US4265553A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ribbon threading assembly for an impact printer
Assignee: Exxon Mobil Corp
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Filing: 1979-12-28
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Granted: 1981-05-05
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Expires: 1999-12-28
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 William A. Hatsell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:09
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J31/00; B41J31/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A ribbon assembly for an impact printer comprising: a ribbon, one end of which is stored at a ribbon storage means; a tab having a proximate and a distal end, the proximate end being attached to the other end of said ribbon, the longitudinal dimension of said tab being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of said ribbon; and a ribbon take-up reel having flanges separated from one another by a hub, one of said flanges having a slot therein for mating with the proximate end of said tab, said proximate and said distal ends being separated by a score line whereat said distal end may be removed from said proximate end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A ribbon assembly for an impact printer comprising: a ribbon, one end of which is stored at a ribbon storage means; a tab having a proximate and a distal end, the proximate end being attached to the other end of said ribbon, the longitudinal dimension of said tab being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of said ribbon; and a ribbon take-up reel having flanges separated from one another by a hub, one of said flanges having a slot therein for mating with the proximate end of said tab, said proximate and said distal ends being separated by a score line whereat said distal end may be removed from said proximate end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said distal end comprises an enlarged portion compared to said proximate end for finger engagement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said proximate end is fastened to said ribbon by an adhesive.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said tab comprises a plastic material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said plastic material comprises polycarbonate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said tab is integral with said ribbon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said ribbon storage means comprises a supply reel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The assembly of claim 7 wherein said supply reel comprises two flanges separated from one another by a hub, at least one of said flanges having a slot therein for mating with said tab.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of threading a ribbon through a path near the print point of an impact printer, said method comprising: supplying a ribbon, one end of which is stored at a ribbon storage means; grasping a tab, said tab having a longitudinal dimension which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of said ribbon, and being attached to the other end of said ribbon, said tab having a distal end which is removable from said ribbon and a proximate end which is fastened to said ribbon; moving said ribbon along said path; winding said ribbon on a take-up reel, said reel having a flange with a slot therein, said proximate end of said tab mating with said slot; and removing said distal end of said tab, by breaking said tab at a score line formed between said distal end and said proximate end.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of threading a ribbon through a path near the print point of an impact printer, said method comprising: supplying a ribbon, one end of which is stored at a ribbon storage means; grasping a tab, said tab having a longitudinal dimension which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of said ribbon, and being attached to the other end of said ribbon, said tab having a distal end which is removable from said ribbon and a proximate end which is fastened to said ribbon; moving said ribbon along said path; winding said ribbon on a take-up reel, said reel having a flange with a slot therein, said proximate end of said tab mating with said slot; and removing said distal end of said tab, by breaking said tab at a score line formed between said distal end and said proximate end.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-05-04 | 1984-11-03 | 1985-05-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-05-04 | 1988-11-03 | 1989-05-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-05-04 | 1992-11-03 | 1993-05-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |