruding from such body to allow the interposition of a ribbon portion between a printing head and a printing support for the whole length of the platen when the cartridge is rotatably attached to the frame of an impact serial printer by means of two lateral cylindrically-shaped projections provided on the body of a cartridge thus permitting rotation of the body around a common axis of said cylindrical projections, parallel to the platen. The cartridge rotation around such axis and therefore the positioning of a suitable multicolor band between the printing head and printing support is assured by a cam actuated by a motor and interacting with the body of such cartridge. The cartridge is further provided with a string made tight between the ends of its arms upon the multicolor ribbon portion which is interposed between the head and printing support.

Abstract: A ribbon positioning mechanism comprises a ribbon cartridge, a nosepiece, a stepper motor and flexible ribbon guides connecting the ribbon cartridge to the nosepiece. The nosepiece has two side members connected by a bridge, one of which has a downwardly extending leg. A rack located on the bottom of the leg engages a pinion attached to the stepper motor for lifting the nosepiece into a desired position. A ribbon, having a plurality of parallel color bands, passes from the ribbon cartridge via the flexible ribbon guides and through the nosepiece where it is aligned with a print head. The nosepiece freely slides on vertical guide posts attached to a print head carrier and printer logic controls the stepper motor to align the desired color band with the print head.

Abstract: A cartridge for a typing ribbon and spools for a correcting ribbon are mounted on a common frame which can tilt about a spindle. In a lowered position of the frame the typing line behind a daisy wheel is visible. The frame is raised by a first stroke to the position shown to dispose the typing ribbon over the typing point on the platen. A longer stroke raises the correcting ribbon to the typing point and this longer stroke also actuates an automatic ratchet wheel and pawl type of feed mechanism for the correcting ribbon. The two strokes of the frame are controlled by a disc comprising two cam tracks with a common part and separate parts having different degrees of eccentricity relative to the common part.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge (10) is attached to a carrier (1) of a printing device such that it is tiltable along an axis that is parallel to the print line to drop the ribbon such that the print line is visible. That part of cartridge (10) which is opposite of the ribbon exposing part and on the other side of tilting axis (18) is on its bottom provided with a ribbon advance knob (8). Into this knob (8) two essentially upright standing walls and inclined ramps (11) are molded. The ribbon feed device (6), provided on carrier (1), has a blade (5) or noses (17) which cooperate with slot-forming walls (12) of knob (8). In ribbon drive direction (14) cartridge (10) automatically drops into coupling interconnection for ribbon feed. Upon turning ribbon feed device (6) in reverse direction (16) blade (5) or noses (17) slide up ramp (11) and lift the rear part and drop the front part of the cartridge (10) so that the print line is rendered visible.

Abstract: A cartridge 12 for correction tape 22 is disclosed which utilizes a cam follower 40 operated pawl 50/ratchet 52 for feeding of the tape 22, where the pawl 50 is operated as a result of the movement of a cam follower 40 against a cam 40 on the support frame 10. As the cartridge 12 oscillates, the pawl 50 is displaced to increment the ratchet 52 to effect feed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanism for raising and feeding different types of ink ribbons in typewriters and similar machines. With a simple design and using only one motor under programmed control, the mechanism is capable of utilizing ink ribbons economically, e.g. printing alternately in several printing zones of a ribbon or in several colors. It also feeds ribbon by a length which corresponds to the type of ribbon, or type of operation, e.g. proportional typing. The starting point for the various functions is a basic position to which the mechanism is positioned by the motor.

Abstract: A drive system to raise and transport both print and correction ribbons on typewriters or like machines is powered by a single bidirectional stepping motor. In one direction of rotation the motor acts via a special action clutch to first drive mechanisms for raising a print ribbon and then to establish gear connections for driving mechanisms for transporting the print ribbon. In the other direction, the motor acts to establish gear connections for driving mechanisms for raising and transporting a correction ribbon.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for proportional ribbon (23) tracking on a printer (20), the printer (20) including a carrier (30) upon which implements of printing, for example the printwheel (25), ribbon (23) and hammer (28) are all mounted for translation opposite a platen (21). Ribbon lift mechanism is provided for effecting elevation of a ribbon (23) to multiple predetermined positions or tracks (1-10) (FIG. 3B) intermediate a printwheel (25) and a platen (21) so that indicia or character may be printed on print receiving medium (22) held thereby. In essence, an input means (11) receives a character to be printed. The microprocessor (13), in conjunction with the ROM (15), characterizes the character in accordance with a predetermined plurality of characteristics. In accordance with ribbon lift and feed algorithms, a particular characteristic of the character to be printed is added to a position on the ribbon upon which at least one prior character has been printed.

Abstract: In the dot matrix printer disclosed herein, a multicolor ribbon is shifted to bring different colored stripes in alignment with the nosepiece of a dot matrix printhead by means of cup-like ribbon guide members journaled on either side of the nosepiece. Each guide member provides, in its periphery, an arcuate slot through which the ribbon can freely slide as the printhead traverses. A stepping motor is coupled to the guide members for rotating them so as to selectively bring a stripe of desired color into operative position.