Abstract: A ribbon cartridge having a self-contained ratchet assembly and drive gear assembly. Three principal components are provided: a drive gear; a ratchet gear spool connected by a ring gear formed thereon to the drive gear; and a take-up spool having internal teeth which are rotatably mounted on a ratchet formed on the external diameter of the ratchet gear spool. The drive gear is driven by a simple printer motor at a constant speed, which, in turn, drives the ratchet gear spool at a constant speed. This action, in turn, drives the take-up spool through the flexible plastic ratchet at a speed that varies with the amount of ribbon accumulating on the take-up spool.

Abstract: A mechanical torque transmitting apparatus such as a one-way clutch which includes two distinct sets of flexural arms (primary and auxiliary) and a cylindrical engagement surface. The primary flexural arm is adapted to be in edgewise continuous engagement with the cylindrical surface. Preferably, the primary flexural arm has a long, straight, narrow cross-section area and applies a relatively low force against the cylindrical surface when said surface is rotating in a free-wheeling direction. In the non free-wheeling direction, the force against the cylindrical surface increases until the rotational forces overcome and buckle the primary flexural arm whereupon the auxiliary flexural arm is brought into contact with the cylindrical surface to resist further rotation.

Abstract: An engage/disengage coupling between a drive and driven part for imparting rotational force without axial force components.

Abstract: A ribbon dater which has, improved structure: (a) to quickly reverse the direction of movement of the ribbon so that the same can be re-run thru the printer; (b) to quickly reverse the direction of movement of the ribbon and at the same time provide for a different half of the ribbon to effect the printing; (c) to initiate the printing operation; and (d) to increase printing efficiency but that the type, the ribbon and the part to be printed are all held fixed and printing effected by a movable striker.

Abstract: A cassette for storing a ribbon having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has a front area having a print station area thereat and a rear area, and also has a first resilient arm having one end extending from the front area to the rear area and also having a free end. A ribbon supply reel is rotatably supported on the first arm and the top portion also has a second resilient arm formed therewith having a free end which engages the rim of the supply reel to form a drag thereon. The ribbon from the supply reel passes around the free end of the first arm, around a ribbon usage sensor, to the print station and is withdrawn back into the cassette by a take up reel located underneath the supply reel, with the take-up reel driven by a spindle.

Abstract: In a typewriter ribbon cartridge, it is necessary to maintain tension on the span of ribbon extending outside the cartridge to prevent tangling and to insure high print quality during machine operation. One technique for insuring that adequate tension is maintained is disclosed herein as an anti-backup back check device. Connected to the takeup spool of the ribbon cartridge is a disc member supporting thereon a pair of thin flexible resilient arms with outwardly oriented pointed ends. These ends formed in the shape of points engage ratchet teeth formed around the interior surface of a cylinder. The cylinder is formed as a part of the ribbon cartridge and, thus, is permanently positioned and fixed with respect to it. As the takeup spool disc and arms are rotated by the ribbon feed mechanism, the arms will flex and permit a rotation of the disc and takeup spool with a minimal drag force.

Abstract: A printing ribbon spool and method of replenishing ink to printing ribbons are disclosed. The spool has a central ink reservoir, and a pad of cellular material, preferably a spun-bonded fibrous material, which receives ink from the reservoir and has an exposed periphery beneath the lower edge of the ribbon as it pays on and off the spool. Ink is conveyed from the reservoir through the pad of cellular material to the exposed area of the pad, and a lower area of the ribbon contacts the exposed area of the pad to pick up ink therefrom and to transmit ink upwardly of the ribbon by capillary action to the type slug impact area of the ribbon. Preferably, both the supply ribbon spool and a take-up ribbon spool have a similar construction, so ink is supplied to the ribbon both as it is unwound from the supply spool and as it is wound up on the take-up spool. The ink reservoir can be closed for storage and shipping and opened when the spool is prepared for use.

Abstract: An improved ribbon tensioning means is disclosed in which a spring-loaded gear rack is in engagement with a gear wheel formed on a spool of tape to be unwound. The gear rack is provided with sufficient travel in the direction opposite to that of the spring force that the teeth thereon can be disengaged from those on the gear wheel if the wheel is rotated a sufficient distance, thus constantly providing tension to a tape or ribbon wound on the spool.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for threading a ribbon, preferably an erase ribbon through an impact printer such as a typewriter. One end of the ribbon is stored at a ribbon storage means, while the other end of the ribbon has a tab fastened thereto. The longitudinal dimension of the tab is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the ribbon and the tab contains a frangible portion which is used for finger engagement during the threading operation. The ribbon take-up reel contains a slot in one of the flanges thereof such that the ribbon tab may be inserted into the slot after the ribbon has been threaded through the printer. The frangible portion is then separated from the ribbon and discarded.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge for use in combination with a printing machine having a ribbon quantity sensor for reversing the direction of ribbon movement is provided. The cartridge has at least two spools therein with an inked ribbon attached to each spool and includes means for immobilizing both of the spools and means for locking each of the spools in a preferred position for insertion into the printing machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ribbon cartridge for an impact printer, the cartridge having a housing in which a print ribbon is stored. A segment of the print ribbon is situated outside of the housing and is positioned adjacent the print point by means of a rigid bridge means which spans the print point and which is mounted to bridge piers located on the print element carriage. The bridge means greatly facilitates the mounting of the ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: A printing ribbon spool is disclosed for maintaining the print-out density or consistency of a printing ribbon by contact between a woven or knitted pad on the spool and a side edge of the ribbon. Ink is communicated to the pad from a sealed reservoir by way of a woven or knitted fabric which communicates with the reservoir through a hole substantially smaller in diameter than the transverse width of the wick in its normal condition.