Loading patent…
AssigneePitney Bowes Inc.
InventorsChristopher R. Christensen, Jimmy L. Clemans, Kenneth Colonel, Mark A. Hitz
Estimating the term…
A core/hub assembly for a printing device that provides for easy alignment and insertion, and maintains a secure interface to prevent slippage of the core during printer operation, is disclosed. A hub includes keys mounted at a proximal end which serve to transmit torque when engaged with a core. The hub further includes splines configured to be received within a core and provide longitudinal support thereto. A core includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs that cooperate to form channels configured to receive the splines of the hub. A portion of the ribs include compliant radially oriented leaf springs which center the core on the hub and provide a physical fit of the core on the hub by engaging the keys at the proximal end of the core when properly inserted therein.
A ribbon core and hub assembly comprising:
A core adapted to be removably mounted on a hub, said hub having a plurality of splines, a first key on at least one of said plurality of splines and a second key on at least another of said plurality of splines, said core comprising:
A hub for mounting a ribbon/core combination, said hub comprising:
A core and hub assembly, said core adapted to be mounted on said hub, said core comprising a plurality of ribs, each of said plurality of ribs having an integral leaf spring at one end of said core, adjacent leaf springs forming a channel, said hub comprising a plurality of splines, each of said plurality of splines having a first or second key,
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.