US3758012A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Controlled tension ribbon cassette
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1971-12-20
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Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1991-12-20
Abstract
Abstract An endless ribbon for a wire matrix printer is pulled past the print head as the print head moves along the print line by a feed roll located at the entrance to a cassette which has an elongated gradually-expanding storage chamber which readily permits random folding of the ribbon in the chamber resulting in reduced ribbon tension and more uniform ribbon feed.
Inventors
- 👤 G Bonner
- 👤 P Brumbaugh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 11:15
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J32/00; B41J32/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
A cassette for an endless ribbon comprising a bottom member having an integral partition extending from a central portion toward an edge portion thereof to define a single continuous passage of gradually-expanding width for storing random folds of said ribbon, and a cover secured to said bottom member having a depending side wall about the edge thereof, defining with said bottom member said passage and provided with openings at the edge ends of said partition to provide both an exit and an entrance for an external loop of said ribbon, said cassette being generally circular and said bottom portion of said cassette having a central boss at the end of said partition pivotally mounting said cassette at its center on a support which has a pressure roll rotatably mounted on a shaft in said opening, and said side wall having a projecting flexible tongue on one side of said opening defining with said pressure roll the entrance for said ribbon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
A cassette for an endless ribbon comprising a bottom member having an integral partition extending from a central portion toward an edge portion thereof to define a single continuous passage of gradually-expanding width for storing random folds of said ribbon, and a cover secured to said bottom member having a depending side wall about the edge thereof, defining with said bottom member said passage and provided with openings at the edge ends of said partition to provide both an exit and an entrance for an external loop of said ribbon, said cassette being generally circular and said bottom portion of said cassette having a central boss at the end of said partition pivotally mounting said cassette at its center on a support which has a pressure roll rotatably mounted on a shaft in said opening, and said side wall having a projecting flexible tongue on one side of said opening defining with said pressure roll the entrance for said ribbon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as defined in claim 1, characterized by a resilient stop carried by said support to engage said tongue and urge it toward said pressure roll.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention as defined in claim 2, characterized by said partition and said side wall each having a heighth substantially the width of said ribbon, and said cover having a rib projection therefrom to provide a constriction at the ribbon exit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention as defined in claim 3, characterized by said support being movable and said pressure roll being driven by gear means on said shaft engaging a stationary toothed rack member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
The invention as defined in claim 4, characterized by the drive for said pressure roll comprising a unidirectional drive having a pair of toothed drive wheels mounted on the pressure roll shaft by oppositely operating one-way clutch means and engaging stationary toothed rack members on opposite sides thereof to effect unidirectional drive of said pressure roll in response to either direction of motion of said support.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
The inventioN as defined in claim 5 characterized by said ribbon having an external loop with a 180 degree twist in it which is maintained between two supports which are at least five times the width of the ribbon apart so that first one side of the ribbon faces the print head when it emerges from said cassette and then the opposite side faces the print head the next time a given portion of said ribbon passes said print head.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |